With events like Coachella, Tachevah, the White Party, and Stagecoach filling the valley in April, self-expression takes center stage.
Mixing music, art, and high style, hipsters flock to the region to share their spirit of freedom, making fashion with a twist de rigueur. Like the Oscars or Grammys, it’s not just about artistic achievement or the after-party — it’s also about being seen.
Progressive music concerts, earth-friendly initiatives, environmental art shows, and world themes translate to on-trend clothing choices. Sure to make an appearance are a bevy of multicolored maxi dresses, light and airy tunics, patterned leggings, cutoff shorts, and leather accessories. Funky bags and cross-bodies rule for holding the basics, letting festivalgoers sway to groovy tunes unencumbered and leaving their hands free to hold water bottles.
Be it a take on boho chic, vintage-inspired looks, or fun-lovin’ country style, it’s about having the right outfit to make a personal statement while making the rounds at some of the most-talked-about venues in the country.
True, the desert climate can be a challenge, with the potential for high winds, evening chills, and extreme heat. The prepared arm themselves with hats, shades, sunscreen, breathable apparel, and layered pieces (including an infinity scarf that serves as both a dust deterrent and after-dark wrap). It can be tough to look cool and stay cool at the same time, so we’ve put together this list of essentials that flatter.
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The Body Deli offers an array of skin care solutions to help protect and pamper. Crafted with organic botanicals and raw, living superfoods, this fresh take on body care products is produced to rejuvenate after a day in the sun and a night of concerts. We like their Sun Stick with an SPF of 30. If you’re seeking the perfect Palm Springs souvenir, try the Palm Springs Collection, blended locally with natural ingredients from the Coachella Valley.
73910 Hwy. 111, Ste. B, Palm Desert.
760-340-3731; thebodydeli.com
For the cool, casual, and cosmopolitan, Blonde Clothing Boutique features fine Italian designs, unique clothing, and an alternative to strappy sandals with the Veronica Combat Boot by Frye. Paired with a fun mini, shorts, or sundress, boots are all the rage for a festival best. Essentials fit perfectly in Moni Moni Italian leather bags — great for parties with always popular fringe detail.
73200 El Paseo, Ste. A3, Palm Desert.
760-836-3366; blondeclothingboutique.com
On or off the concert circuit, music lovers can listen to beautiful noise and be the first in their group to sport designer LuvBuds. Inspired by prints seen on the runway, Southern California-based ChicBuds offers earbuds featuring a no-tangle flat cord for clear sound and patterns to fit every mood. The company’s Porta Party Bluetooth speaker is a great addition when relaxing poolside. Compatible with iPhones, iPods, MP3 players, and computers, in-ear buds include gel tips in several sizes.
chicbuds.com
Trio on El Paseo is a natural go-to for its collection of upscale boho/Western resort-style clothing and accessories, such as retro hippie crochet lace pieces from the Nightcap Collection. Featured jewelry accents include Bizet bracelets from Vanessa Mooney. The set of six beaded elastic bracelets can form an outfit’s centerpiece, with turquoise howlite heishi, faceted maroon freshwater pearls, mixed metal beads, cast brass teeth, silver-plated brass longhorn skull, and Nepali turquoise.
73520 El Paseo, Ste. 1C, Palm Desert.
760-837-9333
Men and women can snap up the latest in desert-friendly “cool” attire at Tarah Jade locations throughout the valley. Showcasing a large selection of cotton gauze, the boutique’s light, flowing pieces mix and match to dress up or down with an assortment of très chic accessories, including hats and belts. Men love the Bamboo K line of embroidered shirts that are washable, cool, and comfortable to partner with a selection of straw hats.
• 78065 Main St., Ste. 102, La Quinta. 760-777-6670;
• 73160 El Paseo, Ste. 1, Palm Desert. 760-851-1808;
www.tarahjade.net
