Coachella Baby
Let's talk chella. For the first time this year (in all my time living in Cali) I got to experience first hand the crazy & bewildering ride a Coachella weekend. For all of you have been, you can probably tell your share of stories. Though most importantly every first timer takes away a few lessons learned.
First let me tell you about Coachella 2016, the lineup, the food, the experience. Amongst the artists that attended this years' Coachella were: Ellie Goulding, Calvin Harris, Disclosure, LCD Soundsystem, Zedd, Jack ü, Flume, Sia, Major Lazer, etc...you know how long those lists can get.
One of my favorites was Disclosure, they put on an amazing show and utilized the outside stage amazingly well. It made me appreciate them and their music so much more.
Sia gave a memorable performance because her show was like watching a remake of her music videos live. There were props, dancers and costumes and truly a worth it show.
Though if I had to pick my favorite, hands down it went to Ellie Goulding. I loved the set she put together, she made the stage her own and definitely brought her A game and passion to the show.
Amongst all the artists that one can see in Coachella, everyone is also curious as to what they will put as the "art" and theme features of that year's festival. 2016 had the famous "Besame Mucho" flower letters that were the theme picture for every attendee.
Other decorations and art pieces in this year's festival included giant yellow chairs that took over the main area of the desert as the ultimate shade spot. There were light up cubes, giant lamps and a circular mirror area that every person experimented to get their perfect reflection shot.
I personally spent some in between concert time getting different angles and shots of the cool mirror area, thanks to my cousin had enough patience to put up with my blogger requests.
Here's some tips, recs, suggestions if you will, for any free souls taking on Coachella.
First and most important, you must remember where it is you're going...the desert...that entails some heavy duty preparing.
1) Pack sunblock & a hat...it's no joke...shade is practically inexistent.
2) Shoes -- that are fashionable for your desert vibes outfit -- but also bearable for walking about 8-10 miles a day. (just so you get an idea the parking lot is about a 1-2 mile walk)
3) Bandana is a must...dusk falls and with that comes the dust and you will not like the feeling of a throat filled with dust at the end of the day.
I have to say the thing I was least prepared for was the dust, it's not just you coming back to your hotel, house or tent and wanting to shower away the dirt. Your shoes will have an inch layer of dust, your throat will be begging for a cleanse from how much you swallowed and not to mention how much gets in your eyes. Biggest help is definitely the handy bandanas...they're not just part of the outfit.
4) Food: there is food everywhere with all sorts of variety. Bring as much cash as you can because many still don't accept cards or apple pay, and it's not exactly cheap...
5) Alcohol: there are designated drinking areas...so it's not exactly the rave with gaga and beer in hand environment. You have to stay within the designated area with your drink until you finish...also 21+ is very much enforced...so if your group is a tad split on age be prepared to say adieu for a while
When it came to a little pick me up I turned to iced coffee. With that heat and the exhaustion that you begin to feel "Blue Bottle Coffee" came to save the day. You definitely have to stay hydrated, but once in a while you will notice it's also a caffeine boost that you need to keep dancing the day away.
6) Portable charger: super important when you think about how important your phone is for not only communicating with everyone you came with...but also because social media is the center of Coachella.
7) Speaking of phone's and battery, although the Coachella app keeps a great schedule for all the concerts you saved to your wish list sometimes its better to keep a written list of what you want to see that day. Otherwise definitely say goodbye to your battery.
Romper: American Eagle | Booties: Carlos Santana | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Belt: Vintage from mom's closet
Shorts: Hollister | Crop Top: Nordstrom (BP) | Lace Cover Up: Vintage Boutique | Sneakers: Converse
Shorts: Hollister | Crop Top: Free People | Booties: Carlos Santana | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
8) Fashion: now...I have to admit my closet is not filled with Coachella themed outfits. I had to borrow a few things here and there to complete the outfits. Ultimately it is very desert vibes, rompers, crop tops, shorts for the heat, etc. Think Free People, Urban Outfitters, Brandy Melville, Forever 21, even Hollister as your best friends.
Some specific pointers for the outfits;
-You have to be comfortable: you will be wearing this all day and in the middle of a field.
-Shoes: I wore booties and converse, because if you try to get too fashionable in the shoe area chances are you will be suffering.
-Jacket/Sweater: This is probably my most important tip. Take advantage of the lockers and pack a jacket. It may sound weird because it's 100ºF in the daytime but desert heats come with desert winds...you will regret not having a cover up and paying $40 bucks for whatever is there.
9) If you have a good spot on one of the stages and you are waiting to see another artist there...don't move. Once people start settling there is no moving them.
10) The last tip is to always catch the sunsets. They are all different and unique and you will not regret standing where the view is clear enough to appreciate this gorgeous place.
This pretty much sums up my chella experience and I hope I have the chance to be back soon. Ultimately it was amazing and the ups and downs are definitely worth it in the end. Bring all your energy and let Coachella show you it's magic.
Till next time,
