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Posts tagged “Music festivals

Looks of the Week

Happy Monday!

What better way to start a week off than some great sartorial inspiration? It always gives me a little lift when I see well-put together outfits, it also motivates me to put in some added effort when it comes to my personal style choices.

What about you? If you see some great looks does it motivate you to be more creative when you’re putting together and styling your daily outfits?

 

This is a great example of on of my favorite ways of putting together an outfit – Camille Over The Rainbow is a master of high-low dressing. Zara, Asos, and H&M pieces paired seamlessly with a gorgeous Celine handbag.

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This is just stunning. I love the unique combination of dramatic animal prints, reptilian leggings, and the sheer fabric of the blouse. It is certainly eye-catching!

She’s also carrying the Celine bag that seems to be the It Bag for Spring/Summer 2012 and which I’ve been drooling over for months. It’s a great choice because it’s large enough to tote around your must have’s but not so big that you’re carrying around all of your belongings. I’ve also been seeing it mostly in versatile neutral colors – white, tan, brown, and deep wine red – and this is such a classic style and shape that you know a neutral in this bag will be useable every season until the end of time!

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I love everything about this look – From the cute black & white patterned day dress to the fringed cross-body bag to the adorable black framed glasses. The perfect outfit for a low-key day when you still want to look cute.

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I’ve always admired Eva’s street style, she’s got a look that’s very much her own – ladylike with a unique twist, like her blue sunglasses here. This is a really cute sundress in a flattering pattern and length, a great look for warm Summer days.

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If you’re going to go for an all-black outfit take a cue from model Daiane and keep your look interesting with a statement necklace and a great bag. Accessories can do wonders!

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A standout jacket is a great way to finish off a look. Even in summer you can throw on a lightweight coat, like this gorgeous Kenzo version, and you’re ready for anything!

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Could this look scream Summer more? It’s bright, fun, and a little bit sassy. I’m a sucker for shirtdresses and I really love her choice of accessories, that large envelope clutch is divine.

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If hippie’s not your style but you’re planning to head to music festivals this is a great look to aspire to – ladylike chic. A trench will still be classic whether you choose pale pink or powder blue, so you can choose whatever color suits you best. P.S. LOVE those cat flats.

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Sexy Summer whites! Whites are a great way to stay cool in the Summer, night or day. Throw on some great separates and grab a sleek clutch like this gorgeous patent leather version and you’re good to go.

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I really like both of these dresses. Some actresses promoting a movie with a younger co-star would feel pressure to wear clothing that’s too “young” for them, but like Elizabeth Banks did at all of the Hunger Games premieres, Charlize Theron kept it classy and age-appropriate. And I love Kristen’s belted BCBG dress!

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So tell me, what has been your favorite trend this Spring? What have you not been able to stop wearing or daydreaming about lately?


Links You’ll Love

Fashion:

If you follow me on Twitter you’ve probably picked up on my serious girl crush on The Man Repeller – Her site is clever, witty, and she’s just as fashion obsessed as I am. Maybe even more so. And today’s she’s here with a phenomenal Do It Yourself project for all you fashion lovers out there – DIY: Fancy Footwear.

Don’t you want bows?

Refinery 29 doesn’t want us to forget about all the stylish mom’s out there, check out their post on stylish moms in NYC – 8 Ultra Cool Moms Show Off Their Killer Style.

If your city is starting to heat up you’re probably in the mood for some tips on warm weather dressing. The Little White Dress is always a great option and here are some oh-so-tempting versions to try out: 14 Little White Dresses You’ll Live In All Summer.

Calling all bun heads! If you’re looking for some new hairstyles to keep your Summer looks interesting check out Refinery 29’s Give Tired Bunds A Twist With These 4 Fresh Styles.

If Coachella just whet your apetitite and you’re going to get geared up for more concerts and music festivals as the weather warms up, you’ve got to check out The Festival Tracker – The Ultimate Guide to Music Festival Fashion and Style. Bonnaroo anyone?

Health/Fitness:

Were you brave enough to sign up for a race this year? Do you have some 2012 New Years Resolutions that you still haven’t reached? Check out The Blog of Impossible Things’ The Women’s Guide To A Triathlon or watch David Kirsch and Heidi Klum’s video How To Train On A Treadmill for some needed motivation and inspiration!

