7 Items Every Woman Must Have

1. Stilettos

Let's face it. Stilettos never go out of style. As long as they're basic and of good quality then they'll last you a lifetime as they take you on a night out or to a fancy affair. Try a basic black suede stiletto or a hot pink one to spice up your wardrobe. You can even pair them with a dark jean when going out to dinner so you can look great without getting too dolled up.

2. Chunky Brown Belt

Chunky brown belts go with everything--a loose tee that needs something more, or a casual dress that's missing some personality. It's great for office attire or just to slip on when going shopping with the gal pals. You can find plenty of authentic leather belts at flea markets (I just picked up an $8 Ralph Lauren one at the Rose Bowl Flea Market), and hey, they'll even flatter your curves.

3. Bangles

Bare wrists are a no-no. An outfit sans the jewelry is too bare when bangles can dress up just about any ol' outfit. They fit just about any style and have remained in the fashion scene in almost every decade. Avoid wearing too many rings--you don't want everything to clash--and remember that it's hard to have too many bangles on.

4. Binglin' Watch

If you haven't checked the LA scene lately, high-end watches have been on the rise. They're a great investment (at around $100 for a basic one) and are appropriate for almost all occasions. You'll look responsible with one in the office and sexy when pairing it with casual-wear. 

5. Strapless Bra

We all know it should be a crime to let your intimates show. Trashy straps will ruin any outfit and will make you look anything but classy. Ditch your typical bra and opt for a strapless one that will be great with halter tops in the summer, or that fabulous mini dress you'll be wearing to your friend's wedding. Either way, a strapless bra is an essential item to being female--especially a fashionable one.

6. Little Black Dress

The little black dress has been around since Audrey Hepburn paired her infamous shades with it in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's a great way to wear that strapless bra we just mentioned and to look sophisticated and sexy. It's perfect for dinner parties, or to even go shopping on Rodeo Drive. Find something simple that can be paired with different accessories so when your style changes from time to time, your dress won't have to. 

7. Diamond Earrings

Diamond earrings never go out of style--go faux in case you lose one of them. They add femininity to your face and look great in anything casual or extremely fancy pants. My favorite are Betsey Johnson--they're modern yet still classy. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Roller Derby Teams in So Cal

Roller Derby isn't just a fun, fictional sport that last year's movie, Whip It, is centered around. It's a real-live sport where women get in the nitty gritty of athletic competition and can let out some of their estrogen by racing each other on the track.

The OC Roller Girls began in 2006, specializing in competitive roller derby and offering fitness skating classes, skating school, roller derby training and ref training. The league travels both nationally and internationally, with their own nicknames like "Psycho" and "On the Roxy." They've even appeared on the Ellen Show, KROQ, Inside Edition and Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

Although the Orange County team plays competitively, they also skate to help the community. They've laced their skates for causes like breast cancer and animal shelters by giving a portion of their proceeds to the different causes.

You can watch OC Roller Girls in action this year in San Diego, Huntington Beach, Bakersfield, and Ventura by visiting their website for tickets at www.ocrollergirls.com.

LA Derby Dolls is another team that's based in Los Angeles and have been skating since 2003. They're the original team that Whip It is based upon after one of the former skaters wrote the screenplay. With more than 150 female skaters, they train four days a week, without pay, on a track that was handmade by the skaters with their family and friends.

The team recently hosted a roller derby camp for young girls, ages 9-17, for a week, earning themselves the "Treasure of Los Angeles" award from the Central City Association. They also assist the LA Junior Derby Dolls, ages 8-17, a team that doesn't hit or get dirty with each other because of their age group.

For their game schedule, visit www.derbydolls.com.

The Angel City Derby Girls share LA with the LA Derby Dolls and play on a flat track, but with a little more attitude than the other teams. They sell tickets to their practices at The Toyota Center and take pride in following the WFTDA rules as an official member, promising to only play other teams that abide by the same guidelines.

They've appeared on The Style Network and in an Anti-Flag music video. They participate in various fundraisers and practice three times a week.

Visit www.angelcityderbygirls.com for their game schedule.

All teams are currently recruiting women above the age of 21 that are up for some roller skating that gets too racey for the boys.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com