All of the festival posts, neatly compiled, with other things and a lovely sneak-peek of what's to come!

Oooooooh my goodness, have you seen how many votes were cast in this Blog of the Month?! 473. 473 of you voted, and we are now very, very proud to announce that Sarah's Scribbles is the brand-new blog of the month for May/June 2010 - congratulations Sarah!

In a couple of days' time, Rachel will launch the new BOTM competition - so get hunting out your posts to enter - and commiserations to everyone who lost - feel free to enter again!

LoveLoveLove

- A -

I have to admit that when Rachel and I came up with the theme of "Festival Style" for this month, I hardly gave any thought to my own lack of festival experience, or to how hard it might be to come up with a trillion different posts on the theme - so I think that, thus far, we've done pretty well!

But, I thought that there might still be a few bases out there left to cover - for example, what about those people who don't have the money to spare for a ticket? Or who can't be bothered to travel? Or who don't want to get muddy? Or who love their new festival-style dress so much that they want to wear it, even if they don't have an occasion to wear it for?

What about them?

And then I remembered THIS ARTICLE that I read in passing last summer - and thought now there's an idea! Because, all you really need to have a fantastic "festival experience" on the cheap this summer is an iPod, a playlist, a bunch of friends, a garden, and some good food!

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, a wifi connection and a laptop, to stream some other festivals live to your garden!

NB: if you plan on playing music loud and for extended periods, warn the neighbours... :)

So, instead of posting anything stylish today, I decided to ask BSB staff and readers what their favourite summer songs are - and together we came up with the playlist RIGHT HERE :)

Enjoy - and please, don't forget to suggest your own tracks!

LoveLoveLove

- A -

Guest post by Danni Slater

First of all, let me come clean... I’m a festival virgin. As much as I pine over television coverage of Florence rocking her socks off and perfectly undone fashionistas putting us all to shame, I have never got the opportunity (or rather, never had the guts) to don my festival frocks (my love for alliteration has turned me into an 80 year old woman apparently) and find my inner hippy. One simple factor has repelled any festivic motivation from me, and that’s camping. I’m an unashamedly clean-loving, tent-hating, camping sceptic and yet the idea of getting into the festival spirit is purely enticing. With this in mind, I’ve come up with five of the best reasons to become a festival chick and hey, maybe by the end I’ll have persuaded even myself to go next year...

1. Music

An obvious one really. I mean, what would a festival be without it other than a muddy, tent-clad field confettied with the occasional doughnut stand? Hmm... not exactly my idea of fun. Throw in some live artists though, and you’ve got yourself a party.

2. Celeb spotting

In light of my (recently proven) inability to cope with the sheer excitement of spying even the slightest celebrity, this may perhaps be only a personal favourite. Even so, everyone knows only the coolest names go to festivals, and they’re usually insanely fashionable; totally obliterating and creating fashion trends in one swift move. Admittedly though, I’d be the cool kid ready and poised with my point-and-click, trying desperately to be subtle and failing miserably. Ah well, I’d be prepared to risk my dignity for a snapshot of Alexa/Kate/Florence. Jeesh, I’m beginning to sound like a member of the paparazzi; perhaps I’m career-confused?!

3. Festival Chic

As someone who enjoys minimum input and maximum output (at least where fashion is concerned) I reckon the carefree festival style would suit me down to a tee. Let’s face it; most of us would welcome an excuse to look a little rough around the edges without the risk of facing questionable glances. Well this is our perfect opportunity. Smudged eyeliner? That’s so Alexa daahling. Fraying shorts? Jameela Jamil rocks it. Bed head? Just don the trilby and BAM...you’re a festival fashionista my friend.

4. The ever elusive wristband

We’ve all come across them before; the cool kids with twenty three festival bands wrapped around their arm, looking positively exhausted yet tanned, satisfied and exceedingly mellow. They’ve refused to take off their colour-faded, wilting bracelets because, well, they just look too darn cool. Secretly, I long to be one of those infamous festival frolickers. Sauntering on without a care in the world whilst constantly reminding myself of the rad summer I just had, maan. What’s more, I’ve got the evidence to prove it right there on my wrist. I don’t know what it is about those grimy armbands that’s captivated me; perhaps it’s that childish rascality of wanting the free gift more than the thing itself. Whatever the reason, it’s a sure conversation starter and I might just be able to wangle myself [a short, but meaningful] cool-kid status for once in my life.

