Over the years the girls from the west coast of america have been dominating the fashion pages due to their original, funky and update style, whilst our friends over in good old blighty lurk in the shadows!

with major LA players such as nicole richie, mischa barton, lindsay lohan and nicky hilton and their british counterparts sienna miller, kate moss and victoria beckham, the style stakes have been rising for some time!

it seems to me that in both LA and London there are staple parts to each and everybodies outfits/wardrobes. taking into account the weather differences i have compiled a list of each...let me know what you think!

LA:

* Chanel bags
* leggings
* Alexander Mcqueen skull scarf
* red nails (essie)
* Christian Louboutin heels
* Balenciaga bags
* oversized sunglasses (jackie o)
* lots of jewellery
* huge bags
* vintage, vintage, vintage
* American Apparel
* headscarves
* oversized t-shirts
* panamas

Rules:

* NEVER look like you've tried
* look as if you've just thrown pieces together (even if you've spent all morning deciding what to wear!)
* the shorter the better! (the sky is literally the limit!)
* heels can go with EVERY outfit
* try to be original- it would be a sin to be seen wearing the same thing as someone else
* if you can afford it hire a stylist!

reality tv stars such as lauren conrad and whitney are starting to enter the fashion mainstream and are never seen without their red nails, louboutin shoes and chanel bags. for me their style is exciting and fresh! (if not a bit like nicole richie)
LONDON:

* slouch/ugg/cowboy boots
* ballet pumps/flat shoes
* fitted blazer
* a good pair of jeans
* parka
* leggings
* balenciaga bags
* beanie hats
* Chanel bags
* American Apparel
* skinny jeans
* anything thats indie/emo
* plimsoles
* fur gilet
* tunic dress
* chole bags

RULES:

* check out the high street (they always have cheaper versions of the latest trends)
* ALWAYS dress for the weather (with it being so temperamental and all!)
* have as many boots as you can (they will come in handy I PROMISE!)
* NEVER look like you've tried
london in particular has a very distinctive look and i think with indie/retro front runners like the t4 girls miquita oliver and alexa chung and cool socialites/models daisy lowe, agyness deyn and peaches geldof this look is here to stay! a look which perhaps wouldnt wash with the laid back louboutin loving LA girls!

Well there you have it a list of LA and London essentials and their rules...if you can think of anymore then let me know!

Learn more about this author, Pippa W.
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