Who do you turn to when putting together your Lollapalooza look? Billionaire business woman Sara Blakely, founder of the trusted undergarment Spanx, of course! From years of watching my daughters spend weeks putting their Lolla looks together, I am well aware that the look begins with the lace bralette. But, when you’re my age, and going to Lolla for the first time, you build your look from the bottom up, literally, with Spanx. Or at least I did!

“When you’re my age, and going to Lolla for the first time, you build your look from the bottom up, literally, with Spanx.”

For those of you who don’t live in Chicago or who are not into 100K crowds, Lollapalooza is a 4-day music festival held in Grant Park, where the Chicago skyline is the backdrop. Because my kids, and every single one of their friends, went every year, I assumed Lolla was only for high schoolers. I was wrong!

I bought my first set of Lolla tickets 5 years ago, but when my life took an unexpected wrong turn, I ended up selling my tickets for Botox. Last year, I bought another set of tickets, but I was commuting between New York and Chicago and was delayed coming home, so I chose sleep over Lolla. This year I went ALL IN and bought the 4-day pass – I was not playing this time. Botox and sleep can wait! As long as I have my Spanx, I am super woman! See them slipping out from under my dress? That is power!

My friend Val Haller, master music maker and founder of Val’s List – a boutique music website that serves as a music concierge for busy adults, held my hand the whole way through DAY 1! We were busy scouting bands and getting the lay of the land. I felt like I was working the event which made it feel a bit more accessible.

But on DAY 2 – I became a FAN. Starting with James Bay and ending with Bruno Mars. My daughter Marin and husband Mitchell ended up getting tickets at the last minute and joined me for Bruno Mars – the single greatest performances I have ever seen. I am terrified of crowds, don’t like being body to body, and always want a clear exit plan. We found a spot next to the production area, so if I had to, I could scale the metal fencing and drop myself into the camera well! This is how I think.

Bruno Mars lit up the sky with his smile, dance moves, light show and fireworks. I felt like I was 22 and could have, in that moment, ripped off my Spanx and just been in my lace bralette. But – I didn’t.

“I felt like I was 22 and could have, in that moment, ripped off my Spanx and just been in my lace bralette.”

DAY 3 brought more of the same. LL Cool J was my highlight because I love music that takes me back. But I also like staying current, so I put myself right in the center of the crowd for Vampire Weekend as I was now feeling a little Lolla confidence.

I took it easy on DAY 4 and arrived late (which is a nice way to avoid the wait in the check-in line) but just in time for Portugal. The Man and Chromeo. It was fun, but nothing matched Bruno.

Lesson learned – when life gives you Lolla, make Lollapalooza memories! And, when life gives you an opportunity to dance, take it – it doesn’t matter if you are dancing in your Spanx or in your lace bralette – it’s the same feeling – JOY.

PS – it was a full circle mother/daughter moment when Marin sent me off on Day 2 and reminded me to always be with a friend, have my phone charged, not share drinks, and wear sunscreen.

“When life gives you an opportunity to dance, take it – it doesn’t matter if you are dancing in your Spanx or in your lace bralette – it’s the same feeling – JOY.”

7 Comments

Betsy Westhoff on August 6, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Wonder Woman!
- sally lou loveman on August 6, 2018 at 3:27 pm
  
  HA!! Undercover Wonder Woman!!
dana on August 6, 2018 at 2:17 pm

Sally Lou…

When I see your face
There’s not a thing that I would change ’cause you’re amazing just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause girl you’re amazing
Just the way you are!

I love you!
- sally lou loveman on August 6, 2018 at 3:28 pm
  
  I LOVE THAT MAN!!! And thank you!!!!!
corin wiser on August 6, 2018 at 6:35 pm

Hi Sally Lou,

I loved reading your newsletter. It looks like your summer has been full of adventure and creating unforgettable memories, certainly with Lolla. Loved the full-circle mother/daughter moment.

Wishing you all the very best and hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!

Big hugs

Corin Wiser (aka Womaze app:))
edythe gershman on August 7, 2018 at 4:54 am

Thank you SLL, for remembering to dig in and find joy in places that would take me out of my comfort zone. I adore you!!!!
Ps. YOU DONT NEED SPANX???
Amy Kite on August 12, 2018 at 8:31 am

I love this post. So funny and real and full of presence. I’m happy that you finally had your first Lolla experience and that you danced your way through it!