Cara and Shay’s Best Kept Secret: The Powerful Personal Shopper Finding the Most Sought After Pieces

How did you get into fashion and luxury sourcing?

I really always wanted to be in fashion. It’s been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I previously interned at Marie Claire and Elle Magazines. My dream was to be an editor in chief. I had my four children back to back and found myself at home raising my family and took some time off. Right before Covid, I decided to start an Instagram account to keep myself busy and wanted to share my passion for fashion with the world. After posting a designer bag, a friend of mine saw it on my account and asked me to source it for her, and one thing led to another. Fast forward three years later, and Front Row Live is thriving!

Why do you think the pandemic surged the hard-to-find pieces?

When the pandemic happened, most of us were stuck at home. We weren’t able to go to stores and get what we needed. When we were finally allowed back into stores, they were only allowing a few people into one store at a time. It became extremely time consuming for a person to go to a store and get an item that they like. That’s where I came in – people would contact me to help them secure an item at a faster pace. I was able to do so many orders through the back, and without many stores even being open to the public at the time. It was definitely an incredible experience.

How have you witnessed social media changing the way we shop?

With social media today, we are seeing things constantly on our favorite celebrities and our favorite influencers. We see things at a much faster pace than we have ever before. We get to see what our favorite celebrities are wearing during the day, or even just simply out to dinner, and it makes us want those pieces even more. Everything is so much more easily accessible today because we can scroll on our phones at the comfort of our own home.

Do you think it’s all positive changes?

This is definitely tricky because it is positive in a way that we are all engaged in seeing what the hottest pieces are out there, but at the same time we want to make sure we don’t get sucked into spending beyond our means. It’s hard to see all of these pieces and not want to buy everything.

How have you found working with the likes of Shay Mitchell and Cara Delevingne?

I treat every client the same. All my clients are important to me, and I treat everyone with the utmost respect. It’s a pleasure working with big names, and I have found it to be extremely easy going and pleasant. Shay is a sweetheart. My clients are my family no matter who they are.

What did you source for them?

I was able to locate a Chloé visor and a Celine bag for Shay. And I have ordered a Chanel Hat and a few pairs of Chanel shoes for Cara as well.

You’re a mum of four! How do you juggle your business with family life?

It’s chaotic to say the least. My day doesn’t stop…I am constantly juggling my business with my family and it definitely gets challenging at times. I think it’s important to make sure that you take the time out to be with your family and know when to put work on a pause. My kids are so small and I am afraid that I will miss important memories, so I really try to find a balance. It’s not easy, but I do my best every day.

Fashion ‘it girls’ were typically highly social girls who are photographed out and about. What do you think about how instagram has created a platform for anyone with a love for fashion & content to replicate this themselves?

I love this so much! Instagram is a space to show our passions and the things that we love most. I love seeing social girls on Instagram and what they’re wearing. It inspires my own outfit choices and it gives us an opportunity to be inspired.

What item do you get asked for time and time again?

Time and time again I find myself being asked for anything and everything Chanel. Especially Chanel swimsuits.

Are there any items you can’t source?

I stay away from Birkins and Kellys haha

What has been your most fulfilling mission to date?

My most fulfilling mission to date was sourcing several beautiful designer headpieces for my client’s mom who has cancer, and she was going through radiation. I’m glad that I was able to help, even if it was in the smallest way.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve sourced?

The weirdest thing I’ve ever sourced was a Dior notebook. I’m not against using a designer notebook, but I had never gotten a request for anything like that before.

Has there ever been anything you couldn’t get hold of?

I’m a magician, there’s nothing I can’t get, remember?

Now a bit about your wardrobe…what are you loving at the moment?

I’ve been obsessed with Saint Laurent. I’m pretty sure at this point I’ve spent my life savings on that brand. The last couple of seasons have been so on point I struggle to find an item that I don’t like. I bought most of their shoes from this past season, and I’m obsessed with their new leather jackets with the padded shoulders. I’ve also really been into kitten heels. Lately, I find myself resorting to them. There’s a perfect balance of chic without looking too casual. And they’re comfy!