How to Look Fresh to Death at Coachella

rachel zoe knows what's up

Coachella Weekend One is fast approaching, bringing with it thousands of feather headdress clad, Flash Tat-ted bohemian girls, sitting upon the shoulders of shirtless frat stars in Chubbies, all vibing to live music in the scorching Indio heat. Ahhhhh, festival season. To make sure you stand out this weekend, here are some trends and tips you may want to implement in your packing list: 

1. Don't underestimate the power of a dress. 
What can withstand the pressures of high heat, long porta potti lines and hours upon hours of frolicking around? A killer dress. It's a
functional and versatile base piece for any outfit. Pair a maxi with gladiators and a cropped moto jacket, or layer an open back sundress with a detailed bralette and your favorite pair of booties, and you are destined for a comfort level of like 110. Also, twirling dress pics can make for some pretty rad instas. 
2. Accessorize your little heart out. Festivals offer a platform of fashion expression unlike a typical concert, so why not go all out? An event like Coachella calls for outfits of equal amplitude and energy. In other words, it is virtually impossible to over style. If you feel confident in a body chain, Flash Tats, wide brimmed hat, 70's sunnies and turquoise arm candy, then go for it. Festivals give us the opportunity to move outside our comfort zones. 

3. Boho isn't everything.
Trends such as flower crowns and hair feathers have become "basics" of the festival fashion scene. This year, step outside the Free People catalog. Bohemian looks are fabulous and all, but not a necessity of the festival dress code. Find some new inspiration. Channel your inner Gwen Stefani in a sporty bra top and tartan printed skirt, or even create a twist on your favorite Wes Anderson character. A graphic tee, vintage windbreaker and classic sneakers make for a cool 80's hip hop look. Inspiration is everywhere, and a stage like Coachella illicit fashion with the creative effort of Halloween. 

4. Lastly, and most importantly: do you.
Rules are meant to be tested and broken. Wear what you want, and what makes you feel confident. You, beautiful reader, are #flawless, even in a gigantic flower crown. 

Coachella 2014 Recap: Best Looks

 As the Easter sun sets on the vast, desert landscape of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, so to does the exuberant Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival come to a close. Although I caught a few performances on the Coachella live stream, I found myself more captivated by the always incredible festival ensembles. Coachella is inherently a place to see and be seen; even mediocre lineups would attract gigantic crowds. Despite the big names and surprise performances, the spectacle of Coachella lies in the fashion scene. Here are some of my favorite looks. 

The daisy appliques are subtly adorable. 

Lizzy Plapinger of Ms Mr

Evil eyes are a popular print on the festival scene. 

Simple and chic. Love the Blair Waldorf-esque lipstick. 

White shoes at Coachella? Daring. 

Hopefully, Kendall Jenner's nose ring chain  doesn't make a reappearance next year––or ever. 

Fashion Icon: Stevie Nicks

After Ticketmaster forced me to endure the most stressful fifteen minutes of my life, I made it through the madness and purchased a ticket to the much anticipated Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (Thanks Mom!). The festival will be held in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and is set to feature some of the biggest acts in music, including: Kanye West, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and, my personal favorite, The Killers. Needless to say, I am ridiculously excited.

Now that I have my ticket, I have to figure out what to wear. 

Although Outside Lands is five months from now, it never hurts to be prepared. If college has taught me anything thus far, it is that over preparation in the form of online shopping can be a (somewhat) productive means of procrastination. 

I have recently been drawn to the fashion of the 70s; patterned wide-leg pants, lacy bralettes, and embroidered kimonos. While many 70s women come to mind as fashion icons, none did it quite like Fleetwood Mac front-woman, Stevie Nicks. Both edgy and bohemian, Nicks' style was truly one of a kind. I can't think of anyone able to rock a black top hat and cascading halter dress while looking remarkably cool. A champion of both music and fashion, Stevie Nicks continues to inspire women to defy the ordinary. 

Teva's: A Comeback Story

In these past few months, amidst the tumultuous transition from high school to college, I find myself frequently reminiscing. This newfound nostalgia has greatly inspired my wardrobe, evident in my recent purchase of clear, sparkly jelly sandals. My love for them at five has been renewed at age eighteen. 

While making my daily rounds on other blogs, I shocked myself by adding yet another item from my childhood to my shopping list: Teva's. Those sporty, velcro-wrapped sandals were ideal for every, and I mean every, outdoor activity. Waterproof, lightweight, and protective, Teva's embodied "kid tested, mother approved". At some point in my middle school quest to be cool, Teva sandals didn't quite make the cut, and were, sadly, thrown in a bag destined for Goodwill. After watching the brand's S14 VideoLookBook, I regret my actions as a prepubescent. 

I am now on the hunt for a new pair, which I plan on rocking throughout my Summer adventures. This future purchase will give me an excuse for multiple pedicures, because socks and sandals will never be acceptable.