A Look Back On 2012 Festival Fashion

Anyone who knows me will know I’m passionate about festivals. Whether local or further a field, I’ll be their if I can.

This year I visited a handful of festivals and if expenses would have allowed it, I would have quite happily visited more.

It’s not just the music side of a festival that draws me to it, there are so many more elements that combine, make a festival worth experiencing. This year for me the Wilderness Festival in Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park was the perfect example of this and was therefore one of my summer highlights. You can read my recent Wilderness Festival review over on my other site HERE

Festivals are a great way to unwind and set yourself free from the stresses that are part of everyday life. It’s also a great way to express your inner boohoo chick.

The Wilderness Festival in particular, was a vintage catwalk this year. As I sat in front of my tent absorbing the summers rays, the path that lead from the campsite to the main festival gate acted as a runway to some pretty well dressed festival folk. I had front row tickets so enjoyed a bit of style spotting.

So, here’s a quick style roundup of what was 2012 key festival looks.

Floor Sweeping Maxi Dress: Ok, I know the maxi dress has always been a much loved festival trend but this year there were some spectacular floor sweeping Maxi dresses on the festival scene. These were easily dressed from day to night with the addition of one or two accessories. I love the Aztec Paige Mish Mash Artec Print Maxi Dress from Boohoo.com at just £20

Photo from Boohoo

Hunter Wellie’s: This year Hunter had some stylish Wellies working their way round the festival circuit… The Hunter team even had a style den at the Wilderness. We all know that Hunter Wellies don’t offer the cheapest price tag, however, as the festival season begins to slow… Now’s the time to check eBay and snap yourself up a bargain! You can find Hunter Boots online by Clicking Here

Denim Cut Off- When it came to cut offs, For many it was the shorter the better. I spotted everything from shop brought cut off, to those do it yourself types. Vintage customised pairs of Levis and Wanglers were everywhere. Yet no two pairs were the same as each customised cut off displayed its own unique stamp. I love this pastel pink pair below, just £22 from the high street store TOPSHOP

Image: TOPSHOP

Sparkly Sequinned Leggings: Bling could be seen sparkling all over the place! There were super sequinned scarves, bags, waistcoats and more. However, it was the Sequinned Legging that truly rocked it this year. I saw these worn on women, children and even men. I’m actually surprised how little of a mention the sequinned legging has received in other popular festival style guides. These were worn during the day and could be seen twinkling in the the sun rays, while at night these rocked when paired with some awesome accessories. I checked these out online and I kept being directed back to the same site “Rosa Bloom” who does the most stunning clothing and accessories. Her Leggings have been so popular this season that she’s still completely sold out on these my favourite pair.

photo Rosa Bloom

Flowers: A classic festival trend is the floral hippy chick look. Whether its a vintage floral playsuit, floor sweeping maxi, or a headdress, flowers are a key trend for the boohoo loving festival babe. It’s also a pretty look for the little ones. Girls look pretty in floral dresses, headbands and sandals, while the little boys look great in a floral shirt. Below is a picture of my daughter sporting a flower headdress.

Festival Tails: Yes… I do mean tails, cute animal tails that attach to your clothing.This wasn’t a festival trend just for the ladies, but it was most definitely one for the guys (both big and small) I really can’t decide who they looked cuter on. Even the tiniest festival goer wore a festival tail and some even matched them with ears. It took me a while to uncover an online site that dedicates itself to the selling of festival tails! Given I’m very persistent, I eventually discovered festivaltails.com I know what your thinking! With a name like that, how could it possibly be hard to find? I assure you… It really was.

image: Festival Tails

Vintage lace: Pretty lace embellishments to full lace dresses and skirts.This was a pretty girly festival look this 2012. The beautiful piece below is from the wonderful Fashion Bible

Image: Fashion Bible

Doctor Martians: The more funky the better. I loved the bright pink Docs and the super floral designs.These look fantastic with denim cut offs and leggings, but also give playsuits and short floaty dress a great funky edge.

Image: DR Martians

Palazzo trousers: Sometimes referred to the pyjama bottom, palazzo pants were a chic festival must have. One of my favourite summer styles, I’ve shamefully acquired a least 5 pairs (I swear I’ll kick the shopping addiction next week). These can be brought in various designs and patterns but one must be careful not to end up looking like they are out in PJs. Pattern Palazzo’s teamed with a simple vest top or plain tee looked best. House of Fraser currently have some plain black ones with a massive reduction attached. The pair below are currently on sale for £35 (reduced from £120).

