Leave it to L.A. to start the latest trend in fashion. This one is rolling in on the heels of the food truck frenzy–fashion trucks. These chic boutiques on wheels are popping up all over the city fully outfitted with changing rooms, flat screen TVs, and the latest ready to wear and accessories. Fashionistas are painting old laundry trucks with a fresh coat of brightly colored paint and giving diehard fashion frenzied Angelenos something to get excited about. Forget waiting in notorious L.A. traffic on Melrose and Beverley Boulevards, these trucks are parked where the trendsetters shop. You can spot them at fairs, farmers markers, or special events. Want to track one down? Just check Facebook or Twitter for an update on where they’ve parked that day. These shopping trucks offer much more individualized attention than brick and mortar boutiques. The same personnel who stocked the shelves of the trucks are on hand to help you pick out that perfect date night outfit or a killer concert look. There are lots of fashion trucks hitting the streets, but, let’s get real, these are the best.
For the retro cutie:
Le Fashion Truck
The signature light pink truck first rolled down the streets of L.A. in 2011 and promptly sparked the fashion truck trend. Inspired by the brightly decorated food trucks that paraded into markets and fairs, trailblazers Stacy Steffe and Jeanine Romo teamed up to open L.A.’s first fashion truck. Three years later, the girls are a huge success and head the American Mobile Retail Association, which helps other entrepreneurs open their own fashion trucks. In between media interviews and personal appearances, Stacy and Jeanine still find time to handpick all the clothes featured in their truck. Their keen eye for vintage ensures retro-inspired swimsuits and dresses that would even win Zooey Deschanel’s seal of approval.
Facebook: Le Fashion Truck
Twitter: lefashiontruck
Instagram: @lefashiontruck
website: www.lefashiontruck.com
For the luxury lover:
Runaway Runway
Launched in 2012 by designer Gayle Shea and her husband, this converted laundry truck is more chic than the hottest boutique. As if the trendy all-white interior or the exterior designed by French illustrator IZAK are not enough to earn Runaway Runway some fashion street cred, the merchandise screams fabulous. Years as a designer and buyer for Le Bon Marche in Paris honed Gayle’s fashion sense and expertise. The racks are stocked with luxe furs and sleek leather jackets. Don’t overlook the accessories, which include everything from 14 karat gold bracelets to chic Dolce Vita sandals.
Facebook: Runaway Runway
Twitter: @shoprunaway
website: www.shoprunaway.com
For the boho babe:
JD Luxe
What do you get when you pair an international poker player with a certified fashionista? One of the coolest boutiques to hit the streets. Jordana Fortaleza & Tyler Kenney’s JD Luxe specializes in “boho chic with a splash of edge.” The truck first gained fame at the 2011 Coachella music festival but this little truck that has come a long way since its first electric yellow truck from 1976. Just this year the boutique upgraded to a massive white truck, complete with large windows and hot pink curtains. If the expansive collection of maxi dresses and denim cut-offs are too overwhelming for you, consult resident fashion expert Jordana for some personal styling.
Facebook: JD Luxe
Twitter: @jdluxefashion
Instagram:judluxefashion
Website: www.jdluxefashion.com
For the label junkie:
Shop Truck LA
Rebecca Marciano, the daughter of Guess co-founder Armand Marciano, has fashion in her blood. She uses her inherited fashion sense and connections in the industry to offer the latest designer pieces at steeply discounted prices. She may have learned the fashion ropes from her famous father, but Rebecca shows she has her own signature style with Shop Truck LA. The phone booth changing room, a repurposed movie prop, nods to Rebecca’s main job as a film costumer, while the racks feature her own clothing line, PunkTure, made from vintage fabrics.
Facebook: Shop Truck LA
Twitter: @ShopTruckLA