Bohemian Style Archives - Cindy Goes Beyond

July 27, 2017July 27, 2017

Creating a Bohemian Inspiration Board

Tonight I enjoyed returning to the process of designing a piece of clothing. I created a second inspiration board, filled with bohemian style clothes that caught my interest. This board now accompanies the classic chic one I created a week or so ago. My own design will most likely fall somewhere in between the two styles.

Although, working on this board tonight, I again realized how much I am drawn to this particular style. Bohemian is defined thus:

The clothes reflect that sense of freedom with garments that flow. Layering is another important element of the boho style along with earthy colors, fringe, tassels and long wraps and scarves. Hippie is another term for boho clothing, or gypsy style.

I used the internet to find images of boho clothes that appealed to me. After printing those pics out I arranged them on a piece of poster board.

I love the art of collage and the process of creating boards. Each new year begins with a fresh vision board containing my new word for the year, my symbol, and images and words that represent the direction I am heading.

These inspiration boards are very specific to one idea, but in the same way, they represent my thoughts and dreams and the direction I am heading.

I discovered years ago that as soon as I put these intentions out there, the Divine immediately begins to rearrange life to meet me where I am on the path, guiding me, bringing opportunities, providing continual inspiration as I journey.

This journey, designing articles of clothing that reflect my wild heart and my classic chic/bohemian lifestyle, is no different. I am casting a vision forward, and taking the action steps as inspiration comes.

I am finding joy in the journey and taking delight in the creation process, and truly that is enough. Almost. I intend to create at least one piece of clothing, or even better, one complete outfit that I can wear as an artistic expression that declares, This is who I am.

I can visualize myself wearing those boho clothes that I have created. I can see them. And that's where the creative process starts. Stay tuned.

July 20, 2017July 21, 2017

Design a Piece of Clothing

When I realized recently that the style of clothing that I am drawn to falls into the Bohemian range, I thought my desire to design my own clothes would fade away. Not so. I have found my thoughts returning to tops and dresses and wraps I’d like to design and wear. As I created a new version of the “draw a creative action” game last week, I included a slip of paper with these words printed in it:

This afternoon, I felt inspired to stir up the new slips of paper and draw one from the jar. I was already thinking about sketching some clothing ideas. This, then, was a way to see if my thoughts and the flow of life were in sync. I would let myself be guided, while holding a desire in my mind.

I was playing. And as often happens, the Divine was delighted to play as well.

I drew out the slip of paper with the creative action of designing and sketching a piece of clothing printed on it. Unlike last year, when I played this game, I don’t feel the need to complete the action in one day, since I am not selecting a new slip of paper each day. That decision gives me the freedom to take my time with the projects…as much time as I need.

I have therefore divided this creative activity into two sections: designing and then sketching. Tonight I focused on the design aspect by creating an inspiration board. I got the idea from one of the books I purchased earlier this year. And I love the concept. In designing my own article of clothing, it helps to know what I am drawn to and what colors and patterns appeal to me.

This first inspiration board is a collection of pieces from the J Peterman catalog. I like the classy casual styling of his clothing. I don’t want to duplicate Peterman’s style. I want to be inspired by it. I enjoyed browsing through a stack of Owner’s Manuals, as he calls them, cutting out the pieces and words that drew me. I was delighted that several of my selections had Italian influences.

This was an extremely fun and satisfying activity for me tonight. I intend to create a second inspiration board featuring more Bohemian style clothing, which appeals to me strongly. With those two boards to guide me, I’ll move on to actually sketching out my own desgins. I expect my style will fall somewhere in between classic casual and boho. I can call it Boho Casual…or Classy Bohemian.

Or perhaps I will just call the look Cindy’s Style.

I love the Ira Glass quote at the bottom of the page in the Secrets of Fashion Drawing book. “Great stories happen to those who can tell them.” I am ready to tell my story through the creative outlet of fashion design.

April 30, 2017

An Order to Go with a Side of Clothes

I’ve recently realized something about myself…the style of clothing I prefer has a name, other than “hippie” clothes. I like flowing, natural fabrics and layering on clothes. That style of fashion is known as bohemian, or boho.

Boho clothing was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s (no wonder I refer to them as hippie clothes) with an emphasis on free flowing natural fabrics that are environmentally friendly. Boho styling also intends that the wearer feels in harmony with herself and with nature, leaving a great deal of room for creating a very individualized look.

Elements of the boho style are:

Layer clothing – create a relaxed gypsy look with multiple layers, such as a wrap over a T shirt and a long skirt, or a flowing tunic over tight leggings with a long crocheted sweater over both.

Oversized flowing clothes – create a free and flowing look with light weight fabrics and long tops or skirts….anything that makes you feel light and comfortable.

Second hand clothes are an option that saves money and saves the environment – check local second hand shops for vintage looking tops, skirts, dresses or wide legged slacks with flow to them and details such as tassels, lace or crocheted accents.

Yesterday I stopped by Cracker Barrel for a couple of veggie plates to go. As I waited for my order, I wandered around the restaurant’s country shop, impressed with their clothing selection. How many restaurants carry clothing? Cracker Barrel does! And do you know what I was seeing? Lots of boho style tops, dresses and skirts. And you know what else I saw? All clothing was 25-40% off!

I was back at this homestyle restaurant this afternoon, shopping for clothes. Noon wasn’t the best time to go. Think after church crowd. But with an upcoming trip, plus recent weight loss, plus an incredible sale that ended today on my favorite style of clothes, I was there. The crush of people didn’t bother me.

Cracker Barrel doesn’t have a dressing room. So with permission I carried an armful of cute tops and wraps to the restroom. I would try on a top and then step out of the stall to check the fit in the mirror. At one point I had the cutest group of older ladies cooing over my clothes and offering sweet words of encouragement. They were my own little cheering squad.

I had fun, shopping for clothes in a unique setting, and finding several great pieces. As I finished shopping I placed an order for veggies to go. The clerk ringing up my purchases laughed when I told her I was getting a to go order with a side of clothes. She called me clever.

I felt more than clever. I was thrilled to discover clothes that fit within my boho style and my budget. Bohemians are defined as free spirited people who live unconventional, nomadic, artistic lives. I am happy to dress the part!