Image: House of Fraser

Harem Pants: This year the boohoo, hippy look was easy to achieve. The cropped leg extra baggy Harem pants were everywhere! I love the look and If we were a country who experienced all year round sunshine, I do worry I may just end up living in these extremely comfortable pants. These come in all sorts of style, whether patterned or plain these baggy pants remain super sexy.These Harem pants from Bang on Trend are exactly that and for the fab prize of £6.99

Ray bands: Lots of festival goers were sporting retro style Ray bands in block bold colours or funky rare prints.Those who couldn’t bear to part with their hard earned penny’s for expensive sunnies, still sported some pretty awesome look-alike’s. I love the glasses below with their really funky print. You can grab these online from the Ray Ban online UK store

Image: Ray Ban

Woven Jewellery: Dangly earrings were a must. Statement woven designs made a big statement in a indie chic kinda way. Below are a beautiful handmade pair of woven earrings I purchased from eBay.

My eBay buy

Hats: Both Trilby and floppy sun hats were big winners on the festival scene this year! Quite a number of these were also customised with its owners unique stamp. Check out the stunning red sequin Trilby from Amazon

Image: Amazon

Parka: This festival favourite is still high up there on the festival trend list. If you haven’t got a parka don’t wear a coat at all! I love this multi tone parka from ASOS

Image: ASOS

This years key prints seemed to be Ethnic, Aztec, African tribal and Retro style prints!

Another big trend was and still is skull inspired designs. Whether this is worn as a print on a t-shirt, bag, jacket or even a key feature of an accessory, such as necklaces, bracelets or belt buckles, this funky trend looks awesome. For me the best of the best can be found over at Spoiled Brat! I’ve not long discovered this online store but already I love it! Checkout the stunning necklace and T-shirt below.

Photo: Spoiled Brat

This is not a review post and I haven’t received any payment or review items for writing this post.

A few camping essentials

This year I attended a number of festivals and enjoyed camping at the Wilderness in Oxfordshire.

It was during this trip that I tested a few essentials given to me by a lovely PR I know through twitter.

One of the items I testing was of the alcoholic type. Only the “No Glass Bottle Rule” put a spanner in the works! I wasn’t about to give up the alcohol, the security already had a table full and I’m guessing there was no plan to bin them. I’m a girl who drinks only once in a blue moon. My drink of choice is normally white wine and I certainly don’t drink beer! So, as these drinks were bottles of Chang beer you can be forgiven for wondering why I was even bothered?

My friend and fellow festival goer was looking forward to a chilled bottle of chang and the few others we had, we had planed to delight some fellow campers with a bottle. As I insisted my friend didn’t crack one open before we’d even arrived at destination Wilderness, she was now looking none to impressed at the prospect of me handing them over. With this, the decision was made… We’d plot on the grass outside and try them out before entering the campsite (after all the sun was shining and it was one hell of a beautiful day)! Well, it didn’t take long for a few festival goers to become interested in the offer of a few free bottles of beer. We sat on the grass with our new found friends (that we technically paid to endure our company) and with the exception of myself and my lemonade, everyone else enjoyed a bottle of Chang.

Chang is a beer produced in Thailand. It’s 5% in vol and available in 330ml bottles. The beer put a smile on every bodies face (with the exception of the unimpressed security) so I’m sure it was pretty good and worth a try.

It’s worth noting that Chang is a very light and refreshing beer. My friend Donna commented that in a strange way… It was a really famine beer, that could be drunk easily.

Another product we put through its paces was ‘Nakd’ a range of healthy snacks that came in the form of packed infused raisins and health food bars. These healthy treats come in some exciting flavours to delight all taste buds. Choose from flavours such as infused raisin, Crazy Cola and Tangy Lime in the raisins or a whole host of exciting flavours in the health bars.

‘Nakd‘ offer a great way to treat yourself to something sweet without the calories!

Of course I was totally up for testing something claiming to be both sweet yet calorie free. Yet, as always I was a tad suspicious of these common claims and suspected they may taste more rabbit food than anything else.

I was honestly surprised. The packaging is really vibrant and inviting, and although once opened the Health food bars reminded me of a squashed teard, they actually tasted rather yummy.

Nakd are great to take along with you to festivals or just long days out. They are handbag friendly and supply a great energy kick in a really healthy way. These gets a big thumbs up.

