5 Must Haves: for a California Girl

Meet Dena. I had the good fortune of meeting this talented, gorgeous and crazy sweet Los Angeles native during the few years she lived in Florida, until her recent move back to her hometown. While she is certainly missed, I can't blame her. LA? Seems like a pretty sweet place. Not that Dena's just lounging around though. She's a busy gal! Dena is the principal of DTC Public Relations, a boutique firm that specializes in PR, special events, marketing and online strategies for luxury and lifestyle clients in areas like fashion, beauty, jewelry, travel, restaurant, interior design and real estate. And, she also volunteers countless hours to the The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.

This mommy of one adorable little girl is always looking stylish and fit (she's an avid skier and big into pilates and ballet barre) so I was thrilled when she took me up on doing 5 must haves for a California gal. Dena has an effortlessly chic look about her, mixing designer with the everyday for a totally unique, totally wearable look. If she wasn't so darn sweet, I might have to hate her for being this awesome. Hahah!


Here, Dena shares, in her words...
her 5 must haves for a California Girl!

In her hit song “California Girls” Katy Perry sings, “You can travel the world but nothing comes close to the Golden Coast.” It's really the truth. In California, the beach, the mountains and the desert are all here. The laid back casual style mixed with the glitz and the glamour of Hollywood influences the true “unforgettable” California style. My style as a California girl is to mix up luxury brands with more affordable lines and to incorporate accessories found at flea markets and vintage stores. I am so excited about the upcoming fashion season and very happy to share with you my finds! The bright colors and whites, the 70’s glam, the florals and prints… there is fashion everywhere this season!

Joie Belted Silk Dress

I love the color of this dress! The beautiful green really brightens up any mood. Joie, headquartered in Los Angeles, is inspired by Southern California’s casual yet sophisticated and chic lifestyle (definitely my style!). This is flirty and feminine and a definite “must have.” Wear it with a pretty coral (also a favorite color this season) necklace, and it is the perfect dress to wear to a luncheon or a cocktail party. $248.
TAGG tip: adore the color but not the price tag? Check out this Off-the-Shoulder Tee Dress from Victoria's Secret for $38. Not the same as a gorge dress by Joie, however it stil offers the casual, subtly sexy look.

BloqUV crop top

Being a California girl, I'm always wearing sunscreen to protect my skin. As much as I try to stay out of the sun, I love the outdoors. From taking walks in Santa Monica to hiking in Runyon Canyon, to skiing in Mammoth Mountain, I take my BloqUV crop everywhere. I typically layer it over a tank or a sundress (notice how it's layered in the pic). I even wear it to my Pilates and ballet barre classes, and am always getting tons of compliments. Not only does it have a UPF of 50 (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) so I don’t have to worry about applying sunscreen, its super soft fabric is waterproof and moisture wicking. I can throw it on over a workout tank, a bathing suit or a dress for daytime dressing. I even wore it sking the other day under my jacket and fleece! $56.

Platforms / BCBGeneration Shoes

While the espadrille and the wedge are the talk of the town this season, don’t forget about the platform sandal. This sandal is so much fun with its knotted design and layered platform. It adds instant length to your legs! The classic neutral color is one of this season’s trends, and because it's so versatile, it goes with practically anything. I walked into the store this weekend and just had to have a pair. Wear them with cropped skinny jeans or a romantic floral maxi dress to take you from a day at the beach in Malibu to a night on the town in LA. $118 (in Macy's or BCBG stores)

Floppy Hat

With the sun shinning most of the time in Cali, a hat is an essential accessory. Fortunately, this season’s 70’s trend makes the floppy hat a “must have.” Wear it at the beach with a swim suit or after with a printed halter top, bell bottom jeans, bangles and big sunglasses and you are ready to go. $34.50 (J. Crew)

Prada sunglasses

You can’t live in California and not have at least one pair of great sunglasses. I think that splurging on this fashion item is something that everyone should do (just be careful not to lose them!). You can use them for years and they won’t go out of style. These frames complement triangular, square or oval-shaped faces, and I love the beige color-- neutral. They are super stylish and add instant glam to any outfit. $245.
TAGG tip: totally agree with Dena! A stylish pair of shades elevates an outfit from ho-hum to hot! Plus, feel stylish walking around in your designer wears. As she said though: do not lose them (I've lost a pair of Gucci's. Sad, sad day).

... and a #6th!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

I know I was only supposed to write about 5 “must haves” of a California girl, but I couldn’t leave out this favorite guilty pleasure. You can’t be a California girl and not love Sprinkles Cupcakes. With their signature dots and finest ingredients, they are simply amazing and worth every calorie! From Red Velvet to Vanilla Milk Chocolate, they are perfect for celebrating any occasion (or if you just want to have something simply delicious and work out later). And, they have cupcakes for doggies? So cute! Best of all, if you don’t live in LA, buy the mix at Williams Sonoma (makes a great gift!). We recently baked them and they tasted just as good as getting them fresh from the cupcake bakery. Yummy! $3.50 each.