Category Archives: Style

Bohemian Late Summer Décor by Etsy.com

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Image courtesy of Summer Text On The Beach by hin255 from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/.

Image courtesy of Summer Text On The Beach by hin255 from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/.

There’s magic when summer and bohemian décor meet – nostalgic, romantic, whimsical, memories of the Age of Aquarius and prayers for a New Dawn. In honor of summer and all free spirited souls, we look to bohemian inspiration for ways to keep the summer experience going all year long.

Etsy.com sellers capture the imagination with their bohemian wares, adding a touch of whimsy to your home and even your automobile. Curated items for the gypsy spirit in all of us below:

Boho tent teepee (you know you want one, too!). Sold by HippieWild, $380.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/239145761/.

Spiritual Gangster Sign. Sold by HollyWoodTwine, $29.99. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/235693860/.

Multi Coloured Bohemian Ceramic Coasters, set of 4. Sold by ShopCrystalCove, $17.62. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/234118445/.

Bohemian Auto Jewelry. Sold by BohoCircus, $12.95. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/227114278/.

Customized Dreamcatcher. Sold from ICatchUrDream, $50.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/204999670/.

Wall Decal Headboard. Sold by gLaMaPeeL, $85.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/230345416/.

Bohemian Kantha Pillow. Sold by BohoCircus, $89.00. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/230127240/.

World Map Decal Be Fearless…Sold by PulpKitchenGraffiti, $25.00+. From https://www.etsy.com/listing/234009854/.

~Your Curator of All Things Bohemian Spirited, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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I’m Pin(n)ing For…Natural Hair!

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I’m going back to my roots, y’all! I want to see and touch my natural tresses all the time. Below is a curated list of favorite Pinterest natural hair photos that inspire me.

I love seeing both of my parents’ hair textures in my own strands…something I haven’t seen since I was a little girl. I’ve cut most of the heat damaged ends and I’ve long since let the relaxers (chemically straightening hair) go. I have at least three different curl patterns, and I’m excited about that, too. I used to only value super straight strands, but now I can’t stop touching my varied curls.

For me, this is not just a trend, but a way of being. We are so blessed to live in the Information Age where we can turn to the internet for inspiration and tips on how to manage and nurture our hair. I’m forever grateful to the vloggers and bloggers out there, showing the masses how to enjoy the hair we’ve got (thank you!). I now see more women with natural hair and I love seeing our beautiful hair!

It is not always an easy journey, but what has helped me is surrendering and letting go of my own, dated constructs of beauty. The old constructs are relics of our past – straightened hair. There was a time and place for straight hair. Now is the season for my natural, curly, coily hair. Only this feels long lasting and so satisfying. Life long, even.

I built a personal hair routine I could manage in my hectic life. Clips, bobby pins, and scarves helped on days when I didn’t feel like doing anything to my hair or taking out my twists. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with wash and go’s and my routine is even easier than when my hair was straight. Yesterday, I literally rolled out of bed and into my flip flops, in search of some Cajun seasonings. I did not fret over my hair, I rocked a big ‘fro style. Once upon a time, that would not have happened. I’ve come a long way from always flatironing my hair before leaving the house. And, it feels amazing.

Check out my natural hair Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/syryn22/naturalista-all-her-glory/ for more inspiration and tips.

One of my hair crushes, Tracee Ellis Ross. Image courtesy of Fashionbellus at http://fashionbellus.tumblr.com/post/37266608968/i-love-me-some-her

Her skin is aglow and her regal afro is giving us life. Image courtesy of Curly Girl Revolution Tumbler page at http://curlygirlrevolution.tumblr.com/

Her curls go on for days, wild and free. Image courtesy of http://www.strawberricurls.com/natural-hair-guide-for-beginners/

Sassy afro + red lips = sexy. Image courtesy of Precious Henshaw’s Blog at http://www.precioushenshaw.com/post/81710284899/urbanna-love-my-micky-mouse-shades

Her whole look is funky, yet sexy. I love the hair color. Image courtesy of Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/pin/51439620720762434/.