Last but by no means least, we have the e-cloth, an environmentally friendly cleaning brand who have recently developed their latest Barbecue Pack. It eliminates the need for chemical cleaning products as it needs nothing but water alone to clean effectively & efficiently – keeping your green conscious clean.

Well, given we would be camping in a very green place and I consider myself a green kinda girl… These were perfect. I didn’t just use the e-cloth to clean the barbecue but found them great for washing the plates (who want to go back home with smelly, dirty plates in their rucksack)? Admittedly we had a little trouble with our barbecue and one of these damp e-cloths did a good job to put out the fire! 😉 Not only are they environmentally friendly, but a life saver too.

These are currently reduced at Lakeland ( from £8.99 down to £2.99) why not get yours ready for next summers barbecue?

Disclaimer: This is a review post that I was NOT paid to write. I did receive samples of the above products in-order to write this review. All thoughts and words are my own.

A Tuscan Dream

Sat here in my garden, the warm evening rays of the departing sun warms my skin. A glass of white wine is firmly griped within my hand with the remaining half a bottle sat on the table before me. I’ve been reading a novel, one set in glorious Florence Italy. The Sixteen Pleasures by Robert Hellenga, has left me in a state of day dreaming, I lose myself as I try to visualise the beauty that is Tuscany! This somehow leads me away from what is proving to be an incredibly written novel!

“No, no … No…”
I’m not running off, leaving the sounds of my giggling children far behind me as I head of to throw my designer wardrobe into my Gucci suitcase in-order to catch the first available flight to Tuscany! Yer… As if! I’m just off to fetch my MacBook so I can ask my good friend Google to show me a couple of images of this italian dream location. Is it as beautiful a place as the one I had now created in my mind?

Italy is full of beauty, it’s a country that is filled with romance, religious traditions, breathtaking scenery and incredible cuisine. My children have been blessed with a touch of the Italian gene through that of their father (Why else would I have given my eldest son a name like Giovanni).

I’ve been to some beautiful places both on the Italian mainland and it’s neighbouring island of Sicily. Though I must be honest, Tuscany is somewhere I’ve not had the pleasure in visiting and it’s only now as I begin to look at it in such finer detail, My eyes are opened to its exquisite beauty and I’m left questioning myself, “Why haven’t I been here before?”.

This is a part of Italy that has now somehow captivated me purely from reading about its existence.

Sunset over Florence Italy. Image credit Wikipedia

There are many elements of beauty and interest that surround Tuscany, it’s artistic legacy, beautiful wine and outstanding locally produced cuisine. But over all it’s that combined element of cultural, historical, natural and architectural beauty that swings it for me!

I can just visualise myself stood on a cobbled terrace belonging to a beautiful old italian farmhouse that still displays that same originality as it did hundreds of years before. A breathtaking Tuscan countryside lined with vineyards and rows upon rows of olive trees.There is no ending to be seen just miles of natural outstanding beauty.

A picturesque vision, one of Intertwined tones of greens and yellows that form the rolling hills that descend into nothingness. But set somewhere deep within the Italian countryside of Tuscany is that of this small remote but equally as beautiful, dusky medieval village with its narrow cobbled walk ways, lit up by a string of little town house, its quite simply idyllic.

I’m drawn in by it’s culture, the way of life this Tuscan village has to offer. I’ve done the big organised holiday at the all inclusive beach resorts and although these can sometimes be pleasing I still find it difficult to understand how this would offer that fabulous cultural experience that a new place of travel should ultimately bring. Can one really relate when I state that I want to smile at the passing locals as I sit on the doorstep drinking a glass of ‘Vernaccia di San Gimignano’ How about the wonderfully inviting aroma of freshly baked Italian beard that drifts through the old wooden windows while as you rise from your bed on an early summers morning?

Gimignano view from torre grossa Image credit: Wikipedia

It’s important to me that such a place of cultural heritage, fine architectural beauty and stunning scenery should be fully appreciated for all it has on offer. For me it really isn’t about 5 star beach side hotels. I’d much rather experience villas in Tuscany or that of a traditional Italian farmhouse. When opportunities arise, these should be taken fully for granted in order to experience a new and wonderful way of life that’s a bit different than the one that we’ve always known because who knows if we’ll ever be given such opportunities again! For me a holiday in Tuscany would begin with the throwing away of any itinerary (unless I’m with the children as this would then become one of the most important aspects of our holiday due to my eldest child’s autism diagnosis). I guess this is partly the reason while I seek this degree of spontaneity when holidaying alone or with friends.

