West coast - Cali street fashion.

                                                                              

Designers in Paris, London and New York often get inspiration in the west states. Designers from California have ocean, surfers and tanned party girls to stay inspired on a regular every day basis. Bikini tops are absolute must-haves, they go under tank tops and shirts instead of regular bras. Flip-flops are vital during the day – when sand is around most of the time, even if you are not on the beach, there is no way you can wear a closed toe. Being dressed up in the coast cities often means having a beach dress with some wedges/heels on.

 Toms is another big thing there. I often hear how people who have never been to the West Coast say how ugly Toms are. I love then and everyone in California does. Toms are super comfy flats, the brand’s mission is to give a pair to a kid for every pair you purchase. One of my closest friends, Erin (merchandiser/buyer, San Diego, CA) met the owner of the company at the airport a couple years ago when he just started his business and now there is a line of stores that have to apply way in advance to start carrying them – and it’s still hard for them to get Toms in – they are out of stock all the time. Well, when Ugg boots appeared in the fashion world many fashion bloggers were sure there is no way they would be popular. Toms are the same way.

Toms.com

Bikinis are awesome in Cali. There is no other part of the world where people are so obsessed with them. I have at least a dozen – and once you get this addiction there is no way you can stop. Having a luxurious bikini feels the same as having a Hermes. Vix, Beach Bunny, L-space, B-swim – you-tube the runaways (season ’12) – glorious, stunning runaways. Beach Bunny kinis are so dressy – you don’t need to compliment them with any cover-ups or accessories, they are definitely party ones, full of detail and glitter. Vix and L-space are my favorite brands. Simple, but sophisticated. Wonderful materials, patterns, solids. Throwing a bikini top even on a work day is vital – there is always some beach/Jacuzzi time after!

Lspace.com

vix.com

(top, bottoms – Vix)

(top – L-space, bottoms – scrunched B-swim)

And of course, surfbrands! Surfbrands is a religion on the West Coast. Billabong, O-neil, Lucy Love, Roxy. Beachy and sporty, easy and so Cal. Most of my summer closet is Billabong and Lucy Love. This summer lace was on – there is lace detail everywhere – tops, tank-tops, blazers. Wetsuits for surfing and dresses that you can easily dress up or down – putting the right shoes and accessories on. Heels and clutches at night, beach purses and flip flops during the day.

(bikini top – Vix, dress – Roxy)

(dress, purse – Billabong)

Fedoras. Little straw hats are on every other head. Usually girls prefer natural colors but there are also black, brown, navy options.

(fedora, Lucy Love)

P.S. Btw, throwing on Ugg boots when it gets chilly in the evening – with shorts and tank tops is normal – they are always in the car ready to keep your legs warm and to be switched with flip flops asap.