Tapered, curly, edgy yet beautiful. Image courtesy of The stylenewsnetwork.com, from http://thestylenewsnetwork.com/2015/02/19/2015-spring-summer-natural-hairstyles-black-women/.

Behold this captivating beauty’s regal crown. Image courtesy of http://www.shorthaircutsforblackwomen.com/how-to-transition-from-relaxed-to-natural-hair/.

Gorgeous! Image courtesy of http://www.hairtriggerr.com, from http://www.hairstyleforblackwomen.com/short-hairstyles-for-black-womena/grow-lust-worthy-hair-faster-naturally-go-to-www-hairtriggerr-com-awesome-lipstick-makeup-and-tapered-twa/

  ~Your Curator of All Things Bold and Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

That Cali Life…

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Image courtesy of porbital, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of porbital, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

There’s something magical about being in California – there’s an air of adventure, wonderment, and beauty that envelops the daydreams of natives and visitors alike.

I hail from beautiful Northern California and my passion for my state is unabashed and free flowing. My “California Love” Pinterest Board has hundreds of photos https://www.pinterest.com/syryn22/california-love/.

The ever present sunshine, an abundant array of cultures, great food, and awesome views, California captures the imagination, as we know there are countless songs that sing the praises of this great state. I can drive to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego. I can dip my toes in icy Lake Tahoe. I can hike in Gold Country or in the massive Redwood Groves of the North Coast (my absolute favorite thing to do). I can chill in at a tucked away jazz club, while I sip an espresso in our college towns.

Etsy has a Californian-whimsical-anything-sells-and-goes feel, just like our street vendors who reign our city and towns’ streets.

Those who dare to live in California, know there’s no other place like it.

So, it’s no wonder there’s an affinity to create clothing and home décor that represents this great, beautifully diverse and alluring state. Even the curve of our borders oozes wild sex appeal! Here’s some California inspiration from our vendors from Etsy.com:

Etsy seller: PaperFinchDesign. California print, $12.

Etsy seller WoodKeeps. California Dreamin’ Wood Coasters, $34.50.

Etsy seller WeLoveCalifornia. California Grown Globe Zip Up Sweatshirt, $34.

Etsy Seller WeLoveCalifornia. Gold CA Love Necklace, $34.

Etsy seller MonkandHoney. California coffee table and bench, $900+. Ships from Fullerton, California.

Etsy seller CaliforniaRustic. California Flag Hat Rack, $66.

Etsy seller thePathLessTraveled. California silhouette luggage tags, $3.90.

~Your Curator of All Things Californian, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Spotlight on Etsy shop The Bohemian Dream

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Image courtesy of Etsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian blouse, $52.

Upcycled, eco-friendly, one of a kind bohemian pieces to fit even the modest of budgets is all found in Etsy’s shop, The Bohemian Dream. I love the store owner and fashion designer Lucia Flores’s take on upcycled fashion – taking what it is already beautiful and in our hands today and recreating it into something new, cute and unique. Add to your bohemian closet with Lucia’s unique and stylish designs. She ships worldwide from Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Check out The Bohemian Dream’s shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBohemianDream?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav.

Image courtesy of Estsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian, floral trimmed tank, $34.

Image courtesy of Esty.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian poncho, $29.

Image courtesy of Etsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Bohemian tube top, $34.

Image courtesy of Etsy.com shop The Bohemian Dream, designer Lucia Flores. Top layering, off shoulder Oriental Tribal Print Boho Hippie Poncho, $45.

Your Curator of All Things Bohemian and Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

What I’m Pin(n)ing For…Free People on Boho Love and Gypsy Soul

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Image courtesy of Free People Clothing Boutique. Comes in 8 colors and looks sexy and comfy.

