How to do a Festival in the Rain

We were looking forward to an amazing Sunday at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival.  I had planned to wear this fun outfit. Unfortunately, mother nature wasn't playing nice and the forecast predicted a 50% plus chance of rain and the temp was not supposed to go above 65. I had to prepare for mud, possible downpours of rain and cold weather.  Of course I wanted to look stylish but I knew my original outfit wouldn't work. I decided on jeans, layers and kept my original plan for boots for the muddy field. Since we had never been to this festival we didn't know what to expect with the setup.  The website was helpful but didn't tell us everything.

 

My outfit of a cute sundress changed to a t-shirt, jeans, and a hoodie. I swapped out my straw panama hat for a baseball cap. I decided on minimal jewelry, a watch and hoop earrings. The messenger bag worked because I didn't have to carry my items all day. I left my bag on our blanket. I brought a poncho, just in case but didn't need it. This outif gave me comfort, flexibility and I still looked a bit polished.

This festival only had one stage.  We were able to set out our tarp and blanket for the day. I wish we had brought chairs. The outdoor festivals and shows I've attended before that allowed chairs, created a specific area for chair use and allowed the attendees who were sitting on the ground to sit toward the front. In this case 90% of the attendees or more had chairs. Much of our view of the stage was blocked. Luckily, there were two huge screens in order for us to see the artists. The location of the festival was right on the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park. The festival has been running for many years and it's a professional set up. There is a beach area, food and craft vendors, charity booths and of course beer and wine vendors.

During the last act (8 hours into the day).

The weather held out. Even though the entire morning was overcast, we didn't end up getting any rain. About 1pm, the sun came out and stayed out the rest of the day. It got pretty warm. Even with sunscreen, I got a little sun.  There was no mud and I wish I'd thrown a pair of flip flops in my bag. Then I could have taken off my boots for the afternoon and left them at the blanket. Instead I had to take them off and put them back on each time I wanted to go somewhere.The layering of the hoodie with my t-shirt was a huge help.  I didn't wear my hoodie once we settled down but I was able to put in back on toward the end of the day when the temp cooled down. I looked pulled together and my outfit worked for the weather, even though my plan changed.  Sometimes polished and practical has to win out over the fashionista look you plan.

The music is the best part of any music festival and of course the reason I attend. It was fantastic. I discovered new artists and got to see some of my favorites. The evening closed out with Mavis Staples and Bonnie Raitt. Mavis called Bonnie on stage to sing and play with her band. FANTASTIC!  Two blues legends on one stage.  One of the highlights of the day, for me, was artist Quinn Sullivan.  He writes his own music and is a fantastic guitarist and blues singer. Did I mention that he's only 14?!  Check him out playing at Legends. He played this song yesterday.





There were so many other great artists. We had a blast. I'm sure this festival will become a regular on our summer festival circuit. We'll definitely be back next year, rain or shine!

Inspiration - Layering

It seems as if the weather and temp is changing by the hour, here in the DC area.  I'm sure it's been that way across the country (and world).  Last week I was freezing with temps in the teens and twenties and snow.  Today and yesterday, it feels like spring with temps in the 70's.  Yesterday I was wearing a heavy winter coat and barely needed it when I left the office at 5pm.  I realized that I need to seriously work on my layering skills.  Some fashionistas seems to do this in an effortless way.  They pair layers and textures and it looks amazing.

Layering - for changing weather by Real Girl Runway.  Click above to view the photos.

In almost every case, the layers are very thin.  This is the trick to keep from looking frumpy or bulky.  Also, using items of different length, keeps you from having too may layers stopping in one area, like your hips or your tummy.  All of the photos I chose today show ladies wearing pants but layering can be done with a skirt or dress, just as well.  The same rules apply.

My favorite look from the ones above is the one in the center.  J.Crew Style Director, Jenna Lyons, is a style icon.  She has a casual but pulled together style that always look chic and comfortable at the same time.  She's inspired me to try a similar look with items in my own closet.

