By: Casey Rosner
It’s that time again: where the winter snow finally melts, legs emerge from hibernation, and everyone is abuzz with summer plans. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach or on a bed, summer can not come any faster. And if you’re anything like me, summer means one thing above all else: Music Festival Season.
Music Festivals are the perfect blend of everything I love: friends, food and free concerts. More importantly, they mean a debut of bohemian clothes, crochet purses, and an obscene amount of skin.So pack up those Cosby sweaters (please forget where you put them, you’ll thank me), freshen up your iTunes, and get in, Loser; because we’re going shopping.
If you’re down to dress as hot as the weather is going to be, prepare to be carried à la Regina George, Queen of Fabulousness. For two days every August, Montreal becomes the coolest city in North America. This year, OSHEAGA falls on August 2-4. The Indie-rock festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau drew in a crowd of over 25,000 last year, featuring artists with huge names. And now, for a festival that’s showcasing bands such as Kendrick Lamar, Mumford and Sons, Alt-J and Vampire Weekend, OSHEAGA will have one more celebrity – you. Raise the hemlines and let the hair down; summer is here at last.
OSHEAGA MIXTAPE:
MUMFORD AND SONS
For the original Indie start-off-with-slow-guitar-and-end-up-jamming band, your best bet is something comfortable. In my experience, grab a simple crop top, your favorite “festival skirt” and rock the night away. This go-to combo is always a good idea, especially paired with your flower headband (you have one, don’t lie). Grab your shades and some chunky bracelets and you’ll be ready to “Awake [your] Soul” all night long.
KENDRICK LAMAR
For 2013’s best rapper, get ready to get down. This refreshing and purposeful lyricist does it differently than many artists of today, so focus on your roots. He’s more focused on “the bottom than the top”, to quote Drake. For this concert, ditch the flowers and rock some high-waisted, embellished shorts and a retro tee. Kendrick is on the up, so don’t be afraid to be a bit adventurous with your fashion. Be prepared to rock out to his meaningful lyrics and catchy choruses. This is one concert you don’t want to miss.
MACKLEMORE
Plan of Action: raid your grandparents’ closet for this show-stopper. Grab your most ridiculous prints and thrift away for Macklemore. If you need some retail therapy, check out Eva Bs’, an eccentric thrift store on St. Laurent, for one dollar finds – ask for “the pile”. Expect some Macklemore-appropriate swag at this show, i.e. vintage sunglasses and patterns galore. If you look like you’ve “only got 20 dollars” in your pocket, then you’re doing it right (I promise).
VAMPIRE WEEKEND
Whether you’re a fan of the “Oxford Comma” days or are happy jamming to “Step to My Girl,” Vampire Weekend is destined to be a blast. To be on trend with the other Weekenders this summer, grab your coolest shirt, maroon jeans and some favorite kicks. Headlining at Osheaga is an enormous deal and this band, which has been on top since the beginning of my high school days, will be sure to kill it faster than you can say “Holiday, oh Holiday!” Bring your shades and a fun hat, some long necklaces to stack and your favorite wedges. These Vampires are coming to MTL, and they’re thirsty for a good time.
Whether you’re excited for the massive influx of beautiful strangers to our fair city or for the excessive amounts of music you’ll be sure to listen to, festivals are a time of community and outlandish fun. Mix your swanky style, a handful of your best friends and an atmosphere where your biggest problem is deciding between which show to go to; Get ready to rock Osheaga 2013.
Osheaga is coming. Are you ready?
Photos retreived from:
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