BUNBURRRYYYY (this is how I always say it). Okay, so it's not Coachella...it's BETTER! Why? Because it's right in the backyards of Cinci, along Yeatmans Cove and the Serpentine Wall. Despite the river being a questionable color, it makes a beautiful backdrop. If you have time check out the gorgeous greens and plants past the Purple People Bridge, it's worth the after-concert stroll. The photos above are all taken "on location" too!
The fashion last year was practical over all out FEST gear. But, you will see the hoopers, the various vendors and the occasional decked out concert goers. It's an effortless, ready to jam look. Unlike the super boho, mixed prints patterns and accessorized look of Coachella (or the rave-d out look at Lolla), Bunbury is laid back and open to interpretation. "Bee you" :)
What to bring:
Try to limit your hands on luggage. It will be hot. You won't want to be lugging around your fringe boho bag, even if it matches your crop top. Apply the sunscreen BEFORE you go. There are no aerosol cans allowed this year! Check the weather before you pack, it will seriously help you eliminate unnecessary items.
One thing that ended up being a life saver was baby powder. Yes, baby powder. If the weather gets up to the high 80s and early 90s, you'll appreciate a little baby powder to ease the sweat (and the chaffing).
Take a look at what IS an IS NOT allowed over here. Keep up-to-date with info here. Note that you can bring a chair, but you probably won't use it.
I would always recommend getting cash out for vendors (food and drink), but also bringing along your ID and a credit card, just in case you want to bounce around The Banks later.
What to Wear:
Crop tops and high waisted shorts will probably be the most common outfit. I'm guessing there will be a lot of 90s t-shirts and printed tops--like the popular daisy print. However, I also think there will be a slew of silky tribal print, "tulip" shorts with plain tops as seen below. Swap those shorts out with some denim (high waist, naturally) and some Converse and you've got yourself the basic 2014 festival look.
It's all about trying without looking like you tried for hours to get ready. The FAIL SAFE OPTION: shorts and a flowy tank top.
Here are some other common looks. I put together a couple high waist shorts looks, but they tend to throw off my proportions so bear with me here.
The editorial outfits I chose are based on the main artists I'm excited to see--and they are also outfits I feel most comfortable in.
Friday: Empire of the Sun {One word: Production. This EDM act is going to bring costume and color to the stage.}
Saturday: Paramore + Fall Out Boy {Channel that angst-y Junior High School feeling and travel back to the days of Warped Tour}
Sunday: Flaming Lips {again a production, but I love the idea of a breezy dress that channels a more 70s psychedelic vibe to match their style}
How to Accessorize:
It's a music festival, so accessories are common. But, it's also a music festival in the middle of July in Ohio. It will be humid. Any cheap bangles and jewelry will begin to irritate your arms and leave green marks, no matter how buzzy you are. For those that don't follow the word "buzzy," I mean drunk or buzzed.
- Stacks on Stacks of bracelets. Stick to elastic bracelets or leather wraps--leave the "bling" at home.
- Headbands. Headbands and bandanas will be everywhere in every form.
- Sunglasses. Big frames, half framed, aviators, circular frames, all are welcome and are considered part of your look.
- Earrings. I love, love, love these ear cuffs. And, yes, those are Mudd brand ear cuffs--why pay a ton of money for a trendy piece that may potentially fall off?
- Midi Rings. Look for rings that stay on the upper half of your finger, above your knuckle. Think simple lines and geometric design.
Best Bets on Music:
Friday:
Panama Wedding
Cage the Elephant*Kentucky natives
J Roddy Walston and the Business
Fitz and the Tantrums
Bad Suns
MAIN ACT: EMPIRE OF THE SUN
Saturday:
Lily and Madeline
Bronze Radio Returns
New Politics
Fly Golden Eagle
Foxy Shazam*local legends
MAIN ACT(S): PARAMORE AND FALL OUT BOY
Sunday:
Brick + Mortar
The Lighthouse and The Whaler
Kopecky Family Band
ZZ Ward
Harbour*local
Motherfolk
Young Heirlooms*local
Young the Giant
MAIN ACT: FLAMING LIPS
My Ready to Jam Playlist a.k.a songs I'm obsessing over:
1. Psyche's Dagger by Fly Golden Eagle
2. Melting in My Icebox by Bronze Radio Return
3. M.O.T.R by Bronze Radio Return
4. Tonight You're Perfect by New Politics
5. Harlem by New Politics
6. 365 Days ZZ Ward
7. Put the Gun Down by ZZ Ward
8. Last Love Song by ZZ Ward
9. Bright Whites by Kishi Bashi
10. Heavy Bells by J Roddy Walston and the Business
11. Take it as it Comes by J Roddy Walston and the Business
12. Cardinal by Harbour
13. Come a Little Closer by Cage the Elephant
14. Ain't No Rest for the Wicked by Cage the Elephant
15. Take it or Leave it by Cage the Elephant
16. Spark by Fitz and the Tantrums
17. The Walker by Fitz and the Tantrums
18. I Like It by Foxy Shazam
19. Alive by Empire of the Sun
20. Angry Eyes by Kopecky Family Band
21. Cardiac Arrest by Bad Suns
22. Spirited Away by Lily and Madeline
23. Carousel by Miner
24. Okay! by Holy Ghost
25. Little Vessels by The Lighthouse and The Whaler
26. Under Mountain, Under Ground by The Lighthouse and The Whaler
27. Heatstroke by Brick + Mortar
28. All of the People by Panama Wedding