In Shop Girl, we spotlight stylish individuals at cult-loved boutiques in NYC, LA and beyond.
Beverly Nguyen is a girl about town, especially since she opened her homewares concept store, Beverly 1975, in NYC's Lower East Side just over five years ago. She opened the store largely due to her love of collecting things from different places, and a desire to share them with others.
Now, the Californian-born stylist and consultant has a fully realized vision of where her offering lies—and so does the rest of the city, with fashion and homeware brands flocking to her for her impeccable taste. A quick peruse through her Instagram, @thatgirlbeverly, is proof that she really is that girl.
On a hot day in NYC before she hosts a party with Australian clothing label St.Agni, we caught up with Nguyen at Beverly 1975 to talk about her personal style, inspirations, and why meeting strangers is one of the best parts about owning her shop.
How long have you had Beverly 1975?
"We turned 5 this April."
What inspired you to open the store?
"I’ve always been deeply curious about retail and therapy. I like to think we do both at Beverly 1975. I’m constantly learning about the world and wanting to share what I’ve discovered with those I love. My friends and family inspire me a lot and that was enough of a reason to open the store and work hard to keep it open."
What's the best and hardest part of being a shop owner in NYC?
"The best part is meeting great people from all over the world who stop by, and sharing a cool story about an artist that they might not have discovered on their own. The hardest part is everything else!"
What do you do when you’re not working at the store?
"I’m never not working on the store. Even in my sleep. Everything is connected to each other. And it's the most fun way to live."
How would you describe your personal style?
"I’d consider myself tomboy adjacent day to day, and a bit experimental and sexy after dark."
Who are your style icons?
"NYC girls and boys in the summer time. Mother Theresa, Tina Chow at home, and Monica Bellucci in the '90s."
Tell us what your process is like getting ready/dressed in the morning…
"I wake up as early as possible—moments before sunrise. Drink a ton of water. Check my schedule because on any given day I’m changing 3-4 times throughout the day. And around this time of year, I’m getting on a plane. There isn't really a routine after that. I should work on getting one!"
What does "good taste" mean to you?
"I don't know what “good taste” means to me, but I like risk takers and curious minds—these people tend to know where to eat and shop!"
What's your curation process for the brands you carry?
"Traveling, eating family meals, and exploring kitchens around the world definitely exposes my eyes/brain to a lot of untapped beauty. I ask a lot of questions, I’m curious about people's stories, and through that I get to meet many interesting people who create things for the store.
Aesthetically, I'm motivated by searching for hardworking beautiful equipment that lasts a long time in the kitchen and in a home."
What are your current favorite items in the store right now and why?
"I love the bright yellow citrus juicer and the red rectangle plastic baskets in the store. They remind me of my childhood making lemonade in the backyard. They're multifunctional and make great hostess gifts!"
Favorite brick and mortar spots in the neighborhood?
"Aside from Beverly 1975….Sandy Liang, Desert Vintage, Cafe Forgot, November 19, Non-Fiction, Fredericks and Mae, Lara Koleji, Coming Soon."
Has launching Beverly 1975 changed or influenced your style at all?
"Absolutely. Being a shop owner has taught me a lot about every problem being my problem. So while I prefer to problem-solve electric, plumbing, or handle inventory comfortably in jeans and a tee (a new uniform for me), it might have to happen in a cocktail dress and diamonds. Either way, I am good to go."