Soft Color Guide: Festivals

Me and Whitney, posing after we "decorated"
ourselves.

"Stay right there, Lindsay, the chalk looks really

cool!"

Whitney, Hailey and me after we emerged from a color throw. The guy on the right is a total diva.

Whitney in the car, looking gorgeous, even dozed in chalk.

It's the beginning of the year, which means the festivals have begun! Although a lot of them happen towards the beginning of the summer season, some have sprung up already. Last weekend, I went to the Festival of Colors, a hindu tradition, and had a blast! After coming home and reevaluating my choices, I decided it was a good idea to share some of my tips for festivals.

Firstly, there are two types of festivals. The first kind is the one where it's very simple and respectable, and people aren't getting dirty or high. For example, here in Utah, we have the Festival of Tulips, which is where gardeners showcase their tulips. The other type is like the Festival of Colors, where they're a ton of teens and young adults, people don't care how you look, and you don't care either. The tips for these festivals are very different, but the two most important rules are:

• Arrive and leave early. You don't want to get stuck in that incredibly large line, unless you really don't give a crap.
• Dress appropriately. You think this would be obvious, but I can't tell you how many girls I saw wear the full-on false eyelashes and 5 inch heels to the Festival of Colors. Festivals are very relaxed (unless you're going to the Vogue Festival. Then by all means, bring your newest Chanel bag.), so make sure you dress relaxed, not like you're about to go to the club.

Now, I'll just go over some tips for the more "intense" festivals, since I'll assume most of you are young and intense!

Rule #1: Bring water. Oh, and snacks*.

You don't want to get dehydrated whilst grinding against strangers. Make sure you bring as much water as you'll need. And even then, bring an extra. Even if you won't need it, you'll certainly make someone else's day a bit better. Not to mention, festivals can charge an outrageous amount for a bottle of water.

Now, on the snacks. I only put the asterisk there because it's more optional than the water is. Make sure you eat before you leave. It doesn't even have to be complicated. A simple PB&J is what I had for lunch, which is probably the best thing you could bring. If you are going to bring a snack, I would suggest that you bring something that only requires one container/bag. My friend Whitney was a genius and brought Goldfish crackers, which she shared with the group. I remember reading in Alexa Chung's book, "It", that she did not need to bring her mom's combo of hummus and carrot sticks to her festival. It's too much of a hassle. So if you are going to bring a snack, make it very simple.

Rule #2: Think of others.

This, like the dress code rule, shouldn't need to be talked about. You should already know how to behave. It's okay to let loose and to include strangers, but remember that there are some thing you just should not do. For instance, I had a fistful of yellow chalk thrown into my eye, right after we passed some girls and they informed me that I "needed some yellow". I know she did not mean it intentionally, but it all went straight into my eye, and I had to move next to the temple and away from the crowd to get it out. So if you go to a festival like the Color Festival, and you decide to throw some color on strangers, make sure its not near their face. Let their friends do that, so at least they won't rip your head off.

Rule #3: Bring wet wipes. Lots.

I can't tell you how thankful I was when I remembered to bring some wet wipes (and some panty liners and tampons, although I didn't need them) when I got the chalk in my eye. I was also very grateful when I had to blow my nose and get all of that powered gunk out and could use a wet wipe to wipe my face down. You can bring face wipes or some travel Cottonelles, or even both! Aaand last but not least:

Rule #4: Have fun!

This is the most obvious rule. Remember that during these festivals people don't judge you, and you shouldn't judge them! Don't worry about what other people are doing and, as tempting as it is, stay off your phone! You're allowed to take pictures, but don't be glued to Snap chat and Instagram afterwards. Just enjoy what you're doing at the moment, because the things on Facebook and Twitter aren't near as important as spending time with your friends.

A very bad photo of the Lotus Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, UT (the website here has a better photo). Taken by yours truly during the 1:00 PM color throw.

Hope these tips have helped! What have you done during festivals that you've regretted/been thankful for doing? I would love to hear some of your tips and stories down in the comments!

Lots of love! X

Pineapples & Palm Trees

You guys may not know this, but at the end of the school year, I'm taking a two-week vacation to Maui! So you can guess why I chose pineapples and palm trees to be today's topic.

Pineapples & Palm Trees by lindsay-johnson61

Topshop has really outdone itself this season. All of the items, with the exception of the bikini and the shorts on the right, is from the Topshop collection. I think the shorts are perfect for the summer sun, and the matching shirt is just perfect as well.

I'm also taking a favor to the pineapple socks and the palm tree sunnies. They're cool and quirky, and not to flashy.