Searching for healthy snack ideas or a great energy boost for before your daily workout? Look no further! 100-calorie snack: Dairy-free chocolate almond butter chews ready in five minutes.

Concerns surrounding the physical and mental consequences of chronic stress have increased over the last few years – weight gain, diabetes, depression. Are you taking it seriously? Read Chris Kresser’s Are You In Stress Denial?

Interested in the new CrossFit trend but hesitant to head to a gym for an introductory class? Take a look at FitSugar’s Three CrossFit Workouts Anyone Can Do to get you started!’

Are you fan of spices? Check out the Whole 9 Life’s Spice Hound 100 Spices Whole 30 Approved. There are some GREAT ideas here.

Barefoot running was all the rage during 2011, due in part to the success of Christopher McDougall’s Born To Run, but what about barefoot walking? Take a look at FitSugar’s Three Ways Walkers Can Benefit From Barefoot Walking and learn more on the subject.

Speaking of Born To Run, if you read it you probably got as interested in chia seeds as I did. Here are a few articles on these phenomenal little seeds


Looks of the Week

Happy Monday! Let’s get straight to the good stuff today. Enjoy!

This is a great example of a relaxed, feminine take on menswear. The loose, wide-leg trousers in a fun fabric and beautiful deep color are the central piece, paired with a basic white blouse, and great accessories. The purse is a really pretty, unique piece and the platform sandals with the silver heel are to die for. Outstanding!

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This is the perfect casual cropped pants look. Relaxed and fun, but really well put together and accessorized to perfection with the fierce heels and bright bag. J'adore!

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Gorgeous accessories and styling here, I love the belted coat with the dramatic faux fur collar, the gloves, and the platform booties are absolutely divine. Such a great, well put together look!

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This is just because I love you guys... I kid, I kid. He actually looks great. I love interesting suits - fun ties, patterned fabrics, unusual colors. The average man doesn't seem to take a lot of risks when it comes to fashion, so I especially love to see a little risk on the red carpet!

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Liz from Late Afternoon is never one to shy away from color, but I was particularly impressed with this Spring look. The cream sweater is the perfect topper for the sweet floral shorts and I love that the scarf is full of bright, warm colors that aren't matchy matchy. It's a fun, chic look that we can all emulate!

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Olivia strikes again! If you're set on wearing jeans but want to dress them up a bit, this is a great way to do it. The shimmery blazer is fun but understated and the brightly colored, contrasting pumps are a great finishing touch.

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Great color combination! I love that she chose to highlight the blue in her shoe choice rather than the more obvious green. A great summer nights look!

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I absolutely love this look. The focal point is a gorgeous, chic double-breasted coat in an interesting, uncommon shade. It shows you how easily outerwear or a great bag can update a basic look.

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If you want the ultimate in casual style do it like Rosie, Cropped jeans, basic T, booties. Done!

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What I love about this look is the styling, which is absolutely top-notch. The sunglasses, the bag, the broach, the jewelry... And that strong-shouldered blazer is parfait! J'adore!

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While this look seems pretty basic, it's really anything but. It's got a cute purple plaid shirt, mixing of black & navy, layers galore, and even knee-high socks with ballet flats. It's cute and fun and perfect for these Spring showers we've been having!

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For a music awards show red carpet you always expect the unexpected - but I loved this chic little look. The leather shorts w/ blazer combo is perfect, and that gorgeous gold layered necklace and bright cobalt blue shoes are the perfect standout accessories.

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And since we were all bombarded with photos and updates from Coachella this weekend I wanted to do a little round-up of some of the best looks that I saw from the festival. The Coachella corner if you will:

Late Afternoon was one of the fashion bloggers I was most looking forward to hearing from during the festival and she did not disappoint. And as if the tied shirt, flannel overshirt, and cropped leather jacket combo wasn't enough, she added an adorable maxi skirt and the cutest braids ever. J'adore!

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Each of these girls has a pretty distinct look - Lily's a little rock n' roll in leather, Karlie's the laid back hippie in her patterned poncho, and Cara's got the hipster style covered with ray bans and a sideways hat.

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Hippie view!!!