5. Living free and easy

Let’s face it, we’ve all dreamt of being that girl with flowers in her hair, running bare-footed through meadows (or is that just me?) and although festivals are renowned for their muddied reputation (literally and metaphorically speaking) there’s something quite appealing about the idea of enjoying few days of outdoorsy bliss. I’m definitely not condoning camping here; I can think of nothing worse than being stuck inside what is essentially a cleverly re-assembled parachute, but the other aspects of being outdoors seem rather freeing. Seriously, you can pretty much wear anything, approach anyone, and dance in any way you see fit. Which, in my case would resemble having a fit. That opportunity to truly let go is something you just can’t get from being stuck at an indoor arena (sorry NEC, you just don’t make the cut) and it seems that the fresh air does wonders for ridding you of those constraining inhibitions. So for anyone who’s fortunate enough to be going to a festival this year, promise me just one thing. Dance like no-one’s watching; I’ll love you for it.

In New Zealand (my home country), there is a little town which is known as the Gumboot Capital of the World. Every year they play host to the inimitable and slightly mad sport of gumboot throwing. Gumboots, of course, being the Kiwi term for Wellington boots. The fact is, we do love our gumboots down there, but largely for their practicality – after all, we’re a farming country.

“Gumboots, they are wonderful, gumboots, they are swell
'coz they keep out the water and they keep in the smell.
And when you're sittin' round at home, you can always tell
When one of the Trevs has taken off his gumboots.

If it weren't for your gumboots, where would ya be?
You'd be in the hospital or infirmary
'coz you would have a dose of the 'flu, or even pleurisy
If ya didn't have yer feet in yer gumboots.”

~ “The Gumboot Song”, Fred Dagg (NZ Comedian)

However, it’s the British who look to Wellingtons as a fashion statement. The Duke of Wellington himself – who of course, was responsible for the whole idea - had the first pair of them made specially on St James’ street in London. (They were leather, and had tassles on them.) In the 1800s the aristocracy wore Wellington boots as they tromped around their country homes and cobbled streets of London. Then later, the arrival of rubber Wellingtons transformed the lives of farmers, soldiers....
And, much later in life, British festival-goers.

How can you go to a UK festival WITHOUT wellies? This is Britain, dahling, not California, and the chances of rain are stupidly high even in summer. There’s nothing worse than being caught out in a field in a sudden downpour with your favourite trainers or sandals on. (Don’t wear sandals to a festival. Please).

Whatever the weather, Lily Allen knows what to wear on her feet.

It’s not only the weather you have to worry about either. Because people at festivals are a bit grubby. Getting into the hippy spirit – or the rock n’ roll spirit for that matter, they’re both a bit grungy – means people leave their general fear of dirt at the door. Men like to pee wherever they feel like it (certainly two Glastonburys have taught me that). Drinks are spilt, food is thrown – once I even witnessed a (friendly) mud fight. You want to be able to join in the festivities without fear of ruining your shoes. If you’re in the middle of a tight-packed crowd, it won’t matter if your wellies get trod on or spilled on, and you can enter a festival toilet without fear!

Undeniably, Wellingtons are your fail-safe footwear for the festival season. They go with everything - wear them with shorts, dresses, leggings, trousers, jumpsuits, playsuits, tights... the list is endless. Guys, this goes for you too. (Have seen men at festivals wearing some items from the previous list. It's a free world). Wellies protect you from all weather, all mess, all grime. They’re comfortable, and sturdy, and leave you free to tromp around all terrain without a second thought.

Given their rise in popularity, Wellingtons now come in an endless variety of colours and patterns –

Floral wellies by Cath Kidston

Polka-dot wellies by Tayberry

Faux-snakeskin wellies by Hunter

Spring-floral wellies by Joules

I must say that personally, my favourites are the classic, plain rubber ones. Plain Wellingtons go with anything, and often they’re made from a softer rubber than the brightly patterned ones you see, which are often made from slightly harder material. My own Wellington boots are khaki green boots from Storm Wells, in a soft rubber which have seen me through all sorts of weather, and many festivals.

My wellies at Glastonbury 2007

And again (with a friend) at Glastonbury 2008

If you really want to invest in a great pair, then Hunters are the Louboutin of the wellington world – they’re of such good quality that even the Queen wears them (and Hunter are the official supplier to the Royal Family). Of course, no one can deny that Hunters have become even more popular by the annual emergence of Kate Moss. Every year the fash-packs wait excitedly to see what her latest outfit of shabby-chic festival perfection will be... but year in, year out, you can always count on her wearing her Hunter wellies:

So if you haven't already invested in a pair of Wellington boots, then hop to it! The Queen wears them when she's walking the dogs, and Kate Moss can still look like she's on a runway while wearing them on the festival circuit, so there is no excuse. They will be a staple in your cupboard for years to come. Practical, cool, a symbol of festival life, and - as Fred Dagg can attest - they might even save you from hideous illness. (Seriously, you'll want 'em in those festival toilets).

