ADVENTURE #2: BYRON BAY FOR SITG

In a stunning turn of events... I'm making a blog post? What is this? Who am I? Is this real life?

Yeah... it's been a while. Sorry about that. But never fear! I'm back, procrastinating doing my homework as usual, and for this reason I have decided to fill you all in on my latest adventure. On  July 22, I awoke at an ungodly hour which shall not be repeated, and along with my mama, her bestest pal and two of my favourite ladies, piled in LJ's Mercedes Vito kidnap van, and embarked on our 18 hour road trip to our new home for the next few days - a beautiful, spacious house in little old Mullumbimby in Northern NSW. (Hometown of Iggy Azalea, just in case you were wondering. You weren't.) Of course, I didn't even make it to Byron before making my first purchase for the weekend - Bangalow, you were pretty, and the shemademe crochet bikinis I picked up were even prettier. 

Here's a paddock and one of many rainbows we spotted along the way while it absolutely pissed down rain.

Feeling completely and utterly knackered, we ordered some takeaway Chinese and it was straight to bed for all us festival goers. It never fails to amaze me how tiring it is to sit in a car and stare out a window all day.

Friday morning was an excited blur of cereal eating, outfit coordinating and terrible eyeliner application, before heading into the heart of beautiful Byron for some lunch and pre-Splendour shopping. While waiting in line for an ATM, we spotted Raph Dixon of One Day/Jackie Onassis/The Meeting Tree roaming the streets, which was kind of a big reminder - we are actually here. We are going to Splendour in the Grass Today! (Cue excited dancing.)

A vegetarian's heaven: haloumi burger, fries and fresh watermelon juice with my favourite ladies.

Before long, it was time to head home, and put on our festival gear and gumboots before catching the bus up to the North Byron Parklands. Within minutes of arriving at the venue, it became apparent that this was going to be one very muddy, memorable weekend. Highlight of the day was definitely Peking Duk - they never fail to impress me with their incredible live set, filled with special guest appearances from Safia, Harts and Thundamentals, to name a few. While we partied in the Mixup Tent with those legends, the rain started back up again, which meant the walk back to the bus stop afterwards was ankle deep in mud. RIP my yellow socks. 

DAY 1: SAN CISCO, TKAY MAIDZA, GRIMEZ, PORTER ROBINSON, PEKING DUK

OUTFIT DETAILS: may the label t-shirt dress / vintage levi's jacket via grandma funk / ray bans / status anxiety bag / doc martens / cotton on socks

The next morning was a groggy affair. When I woke up at around 11:30, it became very clear that I wouldn't be making it to Circa Waves' set at 12:15. Instead, we decided to laze around and watch Workaholics before heading back for round two, beginning with Safia - who were amazing! We spent all day partying, making new friends (I met my "husband of four years" at Mickey Kojak, and I didn't even get his number), and of course, getting muddier than ever. Biggest regret of the day was not saying hello to the queen herself, Mimi Elashiry when she walked right past us (!!!). Day two awards for best sets go to Purity Ring and Flight Facilities! (Side note: to the boy who decided to attack my face with his mouth in FF, that is not how you are supposed to do it.)

DAY TWO: SAFIA, MICKEY KOJAK, YOUNG FRANCO, PURITY RING, AZEALIA BANKS, FLIGHT FACILITIES

OUTFIT DETAILS: vintage overalls via grandma funk / skin and threads top / cotton on hat / doc martens

The end was nearly here. It was a bittersweet feeling; as tired as we were, I felt like I could party this hard every day for as long as I lived. Splendour, you were amazing, and you definitely saved the best for last! It was muddy, hot, sweaty, crazy and the most fun I've had in a very long time. Alison Wonderland was absolutely killer (I've never been that hot in my life) and Carmada was 100% the perfect way to finish up the best weekend in history. All 30,000 of you legends partied like there was no tomorrow and it was the best first Splendour experience I could've ever hoped for. 

DAY 3: SET MO, ALPINE, JAMIE T, JOYRIDE, ALISON WONDERLAND, CARMADA

OUTFIT DETAILS: princess polly top / rollas shorts / status anxiety bag / cotton on hat / doc martens

And that was it! Another two seemingly endless days of driving and we were home, and still as I sit here now, all I want to do is go back and relive it all again. There's always next year, right?

Thanks so much to my mom, LJ and my lovely little friends for partying with me, and special mention to Jorja for being our own personal walking disco ball on the last day. We lived off twisted chips, soft pretzels and Dutch pancakes for three days and avoided those portaloos like the plague (I didn't pee the whole festival!), and it was the most wonderful weekend I could've ever imagined. It's going to be hard going back to school this week. Someone send help. 

Until next time!

MY TOP 3: FESTIVAL INSPIRATIONS

Yes, it's summer here in Australia, and everyone knows that means festival season has begun! Music festivals and concerts are my favourite things - the vibe is awesome, everyone is there for the music and the fashion is out of control. I find music festivals to be the number one place to express yourself style-wise without any fear of being judged or scrutinized, because music is all about self expression - this should be reflected in your outfit! One of the most important parts of going to a festival or concert for me is picking out an outfit that suits the vibe and style of the event and I take a lot of inspiration from pictures of girls (and guys!) at other festivals like Coachella or Splendour In The Grass (which I will be attending for the first time this year - eeeep!). Here are my top three festival fashion icons. 

3. THE JENNER SISTERS (WITH A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY SELENA GOMEZ)

The mini-Kardashians, Kendall and Kylie, always score a perfect 10 in terms of fashion, but come festival season they really go crazy and experiment fashion-wise. And it usually rocks. Two reasons they weren't higher on my list: Kendall's huge nose ring last year really didn't do anything for me. Oh, and Kylie, lose the fanny pack. Just because it's studded, doesn't mean it's acceptable.

2. VANESSA HUDGENS (SURPRISE, SURPRISE)

Aren't I predictable? Vanessa never fails to amaze with her colourful boho Coachella outfits, and her boyfriend never fails to make me swoon with his face. You go girl. Every year her outfits get more creative and amazing, and she has worked her way up the ranks to nab the title of Worldwide Festival Queen in most peoples' books. I can't wait to see what she wears come Coachella 2015! Also, can we talk about the lineup?! Free tickets would be much appreciated.

1. MIMI ELASHIRY

My favourite Aussie beach babe takes the cake in terms of festivals. Her colourful, edgy outfits always stand out in a crowd (or mosh) and to pull off the things she does is incredible. She epitomises the cool, effortless festival hippy in my eyes and I look forward to seeing all her festival getups in 2015. Bring on festival season!

SPECIAL MENTION: BEHATI PRINSLOO

My ultimate lady crush can't go without an encouragement award here. Effortlessly cool and edgy, always. Rock that wig, Bee. 

Hope you all enjoyed and came up with some cool ideas for festival fashions this year. Bring on 2015 and all the cool events that come with it. See you soon, Groovin' The Moo!