My gorgeous sister Terri Berry recently moved to a suburb of Chicago, so I flew out to go to Lollapalooza with her. We took the train from her home into the city with a few zillion teenagers. Two of the female teenagers asked me if I was “SO EXCITED” to be going to Lollapalooza. I was struck dumb for several seconds. I’m not “SO EXCITED” about anything anymore unless it involves (a) an evening gown, full hair and makeup, and Champagne or (b) a big jewelry sale. I managed to compose myself and tell them that I was indeed excited to be there. Then Terri Berry and I reminisced about the simple thrills of youth.
We were lucky with the weather, which wasn’t too hot. I dressed for maximum comfort with one glaring exception: an Alexander McQueen bag.
What Wendy Wore to Lollapalooza, Day #1
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Tank top: Splendid
Shorts: Sanctuary (2010)
Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender (2010)
Watch: Hermès (2000-ish)
Sunglasses: Prada (2011)
Bag from hell: Alexander McQueen
I got the McQueen bag years ago from a consignment store. It still had the price tag on it. The reason quickly became clear. The bag is incredibly heavy even when it’s empty. Originally, a giant, decorative brass key dangled from the bottom and hit me in the legs when I walked. I cut that off and lightened the whole thing up by about a pound. I still couldn’t stand to use the bag but I couldn’t give it up either. In a “triumph of hope over experience” moment, I packed the bag for this weekend, figuring I’d need something roomy that could be worn cross-body and therefore carried hands-free. For several hours, I thought dark, evil things about Alexander McQueen. I’m too civilized to share those here. After that rough period, all the nerves in my shoulders died and I felt better.
The bag didn’t keep me from enjoying The Kills, particularly one of their sign-language interpreters. Everyone around me was talking about this interpreter. She put so much passion into her performance that I started watching her primarily while glancing at the band occasionally. Terri Berry said, “I want to know the signer’s concert schedule.” Seriously, I’d go see this woman again no matter who she was signing for!
In fact, I will be “SO EXCITED” if I see her again this weekend!
I hope you and Terri Berry have a ball!
Nice hat!!
xo
Wow Wendy you rock.. you look amazing xx
Aagh I hate it when something beautiful turns out to be impractical. I suppose you could shorten the strap so it is closer to your body and the weight is a little easier but that destroys the look. Will it be consigned to hanging on a hook somewhere looking pretty?
Lollapalooza 2008 was the first trip that my now-husband and I took together. I brought a messenger bag to carry all my stuff, and tested out the weight. Perfect! Then we got to Chicago, and as we were leaving the hostel (being SO EXCITED, of course) he threw his wallet, water bottle, sunscreen, and cell phone in. I said many of the same evil dark things about him as you did about McQueen. The second day, he wore cargo shorts, and I threw enough stuff into the pockets they fell down as he walked. Mwah ha ha – I love revenge!
I love Super Casual Wendy!
I get caught up in the sign language interpreters too. They are soooo expressive. Love your look, rock-girl.
I have no idea what Lollipollzziiiooo is but it sure looks fun. The McQueen bag is totally worth the hauling around it looks amazing!
Totally jealous of how awesome you look!
I was at the 1992 Lollapalooza in NC (2nd one!!!). I was active duty Navy at the time, totally living day to day and can’t even remember what horrid thing I probably wore – which is probably a good thing.
It was a BLAST and LOVED rockin’ out to Flea in his tighty whities.
That is one stunning bag, and you wear it so well.
I adore the bag! I’m always drawn to heavy bags, in fact just thrifted an Ecko Red bag because it was a heavy (huge) bag.
I’ve been obsessed with sign-singing for a while. My favorite is Captain Valor on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/CaptainValor
You look adorable. Can’t believe you wore heels to a music festival!
So great that there was a signer there. She does look like she’s getting into it!
I am always excited when I go to a music festival, just like it was the first time. I nearly popped with excitement earlier this year during Slayer’s performance at Soundwave. I was in the moshpit and all! I love that you are wearing heels and such a styleee outfit. Go you!
That sign lady looks familiar. I think she was on Pearl Jam’s Touring Band DVD from 2000 and Eddie Vedder was so impressed with her signing at one concert he got her up on stage and did a little dance with her. Great stuff!
I love your blog … and your outfits. (outfits? yeah, I’m old!).
Jennifer
Sydney, Australia
it had to be a mcqueen bag!!! I had the smaller pouch sized one with the key & crazy feathers, too special to use.
music festivals when we didn’t wear black!!!!