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I love Kasia's low-belted tank dress and fringed booties. Casual and relaxed but totally on-trend for the events.

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I love the different styles and pieces in this group shot. From flowy maxi skirts to wide leg pants to retro shorts to floral headpieces to kimonos. Amazing!

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Sincerely Jules stacked things up with woven bracelets, spikes, and even some bling. Great combo!

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True flower-child stylin'! I love all the bracelets and the fringed suit, a really great pairing.

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Diane looking adorable @ the Lacoste L!ve pool party. I like the colorblocking of the dress and her cute booties.

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Fringe, cut-off shorts, jean jackets, facepaints - These models are ready for the festivities!

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This was one of my favorite looks. I like the simplicity of the basics paired with the high-octane extras. That scarf is killer!

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If you’re in need of more flower-power check out these best dressed lists – Festival Fashion! 50 Hot Snaps From Coachella, Coachella 2012: Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, Lily Collins And Other Best-Dressed Stars At This Weekend’s Festival, Coachella 2012: Festival Street Style, and of course, Tom & Lorenzo’s Coachella Ladies.


Links You’ll Love

Fashion:

Need a tutorial on mixing colors for Spring? Cristina’s Blog has the goods – Mixing Colours… Blue & Yellow.

If you love glamour and a slinky, retro vibe you’re bound to be a fan of Russian stylist, photographer, and designer Uliana Sergienko. Couture et Cuisine has a collection of phenomenal pictures of her here for your viewing pleasure.

If you’re in the market for a new girl crush I highly suggest checking out Modelinia’s Elisa Sednaoui Continues to Reign as Our #1 Girl Crush or Vogue UK’s catwalk piece on the stunning Jourdan Dunn. So hard to choose!

Curious what the fashion industry is up to between the shows? Here are some of the recent events and launches: The New Museum’s 35th Anniversary Gala, The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Dinner, H&M’s 2012 Conscious Collection hit stores 12 April 2012, get a tour of Rachel Roy’s office, The 9th Annual New Yorkers for Children event, and, as I’m sure you’ve heard, Raf Simons from Jil Sander has replaced the disgraced John Galliano at Christian Dior.

Check out this casual, cool look from Coachella queen Kate Bosworth on Frugal Fashionista to get you in the mood for the music festival. If you need for inspiration read my Hippie 2012 Breakdown for everything you’ll need for Coachella!

Health/Fitness:

Marion Nestle is an author, professor & nutritional expert who has written books, chaired government committees, and writes a column for the San Francisco Chronicle. Her blog, Food Politics, always has great posts on food, nutrition, grocery shopping, farming, buying organic, meat processing… I highly recommend checking out the following pieces:

I found myself nodding along to Choosing Raw’s Building a Better Snack: Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Snack Bars. Sometimes you want something quick and easy to snack on, but when you read the ingredients in products you realize that there are very limited healthy processed options. Making your own snack bars (or energy bites) are great options! Next week I’ll be sharing my energy bite recipe or you can try Choosing Raw’s Super Speedy, No Bake Omega-3 Vegan Snack Bars, Hungry Hungry Hippie’s Peanut Banana Oatmeal Bars, or OhSheGlow’s Homemade Banana Bread Larabars.

7 April Superfoods from The Huffington Post – All in green and red!

Still looking for great breakfast ideas for Spring? I’ve shared overnight oats recipes and smoothiesgalore, what about breakfast porridge? Check out Chatelaine’s Gluten-free recipe: Sweet breakfast porridge with fresh toppings.

Have you read about or tried intermittent fasting? These are both interesting reads: Dr Michael Eades, M.D.’s Could intermittent fasting or caloric restriction make the heart more resistant to damage? and Stop Eat Stop.

Do you workout with your significant other? Do you want to…? I suggest taking a look at Rachel Wilkerson’s piece Living In Sin: How CrossFit Has Helped My Relationship, Holly Would If She’s Could’s CrossFit Love: How Sharing Fitness Has Improved My Relationship, or my post Health & Your Relationship.


Rain Rain Go Away…

Depending on where you are, you may also be suffering from Spring-itis like I am. This is a condition caused by falling in love with brights, little white dresses, and fun patterns for Spring but being unable to wear them because it WONT STOP RAINING.

