This is our first Muse of the Week feature where we have had to break it up into two installments! We had so much fun shooting actress Toni Trucks with eCarriage and its tour guide "my cousin Vinny" (yes, founder of Caravan Stylist Studio's cousin Vinny) that we felt it was worth two parts. Watch for PT.2, coming next week!

Toni Trucks is a Los Angeles-based actress raised proudly in Northern Michigan. Her love of performing came early. With the Historical Ramsdell Theatre, a Victorian playhouse at the center of her community, Toni was cast in her first musical at 7 years old. She later trained at both the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Department. 

Working exclusively in theater after college, Toni received her big break when scoring the female lead in the SHOWTIME Original Series BARBERSHOP where she played Terri Jones. Since then she has appeared in such films as TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN (PART 2), RUBY SPARKS and ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY.

Toni last appeared on stage in the title role of "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" at the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. She was most recently seen on the hit series NCIS: New Orleans as CGIS Officer Joan Swanson. Her Television credits include roles on Franklin and Bash, Grimm, Hostages, The Mentalist, Made in Jersey, CSI: NY, and The Soul Man. 

You can catch Toni this fall on the highly anticipated CBS Series LETHAL WEAPON.

Toni was introduced to Boy Meets Girl via my good friend, Claudine DeSola, the founder of Caravan Stylist Studio. Toni received a BMG hoodie at the Upfronts style lounge a few years ago.

I love when an incredible artist like Toni appreciates my “art” and really gets what we’re about. I take great pride in sharing our message of confidence and courage, and I am always so grateful for Claudine and her amazing studio for sharing our message - thank you Claudine!

Toni reached out to me while she was here this year (again, for the Upfronts) and said, "We must meet because, among other things, I know we would have a blast together." Luckily, I was able to fit in this muse shoot with Toni, and she was completely right. We had a FREAKIN' BLAST (see our pics)!  I learned so much about Toni on this shoot. She is such a talented and hard working woman, with a spirit that lights up a room. 

So without further ado, please meet our Muse of the Week, Toni Trucks and get to know more about her in my BTS Q&A interview! xo, Stacy

1. Are you a Subway or Car (via, uber, lyft) girl?

Since I live in Los Angeles I am definitely a car girl! But when in NYC, I am SUBWAY ALL THE WAY. Taking the subway is such a great way to interface with a rainbow of people. I get to see the fearlessly fashionable at their best, hear music, watch people dancing, yelling, sleeping or just making their way to work. At times LA can be isolating, so the subway is a welcomed colorful change when in the City. 

2. Favorite spot to be creative?

Most of my creative juices flow at the kitchen table. I am constantly scribbling in notebooks, hatching plans for my next adventure. However I find myself most inspired after seeing a Broadway show or any live concerts. I have seen some great plays recently but my favorite show of late was seeing Celisse Henderson at Joe’s Pub bring the house down! She is such a talent and a testament to endless creativity.  

3. Causes you advocate for?

I come from a family of activists. Both of my parents have received Humanitarian Awards in Michigan over the years, so it gives me great pride to get involved and stay socially conscious. The causes for which I am the most passionate are Early Childhood Development, Cancer Research and Animal Rescues. 

HEAD START is near and dear to my heart. It is a federally funded preschool for children living below the poverty line and has been active for over 50 years.

SOLVING KIDS' CANCER is a New York-based organization I was introduced to a few years ago during Fashion Week. The work they do researching the rarest childhood cancers continues to impress and humble me.  

Lastly there is Hannah Shaw, AKA KITTEN LADY. I discovered her via Instagram. I love cats and I have rescued MANY strays in my day, but she is taking it to another wonderful level! Hannah is a kitten warrior in the Greater D.C. area. Check her out! @kittenxlady

Pictured below is MY rescued cat “Lady Chubby Muffin Chops” who insists on sitting like a Lady. :)

Photography: Spencer Kohn

Creative Director/Stylist: Stacy Igel

Hair and Makeup: Caravan Stylist Studio

Hair products: OGX , Makeup products, POP Beauty & PIXI Beauty 

Our ride c/o eCarriage! eCarriage is the humane alternative to the horse-carriages in NYC. Made in the USA by Creative Worksop, eCarriage is an all-electric replica of a 1909 Rolls Royce/Pierce Arrow love child.  

Driver: "My cousin Vinny" Vincent Di Santo, Organizer and eCarriage Tour Guide of NYClass.org 

Location shots: The heart of the Garment Center, Midtown, Central Park and the Upper West Side.

Make sure to come back next week to check out PT.2, Beep Beep...

Shop Toni's look below and get 10% off your order using code TONI10