Category Archives: travel toolbox

travel toolbox – pitchfork music festival

1. Le Tour Classic – Schwinn, $869; 2. BDG Raw-Edge Corduroy Short – Urban Outfitters, $39; Eyelet Crop-Top – Pitaya, $29; 3. Seaport Vegan Classic – TOMS Shoes, $54; 4. Barnoculars Binocular Flask, $19.99; 5. Ear Plugs, $2.99; 6. Neka Turquoise and Brass Clutch – Free People, $468; 7. tUnE-yArDs and Fleet Foxes Albums – Reckless Records, $12.99; 8. Vintage-Frame Crazy-Print Sunglasses – Pitaya, $10; Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $32; Burt’s Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8, $4

Pitchfork Music Festival Prep
Pitchfork Music Festival is finally here! Don’t forget to pack these essentials as you head to Union Park this weekend.

1. Bring your bike to Pitchfork! Sponsored by the Chicago Reader, the Bike Lane provides 9,500 square feet of secure bike parking at the Corner of Ashland and Warren.

2. Rompers seem like great fest apparel, but bopping around in a one-piece is only fun and games until you’re four beers deep and face the prospect of undressing in a porta-potty (take it from the girl who flashed all of Comfest last month). I recommend the ever utilitarian denim short and a breezy crop top for full days of outdoor festing.

3. One of the advantages of Pitchfork is its manageable size, so you can run around Union Park in a festive wedge more easily than say, at the behemoth Lollapalooza. If you do plan on seeing every set, however, I vote for TOMS – comfortable, cute, and eco-conscious.

4. DO bring sealed bottles of water. Hydration is key if you plan on partying under the sun all weekend. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, however this extra special set of binoculars would probably go unnoticed – just sayin’.

5. My mom swears she ruined her hearing by standing too close to concert speakers all her life, and I will likely follow suit. Keep your ears in good shape for many fest seasons to come with inexpensive ear plugs.

6. / 7. Come to Pitchfork with cash. You’ll want to avoid ATM fees while browsing CHIRP record tent, Flatstock poster show, and Coterie handmade artisan crafts and grabbing some cover from the sun.

8. Speaking of the sun, don’t risk an entire pink and peeling weekend for a few rays. Try a sun block or moisturizer with SPF to get your glow.

Headdresses and hair feathers were trending at Pitchfork 2010.
What’s your vote for this year’s fest accessory?

Travel Toolbox – Winter Wandering in NYC

1. New York Stories – Strand Bookstore, $11.95; 2. Revlon Kiss Me Coral Lipstick – Drugstore.com, $7.99; 3. Statement Tough Chain Bracelet – The Limited; 4. Knit Beret – NYC Street Vendor, $10; 5. Green Floral Blouse – H&M; 6. Vintage French Coin Medallion – Gift; 7. Time Out Shortlist New York 2011 – Amazon.com, $10.36; 8. Cio Bella Thabata Two Tone Boot – DSW, $99.95; 9. Front Pleat Silk Blouse – Banana Republic

Every explorer requires a certain set of tools for their travels.  For some, this means a Bowie knife and thorough knowledge of the constellations.  For me, it’s more likely the perfect bag and thorough knowledge of affordable attractions.  I’d like to say my steamer trunks are bursting at the seams with chic labels in svelte sizes, but the truth is I packed in a New York minute throwing in everything at arm’s length.

For my recent trip to New York, I left behind notions of hot heels and Gossip Girl getups (after all, they have drivers!).  Cold weather wandering in the city requires sturdy boots and wooly layers, which I lightened up with airy blouses and the pop of a coral lip.  I layered on baubles and bracelets for a bit of sparkle under all that bundling.  When in absolute need of a sassier touch, I traded in dungarees for a skirt and the Swiss dot tights I’ve been going through all season (warning: they run terribly but I can’t stop buying them).  Armed with my trusty 2011 Shortlist, and of course my photo snapping and scribbling supplies, I was NYC ready.

I’ve recently been obsessed with this photo of Georgia May Jagger looking supremely chic and elevating the gap-toothed pout.  Not sure what is under that stole, but girlfriend is ready for a voguish voyage.  I’m vowing to pull off bobby sox with heels, and one day to await my town car on a throne of Louis trunks.  Until then, the MetroCard serves me just fine!

[photo credit]