Since asking my very good friend “Google” for the run down on this place I’ve uncovered a string of beautiful finds that I’m almost certain I’m destining to be. San Gimignano a hill top medieval village was that of my vision described above. Yet, I’m far from finished. I feel that my description relating to my favourite element of Tuscany lacks the credit it deserves.Though yes, it is clear to see that Tuscany oozes character with its historical villages, beautiful surrounding greenery, fresh water lakes and stunning architecture, Its felt that there is still so much more you really should know in-order of fully appreciating my visualisation of that of Tuscany.

The next path of this Journey leads us to the beautiful city of Siena. One that boast rich Italian cultural traditions, rare and beautiful original buildings from churches to museums and of course some of the worlds finest art galleries! Although this is a city, it’s cobbled narrow winding roads, pretty churches and amenities make it seem more like a friendly little village. Whats more Siena’s location within the hilly hilltops of the Tuscan countryside add to its rare character and charm.

Siena is a city of many treasures and it’s the spectacularly designed Duomo a glorious gothic cathedral located just above the cities popular historic square ‘Piazza del Campo’ that is home to many. Inside this magnificent cathedral you will discover ancient workings of art, such as original paintings and beautifully crafted sculptures by some of the worlds most famous artist. Here you can view original masterpieces by Donatello & Michelangelo just to name a few (and … No i’m not referring to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles so don’t even go there)!

Duomo Cathedral Siena Tuscany. Image Credit: Wikipedia

The Duomo is a somewhat impressive build which dates back to 1215 and is recognisable for its fine display of Marble black & white symbolic stripes both inside and out. Its arched appearance and spectacular bell tower add to its mediaeval charms! One may actually refer to this historic cathedral as something of an architectural work of art.

Now although this Tuscan city is more peaceful than most there is a period of time when it plays host to a number of popular traditional italian festivals. During the summer months both locals and tourist flock to its stunning medieval square the ‘Piazza del Campo’ to witness the well known Palio, two of Italy’s most spectacular horse races that are followed by a magnificent display in one of its most talked about medieval pageants.

Pailo di Siena image credit: Wikipedia

As many will know, Italy is a country renown for its religious artefacts, its only logical that it would house some of the worlds most beautiful churches. The Catholic Faith is one taken very seriously, it forms a massive part of Italy’s cultural history and will continue to shape much of its future. My interest and love of architectural beauty can easily be ignited when stood before me is a magnificent house of worship… I’ve stepped inside some of Italy’s most magnificently designed churches, ones that have simply took my breath away.

While researching the churches on offer in the area of Tuscany, it quickly become apparent that it was home to some amazing places of worship. Its really not difficult to paint the picture in ones mind. The sound of church bells can be regularly heard ringing out throughout Tuscany’s towns and cities, each one housing its own historic church yet each defined by that of its own beauty. Medieval churches can be found nestled between the orange and olive groves of the Tuscan countryside, while others sit upon slopping hilltops, the grounds that surround them, a sea of red when the sweet smelling Poppy’s blossom in the spring time.

For me Tuscany has suddenly become an extremely appealing destination that has left me needing and wanting to explore it more. I wish I could continue in writing what i’ve come to learn about the wonderful delights that are florence or the history that surrounds Tuscany’s Pisa home to the extraordinary leaning tower of pisa.

Leaning Tower of Pisa Tuscany Italy. Image Credit: Wikipedia

Sadly I must now reluctantly return to that of reality! Yes, the whether that was once described as a warm summers evening, has took a rather sudden turn for the worse! It’s now pouring bucket loads and my washing that is hanging from my washing line is dry no more! Oh well, that’s the danger of dreaming.

The Plum Pixie Is Festival Ready

The temperature is rising, the children are officially off school and this mum Is on a mission to keep them smiling not fighting!

For once I’m slightly organised in the fact that I’ve been scheduling! Day trips have been noted for all to see, little man especially (his love of structure is a trait of his Aspergers syndrome).

On the days we are home I’m busy trying to keep their little minds stimulated, I don’t want to hear no “Mum I’m bored” in that pro-longed tone of voice that kids do.
Luckily for me my daughter is rather independent when it comes to keeping herself busy. She prefers to make her own entertainment

We are a family who love a good festival, actually I’m festival mad! We have a few festival trips lined up this year and this gives Alice-Sara the perfect reason to dress up.

When I received an email from the lovely guys at Jokers’ Masquerade asking if the children would like to review some fancy dress costumes, it was Alice-Sara who instantly found hers in the form of the beautiful Plum Pixie.

