Caroline Pires is a 20 year old model- actress living between NYC and Los Angeles. She is well known for playing Emmalin Holden on Lifetime’s Army Wives.

As a model, Caroline has worked for many brands and publications such as GQ, Cosmopolitan, Bergdorf Goodman, and Ralph Lauren. She is represented by Photogenics Media (LA) and Untitled Management (LA).

How important is style when it comes to representing who you are? Why?

I think it depends on the person. My style is basically utilitarian. I believe in buying a few exquisite pieces of clothing that can transition from day to night. Most days, I pair black slacks with a delicate blouse and maybe a blazer and run to class. If I have to run to work, I can just throw on a pair of black heels and off I go!

What’s the biggest grooming mistake a guy can make?

I say let boys be boys. There’s nothing cuter than my boyfriend after a long day at the wood shop. Don’t get me wrong, I love my man in a suit, but natural is always best.

What types of styles should never be put together?

I don’t think there are any specific rules for what types of style should or shouldn’t be put together. I am a stickler for seasonal rules, but other than that, I think people look best when they are wearing what they love, whatever that may be.

What is the biggest turn on in a guy? turn off?

The biggest turn on in a guy is intelligence. I could listen to my boyfriend talk all day. The biggest turn off is ignorance or mean-spiritedness. Kindness is paramount.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?

Straightforward, Monochrome, Sleek.

What is your favorite hobby?

Right now I am in college while working as a model-actress, so I haven’t found much time lately for hobbies! However, when I have a free afternoon, I love to catch a quick ballet class or take a walk in Central Park. On lazy days, there’s nothing better than cuddling up with a good book and a cup of tea…or finishing an entire season of Dexter in one sitting.

If you could work with someone, (celebrity) who would it be?

I have been really really lucky to work with a lot of amazing people thus far, but the list is, of course, infinite. Some of my all time favorites are Marion Cotillard, Eva Green, Carolina Herrera…all wonderful women.

What is one interesting thing about your hometown or family we wouldn’t know?

My family is Portuguese.

Is modeling your number one priority? What is your true passion?

I love modeling, but it is definitely not my number one priority. School comes first. I am an Art History Major at Columbia University in my junior year. For the next two years, school is the priority.

I’m also really dorky and no one seems to notice here…works for me. Second to school is acting. I have been lucky to work on some amazing projects in recent years, including The Lifetime Network’s Army Wives. Modeling fits somewhere within these things. It is an amazing job and is very much a part of who I am, but I think it is important to have varied interests.

To those who find modeling vain, what would say to them to convince them that is truly very fulfilling and rewarding in more a meaningful sense?

It may be hard to believe, but models are some of the most humble people you will meet. In a career that revolves around the way one looks, models oftentimes lose interest in aesthetics entirely. Most models are beautiful girls, so rather than focusing on the way they look, they focus on other interests. This leads to some really kind, interesting, well rounded individuals.

What approach should a guy use that grabs your attention right off the bat?

I am happily taken, but I would say the most important thing you can do is start a conversation with a girl you’re interested in. Pick up lines are awful; they never work. Arrogance is unattractive. Ask a girl about her interests and show a genuine interest. Or better yet make her laugh. That works every time!

It seems like guys and girls are always looking to pick up the opposite sex in the wrong places, where should a guy go to pick a girl like you?

I absolutely agree. Although I know many wonderful, happy couples who have met out, I think it is difficult to meet someone at the club or a bar. If you’re looking for a companion, rather than a one night stand, I think it is best to seek out some daytime venues. Go to the library, take a yoga class, volunteer. You are more likely to meet someone looking to settle down in these places.

Worst style a man can have?

I am fully opposed to the phenomenon of the athletic jersey.

Who are the people that inspired you to follow your dreams?

My parents have always been incredible when it came to supporting me following my dreams. I left home very young in order to pursue this career, which must have been hard for my parents, but they never let me know. Neither of them know anything about modeling or acting (they were athletes) but they were there for every show, recital, shoot, and audition. I am a lucky girl.

Was there a turning point in your life that led you to modeling?

It wasn’t really something that I planned. I always wanted to be a performer. When I was scouted as a model I was on stage every day. I really had no interest; I wanted to go to dance class. However, as I got older, I began to see how lucky I was to have the opportunity to model.

It wasn’t something I expected, but it was more than I could have possibly imagined for my life. Modeling has allowed me to travel all over the world, meet incredible people, learn many different languages and cultural lessons…I feel lucky that modeling found me.

With the crazy, NYC, fast paced lifestyle, how do you keep yourself sane and grounded?

I try to listen to my gut. From time to time I will go out for a work function, but for the most part I am a homebody. New York City can be draining, so I take many measures to keep myself healthy and happy. I work out almost every day, get plenty of sleep, take my vitamins, abscond to the country from time to time…I think it is important to always take good care of yourself living in NYC.

5, 10, 50 years down the line when you’ve achieved everything you aspire for today, where do you see yourself?

I would feel so lucky to achieve everything I aspire for today! I hope that in 5 years I can be working every day in this career that I love, honing my skills and starting my professional life. In 10 years I want to be comfortable enough in my career that I can begin to have kids. I can’t wait for the carpool line and lunchboxes. I want to be the embarrassing mom. In 50 years I will be a hermit in the country. I want to be that crazy old lady tending to her succulents..or cats.

Everyone aspires for success, but what drives you to work so hard?

I think it is that I have always been so lucky. I feel like the world has given me so much; it is only right that I fulfill every opportunity that has been offered to me. I have had so many amazing people take a chance on me, it is important to me that I live up to their expectations. I hope that I can do the same for someone else one day.

What kind of training and preparation do you go through every day?

My days are very structured. I wake up early every morning and eat a big, healthy breakfast (oatmeal, acai, etc). 2 days a week I go to my morning classes, the rest of the week, I usually go to work. I pack lots of healthy snacks to graze on throughout the day (almonds, berries, etc) and eat a healthy salad or sushi for dinner.

I try to eat my largest portions at the start of the day, and eat smaller portions as the day goes on. At least 4 times a week, I try to go to the gym or pilates at the end of my day. Pilates is an excellent way to develop long, lean muscles. I have a sweet tooth, so I usually end my day with a chocolate frozen yogurt (or occasionally a pint of Haagen Dazs, oops). Then I take my vitamins and get plenty of sleep.

Who’s career inspires you the most?

There are so many incredible women who inspire me. My all time favorite is Angelina Jolie. I really respect that she is an actress, a mother, and a humanitarian. She is really a power woman! I also love Eva Green, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carolyn Murphy, and Cindy Crawford.

What is your dream accomplishment?

That is a really hard question! There are so many clients that I would love to work with. For a model, the ultimate client is obviously Vogue. As an actress, there are so many amazing directors that I dream of working with one day.

Being a model, how do you deal with rejection?

Rejection is the name of the game. When I was 15, 16, 17, it was hard. Being a 16 year old girl is torture as is, so professional rejection on top of that was definitely hard. However, I have really grown to accept rejection without much thought. There is so much competition in this industry.

Not getting something doesn’t mean you aren’t talented or that you won’t get it the next time around. You just have to focus on being a well rounded person, with work as a part of your identity. It is when your career becomes your identity that you can really get hurt.

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Chris Quinn | Elite.