Behind the Boutique: Meet the Coolest Shop Girls from LF and Reformation
Retail life can earn you serious style cred—if you're at the right place, that is. There's a crop of cool stores that hire people just as interesting as the garments they sell, and LF and Reformation are the leaders of the pack. So who are the It-girls-in-training behind the register? We hit the shops to get the scoop.
For the uninitiated, Reformation curates an exclusive collection of environmentally-friendly apparel, over eighty percent of which includes reclaimed materials. Basically, they transform vintage goods into just what we want to wear today, adding their minimal, relad Ref aesthetic to everything they sell. LF is all about lovely of-the-moment silhouettes in super bright colors and prints—they've mastered the playful whimsy vibe.
Both brands bridge the gap between East and West coast, with locations all over the country. Click through to see their most stylish staffers!
1/5For these fashion lovers, working in a store is about way more than retail.
2/5LF's Ryan Trautman, 22
Ryan says, "I grew up in San Luis Obispo, and at age 14 started modeling for Ford Models, Los Angeles. It was Ford that really piqued my interest in fashion. I love to travel and have been fortunate enough to do so through my modeling career. In 2009, I signed with Clyne Models of New Zealand, where I lived for three months doing runway for top designers there. I've always appreciated all aspects of the fashion industry, but styling for LF in Santa Barbara has been a dream! Each day I get to work with the most amazing clothes and even more amazing people."
3/5LF's Samantha LeClaire, 20
Samantha says, "I recently moved to LA from the Bay Area. I love to travel and discover new places; it keeps me fresh with the latest trends. I started styling for LF at our store on Larchmont and am now part-time at the headquarters! I love putting together exciting outfits by mixing vintage with new shapes. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the home office has been super exciting for me, but I’ll always love to style. I tend to gravitate towards ’90s grunge when I get dressed—Carmar jeans and a tee are my wardrobe staples."
4/5Reformation's Courtney Roberts, 23
Courtney says, "I used to shop at the New York Lower East Side Reformation. Eventually I applied because I've worked in fashion since I was 17, and the brand was unlike any other. Besides the fact that I'm finally able to afford quality cashmere and furs, Reformation has made me more environmentally conscious, so I don't feel guilty about what I wear. This summer Vashtie came in and shopped with me! I've always been a huge fan of hers, so I was ecstatic. She's now a Refbabe, and we've built a great rapport."
5/5Reformation's Anna Elinsky, 26
Anna says, "It's really exciting to work for a company that can merge eco-consciousness and fashion, and do it so perfectly. Sustainability is cool! My favorite part of my job is listening to rap all day, working closely with amazing people, and wearing such beautiful clothes. I'd love to see Justin Timberlake and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen wearing Ref."
