Coachella 2016 Weekend Two

Good news, I survived my fourth Coachella! The last time I went to the desert was in 2010, so it’s been a good six years since I’ve been back to the desert. My Aussie sister from another mister was in town for her 30th and since it was on her bucket list and she coincidentally was going to be on this side of the planet during Coachella, we sort of had no choice, but to attend.  Good thing we did. There was spectacular music, extremely noteworthy fashion, some badass art installations, and some of the best people watching in all the land. Not to mention the backdrop…it’s pretty spectacular. It’s basically three days of whatever you want it to be. You can chill and enjoy the ambiance or you can party your feathered pastied boobies off. Deanna and I did a very happy medium of both….minus the pasties. We took the three days to enjoy life, laugh our pretty faces off, party in the desert and experience everything that is Coachella. This is how…

Each day we would ease into the day with a light breakfast, coffee, and this view. At La Quinta Resorts, we had the option to chill at our pool or party at the Plunge Pool before heading to the polo fields. We opted to chill at the quiet pool and to save our partying for the desert.

My Coachella Fashion

What you wear is part of the Coachella experience. You see it all. From bohemian babes in fringe to men dressed in fur coats and daisy dukes to ladies wearing bikini bottoms and not much else – the possibilities are endless. For me, this year it was about keeping it simple, comfortable, yet desert chic. Statement pieces in the form of a black velvet 90’s choker, a vintage kimono, my favorite Brixton hat and this cool ass necklace from World Market were my go to.

Our Desert Game Plan

We had a game plan every day. Arrive around 4:30, grab a beer in VIP and people watch on a cozy spot on the grass. Once we were ready to explore and see some shows, we would set out for an adventure into the gigantic venue that is Coachella.  And I mean gigantic. I don’t quite remember it being as big or packed with people the first three years I went, but it has certainly grown in size and population. During the day, it wasn’t so bad, but at night when you are trying to get from one side to another, you best hold onto your friend for dear life or else you won’t be seeing them again for a while.

The first day we hit up Coachella’s Ferris Wheel. If you go to this desert music fest, get on the damn wheel. It’s the coolest aerial view ever – especially with all of the massive art installations. It also helps you to get a lay of the land. Now throw in some seriously high winds/dust storms and you feel like you might die. #totallyworthit

Desert Art

Speaking of art… Unlike any music fest I’ve been to, each year Coachella brings some seriously cool ass art to the table. I won’t lie…the humongous, illuminated origami crane from 2010 was a favorite of mine, but regardless, this year did not disappoint. Often, what you see during the day, transforms into something vibrantly lit up at night – which brilliantly enhances any drugs the concertgoers may be on. Fair enough. Here is some of what the desert surprised us with this year.

Coachella Music

The lineup was incredible. There was so much to see, it was impossible to actually see it all. Underworld was a massive dance party. They took it down. He has some pretty unique 90’s dance moves to top it off. If you get the chance, see them, you won’t regret it. In regards to Guns N’ Roses, I felt a bit sad for Axl who was set up on a huge throne due to a foot injury. Even he said, “I feel real f*cking lame right now, but at least I can still screeeaaaam!” And he sure can people. They actually sounded great and I was crushing on Axl hardcore. Hey, what can I say, I was feeling it. Plus, it’s Axl freaking Rose. He was full on sexy back in the day. Beach House sounded beautiful as usual, no surprise there. If you don’t know them – listen to their album Teen Dream. I promise you will be in love. Favorite album ever. I dragged my partner in crime super close to the stage for Savages, who are pretty awesome and pretty hardcore too. So hardcore, in fact, they freaked Deanna out. Deanna is hard to freak out. Bat For Lashes was a bit too slow, so we ditched that stage and decided to move on. Cold War Kids always sound good. His voice carries very well in an outdoor setting. I would love to catch them indoors sometime soon. If you love to dance, Calvin Harris will be your hero. He puts on a killer dance party. One of my absolute favorites was 2ManyDjs. Hands down. They did a David Bowie tribute to Rebel Rebel that people literally lost themselves and may have elevated from the desert earth. Oh, and Miike Snow…per usual, they did not disappoint. All in all, the music was superior. I’m bummed we missed a few acts I really wanted to see, but, you can’t see em’ all.

Celeb Sightings

When I went to Coachella from 2008-2010 I was dying for some celeb sightings. I’m a celeb news and photos ho. I heard a rumor that some people in our group saw Mitch Buchanan, aka David Hasselhoff, back in 2008, but not me. And being a huge nerd for Baywatch back in the day, this would have made my day. But this year, this year was different. Granted weekend one was jammed with celebrities (ie. Leo, Rhiana, Kendall, etc.) there were still some celeb stragglers that came to weekend two. The first celebrity I saw is one of the other sisters’ big crushes, Scott Eastwood, son of Clint Eastwood. In photos he is a real dreamboat, in person, he’s good looking. Next, as I was walking through the VIP area I made full on eye contact with Taylor Lautner, the werewolf dude from Twilight. He’s a cutie. Now, on the last night is when something incredible happened. Deanna and I were having a drink in VIP when I swear, and Deanna will attest to this, Paris Hilton floated past us. And I don’t mean the part about seeing Paris Deanna will attest to, I mean the part about her floating past us. I could barely believe it. She was like a GD Coachella fairy. I also couldn’t believe she was by herself and how tiny she was. I thought she would be super tall surrounded by tons of people. Albeit shorter than I expected, still quite beautiful. Sadly, I only got a selfie with some guy that made Buzzfeed’s craziest dressed list from Coachella. #goodenough

Coachella Rating

All in all, I would give Coachella an A-. I mean, where else can you yell, “This is not a drill, does anyone have any marijuana for sale?!?”  and people come running to give you handfuls for free. Amazing. The service, security, churros, shuttle drivers, set up, cleanliness, art, music, you name it – it all rocked. I gave it a “minus” mark due to the number of people…Coachella is way too crowded these days. Side note: Deanna lost her phone on the last day. Can you imagine? Coming in from Australia, going to an event on your bucket list and losing all the photographic memories? Ugh. That was brutal.  Alas, we went on our merry Coachella way. Nothing several beers couldn’t fix for the time being.

Whether you want to go to the desert to chill out on the grass and feel the vibes of some great music or go to the desert to go absolutely bonkers and dance your pretty face off in the Sahara tent for three days, is your call. Just be ready to have an incredible weekend nonetheless. Good work Goldenvoice, fingers crossed I see you next year.

Don’t forget to stop and see this guy as you leave Indio to head back to LA. Followed by In-N-Out…animal style.