Indio > India

First Destination: Indio, Not to Be Confused with India

   
Yes, I said it, Indio, California, destination capital of the world...or at least destination capital of the West Coast come April.  The Coachella Music Festival, with two weekends starting April 12, 2013, evoking some of music's finest, is fast approaching and you might not necessarily put "jet setter" lifestyle and Indio, CA into the same category but this festival and the fashion seen around the festival grounds are definitely post worthy.  While we are all seasoned Californians and know how the weather fluctuates, there may just very well be ladies traveling from other areas of the country and it would be beneficial to know the desert's temps. are as hot and cold as a Taylor Swift relationship, so pack accordingly.
By day let the laces fly in the sky, and the embroidered kimonos drape through sunlight and warmth.  But as the sun sets you may be thankful you didn't forget to pack your "Bundle Up" Piece in your backpack because that desert night breeze can get nippy.  All the different genres of artists performing gives us girls the freedom to dress a variety of ways that weekend; unleash the bohemian chick stirring within us or let the glam rocker come roaring out.

I decided to sketch (and water color) a Coachella muse; this music lover is the 'Belle of the Ball' and her mood for the weekend is happy, energetic, loving, passionate and her color palette is inspired by these feelings.  She will be making outfit choices based on pinks, purples, and teals...all vibrant, and exuding a positive feel, not to mention these hues are associated with spring...which is fitting since the festival is the kick start to the spring season (in my mind anyway). 

Belle of the Ball

Our Belle of the Ball's first outfit inspiration comes from the band Local Natives.

Before I dive into the threads inspired by this indie rock band, let me give some credit where it's due.  This band originated in our hood, Orange County, CA.  Their first album, Gorilla Manor, debuted in November 2009, and rose to #3 on Billboard's Top 200 in the New Artist category.  If I had a say, they would have easily been in the #1 slot.  Their smooth rhythms and melodic vibes soothe the soul.  The album Hummingbird came out this year and the songs have gone beyond my expectations.  The entire album is lovely, but if I was forced to choose my top 3 recommended songs off the album to groove to while getting my  Coachella day 1 outfit ready it would be as follows: 1). 'Bowery' (heart melts) 2. 'Heavy Feet' (so upbeat) 3. 'Breakers' (turn it UP).

But seriously, that was probably one the hardest decisions I've ever had to make because EVERY song on that album is worthy of praise. Check them out! And they will be performing on Friday April 12 at the music festival. 

The Local Native

You are going to want fringe detailing as you sway back and forth to the sounds of these songs...feathers, wide leg pants, vests, and headbands will also do the trick.  This outfit is going to have that indie, rock vibe fusing together with these pieces.  I got a lot of inspiration for these look from Arnhem Clothing (the pictures below are items currently available for purchase on their website).  Some of their pieces are somewhat pricey so I personally have been 'Chella outfit shopping for a couple months now, just looking here and there, and have found some key pieces at local vintage stores that are equally as amazing as some of the Arnhem clothing items.

The Kamisha Kimono Moon Dance $136

Your wide leg pants, and note the feather necklace...

The Stormy Weather Pant $45

This next top makes me think of the Indian princess, Tiger Lilly from Peter Pan (a local native of Never Land) but this top would be awesome paired with a wide leg white pant.  Actually, it makes me remember these AWESOME white wide leg pants I had seen at Planet Blue in Santa Monica, CA (note to self)...

Lilly long sleeve top $39

"The ones that got away", I should have bought these pants when I had the chance. I believe these are sold out, but just an idea of what to pair with the above top.

The Alexis Sanne Wide Leg Pant 

The "Bundle Up" Piece: The  "Local" Native American Way

 From Planet Blue, http://shopplanetblue.com/jimi-jacket

Here's your fringe! Wear this Friday night after you hear Local Natives perform...even though their performance will probably be heat enough. 