Here is a link to a post on Refinery 29 with some great tips about layering.  I love that they address stylish but clever ways to layer some of your spring items with winter items.  I'm a fan of a sweater over a dress for winter. I'm not big on skirts over pants but you could try a similar twist with a skirt over leggings.  I personally don't own any dressy shorts, so the shorts over tights suggestion is also out for me.  They also don't work for me because I don't think shorts are office appropriate unless you work in a casual environment.

I'm going to try out some of the combos from my inspiration photos.  Are you layering during this weather?

Sandals for Everyone - aka FU Mother Nature

Last week I was running around sporting my cute new silver Nine West wedge sandals. On Monday morning I woke up to a freezing house and the weather report saying that the DC area would have highs around 46 degrees for the day.  Folks living in western Maryland and West Virginia could look forward to snow!  It's April Mother Nature! Are you giving us the finger? Are you laughing at us mere mortals who are packing away our winter coats? The weather was absolutely beautiful on Saturday.  Sunday we got rain and then Monday, BRRR! In honor of my love of warm weather and my wish that it will be warm again soon I've picked some of my favorite low priced sandals of the spring and summer. Wishful internet shopping all around!

1) Kelly & Katie Sydney Sandal: DSW - $34.95

2) Exclusive Flat Sandal Gold: Target - $16.99

3) Mossimo Supply Company Whilhemina Flat Sandal: Target - $19.99

4) Mossimo Flat Gladiator T-Strap Sandal: Target - $19.99

5) Rosette Sandals: Forever 21 - $14.80

6) Serpent Sandal: Alloy - $14.90

7) Mrkt Holly Suede Sandal: DSW - $69.95

8) Xhiliration Teresa Espadrille Wedge Sandals: Target - $24.00

 9) Mootsie Tootsie Tinsy Platform Wedge Sandals: Kohl's - $34.99

During the summer I live in flat sandals.  I have to admit, I'm not a flip flop girl.  Flip flops are great at the beach but I don't wear them unless I'm around the pool or the ocean.  I prefer sandals with straps.Just because I love the flats doesn't mean I forgo the drama.  Extras like fun colors, tassels, rosettes, metallics, animal prints, and embellishments give me the fun without a heel. 

I hadn't planned to include any heels in this post.  My heart always gravitates toward the beautiful high heels but when I go to my closet, I come away with the flats.  That's why I love wedges and small platforms.  They feel higher but with more stability.  I can't do the 2 inch plus platforms.  My weak ankles take those as an invitation to kiss the ground.  I roll my ankle every time. But I thought I'd show you girls who love the flats, what I use as a compromise.  

I also hadn't planned to feature any shoes over $50 but I just had to include the Mrkt Holly Suede Sandal.  I bought this very sandal last summer in nude.  I love it!  The foot bed is soft, the platform and heel are forgiving which make them easy to walk in and stay in all day. This season DSW has them in cobalt and fuchsia. 

Are you buying new sandals this spring?  What is on your list?

Chic Alternative

The snow and ice that has come to the east coast over the past few days made me start to think about chic but pratical alternatives for snow wear. As I pulled out my less that pretty but functional hiking boots, to go out and shovel my sidewalk, I began considering my options. I love my 3 inch stilettos but unless I want a broken ankle and possibly surgery, it's not the best option for this weather. This morning, I put on my hiking boots and stored my pretty shoes in my bag for the trek to work. As I got out of my car to run into the drugstore and almost bit it on the icy sidewalk, I was thankful for my less than fashionable boots. I think I need to look for some cuter options. Below are a few possiblities for stylish but functional cold weather footwear.

These Dr. Martens are cute and fun, even though many fashionistas may consider them "out", I'm all for fun and function in this weather.


If you are looking for something other than black, brown or gray, these Dr. Martens are a pretty alternative.


If you hate the idea of changing after you get to work, the Merrells and Aigners below are a good option. Worn with pants they have a wedge heel that make the boots a little more dressy and still funcitonal.


This style comes in black, dark brown and tan. They are also water repellant.


All of the boots above can be found at my favorite on-line shoe store, zappos.com for $140 or less.