WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

feSTIVAL

As many of you know or heard, this year’s Governors Ball music festival in New York City was greatly affected by some summer storms. The storm that arrived on the third day of the festival was so severe that all acts were completely cancelled that day. However, in most circumstances, music festivals and outdoor concerts will go on rain or shine.

Since Gov Ball, many people have asked me what to wear or how to dress when it’s raining at a festival. Can you be fashionable and waterproof at the same time? I think the answer is, “Yes, absolutely!”. Here are a few items that will keep you dry and comfortable in the rain while still allowing you to look on trend and stylish:

  1. Windbreaker – a windbreaker, rain coat or poncho is going to be your best friend in the rain. It will keep everything underneath dry and protected from the weather. You can also layer as much or as little as you want underneath depending upon how hot or how cold you tend to get. I love these windbreakers from Fendi and Adidas.
  2. Shorts – surprisingly, in the rain, shorts are a much better option over pants. This is simply because it is much easier to towel dry off your legs than it is to air dry a pair of pants or jeans. These denim shorts from Burberry Brit are cute and comfortable.
  3. Backpack – never bring your nice handbag to a festival when it’s raining. The water will completely ruin the leather and any other precious materials. Instead opt for a backpack, which is easy to wear and can hold just about anything you want to bring with you. When it’s raining, I always make sure I have wipes, a small towel, an extra pair of socks, a sweater and an umbrella in my backpack. I love this backpack from Givenchy, but there are much more affordable options available from Target and ASOS.
  4. Hat or Sunglasses – these items are strictly for style purposes. I personally would wear a hat in the rain to cover up my (likely) messy hair. Rocking a snapback with pigtail braids is a cute style that will keep your wet hair off your face while simultaneously giving your look a little flair. I always keep a pair of sunglasses in my bag no matter what, but they can be especially useful when my eye make-up is running down my face in the rain (ps. invest in a good waterproof mascara. Thank me later).
  5. Umbrella –  for me, carrying an umbrella to a rainy festival or concert really depends on how much I want to or can dance, and also how many people are around me. You never want to be the annoying person who is whacking everyone with her umbrella or blocking everyone’s view. If you have ample space around you, by all means bring out your umbrella. I love this clear one because you can hold it and also see what’s going on in front of you.
  6. Boots – boots are one hundred percent the way to go when it rains. Nothing is worse than wet, cold feet when you’re far from home. I highly recommend a boot that hits right below the knee to keep your legs somewhat covered. Higher boots will also protect you if and when you start kicking up mud. I would wear these studded boots from Saint Laurent even when it’s not raining. They are so cool and fun!

TREND ALERT: BLUSH TONES

Basinger Top

Photo Credit: Reformation

I will be the first person to admit that I am not a girly girl when it comes to my wardrobe. In fact, when anyone asks me to describe my personal style, the first thing that comes to mind is “tomboy chic”. It follows that for years I have avoided pink not simply because I did not like the color, but more because I did not think that “pink” matched with my carefully curated look and the overall vibe of my personal style.

These past few months, I have noticed that brands have been incorporating a lot of pink into their lines, but it is not the hot pink and baby pink that I have so resolutely steered clear of. Instead, I am seeing more soft pinks, blush tones and dusty roses. Designers are taking it one step further by putting these blush tones on traditionally “masculine” silhouettes and pieces, like tailored trenches and structured suits. Now this is a “pink” that I can get behind — bold and strong, but also feminine and alluring. Here is my long list of awesome pink blush items to add to your summer wardrobe:

GET THE LOOK

Basinger Tie Top: Reformation

Dusty Pink Camisole Dress: Zara

Pink Patent Ankle Boots: Ego Shoes

Silky Alegre Slip Dress: Reformation

Angel Sleeve Mini Dress: Missguided

Pink Palazzo Trousers: Topshop

Pink Side Split Triangle Skirt: Raey

Corded Sweatshirt: Ivy Park

Soft Pink Mini Dress: New Look

Flowing Sheer Tank Top: Nasty Gal

Boyfriend Distressed Denim Shorts: Current/Elliott

Rose Swing Trench Coat: Silence + Noise

Breezy T-Shirt Dress with Pockets: Zara

Blush Granada Two Piece: Reformation

Dusty Pink V-Neck Cami Top: Boohoo

Pink Metallic Cami: Topshop

Pink Button Down Cropped Jumper: Missguided

Plunging V-Neck Mini Dress: Forever 21

Double Breasted Blush Sleeveless Jacket: Topshop

Soft Pink Lace Up Bodysuit: Nasty Gal

Pink Lace Dress: Self-Portrait

Fringed Silk Top: Raey

Button Down Banker Dress: Reformation

Kora Pastel Pink Gown: Elizabeth and James

Blush Swimsuit: Zara

Off The Shoulder Classon Pink Bodysuit: Reformation

Nude Embellished Camisole Top: Zara

Blush Kenza Top: Reformation

TREND ALERT: TIE DYE

00153302-04

Photo Credit: Forever 21

Tie dye is having a serious moment right now! Get your groove on in these 60’s-inspired tie dye pieces:

GET THE TREND

Tie-Dye Cami Bodysuit: Forever 21

Tie-Dye Trousers: Zara

Tie Dye Bikini: Triangl

Tie-Dye Crinkle Top: Topshop

Cloudy Tie Dye Romper: Young Bohemians

Brown Tie-Dye Halter Top: Forever 21

Vintage Oversized Tie-Dye T-Shirt Dress: ASOS

Pastel Tie Dye Plunge Neck Swimsuit: Jaded London

Ninja Tie Dye Tee: Free People

Metallica Tie-Dye Tee: Urban Outfitters

Tie Dye Hoodie: ASOS

Tie-Dye Knit Pullover: Forever 21

Tie-Dye Cotton Jersey T-Shirt: Roberto Cavalli

Long Tie-Dye T-Shirt: Zara

Tie-Dye Halter Top: Urban Outfitters

Tie-Dye Bodysuit: Forever 21

Tie Dye Cut Away Swimsuit: Boohoo

NFL Tie-Dye Team Shirts: NFL Shop

TREND ALERT: GRAFFITI

IMG_1046

Graffiti is not just for the streets of New York City anymore; it is now more than appropriate (even trendy) to spray paint, dye, air brush, bleach and even Sharpie your clothing. You may be thinking, “Why would I want to draw all over my clothing?”. But graffitiing your pieces can be a very cool and fun way to personalize some of your favorite wardrobe items and give them new life. Don’t we all want something that is truly one of a kind? And if you’re too nervous (or artistically challenged) and do not want to do the drawing yourself, here are some pieces that are already “pre-painted”:

GET THE TREND

Black Graffiti Tee: Givenchy

Graffiti Print Love Cross Body Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Graffiti Canvas Backpack: Chanel

Graffiti Jeans: Proenza Schouler

Red Tag Graffiti Vest: Faith Connexion

Graffiti Double Breasted Jacket: Comme Des Garçons

Graffiti Duffle: Louis Vuitton

Graffiti Print High Top Sneaker: Converse Chuck Taylor

Graffiti Canvas Parka: Faith Connexion

Graffiti Baseball Jacket: Dsquared2