Festival Need To's

20 days until I leave for what I expect to be one of the greatest weekends of my life. I still cannot believe that I am going to Coachella- feeling so incredibly thankful for this opportunity. And to experience it for the first time with my best friends ever? Can't beat it. So naturally I've already spent way too much time looking up tips and survival guides from Coachella veterans, and I've put together a list of to-do's. Here is my take on the whole festival thang:

Temporary Tattoos

I've never had the guts to get an actual tattoo, but you can still pretend… right? Temporary tattoos are so fun and can look really cool in the right spots. I especially love the metallic look of these Flash Tattoos around the wrists! 

A Backpack

I can only imagine how much of a hassle it would be holding onto and worrying about losing a bag during the long 13 hour day. A good bag is essential for all the necessities throughout the day (sunscreen, water bottle, chapstick, cash, jacket/scarf, etc) because I can almost guarantee that nobody would be a fan of walking all the way back to the campgrounds in between shows.

Festival Paint

Besides Halloween, when else is it acceptable to draw all over your body? I think it's awesome to take advantage of your atmosphere and really soak in the festival vibes. And that body jewelry is pretty cool too.

Maxi Skirts

I am of course no expert, but this seems to me the perfect outfit for a day full of dancing, walking, (sweating), and embracing the sunshine. Tie the skirt up during the hottest part of the day and then let it back down after the sun sets. Twirl around in it to your favorite songs. I especially love a good print. Plus maxi skirts look great with crop tops and kimonos… perfect for transitions during the day. 

Fun Sunglasses

It seems like a given that sunglasses are essential in the desert, but I've also heard that they're easy to lose or break during festival days. That means the perfect opportunity to play with fun shapes, colors, and sizes instead of bringing your $100+ favorite sunnies and taking the chance of ruining them. I love mirrored aviators, heart shaped (Lana style), and the classic round John Lennon look.

Good Shoes

Protective, sturdy, and comfortable. I've paid close attention to this tip. The last thing anyone wants is aching soles and blistered toes on top of already sore from walking feet. A good ankle boot or cute pair of sneakers seems like the way to go… and socks!

A Hat

I expect it to be annoying and messy to constantly be reapplying sunscreen to your face, so save some time and effort with a good wide brimmed hat or baseball cap. Not only are they stylish, but they will protect your cheeks and prevent that horrible sunburn pain.

Nail Art

Again… embrace the whole festival vibe and paint your nails fun or crazy. Nothing has to match!

Layers

A perk of having a good bag is keeping an extra layer in there for the later night shows. A kimono or cardigan seems like the best option to throw over a daytime tank or crop top. The more opportunities for outfit changes, the better!

*All photos found on Pinterest

#LWT

Free People tee, Urban Outfitters shorts, Stance Socks

Nothing like a beach trip to cure the Winter Blues. And they better be cured once and for all because it's officially SPRING! Time to mix things up. I love Free People's current trend of the Little White Tee. I had never really thought of it that way before, but it's so true! A basic white tee is quite similar to a little black dress: a necessary staple. I think that I am guilty of always trying to incorporate something different, unique, or cool into my outfits when in reality, going basic is sometimes just the right look! I am excited to play around with this trend some more this Spring. Meanwhile, you can check out how girls all over the world are styling their LWTs on Free People's Pinterest board!

SOHO

"If you're looking for me you'll find me hanging out around Soho"

"Try to be yourself

and be loyal to your style"

Zara sweater, J Crew pants, Frye boots, Anthropologie watch

Picked up this sweater at Zara when I visited New York this past December. At the time, it totally made sense because you actually could find us hanging around Soho. Yep, definitely wishing I was back there at this moment...

Throwback Thursday: Honduras

 

If you didn't know this about me, mission trips are a huge part of my life. I have been called to serve, and I hope that I am given the opportunity to for the rest of my life. Hispanic culture specifically intrigues me, and my experiences in paises hispanohablantes have definitely influenced me to choose Spanish as one of my majors. I hope to one day visit all 21 countries with Spanish as the official language, mission trip or not, and to experience all of the beautifully different cultures and places that this world has to offer. Here is a peek into my trip to Honduras a couple of years ago. I love the colors of this country- the skin colors, natural colors, and architectural colors. There is literally beauty everywhere you turn, and I love looking back on these photos. 4 countries down, 17 to go...

Pharrell's G I R L

It's here! It's here! Pharrell's newest album G I R L that was released yesterday is only his second album as a solo artist (and it's been 8 whole years). We've all jammed to the catchy songs that he's featured in including "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines" and even his pre released hit "Happy," but the songs on this new album show a new and different side to Pharrell. He is truly expressing his individuality. The best way that I can describe the songs on G I R L is feel good. Each song has a steady beat and rhythm. It definitely has that smooth R&B taste, and in my opinion, a little old school feel (which I am all about). The old school vibe was clearly represented during his Oscar's performance with the accompaniment of the high school choir decked out in vintage inspired sweaters, prints, and bright colors. The release of this album has made me that much more excited to see Pharrell live at Coachella in April. These songs are electric, and I have a feeling that this just might be the album of the Summer.

Purchase G I R L here!

Some of my other favorites include Brand New (featuring Justin Timberlake), Come Get It Bae, It Girl and Gush

Swank & Haight

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I am so pleased to share the amazing up and coming online fashion company Swank & Haight. Let's be honest… what do we really do during those long, boring lecture classes? Online shop, of course. (Just kidding Mom!) This company, similar to Lulus and Tobi, offers the cutest, in-style fashions for affordable prices. Above I have put together some of my favorite tops, jackets, bottoms, and dresses that you can find online at Swank & Haight. And because I am working as a campus representative at my university, I can offer you a promo code! Enter "BLAKELEE" at checkout to receive 10% off. And if you spend over $75, you'll receive free shipping! Check it out and happy Monday!