Daily Archives: June 29, 2010


Fashionista Survival Guide for the County Fair

County fair season has hit the Bay Area and Fashionistas everywhere are wondering what to wear! The county fair can be such a challenge for Bay Area Fashionistas. The thought of walking around in dirt while the sun is beating down on freshly high-lighted hair can cause panic for the fashion savvy. If Fashionistas across the Bay Area follow a few simple rules of county fair dressing, the panic will cease and everyone will enjoy the rides, funnel cakes and chickens 

What NOT to wear to the county fair:

Rule #1

No Christian Louboutin. I know, I know. This is killing you. Designer high heels and platforms need to stay far away from the county fair. The ground is made out of dirt and you will be petting farm animals and riding on the water bumper cars. Do you really want to ruin your $800 Manolo’s? The answer is no. Prada must stay home.

Rule #2

No sandals of any kind. Yes, it will be around 90 degrees outside and chances of finding shade are slim, but remember, the ground is made out of dirt. You will have dirt under your toes for the entire day if you wear sandals.

Rule #3

No fanny packs. Do I need to explain this? Afraid so. Fanny packs are very convenient, but they can easily be pick-pocketed. I do not need to explain the fashion faux-pas portion of this rule; correct?

Rule #4

No skirts. You will be riding on the ferris wheel, water bumper cars and who knows what. Remember the saying: I see London I see France I see that Fashionistas underpants! ‘Nuff said.

Rule #5

No $2000 shoulder bags. Please leave your Chanel 2.55 , Gucci Hobo and Balenciaga City Tote at home. Not only will they attract attention from unwanted, possible pick-pocketers, you need to remember the water bumper cars. Water + designer handbag = destroyed hunk of leather.

Rules for what to wear to the fair:

Rule #1

Wear shorts. Shorts will give you the ability to ride on carnival carousels and upside-down rides without worrying about exposing yourself. Since the rides are outside and there could be water involved, it is important to wear shorts that will not show dirt or react badly to water. Denim shorts and thick, cotton twill shorts are a Fashionistas best bet. There are plenty of city short styles from Marc Jacobs and at stores such as Banana Republic.

Rule #2

Wear a cotton top. It will be hot at the county fair and cotton, being a natural fabric, will be your coolest bet. Stay away from a boring tank top or tee-shirt. There are fabulous cotton tops on the market from Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Velvet and at stores such as Banana Republic.

Rule #3

Use a cross-body wallet on a chain. The best way to keep your hands free is with a cross body wallet on a chain or mini-bag. Here is the key, wear it under your cotton top. This will safe-guard you from pick-pockets who could clip the strap behind you, plus it will not ruin the look of your outfit. The wallet on a chain should hang a few inches below your top’s hemline. Fabulous! Chanel has the perfect, black caviar leather, wallet on a chain. You can find it at Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto or San Francisco as well as the Chanel boutique in San Francisco.

Rule #4

Fabulous tennis shoes. No no, not the ones you wear to step class; the fabulous ones made by Chanel. You can also find affordable styles at Target made by Converse in a mix of colors as well as metallic sparkles. These will protect your feet and not ruin your outfit.

Rule #5

Protect yourself from the sun. The UV rays will be strong and it is important to protect yourself from skin damage. A fabulous hat  and the perfect shades  will complete your look.

Remember, the county fair is fun and it is not a runway show. You can look fabulous without sacrificing the fun to be had on the rides and visiting the farm animals. Have fun, happy shopping and stay fabulous.