Knowing Alice-Sara had just found the perfect festival costume I couldn’t wait to order it and get some snaps to share with readers.

The costume arrived just a few days later so I was impressed with the dispatch and delivery times.

The Child Plum Pixie Costume is really good quality yet offers good value for money! Your costume pack has everything your little girl needs to become a little magical pixie. Included is a pretty flower dress in purple, cute purple flower headpiece with ribbon detail, pretty glittery ribbon wand and of course a stunning set of pixie wings.

Alice got out the tongs, face paint and glitter and we got to work transforming my princess into the perfect pixie fit for an enchanted woodland.

As you can see this plum pixie isn’t camera shy!

I love the prettiness of this dress and given Alice-Sara is growing up so fast, I’m making the most out of these days. Soon it will be all GHDs and lipstick which I’m not ready for yet.

As you can see from the above picture, the detail on the dress is very pretty, especially of that on the wings.

The Plum Pixie costume is available online at Jokers’ Masquerade who do costumes for every occasion whether your young or old. They have plenty to choose from if your planning to take little ones to a festival this summer. Alice-Sara will be wearing her Plum Pixie when we head to the Lollibop festival next month.

Plum Pixie is available in three sizes…
3-4 5-7 & 8-10
I find that often fancy dress costumes consisting of fairies and pixies only stock very small sizes! It’s the sizes age 8+ that I find are not readily available. I’m pleased we managed to find such a great pixie dress in the right size at such a reasonable price in time for this festival season.

The Plum Pixie cost just £20.99 and it’s my opinion that for what your getting this is great value for money.

If your looking for something for a special holiday occasion then you’ll be sure to find something from the themed areas of the website. They currently have a huge range of Halloween costumes and Little man will be reviewing one of these over on my other blog A boy with Aspergers during this next coming week.

Disclaimer: This is a review post. I have not been paid to write the post but was sent a costume sample free of charge. Regardless of this it was my decision to post my honest views and opinions which all remain my own.

A muddy affair

Last Sunday was the day of Danson festival despite the sun shining the rain failed to stay at bay but in true festival Spirit myself, friend and two of my three monsters dragged our wet butts to Danson park.

Little man really didn’t fancy getting wet amongst the crowds, so he stayed at home with dad.

Sadly the toddler refused to put on his Wellies which resulted in some very muddy new trainers… But that’s life.

Despite the on and off rain the festival had remained pretty busy. We had a look around the large number of craft stools as we munched on hot donuts… Yes i know, So fattening but extremely yummy!

The toddler usually has this fear of getting dirty (well his hands more than anything) however, somehow the trip to the festival seemed to have cured him. I’ve never seen so much mud nor have I ever seen one child so interested in the stuff!

I’d quickly turned from a mad crazy mother, continuously wiping mud of her 2 year old, to one who had given up and could now be seen quite happily jumping in muddy puddles as she danced with him. Yes… I had somehow found myself in muddy heaven

The festival was a blast and all seemed to be enjoying themselves. My 9 year old daughter included.

I love a good festival. Each with it’s own unique vibe but all as laid back and carefree as one another. Yes it’s July and I should be wearing my flip flops as opposed to my Wellies but this is England after all.

The best part of the day had to be the dancing over at the main stage ( in the mud of course). Even the toddler was giving it some of his best moves.

There was a large fun fair and plenty of stalls to keep the family entertained. Nonetheless we didn’t do much walking around, choosing to instead stay by the stage dancing till we could dance no more.

At one point, right towards the end, my daughter who had managed to remain reasonably mud free, accidentally slipped while getting her groove on! The result… A very muddy monster.

As the sun began to set and the band sang its last tune of the evening the heavens suddenly opened and OMG did it rain…

Did we run for cover? Hell No! I wiped out a umbrella shattering the toddler as he continued to do his groovy moves in possibly the muddiest puddles I’d ever seen. My daughter Alice tried sharing her umbrella with a somewhat very wet and muddy Daisy (my friends dog) and me… I just quite happily got soaked as I danced in what some may refer to as a monsoon (yes I did resemble a scary panda, what with the running mascara round my eyes).

As the music came to an end so did the rain, looking up towards the sky, there it was… A beautiful rainbow! What an awesome way to end a festival.

Finally we all headed home for a shower… Wet but smiling.

Danson festival is located at Danson Park in Welling. It’s free to attend and is set up every summer.