Rebecca Minkoff Saddle Bag// Julep Color Lip Balm // Quay Sunglasses // Water bottle // Portable Phone Charger //

Take on SXSW like a pro. Here is my SXSW survival guide featuring what to pack, where to go, and what to wear. What are your SXSW essentials?

WHAT TO PACK

SNACK

My on the go snack?  Skinny Pop Popcorn 100 calorie snack packs. They hit the spot after a long day on your feet. SkinnyPop Popcorn is free of GMOs, artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, preservatives and all major allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and soy. During SXSW, SkinnyPop will be offering free pedicab rides around town on 3/11 – 3/13 and 3/18 – 3/20 from noon – 8PM, so festivalgoers can get a lift and receive a complimentary bag of SkinnyPop to help fuel them through long days spent on their feet at SXSW!

Photo Cred: Lyda Ham Photography

PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER

Most phones wont last all day without a couple of charges. Skip out on waiting next to a random wall outlet by yourself and invest in a portable phone charger. This one is adorable and $34!

WATER BOTTLE

SXSW turns Austin into a pretty generous town, free swag, free concerts, and free beer. Make sure to stay hydrated so you can keep up with the hustle and bustle.

 

UMBRELLA OR PONCHO

One minute it’s 75 and sunny and the next, it’s pouring. That’s Austin’s weather for ya! Pack a lightweight umbrella or poncho. Trust me on this one. 😉

SUNGLASSES

Protect your eyes from the sun and elevate that street style with these mirrored sunnies.

• BUSINESS CARDS
• BANDAIDS
• EAR PLUGS
• BOPPY PINS AND HAIRTYES

WHERE TO GO

W HOTEL ROOFTOP POOL

Located in the heart of downtown, this super hip hotel has a hidden bar, rooftop pool, and spa. (Photo Credit: Lyda of Lyda Ham Photography)

Albion Fit Swim ‘Catalina Pin-Up Top’ // Albion Fit ‘Catalina Suit Bottoms’ // Sunglasses: Ray Ban Aviators //

HALCYON COFFEE SHOP

Need a midday pick-me-up or late night nightcap? Halcyon has it all. Coffee, beer, wine, s’mores….

Need a midday pick-me-up? Halcyon has it all. Coffee, beer, wine, and a quaint cigar room.

LACQUER NAIL SALON

Take a load off your feet and stop by LACQUER Nail Salon for the ultra pampering treatment. From nail art, to comfort, to service and overall ambiance, LACQUER is my all time favorite nail salon in Austin. Pro Tip! Elaine is the BOMB when it comes to nail art.

2ND STREET DISTRICT

Second street is home to some of Austin’s best boutiques and shopping. Some of my personal favorites are Etc. Etcetera, Hacienda, and Eliza Page Jewelry.

 

WHAT TO WEAR

CROSS BODY PURSE

You will be carrying bags of swag all day long so start off the day empty handed. Nothing says street-savvy like a cross body. This hands-free classic is guaranteed to elevate your street style.

SKIRT or SKORT

This scalloped skirt was the perfect solution for most professionals trying to balance comfort and style in Austin’s heat. My favorite styles were  paired with heeled booties and a cross body bag for a breezy look.

Skirt: Draper James ‘Margaret Print Skirt” // Shirt: Draper James ‘Cloisture Swiss Dot Top’ // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff  ‘Isobel Saddle Bag’ (Shopbop Exclusive) // Bracelet: Wisewear Socialite ‘Kingston’ //

SMART JEWELRY

The Wisewear smart bracelet, plated in 18k gold, offers activity tracking, mobile notifications, and distress messaging. Tap your bracelet to alert your preferred list of emergency contacts along with your GPS location.