Pineapple prints and palm tree prints are my new favorite, especially since my summer vacation is almost in sight. So, what prints have you been obsessing over lately? And where are you vacationing this summer? Please feel free to leave a comment down below, it would be really appreciated! X

PS: After careful consideration, I've decided that from now on, I will be posting every monday, wednesday, and friday. I haven't decided on a time, although I'm probably going to go with either 9 o'clock or noon. X

About Me

Please excuse the randomness, I may have stolen it from Tumblr. And my apologies if it's kinda long, I've literally nothing better to do.

Put your iTunes on shuffle. What are the first six songs that pop up?

1. "A Dustland Fairytale" by The Killers
2. "Kids" by MGMT
3. "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals
4. "Through the Dark" by One Direction
5. "The Phoenix" by Fall Out Boy
6. "Il Mondo" by Jimmy Fontona (literally the greatest song ever, next to Call Me Maybe)

If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

        It would probably be Alexa Chung. She's the most perfect human being. Ever

Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, and give me line 17.

        "Personally," I told her, pulling out a pair of black pants and

What do you think about most?

        My future.

Ever had a poem or song written about you?

        Unfortunately, no. People don't like me enough to do that.

Do you have any strange phobias?

        I dont' really know if this is a phobia, but I cannot stand English muffins. I'm also afraid of heights, but only when I'm not secure. Like, I can handle roller coasters, but I would just about die if someone had me get up on a ladder.

What's your religion?

        Don't have one.

If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

        Playing with my dog, Jacques. Or reading.

Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

        Ahh, VERY difficult. It'd probably have to be the Arctic Monkeys at the moment.

What was a the last lie you told?

        "Yes, Mom, we worked on the assignment the entire time."

Do you believe in karma?

        Yes. Very much.

What does your URL mean?

        I think I've already explained this, but I like things that would be put under the tag of 'soft color', 'pastel', 'grunge', 'indie', etc, and soft color sounds the most delicate out that list. The "& Company" part it because it sounds more fashionable, like "Selfridges & Co."

What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

        My greatest weakness is that I am a perfectionist, and that sometimes I don't know what to say in certain situations. My greatest strength is that I'm pretty good at memorizing.

Who is your celebrity crush?

        Boy-wise, it would have to be Alex Turner, and girl-wise, it would be Alexa Chung (funny, right?)

How do you vent your anger?
        I vent to friends or listen to hard rock.

Do you have a collection of anything?
        Yes, I collect bottle caps and those magnetic jewelry boxes, the ones that have jewels on them and come in different shapes, like animals and instruments and stuff.

Are you happy with the person you've become?

        Yes, I think so. Although I could do better.

What's the sound you hate; sound you love?
        I haaaaate the sound of nails on a chalkboard. And I love the sound of the wind.

What's your biggest "what if"?
        What if I become unhappy with my choices that affect my future?

Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

        Yes, and maybe. With all of the undiscovered territory in the universe, there's bound to be another planet with life on it.

Stick your right arm out: what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.
        Right arm: artificial branches painted the same color as my bedroom walls

        Left arm: my lamp

Smell the air. What do you smell?
        My perfume.

What's the worst place you have ever been to?

        My old middle school.

Most attractive singer/s of your opposite gender?

        Ahh Louis Tomlinson.

To you, what is the meaning of life?

        To give life meaning (said the cliche white girl)

Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?

        Nope. Too young!

What was the last movie you saw?

        The Devil Wears Prada

What's the worst injury you've ever had?

        Uhh I fractured my wrist once. I don't really brake bones.

Do you have any obsessions right now?

        Yes, Instagram.

Ever had a rumor spread about you?

        One time, but I don't know if it counts.

Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?

        Yes, but not very long ones.

What is your astrological sign?

        Leoooooo!

What's the last thing you purchased?

        In-N-Out Chocolate milk shake

Love or lust?

        All you need is love! <3

In a relationship?

        No.

How many relationships have you had?

        None. That's how much people like me. ;)

What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?

         I try to be funny, buts it's mostly just embarrassing for everyone there.

Where is your best friend?

       Across town. :(

What were you doing last night at 12 AM?

       Sleeping. I'm not very cool.

Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend?

       Yes, I think so.

You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?

       I would save the dog, then call my boss and tell him. And hopefully they're not a dick and would understand.

You are at the doctor's office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?

       a) Yes, but not right away. 

       b) I would try and enjoy life as much as possible.

       c) I really don't know. I guess not. 

Whats the song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

       "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Ray Jepson or "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls

In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?

       Honesty and respect. 

How can I win your heart?

       Buy me concert tickets. 

Can insanity bring on more creativity?

       Yes, the most insane people are the most creative. 

What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

       To take time and focus on myself. 

What would you want to be written on your tombstone?

       Carefree oddball.
Give me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "heart."

       Organ
Basic question: what's your favorite color/colors?

       Pink and royal blue.

What is your current desktop picture?

       The Brooklyn Bridge with NYC behind it. 
If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?