I love San Francisco but right now I’m ready for Spring and this city is standing squarely in my way.

So what are the fashion-obsessed to do? Put together some chic but warm and comfy outfits to brave the elements in while we dream about sundresses and shorts of course.

Keeping Covered:

Keeping your head – and belongings – dry in a rainstorm is always priority number one, regardless of whether you’re a fan of hoods and hats or giant, sidewalk-blocking umbrellas.

Hoods up in New York! No reason to let the bad weather get you down, keep things light in pale colors.

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Not in the mood for gloomy, dark layers? Try lighter mixing neutrals as you pile on layers to stay warm. Even better? Add a hat!

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This model makes a beanie look oh-so-chic. It's all about proportions, her sleek army-green anorak is the perfect choice, while a giant puffy coat would have given the look an overall disheveled feeling.

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And if you're just dashing from one place to another, don't worry about matching, just grab a cute hooded coat and throw it on. You don't have to have your outfit 100% coordinated with your outerwear.

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I love the retro feel of this type of hat - fun but structured.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for keeping yourself dry. You don’t need to keep your look completely in line from head-to-toe, have some fun with it and mix things up. Dead set on wearing a LBD to cocktails Saturday night? Do it! Grab a chic little cropped jacket and a brightly colored umbrella and show everyone how its done!

Layers are key:

A single layer is never enough when there’s wind blowing, fog so thick you can’t see outside your window, or rain pounding on your head. Wrapping yourself in layers is the best way to stay warm while you’re outside but not die from the heat once you step inside – It gives you the convenience of being able to adjust to various temperatures, a much more pleasant way to spend your day!

Still determined to wear a dress despite the weather? (Ya, me too) Just add on! Tights, blazer, pashmina... Keep going till you're warm!

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If you're in a colder climate you may even need to add more layers to stay warm - Take a cue from this gentleman, decked out in head-to-toe Rick Owens. He's ready for anything!

Tights and vests are both small, convenient ways to add a little something between you and the weather. They wont add bulk or give you tons to carry if you take them off, great for one of those days when you're not 100% sure how the weather will turn out.

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If you're layering in warmer temperatures you can still wear gorgeous outerwear, you just get to have more fun with what you're layering it over! Take 9 to 5 Chic as an example and pair cute sandals and shorts with a beautiful cape.

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A cute oversized coat and a scarf are a great way to finish off a look. You don't have to worry about matching them to your outfit because they're not visible when you're running around outside. Basically you get to pick two outfits! 🙂

There are an unlimited number of ways to layer an outfit and this is a great way to express yourself and tap into your creative impulses. You can add a chic coat, cape, blazer, slicker, or poncho, wear fun tights, scarves & pashminas, gloves, wear a shirt under a dress, pair a sweater with a dress… The choices go on and on.

Boots Boots Boots:

My regulars have probably picked up on this already, but for you MCLV newbies I might as well just confess now – I love me some boots. I talked about the importance of having a couple of pairs of good boots in your closet in my Real Girls Need Real Closets post, recommended some gorgeous Coachella-appropriate boots in my Hippie 2012 Breakdown, I snapped shots of myself in over-the-knee boots in yesterday’s A Week In MCLV Fashion, and even suggested all different types for traveling in my Reader Request: The Chilly Tourist.

Needless to say, being able to stomp around in boots is one of the only redeeming side affects of the rain right now…

If you have lots of walking planned for you day and want to wear flat boots, there are still tons of options. High, low, classic, punky... Can you ever really go wrong with rock n' roll motorcycle boots?

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If you want to keep your boots short but give them a bit of a heel (so that you can - say - keep your pants hem out of puddles) this is a great option. Fun and cute, but totally functional.

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What I love about this look is her utter nonchalance. Rain or shine, she knows she looks chic as hell and she's ready for anything. Well done!

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A pair of riding boots like Gwen's are a great option, they're chic, keep your lower leg warm and dry, and go with almost anything - skirts, dresses, pants... Very versatile!

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These Zara boots are really cute, they have a zipper on the inside but faux laces up the front are adorable. The neutral color makes them work really well with Spring and Summer looks, as much as with colder-weather outfits.

