secondhand rose: Music Festivals

Here's a bit of a bucket list / set of goals that I hope to accomplish by the time September rolls around. I have a lot planned for this summer and I'm hoping to make the most out of it. Although summer isn't typically my favourite time of year this past winter was mostly spent in hibernation due to the extreme cold so I can't wait to soak up a bit of sunshine and warmth.

1) Road trip to Atlantic Canada with my brother and live out my lifelong dream of visiting Newfoundland and Labrador.

2) Go to as many concerts and festivals as possible. So far I have tickets to: Drake, Shania Twain, Bluesfest (to see Kanye West!!!!!) and Riot Fest in September.

3) Go on a haunted walk of Kingston with Aurelia and stay at a haunted bed and breakfast.

4) Get at least one new tattoo.

5) Spend a lot of time exploring different parts of Ottawa that I'm not too familiar with.

6) Visit museums! Upper Canada Village, the Diefenbunker, the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, ect ect ect. I live in the nation's capital so there are museums everywhere.

7) Try out as many different and new restaurants in Ottawa as humanly possible.

8) Dye (at least part of) my hair teal.

9) Take as many photos as I can and bring my dSLR virtually everywhere with me. I'm really hoping to get back into photography.

10) This may sound like a small one but I'm going to try to spend more time outdoors. I'm definitely an indoor person; I typically can't stand how humid it gets here and I have a huge fear of bugs. I really can't remember the last time I had so much as a bit of a tan and that's a bit ridiculous!! Being outdoors includes: drinking on patios, hanging out on balconies and screened in porches. Baby steps, people!!

What are your plans for this summer?

* Photo and edit were done by me.

So, what to wear (and what not to wear) at outdoor concerts / music festivals.
I've seen so many blog posts and magazine articles about this sort of thing floating around lately and I just want to put my spin on all of this.
s
To be quite honest with you, the majority of what I've seen on this has annoyed the hell out of me. It seems as though the people writing them have never been to a music festival in their life. I'm kind of a veteran at these things, I've been to outdoor concerts ranging from jazz festivals to punk shows and just about everything in between. The best advice that I can give to you is that you HAVE to be comfortable. If you're not comfortable you're going to be miserable during the entire experience, I can promise you this.
s
Footwear is probably the most important. It all depends on the venue, but I can guarantee that if you go to a high energy concert or a couple days long festival your shoes will be dirty, disgusting and probably ruined. I would wear something like a Van or a Dr. Martens in this scenario, or even a rainboot, depending on the weather. I've seen people, I kid you not, wear five inch heels, in a park that was covered in both rock and mud. Since your shoes will probably be destroyed by the end of the weekend I'd go for comfort over fashion.
s
For clothing I'd recommend something you can easily dance in. Shorts, midi skirts, jeans, tank tops, t shirts, ect... I've been obsessed with the maxi trend right now but I probably wouldn't wear a maxi skirt or dress to an outdoor concert since the bottom can get ruined or stepped on. Layers are also great for all-day events so if you're too hot in the afternoon you can peel back a couple of layers, but it'll probably get chillier as the night goes on so you can throw a layer or two back on.
s
Bags/purses are very very important as well. This is something that is usually overlooked. There is nothing in this world that is more annoying than when you're trying to dance to your favourite band and the girl beside you has this ridiculously huge shoulder bag that keeps smacking you in the shoulder. Just don't bring shoulder bags. Small cross-body bags or satchels are great, they stay out of everybody's way for the most part and they keep your hands free. If you plan on bringing a lot of things (ex. camera equipment, sunscreen, towels, ect) a backpack is the way to go. I know backpacks can be kind of frumpy and well... ugly, but there are tons of great styles and patterns out this summer! Spring and Aldo both have amazing selections in stores now.
s
I hope this post was helpful! I've posted a few clothing / bag / shoes ideas for inspiration. Hope you're all having amazing summers and that whichever concerts or festivals you're attending live up to your expectations! I'm currently counting down the days to Osheaga. (A 3 day music festival in Montreal)