The Bohemian Look

What does it mean to look Bohemian? So what is bohemianism these days? First of all, it's an outlook: a modern bohemian is intensely concerned with artistic self-expression, in all its forms (visual art, sculpting, literature, music, dance). A bohemian is usually anti-establishment, is an unorthodox, intelligent thinker, and is also often lacking in funds due to his or her passions. The following points are pretty common to bohemian culture, creativity and individualism are of utmost importance.

1) SECOND HAND STORES ARE TREASURE TROVES.
The second hand store is a great place to find strange items, and at the same time, to avoid the hustle-and-bustle, buy-buy-buy aura of the mall. Several times, while visiting my local mall, I've been overwhelmed by the urge to head down to my favorite second-hand store, and not only because of the prices.

2) BAGGY IS BEAUTIFUL - AND COMFY!
Bohemian style is practical - you won't see a Bohemian out in the cold without a coat (often double-breasted) unless it's for a performance arts project. Likewise, tight, constricting clothing is out of the question. Bohemianism is all about freedom, so freedom of motion is important.

3) STYLE IS WHO YOU ARE, NOT WHAT YOU SPEND.
A bohemian turns the body into a work of art as inexpensively as possible. That means avoiding big names, or even avoiding brand names altogether .

4) CONFIDENT EXPRESSION IS SEXY.
When you show who you really are (and that can mean being unafraid to admit a bit of near garbage-picking), because you like who you are, people notice, and they like it too. If you're looking to attract an intelligent, confident, creative mate, nurture those traits in yourself, and you'll reel 'em in with ease.

5) NO MORE FASHION ANXIETY.
As a bohemian, you no longer have to worry so much about "what's cool." Rather than fearing disapproval, you can look to your peers with mutual approval. You are no longer a slave to what's in, and can breathe easy as you browse People Magazine for ideas rather than restrictions.

Winter 2009 Fashion Trend: Bohemian Luxury

The Key Elements:
~Billowy white peasant shirts
~Fringed boots
~Folk-inspired tooled leather pieces
~Embroidery and paisley prints
~Charm / coin belts and jewellery
~Luxurious fur or fur-trimmed pieces
~Fringed long skinny scarves
~Bed hair and smudged smoky eye-makeup



Take Inspiration From:
~70s rock icons Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithful
~Victor Hugo's Esmeralda
~Jane Seymour's Solitaire in Live and Let Die
~Traditional Hussar and Cossack dress