Tucked under the rubble that is currently stacked in the laundry room of our new home is a list of Top 10 Lessons Learned, penned post '05 Austin City Limits. When it is uncovered I will be sure to post it in it's entirety. Until then, let's begin with what stands out in my mind after having come off of 4 days of live music including a little festival called Lollapalooza.
My bestie, Pris, introduced moi to the joys of fashion stakeouts at live shows. Festival fashion is always fun to observe and a great way to discover fabulous new ideas. It's a little different from the day to day wear because festival fashions have to be cool, comfortable, functional, and fashionable all at once. Ladies, you never cease to amaze me with your clever and stylie combinations.
I'm not going to pretend to be an expert, but I have picked up on a few key tips to share. . .
I definitely learned this lesson the hard way DO NOT WEAR JEANS under any circumstances. Made this rookie mistake and paid the price. Not only was I burning hot, but once my little 7's were soaked with sweat they weighed about 50 lbs. So ladies, don skirts, dresses, minis, maxis, strappy, strapless, or shorts (lorts if you must), you will thank me later.
Also, flats are a must!!! Closed toe, open toe, strappy sandals, flip flops, wellies, Toms, Chacos, gladiators, any flats will do. Please do not let me see even the teensiest of heel, not matter how low or how cute, it makes me uncomfortable just to see it. You will be walking, standing, dancing, and all out in the beating rays of the hot sun so you will want to move with as much ease as possible. The last thing you want to be worrying about is your tootsies when you are busy trekking to the next stage.
This one is of the utmost importance because as of Friday August 7th, 2009 it is a new pet peeve. Ladies, as a courtesy to your fellow festival goers, please leave your suitcase/handbag at home. Thanks. Not only is it disturbingly uncomfortable for you, it is also taking up the precious space next to you, and while unbeknownst to you, it's wildly bumping into people. I know, I know, it's super cute and super stylie and how could you possibly leave your house without ALL of the contents of your purse. Let me try to help you streamline a bit. Unless you are planning on putting on a fresh coat of paint in the porta potty, the makeup bag is unneccessary weight, let it go.
Now, I would never begrudge anyone the purchase of a super stylie handbag. Please buy them, let them double as a suitcase, and take them anywhere except to an overly crowded live tunes fest. Make finding the perfect festival bag an adventurous shopping mission. Here is what you will be looking for: simple, streamline, and sturdy as well as provides enough space for your essentials. Certain items are a must: phone, camera, keys, ID, cash, lip balm (if you're addicted, guilty), travel size sunscreen (if you're fair or concerned about sun damage, yes to the latter for moí). The good news is that all of these must haves are sure to fit neatly into a small cross body handbag. If you wish to opt for a back pack style instead, remember to keep it pint sized. I saw a few teensie camel backs this year and they looked rather comfy. Your final option would be a non-touristy fanny pack, this one is very tricky and will only work with certain ensembles and certain labels. You know the labels, don't make me name them.
In an effort not to discriminate, boys, you have simple fashion down to an art. Cargo shorts for all your goods, a t-shirt, and flops. I do have one favor to ask of you. . .how about let's bring back the wife beater. I know, I know, you typically wouldn't be caught dead out in public sporting your sleeveless undershirt, but as a courtesy to your fellow festival goers, please leave some type of upper body covering on. Upon arrival you had good intentions, it's clear because your shirt has now evolved into a hat or a sweat rag loosely tucked into your belt loop. It is hot out honey, believe me I am fully aware, but you must understand that what is actually worse than the hideous unbearable heat is skin to skin contact with your sweaty back, chest, etc. Bumping sweaty limbs will suffice. Thanks.
Are you picking up on a theme here? All of your festival fashion questions can be answered with three words, Simple, Simple, Simple!!! Jewelry? Simple. Clothing? Simple. Handbag? Simple (oh and small). Shoes? Simple. Accessories? Simple.
In conclusion to our lesson today, in the end when the first chord of live music is struck you will be lost in it and any rookie mistakes will not make their way to your conscious until the next morning. At which point, you will re-assess and carry on to the next full day of tunes.
Toodles from one live music lover.
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