My Pinterest board, Boho Love and Gypsy Soul (https://www.pinterest.com/syryn22/boho-love-and-gypsy-soul/) has over 3200 pins of countless images of bohemian style pieces for the gypsy spirits. One clothier who is a constant on pin status logs is Free People. Free People’s bohemian inspired clothes have a vintage feel, yet also has a very modern, 2015 edge to them, making their clothes sought after by the rich and not so rich. Free People’s models and design inspirations take me to Coachella Music Festival, back to the colorful and vibrant streets of San Francisco and Berkeley.

I am always scoping their website to see what they will come up with next in bohemian and wanderlust fashion. Here are some of my favorite Free People pins (it was hard to choose which ones to showcase!):

Image courtesy of blog.freepeople.com.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

Image courtesy of freepeople.com of Free People Clothing Boutique.

 ~Your Curator of All Things Modern Bohemian, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Pantone’s 2015 Fashion Color Trends of the Year

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Image Courtesy of http://finelivingmuse.blogspot.com/

Color trend predictions to fashionistas remind me of sports fans pastime of predicting football’s best teams for the year – part speculative, part intuitive, part historical reference. We love to see if our own predictions and all-time favorites made the list. We find ways to incorporate the current year’s colors into our wardrobe.

Pantone’s 2015 color predictions promise many hues of blue, juxtaposed against powerful tangerine, sensual marsala, and subdued by toasted almond and custard. According to Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2015, the colors will be like a vivid, eclectic daydream, a throwback of sorts to a time when colors were vivid, yet whimsical – a la 1970s (I’m swooning!).

Your closet probably already has some or all of these colors represented. See if your wardrobe already has the 2015 spring colors. Save money by moving your color forward garbs to the front of your closet – ready at your fingertips (Tip: Change out your wardrobe 2-4 times a year to ensure you’re wearing your clothes and donating/selling what no longer is working. This allows you to fall in love with your clothes all over again, season to season. I swap out my clothes twice a year – fall/winter, spring/summer).

Color is an instant boost to an otherwise stale wardrobe. If you don’t have the colors in your current wardrobe and don’t want to spend a fortune on trendy items, opt for colorful accessories like scarves. Scarves can update an outfit in a cheap and chic way. The same with earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, which has a small storage and economical footprint and can spruce up any outfit.

What colors are you drawn to in 2015? How do you freshen up your wardrobe year to year?

Here are some of my favorite, wearable 2015 colors of the year examples:

Tangerine:

Image courtesy of modcloth.com. Vintage skirt.

Aquamarine:

Image courtesy of Venus.com. Summer Slip On Dress, $39.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toasted Almond:

Image courtesy of Macys.com. American Rag Marled-Knit Duster Cardigan, $60.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marsala:

Image courtesy of SilverFeatherSalon, seller on etsy.com. Marsala color floral pattern scarf, Infinity fashion ladies scarf, $18.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish and Colorful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Winter Rising

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Etsy.com. Seller: RedpoppyVintageShop. Vintage Wool Poncho, Blanket Cape, Ethnic Scarf Coat, $82.

The poetic and chilly time between November and December marks the delineation between fall and winter. Those of us who swoon over cool weather clothing are very happy with 2014’s options for an easy, indulgent, and all-comfy ensemble. This season celebrates the nester in all of us, with easy layering pieces that dance the fine line between loungewear and high fashion.

Check out the below curated pieces for your 2014 fall/winter inspirational pieces…

Etsy.com Seller The Bohemian Dream. Bohemian Poncho Cape, Chevron, Floral Trim. Upcycled Clothing Recycled Clothes Eco Friendly OOAK by TheBohemianDream, $49.80.

Etsy.com. Seller: The Bohemian Dream. Bohemian Cardigan Nordic High Low Knit Doily Vintage. Upcycled Clothing Recycled Eco Friendly OOAK by TheBohemianDream, $49.80.

