It's here again! The annual SXSW music, film, and interactive festival has begun its ascent on downtown Austin. For ten days, film enthusiasts and music junkies will romp the city in search of good music, movies, and parties. Each year, Austin swells to accommodate the extra 250,000 plus patrons that fly into town, and each year festival attendees are blown away by the awesome atmosphere that is uniquely Austin.
As a third year veteran to the hostile takeover that is South By Southwest, I have picked up some valuable tips. This year I wanted to make my SX experience memorable instead of miserable. I decided to trade heels for military boots and skinnies for cut-off shorts and maxi skirts. Hipster garb or not, those kids know how to dress for festival fun.
Wardrobe is a critical component to a successful SX experience. It isn't uncommon to attend a day party on East Sixth, only to race across town to a show in the Warehouse District that night. Comfort is a non-negotiable and a necessary trend; most events require advance RSVP, and waiting in line for the Perez party is an absolute nightmare if you're decked out in stud-pumps and skinny jeans.
Last week, I stopped in for some pre-SXSW wardrobe necessities at Langford Market - a favorite 2nd Street staple of mine. Their frequent flyer sales lure in fashion-forward consumers, such as myself, with the promise of trendy collections at an awesome price point. Within 15 minutes, I had an arsenal of outfit options waiting in the dressing room. The "$1 sale" - buy two, get the third for a dollar - is a great time to peruse Langford's intimately-selected collection.
My loot? Two maxi skirts, one chiffon button-down, one leather vest, and one deliciously stylish Michael Jackson jacket. My SXSW style essentials are comfortable, trendy, and they speak to my personal style. I love pairing the tough look of studs and leather with feminine skirts and chiffon blouses. Not only is the look fluid and comfortable, but it is also trendy and worthy of a few neck-breaking double takes.
As SXSW 2013 comes to a close on Saturday night, our culturally diverse Capital City will quietly diffuse itself of tourists and festival vacationers - until next year. Guests: come for the fun, but please don't move here.
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