A great pair of boots can absolutely make an outfit and during these rainy, miserable days, looking like a million bucks can really improve your outlook! 🙂

If you’re still in the mood for more check out Modelinia’s Splash into April in Style or Refinery 29’s Chic Rain Gear For Chicago’s April Showers.

What’s your stay warm style during this rainy Spring weather?


Hippie 2012 Breakdown

Coachella 2012 is days away and it has been the topic de jour online the past few weeks. What should you pack, what should you wear, which shows should you see, where should you stay… Well, with all of this hippie-lovin’ going on I thought I’d share some inspiration and suggestions for those of you lucky enough to be heading to Southern California for the festivities.

Jacket Boots Isabel Marant Hat Rag & Bone Bag Alexander Wang Rosie Huntington-Whiteley New York City

Whether you’re shopping for accessories, trying to put together a new and interesting boho inspired look, or trying to style a long weekend’s worth of daily outfits, MCLV’s got you covered for 2012.

Inspiration:

Not sure where to start? Winter Kate’s Spring 2012 lookbook shoot is a great place to get some ideas.

Who’s your favorite hippie to take inspiration from? Do you love old school hippies like musicians Janis Joplin and Aerosmith? Fashion icons like Bianca Jaggar, Ziggy Stardust and Iman? Or modern hippies like Nicole Richie, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Johnny Depp?

{This is such a phenomenal photo I had absolutely had to include it. Flowy vintage maxi, faux fur, felt hat, polka dots AND the Alexander Wang Rocco bag I’m obsessed with? Absolute hippie perfection from Gary Pepper Vintage!}

You can also take inspiration from street style and fashion blogs:

Clothes & Brands:

Whether you’re in the market for flowy skirts, maxi dresses, draping cardigans, faux fur vests, beautiful embroidery, tie-dye, harem pants or anything else, the brands and stores below can meet your every need.

Some great brands/stores/websites to check out are: Free People, Akiko at Revolve Clothing, Urban Outfitters, Haute Hippie/Haute Hoodie (personally, I’m MAD for this dress – swoon), Of Two Minds can be found at Revolve Clothing, and of course, ShopBop.

Handbags:

Not only are crossbody bags are all the rage this Spring, they’ll keep your hands free AND you can leave your giant, back aching bag at home! Mama’s a Rolling Stone recommends the tooled leather crossbody bag by Free People that’s pictured below.

Hot Buy: Free People Studded Moroccan Crossbody

Zappos carries the Linea Pelle collection filled with fringe-adorned hobos and clutches, Piperlime has crossbody bags galore,  and Macy’s has a fun selection of patchwork Fossil bags and boho-style Lucky Brand bags. Or you can also check out Etsy for a collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade, and vintage handbags to fulfill all your needs.

Hats:

Are you a fan of the floppy boho-style hats that fashion insiders and celebrities, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lea Michele, have been sporting since the Fall of 2011?

Me too.

 

{Top Left: 70’s Floppy Felt Hat – $45 @ Asos.com, Top Right: Camel Felt Hat – $50 @ TopShop, Center: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Floppy Wool Hat – $80 @ Lord & Taylor, Bottom Left: Jessica Simpson Solid Knot Floppy Hat – $30 (sale price) @ Dillard’s & Bottom Right: Staring at Stars Cross-Tie Floppy Felt Hat – $10 (sale price) @ Urban Outfitters}

Mama’s A Rolling Stone tracks the felt hat trend here – Following the likes of Vanessa Hudgens and Jessica Szohr. Or you can check out the always fabulous OnTheRacks, who gives us the perfect California Hippie Chick look here. Her boyfriend even took the pictures in Haight-Ashbury, the San Francisco hippie epicenter – How authentic! 🙂

Accessories:

Vintage and hippie-inspired accessories have always been my favorite part of this type of style, from headbands and feathered earrings to scarves, layered necklaces, and fringe fringe fringe.

If you needa little bit of jewelry inspiration than look no further than The Sartorialist, who captured a gorgeous pair of wrap around fringed earrings on the streets of Paris. You don’t even need to have your ears pierced to rock these bad boys.