TIPS FOR WELLIES:
1) Always wear knee-high socks, or leggings, to avoid Welly-burn. Chaffing is not fun for anyone.
2) Don’t wear cheap plasticky wellies to a festival, or at least not unless you’ve worn them in first. They can become uncomfortable.
3) Don’t be afraid to accessorize! You can even get boot bags which strap on to your wellies to hold your coins. Genius.

Me and my blessed wellies, Glastonbury 2007!

Natasha's Column

Firstly – thank you to Rachel who is posting this on my behalf. When you read this I shall be somewhere very hot and very sunny and with no internet access so Rachel is kindly posting for me :)

I have a confession to make. I don’t really do camping, not usually anyway. But for the camping phobic amongst us, the best of the festivals have all kinds of solutions to this dilemma. Let me present to you the fashionably fabulous guide to festivals!

The big one in the festival calendar – Glastonbury has a huge range of tent alternatives. For the green and clean option, there is MyHab which is kind of like a tent but altogether nicer. It comes complete with lockable box and comfy double bed, plus as it is raised off the ground you aren’t going to find yourself floating across the field if the weather turns nasty. If you are after something more luxurious, then take a look at the Yurts. Again technically, it is still camping – complete with the whole shared toilets and showers but you get complimentary champagne! With double beds, throws, rugs, lanterns and fairy lights you can cosy up post partying and relax ready for the next day. I think this looks like the prettiest non camping option! These are also available at a few other festivals so check yours to see.

Resembling something like a playhouse are the Podpads, which are making an appearance at loads of festivals this year, including Bestival, Leeds and Creamfields. Podpads are designed to stand up to the worst of British weather. Whilst these are something different to camping, it’s not quite the ultimate in festival luxury. They look kind of fun but essentially it is just a playhouse with beds in it.

If you head to Wakestock, for the ultimate in boutique hotel meets festival experience you can get “The Kabin”. No, we’re not talking Coronation Street’s cafe. This option gives you flat screen tv, download movies, fridge and underfloor heating. This is great for glamorous rock goddesses who want the ultimate festival experience. The VIP package also gives festival goers better toilet and shower facilities and VIP lounge, plus a goody bag. Sounds perfect!

So there you have it. Festivals don’t necessarily mean wrestling with a tent or trying to find a pitch that doesn’t resemble a mud bath. That said the VIP festival experience doesn’t come cheap either but if it means clean hot showers and cosy beds, maybe it is actually worth it?

Guest post by Annie Owen

Where does one start? Let me give you some figures...there are said to be over 500 UK festivals and approximately 3 million of us who will go to a festival, and I have been to a grand total of...one. So I’m no festival pro, I can’t tell you the ins and outs, the best camping spots or where the hidden toilets are that always have loo roll in! Instead I’m going to talk about why I think everyone should go to at least one festival in their lifetime and why I don’t really see the need for all the hype about having the ‘perfect festival wardrobe.’

It is true that festivals aren’t for everyone; many of us do appreciate being able to have a shower everyday and not having to share a toilet with possibly 1000 other people! However it is a truly great experience.

Firstly, for many, festivals involve something most people love... a road trip! Getting a few excited individuals cramped into one small space is enough to make anyone get a bit hyper. You find yourself taking photos of the most obscure things. For example, taking photos of random road signs to show the progress of your journey, the poor soul who broke down and is now sat on the side of the motorway, or simply the levels of alcohol you’ve managed to stuff into your car and still get it to drive off. On route to the festival you no longer seem to worry about traffic jams, as you start to realise that everyone in the surrounding cars are probably going to the same place as you. So naturally, you start to check out the others in the cars to suss out any hotties attending the festival.

As soon as the car is parked, whoever was driving grabs a can of whatever is going as quickly as possible to make up for lost time, and then that’s it, you’ve arrived.

The level of excitement in the air is huge and everyone is in a major party spirit, sure alcohol may have some association with this, but generally the mood will be positive. And I think, put simply, the sheer mass of people in one space all fired up to stand in a field is what impresses me.

It’s not glamorous and it’s not exclusive but it is something that so many people now want to be a part of. So there are VIP sections and ‘pay as you go’ posh showers, but, honestly how many people use those? I think it is really quite interesting how so many magazines and websites devote so much time in telling you how to ‘stay looking good’ at a festival when it is the one time that people really don’t care! If you smell, or you have mud all over your face, people really won’t look at you disapprovingly, in fact they may respect you more!

There are always the select few, not just the celebs... that manage to look stunning all the time, but generally this is the time when we as humans can go back to a primitive roots and get our hands dirty and not worry about it.

You may feel rough as hell by the end of it but you’ll know it was worth it! So to all of you going to festivals this year, don’t spend hours working out what outfits to wear and spend hundreds of pounds on new clothes (that quite possibly will get ruined) look at what you’ve already got, mix and match, make sure you’ve got something warm and cosy for the chilly nights and you’re away! The only thing I would advise you invest in if you don’t already have some, is wellys!

