the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on bohemian

how to rock cowboy boots… yeehaw!

August 18th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ accessories bohemian clothing dresses hats jewelry looks necklaces pants shoes tops

So, they’ve been around for a while and like most trends they should be on their way out, right? Wrong! Cowboy boots are not going out of style anytime soon, they have become a staple. Designers are not letting up - even European designers love the classic American boot. Now, cowboy boots are available in an array of colors and styles ranging from distressed and slouched boho-chic looks to the traditional “these will last you for 100 years” look.

So, with what can we wear these fabulous boots? Try mixing it up Sienna Miller style with a dainty, romantic sundress and fedora or take the Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood route with some laid back, sexy denims and a cute graphic tee. Either way you really can’t go wrong! What else do we love about cowboy boots? They’re the superwoman of transitional shoes that will help you strut your stuff into Autumn, through Winter and eventually into Spring. Giddyup!

look one:

  • straw fedora @ Urban Outfitters
  • silk dress @ pret a portabello
  • archie boot @ TOPSHOP
  • j’taime necklace @ Urban Outfitters
  • horseshoe necklace @ Dogeared

  • look two:

  • foil feather tee @ dELiA*s
  • fit n flare @ Lucky Brand
  • cowboy boots @ BOOT CITY

  • boho jewels

    July 17th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ bohemian bracelets charms jewelry looks necklaces rings

    Adorn yourself in a daring combination of jewelry - raw stones, intricate bead work, feathers, crystals and leather. These are pieces that connect you to the powerful Boho movement as well as our beloved earth. These downright earthy and decadently glamorous pieces are available on many well-visited websites as well as tons of indie boutiques online! Lovemadds, Free People, and Made with Love in Brazil are great resources for these pieces if you really want to tap into the natural aspect of this trend, while sites like Pretty Black and Erica Weiner offer a different Bohemian approach incorporating rhinestones, faux tiger teeth and other wildly interesting imagery. If you think you already own some pieces that fall into this category, then go get them! Combine looks reminiscent of Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins - looks that emanate wild freedom, yet have been beautifully put together. Other style icons who are glammed out boho style and may offer some inspiration are Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Maggie Gylenhall, Carrie Bradshaw and Kate Moss. The Boho style, full force, may not be for everyone, but you can certainly find your niche with the wide varieties it has to offer. Things to look for when picking out Boho jewelry are the use of lavish icons and imagery, bold stones, flowing pieces like fringe and strands of leather or fabric, lots of layering and grouping, wild use of color, and an over all look of achieving a perfected look through minimal effort. We Boho chic queens like to give off the idea that we just threw on whatever was on top and came out looking marvelously planned out.

    Boho pieces in this observation (clockwise):

  • Devendra necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Crystal Tourism necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Sword & Stone necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • charm 40 @ Pretty Black
  • charm 28 @ Pretty Black
  • crossed-stich cuff @ Free People
  • Kingston bangle @ Free People
  • Shoreline ring @ Free People
  • Imenja necklace @ Made with Love in Brazil
  • citta bracelet @ Lovemadds
  • love to go around charms @ Lovemadds

  • indulge… and love yourself

    June 25th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Fendi Leaves of Grass MAXSTUDIO Marcia Moran accessories bohemian clothing designers earrings handbags jewelry rings shoes tops

    Bring out your inner Summer goddess! Transform yourself into a mesmerizing mermaid, a freely flowing, sexy and powerful woman! With pride, stroll down the sandy beaches or down your local village streets, dine with style in that favorite restaurant of yours. It’s that outfit that is so perfect because it can take you anywhere - even from a sandy beach into the night. This look is inspiring, fresh, romantic, and makes a powerful statement with its golden embellishments and accessories. It’s decedent in that it stands for wearing all of your special pieces at once. It’s romantic in that it its visual details create a story line representative of love and lust. So ladies, love yourself in a look that is easier to wear than you think.

    mesmerizing items in this observation:

  • leaves of grass amoreuse chiffon top @ Net-a-Porter
  • ethnic tassle disc earrings @ Topshop
  • MAXSTUDIO ‘Xaria’ leather sandal @ Nordstrom
  • Marcia Moran rings @ Wink
  • Fendi forever clutch @ eLuxury

  • beneath bohemian style

    June 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Vivienne Westwood accessories bohemian bracelets dresses earrings handbags hats jewelry necklaces scarves shoes sunglasses

