Reef Sandals

Reef Fold and Go Sandals, $18

Last night I threw on my thin patent leather flip flops as we rushed out the door to Summerfest to see Hall & Oates. Yes Hall and theOates. If you were there, I'm sure you would have had a good time. It was like every hit they had (there's a lot) crammed into 45 minutes plus two encores just to fit it all. Well, after walking from our car to the stage and standing all that time, my feet were hurting. Not the worst pain, but the "I just stay right here" and "I should have thought this shoe choice through" sort of pain. Blisters were on their way. Luckily, I had my amazing friend Casey along, who offered to trade sandals for the walk back. Oh, thank GOD! She gave me her Reef Sandals and it was like getting a foot massage and then pillow under my feet. Now, I have a similar pair of Tevas, but these had arch support and some real structure. I am browsing online for some new Reefs as we speak. The ones above are foldable sandals you can fit in your purse in case of a long walk or blister emergency. They don't look as comfortable, but they do offer compactability.

Thanks Casey, you made my dreams come true.....

Packing List: Summer festivals

Nicole Sunglass, Modcloth, $11. J Crew caprese tunic, $35. J Crew studded leather belt, $68. REI Platypus, $12.95. GAP jean shorts, $49.50. iPhone 4, $199. Marc by Marc Jacobs cross-body bag, $198. Travel-size Neutrogena Sunblock, $4. Simple Tantan sandals, $85.

Summerfest is in full swing this week. I hope to go sometime this week to hang out and enjoy some summer music (maybe the Hold Steady July 1st??). And in Milwaukee, it seems there is a street festival or ethnic fest on the lakefront every weekend. Sadly, we'll be in Italy during Chicago's Pitchfork festival. But, if you go (or go to any other festival), here's what I suggest you bring.

Here's my game plan:
- Wear comfortable shoes! Preferably black because it's gonna be a dirty mess out there.
- Load up on the water. Especially if you're drinking in the sun, dehydration can set in very fast. Lots of grounds don't allow bottle/can carry-ins, but the platypus can easily roll up in your purse and be filled at the water fountain.
- Pick loose fitting, light colored clothes. Again, it's gonna get hot. And you're gonna sweat.
- Don't bring anything you'll leave in the bathroom. Like clutches, hats, coats, etc. Opt for a crossbody purse and sunglasses that will fit inside.
- A phone with a camera and internet access are great. One less thing to carry. And you can read books or check email when waiting in those long lines waiting for the bands to start. Phone service is often touch and go at big festivals due to all the people trying to call at once, but 3G and 4G work like a charm. So email or text to stay in touch with your group.