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

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

      If you're searching for summer shopping inspiration, there's likely no better source than the fashion-savvy residents of Los Angeles, where sunshine prevails nearly all year round. L.A. style is characterized by its simplicity: easygoing, relaxed, and effortlessly coordinated. Additionally, the city is known for its wellness culture, exemplified by Erewhon’s trendy smoothies, a vibrant Pilates community, and the Goop influence on beauty standards. Now, L.A. locals Stephanie Suganami and Cara Santana Leto are extending this wellness mentality to an unexpected area: pet care. One day, Santana Leto, a devotee of clean beauty, scrutinized the ingredients in the grooming wipes she was using on her dog and discovered synthetic fragrances and questionable preservatives. During a conversation with her best friend and co-founder Suganami, they began to ponder: why shouldn't pet care adhere to the same clean standards as beauty products? This inquiry led to the creation of Lil Luv Dog, the first EWG Verified pet care brand, guided by a simple principle: if they wouldn’t use it on themselves, they wouldn’t use it on their dogs. Given their mutual focus on ingredients and passion for fashion, beauty, and wellness, the founders shared their essential summer pieces below.

      (Image credit: Lil Luv Dog) What are your summer wardrobe essentials? Stephanie Suganami: Havaianas, a straw bag, and a pair of Vincent Boulevard sunglasses. Cara Santana Leto: A casual dress from Leset, my white The Row men’s dress shirt, silk pants from Khaite, and sandals.

      What are some of your favorite basic items? SS: I believe Eterne offers the best collection of classic basics! CSL: A crisp white baby tee from Steph’s Adanola collaboration, vintage cut-off Levis, and black slides from Toteme.

      Do you have a recurring outfit formula? Or one you foresee wearing this summer? CSL: A hat or bandana—face accessories because my skin needs protection. Keeping it stylish is my approach.

      When you think of summer fashion, what comes to mind, and how is that reflected in your personal style? SS: I envision ease—anything you can wear comfortably. A silk pant from Comme Si paired with a vintage tee and a necklace works well. You can wear flats during the day and switch to kitten heels for the evening! CSL: For me, comfort is key. I like to feel relaxed and adaptable throughout long summer days, usually layering a tiny tank under an oversized shirt and adding a sweater for the evening to stay comfortable.

      Do you have any trend predictions for summer 2026 or a current trend you like? SS: I'm into anklets and toe rings! CSL: I anticipate a strong 1970s boho influence. Brands like Chloé, Doên, and Eres exemplify this style. I adore the direction of printed pants sets.

      Is there a shoe trend you’re looking forward to? SS: I love my new derby shoes from Celine and another adorable pair from Repetto! CSL: A black kitten thong sandal.

      What does your 5-minute summer makeup routine involve? SS: Refy brushed brows, Summer Fridays SPF, and some Rhode Lip! CSL: Rhode Glazing Milk, Merit Minimalist Stick, Westman Atelier Blush, Kosas Brown Gel, Ilia Mascara, and a lip balm—Rhode or Summer Fridays.

      You are introducing clean beauty into an entirely unregulated field with your pet care line. As advocates for clean beauty, what are some of your favorite clean beauty products? SS: I love Ilia for makeup and Nécessaire for body care! CSL: I concur with Steph—we adore Nécessaire for body products. I'm obsessed with Typology for makeup and also love Westman Atelier.

      Where do you envision the future of clean standards heading? SS: I think consumers are becoming increasingly informed and asking better questions. "Clean" can’t be mere marketing anymore—people demand transparency, third-party verification, sourcing details, sustainability, and effectiveness. This is the reasoning behind how we built Lil Luv Dog. CSL: Absolutely agree. Merely claiming “clean” isn't sufficient. What does it really mean? How do we define that standard, and, crucially, can we substantiate it? Transparency, visibility, and the effectiveness of those claims are essential. Consumers want accountability, which is the direction we’re moving towards.

      Do you have any favorite items for dogs? SS: I love my Lil Luv Dog Daily Wipes in Oat scent. I also recently got a hands-free leash from Mountain Dog. Binx has the most adorable Wanda collar from Fren Goods for summer. CSL: I'm all about the Cactus line from Lil Luv Dog—especially during summer. I use our Daily Wipes and then apply our Dry Shampoo for a refresh after a beach day or at Runyon. I’m also

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

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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 with Me.

Stephanie Suganami and Cara Santana Leto discuss their preferred choices in fashion, beauty, and wellness.