The Expression of a Bohemian Soul

"... I do not have time for things that have no soul."

I love this quote. It speaks to me on a very deep level. Especially, in this day and time of our microwave lives, drive by acquaintances, surface skimming relationships, and the new gotta have "it" styles trending every time we turn around. Everything is so disposable... temporal. Nothing seems to resonate with a sense of permanence or stability. Many have succumbed to losing their sense of self among the chaos of their busy lives, and the keeping of the pace and drive to be like someone they're not, on the inside. They are longing for something with depth and meaning. What they really need is an outward expression of their inner "gypsy" spirit.

I think that is why so many people are attracted to the "Bohemian" vibe. It speaks to a history, a depth, and a way of being. Finding your sense of style that has staying power, and is not influenced by the "flavor of the month." Yes, there are trends, and the whole "boho" thing has definitely found its place among the runways of Milan, Paris, and New York City. But, there is more to it than that. It's not a disposable persona. You're either a bohemian at the core, or you're not. It comes from the very depth of who you are. It resonates from within. And, some of us are at a place where we must dig deep to excavate that core.

It's at that bohemian core that we find a beautiful sense of wonder, curiosity, and strength. It evokes a time and a place when artists, poets, writers, and creatives found a place of belonging... among themselves. Those who formally were considered outcasts, weird, and eccentric, are now revered as unconventional, alternative, and nonconformist. And, although this has all become somewhat mainstream, it is the romance of the bohemian past that has withstood the test of time.

In my opinion, I believe that everything about the bohemian style speaks to history and individualism. And, the well appointed bohemian home evokes feelings of comfort, wanderlust, and relaxation. It's not stifled or fussy. It's as free-spirited as the individual who lives there. It has soul.

I'm often asked how does one accomplish the relaxed boho-beach vibe in their own home. I just encourage them to find what speaks to them. It's not about matching lamps and color-coordinating patterns. It's not about perfection and being pristine. It's more about discovering those things that you find beautiful and inspiring. Then, surrounding yourself with those various treasures. More than likely, if you fill your home with the items you love, they will find a way to work together. It's osmosis.

We discover a lot about ourselves when we give up the cookie-cutter "Rooms to Go" comfort of ready made collections, and make the attempt to do it ourselves. It can be a painstaking process, to search for the things that speak to you. But, it is so worth the effort. Because, you will, eventually, have a place that is uniquely your own. Just like your DNA. Your thumbprint will be all over it. It's personal and an exclusive expression of yourself.

The same can be said for our personal style of dressing. If you're stuck, step out of the box, and experiment a little. Promise yourself that the next time you step into a clothing store, you won't buy what has already been pieced together on the mannequin. Stretch yourself to mix it up. Challenge yourself to partner old pieces with the new. Shop at the consignment shops and thrift stores as often as you do the boutiques and department store chains. Grab what speaks to you. It's all about discovering yourself. The authentic you.

Boho may wane, because now, it's a trend. However, the heart of bohemianism is a way of life. It's not all flowing skirts, embroidered tops, and flowered headdresses. Nor, is it all about macrame, tapestries, floor pillows, and feathers. Those things will come and go within the mainstream of style influences. What it's about is self discovery, and remaining true to that self, when time carries on, and trends fade into another re-imagined and re-purposed general course for the style conscious masses who want to be relevant and up to date with what's "hot."

I will always wear patched jeans, t-shirts, turquoise, and pashminas. And, while at work, when I need a more "Corporate America" aesthetic, you will always find an expression of the free-spirited incorporated into my outfit. I will always have a home filled with an eclectic mishmash feel of a chippy painted beach cottage, rusted relics of an industrial loft, just a touch of the clean lines of mid-century modernism, and an eclectic mix of whatever moves me. It's just who I am.

Staying true to what is inside of us, being free in our outward self-expression... for me, that is what having soul means.

XO,

CJ