Festival Fashion

It's that time of year again, festivals time! Why does it always rain for Oxegen? The one weekend of summer that Kildare needs dry weather!

Anyway the wellies that are regulatory at these festivals are all over the high street but if you want something different then the wedge boot is just perfect! Or the biker boot trend is good too as your feet will stay dry and you can't leave them in the mud too easily! Team either of these with leggings, shorts or dresses if you dare! My one tip that everyone should stick with is NO DENIM, it doesn't dry for hours and will leave you feeling miserable, clammy and yuck! I recommend cotton all the way or lycra for the very brave!

Shorts and leggings are the easiest festival wear as they cover every type weather that you will encounter. Shorts are perfect because if it rains, you just wipe down the legs and go to the next gig! Leggings are so warm for the evening and comfy to sleep in should the need arise. Throw an over-sized shirt and a few t-shirts in the bag and mix and match for the weekend. Layers are key as it can get chilly in those tents.

This season a key item is the lightweight parka which will help to keep you dry and cosy. Pick one with a million pockets for your phone, cash, energy bar, drink (non-alcoholic of course!) and your festival guide! The parka goes with all of the festival trends and will work with the rest of your summer wardrobe too. Recession friendly!

Backpacks and bumbags were all over the catwalks this season. Personally the bumbag died in the 90's but the backpack is an easy way of carrying your bits and pieces during the day. There are loads on the high street and Deja Vu have some lovely ones from Ralph Lauren.

And lastly jewellery. You need a few pieces that will work with every outfit as you don't want to spend the day in the tent getting ready! Choose bangles that can be layered together or worn alone. I would try to avoid dangly earrings or hoops as they can be a health hazard but smaller earrings are perfect and if you feel asleep in them then so what! Beads are perfect for the hippy festival look so try to work them in somewhere too!

Now you're festival bound! Be good but not too good... :)

Flower Power

No this is not a hippy movement, it's a more sophisticated take on flowers. Pretty dresses and tops in pastels and bright summer colours. Flower accessories, bags, scarves. This fashion trend can be added to an outfit in any way you feel. Accessories are the best way to give the nod to any trend and keep up with the fashion pages without bursting your recession pockets! Just add flowery, chiffon scarf for that floaty, girly look or use the scarf as a headband for an extra edge to the girlyness. Pin a flower to your jacket or cardie or even your shoes and you're sorted!

If you want to hit the ground running with this trend then a floaty feminine dress is the way to go. This season's colours range from pastel ice-cream colours to bright blocks of colour so you can pick and choose from a wide range of dresses. To add an edge to the dress for everyday wear then a pair of biker boots fits the bill. For that all important evening BBQ, a denim jacket to bring your dress from day to night wear. For festival wear this is perfect for tramping through the fields!

If the dress options is just that little too girly there are loads of tops and tunics to choose from. A pair of shorts or stone wash skinny jeans and a pair of wedges look great under these girlicious tops. Stack up the bangles and away you go! For the tunic option add a pair of jeggings or cropped leggings and wedges to complete the look.

Not a hippy in sight!