luxurious lengths
Batty for beauty: Keeping up with the Kar-lash-ians
Move over Jones family—there is a new clan in town requesting my attention: the Kardashians. For reasons more mysterious than the Marfa Lights, I find myself watching the same repeat episodes over and over (and over) again.
Maybe it’s the odd (and oddly incestuous) intersibling wrestling matches; maybe it’s my hopeful anticipation Bruce Jenner’s plastic surgeon will soon make a cameo; or maybe it’s because I secretly wish I looked like ol’ Kim. I couldn’t be farther from her doppleganger, with my Twilight-worthy pale skin and short hair; plus, nobody’s called my derriere cute since age two. (I wonder if a milk company would allow me to post a pic of my baby bum on a carton in case anyone has seen it? Just sayin’.)
But let’s face it—I’m most envious of Kim K’s lashes. That volume and length are enough to make any drag queen drool. Having always prided myself on finding a mascara to achieve the most bodacious lashes on the block, I recently decided to take things to the next level on my quest for Kim-dom and embark on the lash extension journey.
The initial application process required two hours of my time. I was asked to lay down and close my eyes (something I always wish my boss would ask of me right after lunchtime). The technician proceeded to meticulously adhere individual fake lashes to each one of my natural strands. Either she possessed magical powers similar to David Copperfield or was just incredibly skilled because I never felt a thing. The only reassurance I had that she was still working was the strong smell of her menthol cough drops released during each exhalation. As soon as I got the thumbs up to peel myself from the horizontal position, I anxiously scurried to the closest mirror to ogle my goods.
They. Looked. Phenomenal. (If I do say so myself.)
For the next three weeks, I confidently cruised around thinking this small tweak instantly jazzed up my appearance from head to toe. These bad boys helped me look a tad less “I am about to pass out” during morning jogs, a tad less “I am about to die of heat exhaustion” in Bikram yoga class and a bit more glam during normal, everyday existence.
If it was socially acceptable to post a Facebook status update declaring I was “in a relationship” with my lash extensions, I would have.
Enter week four: I noticed my right eye starting to feel fairly itchy and uncomfortable, but chalked it up to the high price of beauty. That is, until I looked in the mirror. My eye looked as if my three year-old niece had scribbled over the white part with her red marker.
As the hours passed, my eye became increasingly more and more swollen to the point where I deemed it necessary to go to a doctor. When I learned one of the lashes had become infected and I would need to get them removed immediately, my heart instantly sank into my stomach. This must be what Romeo felt like when prohibited from seeing Juliet. Or what J.Lo might feel like without bronzer. Or what Kathy Lee and Hoda would feel like without booze. How could this infection stand in the way of my beloved lashes?
The removal process proved to be painless, although it left me with a crop of short, stubby, sparse lashes (apologies for that triple “s” alliteration if you happen to have a lisp and be reading this out loud). I’ve since moved on from my lash extension relationship and now trying to regrow my natural set back to where they were, pre-extensions, with the help of Neulash.
Sigh. I guess I’ll never be a Kardashian. I suppose I should cancel my butt implant consultation before any more disaster ensues in the name of beauty.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
Festival-goers don't need to reach out for Coachella and Marfa; Austin has its own sense of style. Luke Bame's camo shorts and fur vest are a prime example of what Austin's youth are wearing currently. Photo by Kenn Box
"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box