       AHHHH okay, SOO many people, but mainly this really annoying kid in my Chemistry class. I'm about ready to murder him. And he sits IN FRONT OF ME!

What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

       I don't really know, I'm pretty much an open book. 

You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?

       Maybe fly? Or invisibility?
You can relive any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your post would you like to experience again?

       I don't know. My memory isn't really the greatest. 

You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?

       I wouldn't erase anything, I think my experiences make me who I am. 

You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?

       Uhhh probably Alex Turner. Or Matt Healy. They're both soo fit. 
You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

       Paris. Or New York. 

Ever been on a plane?

       Yes, I think the daughter of a pilot would definitely be on a plane.
Give me your top 5 hottest celebrities.

       Alex Turner

       Matt Healy

       Louis Tomlinson

       Alexa Chung

       Harry Styles

Denim Dream

Ahh, what a perfect way to kick off the new season by talking about a fabric that works with almost anything and looks good on almost anyone. Denim!

As you can see by the picture above, I'm going over everything. Shirts, jeans, shorts, jackets, skirts, overalls, dresses, and even some nail polish! Now, this is mostly light/blue denim. I'm not excluding black denim (which is perfect in every way), but lately I've been obsessed with light blues, so I thought I'd focus on blue denim this time.

I'm trying to actually do my New Year's Resolution this year, and Lent has certainly helped. One of my goals was to lose 30 lbs. before my trip to Maui in the summer (which is the first two weeks, agh!) So far I've lost… well, that not important. Anyway, most of my weight is in my thighs, so I loosing my thigh weight would let me look good in some shorts! Particularly high-waisted, cut-off Levi's from Urban Outfitters that I've had my eyes on for quite a while.

Denim dresses are my next favorite. I can't get over how CUTE this one is! I'm also dying to get my legs into a denim skirt, and these two (left is AA, right is Topshop) are so 90's. The denim dungarees, as the Brits call them, are super cute too! You can pair it with a graphic t-shirt or tank, or if it's really hot out, a lacy black bralette!

Boyfriend jeans are the coolest, there's no question. And I'm super happy I've finally got my hands on a pair! They're not as distressed as I would like, so I'm really happy these Zara ones are super cheap and have the perfect amount of rips and rags.

Now that I've beaten denim to death, I want to ask you: what's your favorite piece? And how do you plan on styling your denim this year? Feel free to leave a comment down below, I'd really appreciate it! x

One Last Thing!

I'm seeing that my blog already has a couple of views, so I just wanted to make a quick little note before I take off:

1. Not all of my blog posts will be that long: That was a crazy length, and some of them will probably be shorter (or longer!), but I just want to clarify that I'm not writing novels here.
2. I'm still fixing the bugs: Being a new blogger, I have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing, and I would like to eventually have my own website, but as that may not be happening in the not-to-distant future, I'm looking at things that will work for the time being.
3. I will try and post at least twice every month: This may or may not happen, but I think every two weeks is a good time to post.

Alright, I think that's it! Feel free to leave comments and questions, although you may just be thinking "Who the hell is this girl?!" Lots of love! Xx

Welcome

As if school and extracurricular activities—which include piano, drawing, watching YouTube, and sleeping—haven't kept me busy enough, I've decided that I would also make a blog…yay?

No, I'm kidding. Of course I've been thinking about this for a long time, and even asked my mom (or Mama J, or Ms. J, as she will later be referred to) what she thought of it. And after having many thoughtful discussions with my dog, Jacques (he's French, don't judge), I've decided to get started, although I'm sure he'd rather have me spend my extra time playing with him rather than posting about my lame life to the internet.

I don't really know what these first few posts will be about, other than they may consist of vulgar words and phrases, rants about my personal life, and meaningless photos and stories. But hopefully some of you will find this interesting and enjoy reading… or maybe not. One can dream!

I'm first going to start out by saying that I have absolutely no idea where the name "Soft Color & Co." came from, other than it sounds a bit posh. But if you've ever typed "soft color" into the search tag on Tumblr, you will find all sorts of vintage, hipster, indie/Bambi photos. And me being somewhat obsessed with everything indie-related, I've decided to choose to add that to the name. The "& Co." part came in when I was thinking about "Tiffany & Co", "Selfridges & Co", etc, etc, etc.

The blogs original name was going to be "Soft White & Co.", and even before that, "Soft White Films", which was going to be my YouTube channel name. I decided not to go straight into YouTubbing, because one) it looks like a lot of tough shit, and I don't know if I have the time/energy for that just yet; and two) If the blog goes well, and a handful of you guys would like to see my videos, then fabulous!

I don't really understand why I chose to start my blog out explaining the name and what not, but I think I did a pretty good job for the first time. Hopefully I start to get the hang of it as time goes on. Much love. Xx