I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared.

I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared.

      If you're seeking inspiration for warm-weather shopping, there's perhaps no better source than the fashion scene in Los Angeles, where sunny days are almost a year-round occurrence. The style of L.A. is typically characterized by its simplicity: casual, relaxed, and effortlessly coordinated. This city is also closely associated with wellness culture, exemplified by Erewhon’s trendy smoothies and Pilates scene, as well as the rise of wellness-focused beauty products. Now, L.A. residents Stephanie Suganami and Cara Santana Leto are advancing this ethos by introducing a clean beauty approach to a surprising area: pet care. One day, after discovering synthetic fragrances and dubious preservatives in the dog grooming wipes she used, clean beauty enthusiast Santana Leto questioned why pet care products didn’t adhere to the same standards as beauty items. During a call with her best friend and co-founder Suganami, they pondered this inconsistency, leading to the creation of Lil Luv Dog, the first EWG Verified pet care brand, which operates on a simple principle: if they wouldn’t use it on themselves, they won’t use it on their dogs. Given their mutual focus on ingredients and their passion for fashion, beauty, and wellness, the founders shared their everyday essentials below.

      What are your summer wardrobe essentials?

      Stephanie Suganami: Havaianas, a straw bag, and Vincent Boulevard sunglasses.

      Cara Santana Leto: An effortless dress from Leset, my white men's dress shirt from The Row, Khaite silk pants, and sandals.

      What are some basics you love?

      SS: Eterne offers the best selection of classic essentials!

      CSL: A crisp white baby tee from Steph’s Adanola collaboration, paired with cutoff vintage Levis and black slides from Toteme.

      Is there a specific outfit formula you find yourself repeatedly wearing or one you anticipate liking this summer?

      CSL: Hats or bandanas are a must—face accessories are essential for protecting my skin while still looking cute.

      What comes to mind when you think of summer style, and how does that reflect in your personal style?

      SS: I envision effortlessness—wearing items that are easy to put together, like silk pants from Comme Si with a vintage tee and necklace. You can wear flats during the day and switch to kitten heels for nighttime!

      CSL: Comfort is key. I prefer a look that’s easygoing and adaptable for long summer days—typically layering from a small tank top to an oversized shirt and a sweater for the evening to stay comfortable.

      Do you have any trend predictions for summer 2026 or current trends you’re enjoying?

      SS: I’m into anklets and toe rings!

      CSL: I believe we’ll see a resurgence of 1970s bohemian styles, with brands like Chloé, Doên, and Eres leading the charge. I adore printed pants sets that fit this trend.

      Are there any shoe trends you’re excited about?

      SS: I’m loving my new derby shoes from Celine and another cute pair from Repetto!

      CSL: Black kitten thong sandals.

      What does your 5-minute summer makeup routine involve?

      SS: I use Refy for my brows, Summer Fridays SPF, and Rhode Lip.

      CSL: Rhode Glazing Milk, Merit Minimalist Stick, Westman Atelier Blush, Kosas Brown Gel, Ilia Mascara, and a lip balm from Rhode or Summer Fridays.

      You’re introducing clean beauty into an unregulated realm with your new pet care line. As advocates for clean beauty, what are some products you love?

      SS: I enjoy Ilia for makeup and Nécessaire for body care!

      CSL: I agree with Steph; we love Nécessaire. I’m obsessed with Typology for makeup and also Westman Atelier.

      Where do you see clean standards heading in the future?

      SS: Consumers are becoming increasingly informed and are asking more in-depth questions. "Clean" cannot just be a marketing term anymore—people want transparency, third-party verification, sourcing information, sustainability, and effectiveness. That’s the foundation on which we built Lil Luv Dog.

      CSL: Completely agree. Just claiming a product is “clean” isn’t enough. We need to define that standard and prove it. Transparency, visibility, and efficacy of such claims are crucial. Consumers want accountability, and that’s where we’re headed.

      Do you have any favorite dog products to share?

      SS: I love my Lil Luv Dog Daily Wipes in Oat. I also just got a hands-free leash from Mountain Dog. Binx has an adorable summer collar from Fren Goods.

      CSL: I’m a fan of Cactus with Lil Luv Dog—especially in the summer. I use our Daily Wipe and sprinkle in our Dry Shampoo for post-beach freshness. The Ferdinando Dog Leash is also a chic choice.

      How would you describe an ideal dog-friendly day in L

I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared. I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared.

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I Inquired with Two Fashionable Women from L.A. About Their Essential Wardrobe and Beauty Items—Here’s What They Shared.

Stephanie Suganami and Cara Santana Leto discuss their top picks in fashion, beauty, and wellness.