Tag: Osheaga

  • Road Trip Essentials

    Road Trip Essentials

    I’m about to embark on my first road trip of the summer. We’re heading to Montreal for Osheaga, and today’s task (before I leave for work) is to pack. Packing for a road trip, particularly a festival road trip, is not an easy task. It’s important to travel lightly, after all it’s only a weekend getaway. But it’s also crucial not to forget the necessities to make it a memorable holiday. Here are my road trip essentials:

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    Music and Entertainment: We’re headed to Canada’s most talked about music festival, after all! I was sure to stock my iPod with music by all my favourite artists, Imagine Dragons, Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend, The Cure, Ellie Goulding, and the list goes on…

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    Water and snacks: Travelling by car from Toronto to Montreal, it’s important to pack some goodies to sustain us over the six-hour drive. I’m obsessed with unsalted almonds, sliced apples and cheese. Better yet, bake your own treats to share with your friends. I also always like to have a water bottle on hand, so I can sip at my convenience.

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    Appropriate clothing: I have the slightest obsession with stripes and denim. My suitcase is currently filled with dungarees, old Levi cut-offs and not one, but three striped shirts. Also, don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your hair and skin. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outside since it’s summer in Canada (and we need to make the most of it, kids!)

    Your favourite sunnies: My Karen Walker sunglasses are a must for any road trip or outing. I’m obsessed with her designs, they make a statement and you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd!

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    Limited toiletries: You’re going on a road trip, so minimalism is key. Don’t pack your entire lipstick collection and please, do not pack your hair straightener. Keep it simple, spritz some surf spray in your hair, braid your hair, wear it natural. If there’s a time to limit your makeup routine to mascara and a bit of bronzer, it is now. And don’t forget a bottle of sunscreen!

    Cash: Take out cash so you can chip in for petrol and have money on-hand in case you need to grab food or beer at the festival. It’s also a great way to budget. Take out enough for the whole weekend, and aim to only spend that amount!

    Well, there you have it! These are my road trip essentials. Please comment below to add to my list. What do you pack when you’re heading off on a weekend trip?

    Stay tuned for my Club Monaco fashion haul and Montreal/Osheaga post!

  • Gumboots, meet your match!

    Gumboots, meet your match!

    Festival season is upon us! This time of year has always been a favourite of mine. Not only am I able to wear rubber boots and traipse around with flowers in my hair, I’m spoon fed some of the best music by my favourite artists, and able to explore new artists not yet discovered. In preparation for OSHEAGA in Montreal, Quebec, I selected garments with the precision of a Ukrainian gymnast (too soon?)  I couldn’t help but peruse archives from Coachella and Glastonbury for outfit inspiration. Kate Moss really set the standard at Glastonbury, when she first donned her Hunter wellies. They are now an iconic item not only for festival goers, but also for students in rainy climates worldwide. I did see one or sixteen festival goers in Montreal sporting these covetable wellies.

    OSHEAGA featured an eclectic range of bands from The Black Keys to Aloe Blacc to Austra. My favourites were undoubtedly as follows:

    Florence and the Machine (I’ve seen her before, she continues to impress and amaze!)

    Yeasayer, they are so very entertaining to watch! The crowd was equally as energetic!

    Of Monsters and Men – why aren’t they more famous? They are wonderful!

    Austra featuring local talent from my hometown, Ryan Wonziak!

    M83, also underrated and incredible!

    Bloc Party because they know how to get a crowd amped up!

    Justice. I never thought I would enjoy them as much as I did! I was D.A.N.C.E.ing the night away. Bonus: a professional hip hop dancing set up camp next to us and her moves accentuated the music perfectly!

    Passion Pit, I couldn’t help but dance foolishly and clap my hands continuously throughout their set.

    Honourable mentions to The Black Keys, I knew they’d be wonderfully melodic and hugely popular. Their set definitely delivered, but I think I’d prefer to see them on their own in an auditorium. The Shins were also amazing. I regret not seeing MGMT and Bombay Bicycle Club, but there were simply way too many shows that conflicted. Next time!

    Here are some of my favourite festival looks, featuring celebrities and non-celebrities alike: