What We Wore – 2nd Street Festival and What We Could Have Left At Home

You know its fall in RVA when everyone heads out to 2^nd Street for the annual 2^nd Street Festival, brought to us by Venture Richmond. This incredible event brings everyone, young and old, to the heart of Jackson Ward for performances, food, and fun. As always, I was definitely in the building (or just simply outside), ready to report on the styles of the weekend. There was so much to see out there Saturday afternoon, and so much that I wish, I didn’t. If you weren’t out there when I was, I’m certainly about to give you the tea on the event.

If you were paying attention to my Twitter timeline, you know that I mentioned it was some mess out here. There were people who obviously took the time to prepare an outfit specifically for the day’s event. However, some folks just tried too hard.  There were women with kids in tow, heels on foot, and stretched wrinkle bellies out, rocking some cute crop tops and belly shirts! Of course, there was a plethora of leggings as pants and booty shorts patrolling the block as well. I always assumed that this event was family oriented, but apparently, I was wrong this year. The year of “YOLO” has definitely brought the nightclub attire to 2nd street. Style is subjective and individual, a subject I will touch on later this week, but at what extent? Hubs and I were surely shaking our heads with frustration looking for decent outfits to feature for you, so be prepared to give some love to those shown below.

Coordinated Besties

When you tell your homies you’re rolling to 2^nd Street festival, nowadays it’s only right to make sure that you’re coordinated. Wouldn’t want anyone to think that you’re not together, right? Well these patrons decided to ensure that they cliqued up by focusing on making their fashions match up. Check out the attention to color and details, as these BFF’s floss their outfits on the block.

Denim and a Splash of Color

Some of us don’t want to look as if we tried too hard, so why throw on the flashy stuff early in the day. Instead, these RVA residents decided to save the bold stuff for the night, and stick to classic denim as their style choice. To make it individual, they threw on a splash of bold color to accent their outfits, and made it work.  

Camouflage and Prints

Camouflage was obviously a favorite of Richmonders, as we witnessed several variations of the style. Added with a printed top or a denim vest, RVA showed their looks can be cool and military inspired. This style was worn by both guys and girls, which proved that this trend is very much versatile. I suggest if you’re looking for a super budget friendly option for camouflage, that you head down to your local thrift shops. You will surely find a lot of jackets and pants to add to your wardrobe, by going that route. 

Leopard and Stripes

There is nothing like some cute leopard and stripes to spruce up a basic casual outfit. RVA folks added both trendy prints to their ensemble on Saturday in cool and fun ways. Whether it was through a t-shirt or tank, or through another interesting way, the looks were simple, yet still bold in color and hue. This option made what appeared to be a dreary day, brighter through their use of color.

There were some great looks on 2^nd street that we may have overlooked. It’s a huge event, and only one of me. I guess I’ll have to catch them next year, or at another event. However, the looks that hurt my eyes are still haunting my nightmares. It is not my style to promote the negative, so the looks that I didn’t agree with I chose not to feature. However, I still think it’s important that we take a few things into advisement. As I mentioned before, style is about the individual. Nevertheless, if you decide to wear certain things be prepared to get some looks, and not in a positive way.  

Here is a list of the negative things I noticed: 

• Wearing a lip shade other than the traditional pink, red, or skin tone will most definitely get people to look your way. Don’t be defensive, just smile and keep it moving. Work it girl. 

• If you spend 80% of your time holding your pants up by the front, don’t expect females of high standards to engage in conversation with you. You’re gross.  

• I’ve had two children and severe weight fluctuation. I have stretch marks and I’m not ashamed. It’s a fantastic thing to love your body enough that you don’t care that you have stretch marks and a little pouch from childbearing. However, what you won’t do is walk up and down the block with your stretch pants and wrinkly ass stomach dragging and flopping in front of you, then demand some respect from those staring at you. If you did it then own it. Don’t expect people to think it’s sexy, when it’s obvious you’re not one hundred percent comfortable yourself. You don’t have nothing to prove, so chill out.  

• This is not fashion or style related but it must be addressed. I brought my children out there this Saturday. I don’t allow them to smoke or be around smoke. It’s a personal choice, but that’s just me. Everyone who smoked seemed to have some desire to walk around with his or her cigars, cigarettes, and other things during the festival. Why didn’t they just stop and stand to the side, I have no idea? Nevertheless, they all walked around getting ashes on people and gave contacts to all of our children, even their own. That’s just tacky and you look like a hot mess. Take your butt to the side street with that mess!

• I know hanging out on 2^nd street is fun. I’ve been going for a while, but respect for other people and their families are imperative.  Watch what you’re doing and what you say out there. People bring their children with them; some people brought their elderly parents and relatives out there. There is also a diverse group of religious groups out there as well. We have to learn that these events aren’t just for us to wild out. In order for everyone to have a good time, folks have to be comfortable. Leave your drunken and high antics at the crib, and just come to have fun. You can be wasted at home. I hate when fights break out and people start arguing. Let’s not take a good thing and run it through the mud. 

• You got dressed up and came to 2^nd street festival fly and looking good. Yet for some reason, you’re walking around with your face turned up and grimacing like somebody stole your damn bike. Buck up, dollface! Why are you mad? I stopped a few people for pictures and they looked as if they were about to be robbed. This event is about family and togetherness, bringing people collectively to celebrate. Don’t come in here with your stick attitude. You just came to stunt on complete strangers and then do what? Nothing. Nobody cares and life is too short. Their picture was not taken even after they tried to turn it all around for a photo opportunity. I don’t promote negativity, and that’s what they brought to 2^nd street. It’s always nice to meet new people and run into old friends, but when you show up with your walls up, you might as well stayed home.  

Those are the looks and the lack of the weekend when it came to 2^nd street festival. I’m excited to see what next year brings and how it improves. If you see one of your friends or relative featured here, be sure to let them know. You can the full photos and outfits on my Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/GaptoothDivaonline Make sure you click like for new updates weekly.  

Be sure to check out Venture Richmond for more events and updates through their site. www.venturerichmond.com/

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @GaptoothDiva

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