lucy in the sky, a boho chic // guest post

Picture yourself in a boat on a river,

Although boho chic is said to have surfaced as early as 1990 and reached the height of its popularity in 2004 and 2005, it remains a popular look today and forms the basis of pieces by designers Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie released for 2012. Those of us, however, with certain older family members who dropped out of college to live in communes, experience natural childbirth with only a midwife in attendance tend to believe that this specific style of fashion never actually disappeared. We say this because our eccentric family members still occasionally arrive for family gatherings in a vintage VW bus, attired in outfits relatively unchanged since 1968.

With tangerine trees and marmalade skies

So, how does one achieve boho chic without crossing over into Haight-Ashbury territory to resemble our aging hippie family members? At first glance, the distinction between boho chic and hippie appears minor to nonexistent. After all, both make liberal use [pun intended] of flared jeans, maxi dresses, scarves, embroidery and occasional feathers. Differences can be distinguished, however, varying from slight to significant if you only look carefully. A good sense of smell doesn't hurt either. Today's bohemian makes liberal use of laundry detergent or dry cleaning and there are countless perfumes available to replace the pervasive smell of patchouli oil.

Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly,

Here are some key differences between boho chic and hippie to remember as you window shop, purchase and dress for an outing:

·  Black, white, gray and other neutral colors are used more often, while the cut of the piece is what gives it a retro feel.

·  Women aren't limited to flare leg jeans or Capri pants. Cigarette trousers are also part of the boho look.

·  Cork platform sandals and moccasins have given way to the ankle high bootie pumps.

·  Hems are almost always sewn and not frayed, perhaps because the latter look strays too far into early-'90s grunge territory.

·  Bishop- and Dolman-sleeved tops typically come in solid colors or darker, more subdued prints than those with which the term "hippie" was associated.

·  A contemporary casual outfit can be made boho chic with the appropriate accessories, such as jewelry, a hat or a scarf.

·  Asymmetrical pieces are more common in boho chic than in traditional hippie style.

·  Maxi dresses and skirts are generally less voluminous and of a sleeker design that doesn't lose the wearer's body within the fabric. Cat Deeley's gorgeous outfit for a June 2012 fete demonstrates the mix-and-match use, the sleeker look and the asymmetry common to boho chic. Notice the look isn't overdone: she carried only a clutch and didn't distract from the outfit with unnecessary jewelry such as bracelets or dangling earrings.

·  Creativity and the wearer's own inspiration remain common to both styles.

A girl with kaleidoscope eyes.

It's no surprise to women that boho chic hasn't disappeared since its supposed reappearance over two decades ago. The look is relatively inexpensive, comfortable, stylish and versatile. Who could ask for more?

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thank you brooke for this guest post :) 

can i go shopping for a few boho chic headbands and other accessories? 

xoxo.

*image found here