With VIVA LAS VEGAS ROCKABILLY WEEKENDED less than 2 weeks away, we can't help but notice all the "first time what do I wear/do" posts on Facebook. Never fear guys and gals, we're here to share a few tips we have learned in our many trips to the event.
What to do at VIVA
The VIVA Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender itself is jam packed, so there's always something to do! It might seem obvious, but read the program and get a lay of the land, and the schedule of events and bands. Some vendors put discount codes in there too!
You're sure to find your favorite Rockabilly band and discover a few you didn't know. Be aware that some of the bands overlap so you will want to prioritize which ones you choose to see.
If you're a classic car fan, you will not be disappointed by the car show Saturday. Be sure to wear sunscreen, the sun is HOT in Vegas, and you don't want to spend your trip tending to a bad sunburn!
Shop the vendor area(s) in the hotel and car show too, and please support them! They support the scene and advertise with the event (like Cats Like Us) to help make such a VLV possible.
What to do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is pretty spectacular on its own, so take a walk down the strip and check out the sights. We love the fountains at The Bellagio and the Flamingos at The Flamingo - both free and a short ride from the event. Old Vegas and The Freemont Experience light show are a must if you want the full tourist experience.
If you like TIKI (and who doesn't?) you must go to Frankie's Tiki Room (open 24 hours!) and The Golden Tiki. Watch those drinks though - they sneak up on you!
If you like antique, check out the Charleston Antique Mall, or visit the shops on South Main Street.
What to wear
We probably get asked "What do I wear?" the most about VLV. The event is so huge that honestly, you can get away with anything. There are some people dressed to the absolute nines as classic Hollywood 1940's... and some people are in jeans and a T-shirt. Basically, any of the usual vintage/retro/rockabilly styles are fair game. Choose your favorite retro look and run with it!
Some good advice is whatever style you choose, try and be put together (Hair + Outfit + Makeup + Attitude = THE LOOK). The key (as always) is to have fun and wear what you feel comfortable in, and try not to be too concerned about competing with others.
Just keep in mind if you choose a standard (ex. Rosy the Riveter), you may not stand out as much as something off the wall (ex. Creature From the Black Lagoon). And if you purchase retro (new) there will be someone else there wearing that same dress... so naturally, we suggest wearing VINTAGE which, by the way is available at Cats Like Us ;)
How to pack
I too am overwhelmed when packing for VLV. I used to teach packing seminars and I made a video with some advice that I hope is useful:
1. If possible try to plan what you are doing each day. i.e. do I need to bring more casual or more dressy outfits? Do I need a bathing suit? If I'm dancing the night away (which I hope to be doing) I need to bring more swing dresses and less pencil skirts etc.
2. This sounds crazy but try to stick with outfits in three or four colors. Choose a base color like black and go from there. My choices this year are black, white, pink and grey. This limits the amount of shoes you have to bring along and enables you to mix and match if necessary.
3. Bring 'multi taskers'. i.e. Pack a black and white sun dress. You can wear it with sandals, a hat and tote-bag during the day but dress it up at night with fancy heels, a clutch, matching hair flower, patent belt and rhinestone jewelry. One less outfit to bring!
4. As far as packing goes, open your suitcase and lay down your outfits flat over it-- one on top of the other. Don't fold them. Once they are all laid down flat you'll have pant legs and sleeves hanging out over your suitcase, don't tuck them in yet. Push the flat items down to the bottom, then fold and roll your PJs, T shirts and anything else that you don't have to worry about wrinkling. Place the rolled items on top of the flat ones, THEN fold your pant legs and sleeves that are sticking out from the flat clothes on top of the rolled clothes.
5. One trick is to wear the heaviest or bulkiest clothes so you don't have to pack them. If you bring jeans, it's better to wear them. Last year I wore my crinoline through the airport and on the plane, (under the appropriate skirt of course.)
Hopefully this was helpful for everyone and remember above all else be safe and have fun!!!
-Julie Ann