Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use Hollywood A-listers (like Diablo Cody) or

Which we don’t have.

And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

Sometimes in this (awesome) summer heat, the last thing on our minds isn’t what else we can add to an outfit to showcase our style, but how many layers we can remove without flashing too much skin or, worse, a nipple. And if I had to name one person who balances this all out perfectly, it’s Sanoe Lake.

Not familiar with her? Well, this part-surfer part-actress is part-Japanese, part-English and part-Hawaiian, the perfect combo for her breakout role in Blue Crush. (Which, like to admit it or not, you know you stop to watch when it’s on TNT on a Saturday.) In the movie, you don’t get to see much of Sanoe’s style as she’s either wearing a hotel maid uniform or rocking her bathing suits (and the occasional board-short).  But off the movie set, Sanoe takes her cool, laid-back surfer style with her, which makes for some pretty gnarly (in a good way) style. She’s a surfer girl from the waves to the street, and she does it well.

Sanoe’s style isn’t cool because she cares about all things fashion, but because she doesn’t.  Her main focus is on the water and what she wears is just an afterthought. Still, she pulls together a look that is cool, chill and a total fashion inspiration to anyone who sees her. The fact that she can do that without even trying? Well, that makes her an under-the-radar fashion icon.

Sunglasses, Hair Wrap, Shorts, Rope Bracelet, Wood Bracelets, Shirt, Shoes, Swimsuit

The key to getting Sanoe’s look is to make it seem like you’re not trying to get Sanoe’s look. I know, it’s backwards, but the whole “I don’t care” vibe is what makes or breaks this look. To start, you need a swimsuit. You can’t be a surfer girl without one and, well, it’s essential under that gorgeous crochet tank that screams summer goddess. Pair those with the frayed shorts for the “I don’t care if they’re torn, get me to the beach” look and some casual gladiator sandals (because comfort is key for this style).

As for accessories, think bohemian meets city girl. Mix chunky and sparkly bracelets (city) with more natural braided ones (bohemian). Big sunglasses add a hint of diva, but the printed head scarf is very beachy. (Not to mention, both pieces double as protection from harsh sun rays and add total badassness). Put it all together and you’ve got a flawless summer look.

Even if you aren’t about to ride a wave.
Or never, ever have.

There are, in fact, a lot of effed up things about the place that isn’t quite as laid back as I once presumed:

1. You can never escape those dangerous earthquakes that occur a little too often. I don’t know about you, but I like my ground to remain stable, thankyouverymuch. Another thing I like: living without the fear of wildfires burning me to a crisp as I sleep.

2. I can barely watch The Real Housewives of the OC without cringing, and cant imagine having to see these women (and the millions of others just like them in Cali) in real life.  I might freak out, melt down, and have to get Botox to regain any sense of normalcy.

3. Seeing famous people every day might be cool, but knowing that some of the world’s most obnoxious and utterly ridiculous celebrities call that state home kind of turns me off.  I might just gag if I have to see Heidi or Spencer one more time on TV or in a magazine. Seeing them in person? Well, I think I’ll stay on the opposite side of the country.

4. California traffic is known to be ridiculous, and coming from the fast paced New York City lifestyle, I’m not sure that would quite work for me.

5. Most importantly, I’d probably miss my Ugg boots, my mittens, my scarf and ear muffs (oh, and states where gay couples can be married).  And who can turn down a good snowball fight?  Looks like I’ll be spraying on the tan and staying on the East Coast for a while.

There are some things you can live with and others you can live without. Seasoned travelers learn to live without, and when they do they often find hospitable people that let them live with. Travelers have the burden of deciding what to take with them and what to leave behind. They carry their lives in bags big and small. Big bags may mean better quality, but also result in a heavier burden. Small bags may mean lesser quality, but more freedom.

There are, of course, activities that require equipment — often heavy or bulky. Fishermen want to bring their own tackle and poles. Surfers want to bring their own boards. Scuba divers want to bring their own regulators. Horseback riders want to bring their own… saddles. Before you try to squeeze your heavy, bulky gear into that small bag of yours, there are just three things you need to consider:

Purpose

What kind of trip are you planning, and how frequently do you expect to use your equipment? The burden of bringing your gear is multiplied by the number of places you will lug it around to. On the other hand, if your primary reason for travel is to participate in the activity that requires the gear, then you have a greater purpose to justify bringing it.

Utility

What kind of use can you get out of bringing your own gear? Are you willing to risk travel damage or wear-and-tear to your equipment? Keep in mind that more and more places offer reasonable rentals for equipment, consider whether you would be willing to rent the gear to get what you need out of it. Some oversized or heavy baggage could also require that you pay extra, so consider this as well.

Necessity

What this dilemma really comes down to is just how much you really need your gear. If your happiness and satisfaction depends on bringing your stuff, then by all means, bring it — but be aware you are sacrificing the ease of traveling by doing so.

I once brought a big photo album to Europe so I could show my new photos to my sister. I never considered bringing just the photos. Sometimes, leaving something behind doesn’t mean you can’t bring what you want with you. Traveling requires creativity: You could always body surf instead of surf — or, even better, you could body surf without those heavy fins. You can still do what you love without sacrificing the fun.