    Have you met her? The girl who has the entire room watching her as she walks past. The one who has the power to stop you dead in your tracks. She has a confidence that makes others uneasy at first, but also an illuminating warmth that holds you close. She explores and appreciates all forms of art. She embraces individuality, and finds joy in expressing creativity. This freedom of expression comes across in they way she presents herself to the world, it comes across in her style choices. Bohemian style is no longer about peasant skirts, Birkenstocks, and unshaved armpits. It’s about mixing it up, and making fashion your own. It’s not predictable, and the fact that it doesn’t work makes it even more fantastic. It’s an intriguing style, that draws us in. She’s different, she feels the freedom to take risks in fashion, and own it. That… is what fashion icons are made of.

    bohemian expressions in this observation:

  • black dangles with rough cut diamond @ shop twigs
  • Dita Voluez Vous sunglasses @ Shop Intuition
  • Vivienne Westwood Anglomania New Drape striped dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Adventurine Maltese Cross @ Kara Ross
  • Muxo Totisse cross body bag @ Shopbop
  • NAIK FuR spiral crochet cloche @ Smashing Darling
  • Christian Louboutin Trottinette ankle boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • Tolani Honeycomb scarf @ Shop Intuition
  • wooden hinge bangle @ Asos

  • how to update your khaki look

    May 13th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$$$ Camilla Skovgaard Celina Olga Pauric Sweeney Pringle of Scotland accessories basics bohemian bracelets casual clothing handbags jewelry pants scarves shoes skirts tops

    Khaki made it’s first appearance in the late 1800’s, as a part of a military dress code. Over the years it has made its way to the mainstream. It has become an American classic, and a staple that has a presence in every girl’s wardrobe. As of late, khaki has gone more modern. It’s no longer reserved for country club bound conservatives or prep school boys. Back in the day, khaki had a unisex feel to it. Khaki shorts and pants were boxy and not exactly flattering to the female form. Thankfully that is no longer the case. Now, there are a million ways to wear khaki and still look like a lady. We’ve put together two of our favorite ways to wear khaki this season. We love a full khaki skirt. It looks great with neutral, and even better with a pop of color. It’s incredibly versatile, and very functional. We also love the khaki pants in a modern cut. Consider a high waisted full pant, paired with an earthy top for a more bohemian feel. How are you wearing your khaki’s? If you have any new ideas, we would love to hear from you!

    items in this observation:

    left look:

  • Pringle of Scotland disc detail top @ Net-a-Porter
  • Nanette Lepore ‘Buy Me Love’ skirt @ Nordstrom
  • Camilla Skovgaard open toe upfront high heel pump @ Shopbop
  • Olga Coated canvas bowler @ hayden-harnett


  • right look:

  • Leopard hairband @ Topshop
  • Afra overprint knit tunic/wrap skirt @ hayden-harnett
  • Pauric Sweeney python shoulder bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Celina signature cuff @ hayden-harnett
  • Nine West beaded toe Thong flat sandal @ Asos
  • pleat front wide leg linen pants @ Asos

  • the bohemian bride

    March 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ $$$$ Claire Pettibone Gabrielle Sanchez Melissa Sweet Suzanne Kalan bohemian clothing dresses earrings jewelry rings trends

    Most girls have a picture in their mind of what a bride should look like. It’s usually an image conjured up from reading fairy tales at a young age. The funny thing is, that vision doesn’t always reflect the woman behind the veil. So, before you lose yourself in a heap of organza and tool, be sure that personifies your style. Otherwise, after the cake is gone, and the honeymoon is over, you may look back at the pictures and wonder “who is that girl?”. Wedding dresses have evolved quite a bit in the last 15 years. Designers realized that there’s a place for fashion in the wedding gown world. Since then, the designs have broadened and the style choices are endless. One of those styles is the “bohemian.” This bride is at ease with herself, and feels a freedom to express who she is. The dress she wears is easy going, and gives her the ability to move freely. The bohemian bride embraces the beauty and warmth of nature, and it’s reflected in all the things she chooses for her wedding. The colors are earthy, and mixed in an unconventional way. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who knows who she is, and portrays it fearlessly. We encourage you to consider your many options, and look at all that the designers have to offer. Your spirit should resonate on that day. Forget the fairy tales from your childhood, make your own magic. Who even knows what became of Cinderella? She could be trapped in a castle somewhere, or drunk in an English pub, or maybe she did live happily ever after. Who knows…..

    items in this observation:

  • “Yolanda” wedding dress by Claire Pettibone @ Brides.com
  • Ruby Flyer earrings by Gabrielle Sanchez @ Moondance
  • Smokey Quartz ring by Suzanne Kalan @ Fragments
  • Plum Perfect bridesmaid dress by Melissa Sweet@ Brides.com