Even though we live in the Coachella Valley, I won’t be attending the Coachella Music Festival. I’m not cool enough for that, plus I like to shower. Almost daily. But I do love seeing Coachella fashion and am getting into the festival spirit — in my own way — with flower crowns and cut-offs.

Here’s how I styled denim cut-offs for a tryst in the desert while still looking ladylike (at least I hope!).

I picked up this poncho/cape in Paris a few weeks ago. It reminded me of this amazing vintage cape that my friend Jenny has and that I’m constantly coveting. (Sorry, Jenny, I’m totally SWFing you.) When we got back to Southern California, the temps were in the 80s, which I’m normally jazzed about, but I was kind of bummed that I’d have to wait months to wear my new poncho. Lucky for me, we had a crazy wind storm here in the desert yesterday where the temperatures dropped significantly so I got to frolic in my poncho. Actually, I’m almost always cold, even in 80-degree temps, so any excuse to essentially wear a chicified blanket, and I’m there.

It was the perfect pairing with these two-toned denim cutoffs from YMI Jeans. While I tend to wear dresses most of the time, I always have one pair of cut-offs in rotation for the summer. I’m from Texas after all, and came of age in the Daisy Duke era. I love the two-hue twist on these and instantly thought of a black-and-white cookie (yes, food is always on my mind).

To add a pop of color and polish to what could easily veer boho, I added a structured red leather satchel from Sole Society (that has a strap and can double as a messenger bag). They recently launched handbags and I was lucky enough to attend their celebratory launch dinner last month and see the bags up close. The bags are all real leather and feel very expensive (like $400+ expensive), but are more in the $100 range. I got to pick out a few and this red one (named Britt) immediately caught my eye. Bonus: New to Sole Society? Get 20% off your first purchase of $60+ through April 12 with this link.

Finally, I needed a shoe that felt as comfy as a flat but gave me a little lift (always helpful when wearing short shorts). I am amazed to say that these cute little striped wedges are from Dr. Scholl’s. (Yes, Dr. Scholl’s!) Fred Baby is probably tired of hearing me say this (broken record) but they’re like pillows on my feet. Little poofy clouds for my toesies.

Seriously, they’re so light it’s almost discombobulating. I had no idea Dr. Scholl’s made shoes this incredible (the Bollare PR team kindly sent them to me to try and I am a convert). In fact, you probably won’t find me in anything else for the rest of spring and summer. I could not recommend them more. I’m convinced that my sister, who never wears heels, would even love these too.

A red ban.do heart in my hair, my new favorite earrings from Julie Vos, and a white button-down from Zara (okay, another hand-me-down from Helen!), and some shades and I was all set for desert adventures. Even if they ended at Thai Smile.

Are you going to Coachella? Or getting into the festival fashion spirit?

What I’m Wearing:

YMI Jeans denim cut-offs c/o

Zara top c/o Helen 😉 (old but similar here)

Vostik Paris poncho/cape (similar here, here, here & here)

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes ‘Milestone’ sandals c/o (SO comfy; also available here)

Sole Society ‘Britt’ messenger bag c/o (Get 20% off your first purchase of $60+ with this link through 4/12/13)

ban.do heart hair clip c/o

Julie Vos earrings c/o

SEE sunglasses (old but similar here)

[Photos by FredBaby13]