Low Luv Jewelry, created by model Erin Wasson, includes pendants, rings, and bracelets. Or you can shop Nicole Richie’s jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, which is well-known and adored by those who admire the starlet’s personal style. And if you like a certain celebrity’s hippie-inspired style, for example Nicole Richie or Alessandra Ambrosio, you can shop “closets” inspired by them on the website Boutique To You.

Shoes:

Shoes are incredibly important when you’re pulling together a look. The perfect finishing touch. The cherry on top. Whether you want to go a little Western, keep them casual and comfortable, or go for full on glamour, there’s the perfect shoe or boot for EVERY occasion.

 

{Top left: Caballero Ankle Boots – $330 @ Free People, Center: Braden New Charcoal – $110 (sale price) @ Vince Camuto, Top Right: Slouchy Ankle Boots – $33 @ Forever21, Bottom Left: Hunter Lace-Up Heeled Rain Boot & Fringed Lace-Up Bootie – $340 & $150 @ Neiman Marcus, Right Center: Takohoe Moccasin – $70 @ Steve Madden & Bottom Right: Koolaburra Women’s Kythira Feather Dip Dyed Flat – $125 @ Endless.com}

Since its expected to be warm and there’s lots of standing, walking, and dancing involved in a Coachella weekend choices like sandals, moccasins, and flat boots are both comfortable and fun.

Still not sure what you should pack? See what the writers at FabSugar, Refinery29, Modelinia, and Harper’s Bazaar are bringing for their weekends of fun in the sun.

Need some more? Check out last year’s Hippie Chic and Hippie Love for more options and ideas.


Hippie Chic

With the Coachella weekends swiftly approaching and people planning their trips out to Southern California, I thought that I’d show a little hippie love with some bohemian-inspired outfits to get you in inspired and in the mood.

Rule #1:

Don’t forget your boots! As the reigning queen of music festival-chic, Her Highness Kate Moss never forgets to bring her boots. They’re key for tramping around between sets, especially given the erratic weather patterns this time of year and the random, unannounced Spring showers.

And in honor of The Queen, here’s outfit suggestion numero un – You’ll need  some flattering, tiny shorts, a loose tunic, low slung belt, Hunters, a cross-body bag and hippie accessories like feathers and chains

Rule #2:

Whether you’re a fan of aviators or Wayfarers, don’t forget to pack a couple of pairs of sunglasses for your trip. Choosing a pair of shades that suits your face can be a challenge, but once you settle on your favorite style you can spice up your look by trying out everything from black & white zebra prints to classic black to tortoiseshell.

The lovely Kate Bosworth is always at the top of the Best Dressed lists after a music festival weekend and here’s yet another example of just how she makes her hippilicious outfits work. This outfit illustrates just how important sunglasses are, both to complete your look and to keep your eyes healthy and safe in the sun!

To put together similar look you should keep it simple and try a summery romper that’s spiced up with lace-up sandals, hoop earrings, a saddle bag and your favorite sunglasses!

Rule #3:

The extras are incredibly important when you’re putting together a fun boho look – You can try adding anything from the handbags and jewelry to headbands and hats.  So when in doubt, pile on the hippie accessories!

Celebrities really know how to do the hippie chic look right by complementing their outfits with colorful headscarves, floral headbands, fringed pieces, hobo bags, braids, draped vests, and oversized vintage sunglasses.

For this kind of outfit you can’t go wrong with faded or distressed skinnies, a basic tank, flat Peter Pan-inspired booties, and then pile on all the hippie accessories that you can get your hands on.

Rule #4:

Why not be an undercover stunner on this trip? Avoid sunburn and disastrous fading and bleaching of your hair by adding an oh-so-chic hat to your ensemble. A floppy, oversized felt hat like below goes really well with a floaty, low-key look like a maxi, while a brimmed fedora will complement a more structured separates look better.

Vanessa Hudgens {anyone seen Sucker Punch?} definitely knows how to stay cool in the summer heat. Believe me when I say that the Southern California sun can be pretty punishing, so please be sure to pack both your hat and sunglasses!

Try mixing up your hippie chic look by pairing a flowy, ethereal maxi dress or maxi skirt with strappy flat sandals, vintage gold chains, and a fedora or wide-brimmed hat.

Now run off and enjoy the music loves, and don’t forget your sunscreen!