Novella Royale Jimmy Jacket $1,200

Our Belle of the Ball's day 2 outfit is inspired by Anthony Kiedis and his 'Scar Tissue' (really, but not.), and his band Red Hot Chili Peppers.  This band formed in Los Angeles 1983, so we got ourselves a throwback band still exuding those psychedelic rock vibes 30 years later.  Applause to Anthony, "Flea", Chad Smith, and Josh for securing those seven Grammy's and selling over 65 million records worldwide.  You know you can consider yourselves one of the greats when you can compile a 'Greatest Hits' album.  RHCP will be performing Sunday night, April 14, and I'm just saying there's too many songs to name that I'm anticipating hearing, but some are pictured below...along with 'Californication' and 'Don't Forget Me'.

The Red Hot Chili Pepper

Get ready girls, this is where we get to rock out, and wild out with our outfit choices.  This band is making me want to go to a local Goodwill, buy some old school $7 Levi jeans, take a cheese grater to them and shred! Rip up those jeans, cut them into high waisted shorts, glue some studs onto them, and if you're feeling really ambitious grab a bottle of Rit from Michaels Arts & Crafts and dye that denim away! Once you have your shorts, get a cropped band tee, or cute graphic tank and you're golden, outfit #2 set.
When I think of rocker chic pieces, Nasty Gal comes to mind...and these items come from this site and are currently available for purchase.

I couldn't help but think of the 'Suck My Kiss' song title when I saw this sweater, which was appropriate since it is a Red Hot Chili Pepper song. 
MakeOut Sequin Knit $178

 

Proud Riders Muscle Tee $48 [oh, and hey! There's those amazingly self-made high waisted shorts ;) ]

Okay, and as you chill waiting under the stars in high hopes for those Chili Peps to come on stage, your "Bundle Up" Piece needs to make a statement...

The Boneyard Moto Jacket $200

ROCK ON! 

Our Belle of the Ball's third outfit is inspired by the new to the music scene, brother/sister indie rock duo, Wild Belle.  I feel like Coachella will be their big debut, and they already have cred. in my book with their feel good, reggae sounding single 'Keep You'.  Their album drops tomorrow, March 12, Isles and if it's anything like the few songs they've already leaked, then we are in for a treat Sunday April 14th, where they'll be jamming onstage midday.

The Wild Belle

Just look to frontwoman, vocalist Natalie Bergman for your day 3 outfit idea.  She has a hippie feel when looking at her pics, and we're in luck because the hippie, bohemian trends have not gone far.  The long, maxi dresses, airy fabrics, and floral, floral, & floral patterns are still IN this spring '13 season.  I immediately typed in http://www.wildfoxcouture.com/, (where the first three items pictured below are from and available for purchase) because if you're wanting FUN, easy-breezy pieces, that's your go-to website.  

Hippies wake up, and throw on easy to wear garments.  No thought,  just go with the flow clothing pieces.  So this dress from Wildfox is perfect.  Don't even brush your hair, just tousle those natural, wavy locks.  It is day 3 of heart pumping music after all, we're getting delirious.  If the thought of just tousling your hair scares you, just put a hat on it girl (a fedora or Panama Style Hat to be exact)...

 Canyon Child Cassidy Dress $88

Maxi dress + floral= Wild Belle
Valley Rose 90's Valley Girl Maxi Dress $178

Hippies boast peace &love...so why not yin & yang. (Yin and Yang-Wiki)

                                                                                      Cherokee Yin Yang tee $78

This is from the WildFox lookbook, and another fun idea for a hair accessory for the Wild Belle.

Flower Power: 
Here's a comfortable, poncho style idea for the Wild Belle's "Bundle Up" Peace"...I mean, Piece from Wildfox Couture.

So there you go. Three days.  Three outfits. MANY talented artists whose voices will be resonating through the desert.  Let your voice and individuality shine through in your choice of what to wear.  beYOUtiful.  Feel the energy. Feel the love. Feel the music. 

-Alysha M