Taken from ‘Grazia’ – Must have festival footwear, personally couldn’t think of anything worse to wear on my feet to walk into a portaloo! Definitely a good bit of PR work here! Practical level...0.

Source: flickr

I have only had one experience of a festival and I am ashamed to say that I lasted a total of 24 hours. Lame. I know. But I think my lack of staying power was solely down to a lack of adequate preparation.

To start, our tent was wholly inadequate. A two-man tent for two people is just not enough. Not in the wet Brecon Beacons in the heart of rainy Wales. If we’d maybe been going to Benicassim in Spain, then a tiny tent for crashing in would have been fine. For any festival in the UK I would strongly recommend getting a tent intended for at least one extra than will be using it, if not two. If we were to go again, I would definitely get one of those four-man tents with separate sleeping area and eating area, thereby giving a lot of extra room for sitting when the rain comes. And somewhere to get dressed!

Next up. Wellington boots are a must. I did take a pair of these last time, in case you were wondering! I would, however, recommend taking a few pairs of knee high socks to team with the boots as they tend to rub a little around the top if wearing them without trousers tucked in.

Baby wipes. I quickly realised that these were absolutely essential to keeping any sort of hygiene regime and that one pack simply was not enough. Bring many many packs!

Do not over pack. So easily done but seriously, how often do you actually think you’ll be changing in a cramped and dirty tent? Certainly not more than once a day. If I was to go again I would take one pair of denim shorts, one t-shirt for each day, one pair of underwear for each day, one pair of leggings and one hoodie. Done.

A camping stove and kettle are a good idea. If you also remember tea or coffee and milk. I’d also recommend taking some snacks as it can get expensive eating from the stalls all of the time and sometimes you just need something small to tide you over.

A rucksack or satchel will carry your life with you. I’d say get a waterproof one as you don’t want the contents soaked.

On the note of carrying your life around, don’t take anything valuable to a festival. Ipod? Who needs more music? Jewellery? That’s what Primark is for!! Credit cards? Where do you think you’ll be using them? If it’s worth anything, leave it at home. Even consider taking your old mobile instead of your fancy new (and expensive) iPhone!

I asked some fellow fashion bloggers what their three festival essentials would be.

Leia, from HiFashion, says: Wellies, dry shampoo, and an umbrella!

While Harriet, from Where Is Harriet? says: I'd say a snuggly cardigan for cold nights, a cute head scarf for hiding your unwashed hair, and liquid eyeliner to add a bit of glam!

As for me? My three essentials would be: Baby wipes, some fabulous cheap costume jewellery and bright bright eye make up!

If any of you are off to any of the festivals this summer, be sure to have a fabulous time!

We're sorry, but the invitation extends to members only - please provide your URL in your RSVP :)

Lots of Love,

- BSB xo

Festivals, huh?

I don't have much festival experience, to be honest, because I find the idea of being trapped in a compound with a bunch of drunk people in wellingtons pissing up the walls leaves a little to be desired. And it's not like you need me to tell you how to dress, right? Even if you haven't seen any of the 'festival style' article every newspaper or magazine prints around the end of May every year, your average basic advice is: dress up like Noel Fielding. And leave your bra straps visible if you have them.

So my personal perspective on festivals come from the one time I went to V with a couple of friends in.. year ten? Here is what happened:

1. I threw up (in the car) after eating a nectarine, which made my vomit a sort of neon orange colour
2. At one point, a pair of knickers fell out of my bag. We were watching Athlete; I found myself slightly interested in how not-embarrassed I was.
3. This:
   
   When in doubt? Front!
   Maybe I'm sheltered? Yeah, I'm not ashamed. But I swear, I'm not making it up about the hat
4. ..And I saw Elvis Costello play. That was neat.

This year my only pangs are in the direction of Reading - my sister's going, and Gogol Bordello are playing, and that makes me want to choke a little bit I guess. Oh well! Trade-off's fine.

But that's me. And you're you! And presumably, you're considering - or definitely - off to the fields for a bit of fest this (or a future) summer. So let's think about what you need, and how to make it look better.

Thesite.org's tips on festival camping safety says "Keep your stuff to yourself:
Carry your cash, cards etc. with you at all times and never leave anything valuable in your tent. When you're asleep you might want to split your cash between two different secret spots - just in case one gets broken into.
I'm not going to say "bum-bags". Because those are pretty gross, most of the time. I am going to say "pouchbelts".

I use one whenever I go out because it makes me feel like a badass and keeps my hands free - which are the kinds of things that are useful, in super-social three day weekends. Look at these, all on etsy; these are flippin' rad. Click'em to check prices!

You can also hook your brolly on your belt if you take a curve-handled one.

Go forth and festify, citizen readers!