Etsy.com. Seller: The Bohemian Dream, $49.80.

Free people. Snowflake marled loop, $168.

Free People. Hendrix Sweater Legging. Color: Winter White, $68.

Free People. Marshmallow cardigan, $128.

Free People. Teddy Wrap Around Pullover, $148.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

2014 Fall and Winter Denim Trends

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2014’s fall and winter denim trends haven’t changed much from my spring and summer denim round up (https://abundantlifeinitiative.com/2014/01/02/spring-and-summer-2014-top-denim-trends/). Below, find the styles that will have you set through the beginning of 2015. Curating denim trends is my favorite of all fashion pieces to look for and share with my readers. What do you think about the latest denim trends? Any trends you are wearing now that’s not on the list, but should be?

Boyfriend:

1969 patch & repair sexy boyfriend jeans, $30. Gap.com. Great buy – on sale, regular price $75.

Retro: (or high rise) wear them fitted (straight legged, or flared for a retro look) – with crop tops or thin shirts tucked in:

ModCloth Vintage Inspired High Waist, Flare Weekend Folk Festival Jeans, $70. Modcloth.com. High waist, slight flare is what gives these jeans a retro feel. What’s great is retro looks great in both light and dark washes.

Patchwork:

8Boy Patchwork Boyfriend Jeans, $120. Parasuco.com. Somehow these jeans are super sexy with patchwork and some gladiator heels. One can achieve this same look with finding unique patches and adding them to a pair of old jeans.

 

Upcycled Patchwork Hippie Jeans, $42. Etsy.com

Overalls: (Yay!)

Distressed & Patched Overalls, $35. Forever21.com. This look combines four 2014 Fall trends – overalls, distressed, patchwork, boyfriend style.

Mom Jeans: (I will likely never embrace this trend, but I am here to report what’s hot in denim, so here it is)

Urban Outfitters does Mom Jeans justice – making them a more redeeming and longer lasting denim trend. The key to this look is the fitted gray top and the denim color. $59.

Distressed:

Distressed low-rise skinny jeans, $950, Saint Laurent. Net-a-porter.com. I know, I know – these are way out of most people’s budgets for a pair of shredded jeans, but I am highlighting them to show the level of distress, coupled with a perfect amount of fading on a skinny jean. I think you could achieve this look on an old pair of great fitting jeans, but here’s a denim dreamer’s inspiration.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish and Denim, Kimberly Jo Cooley

2014 Fall Must Have: Shearling

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It’s no surprise Glamour Magazine singled out this soft and warm textile as a must-have for Fall 2014. I am an endless summer kind of girl, but there’s a time when the Sacramento ninety degree weather breaks, the days get shorter, colder and I do a little happy dance when it’s time to pull out my cool weather garbs.

Shearling is like plaid in the cold months – timeless. But, (the look of) shearling is in vogue this season, so for those lucky folks who already own a shearling lined jacket – rejoice! And, for the rest of us who covet one, take a look at the styles I curated below – bound to conjure daydreams of all the outfits a shearling jacket would complete :-).

Here’s a round-up of the flyest shearling jackets for all budgets:

Cascade Shearling Coat, on sale $119. Alloy.

Burberry Brit Sheppington Shearling Jacket, $2995. Bloomingdales.

Faux Suede and Faux Shearling Jacket, $43. Forever 21.

Overland Sheepskin Co Holly Shearling Sheepskin Jacket, $759. Amazon.com.

Faux Shearling Jacket, $50. Forever 21.

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish (and Bohemian!), Kimberly Jo Cooley

The African Shop Delivers in Dramatic Fashion

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Danna Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

I love how now more than ever, we have access to worldwide clothiers and Etsy provides a platform for the exchange between buyers and sellers. On my Facebook newsfeed, an African clothing seller caught my eye. I clicked on it and lo’ and behold, stumbled on a gorgeous, affordable collection of beautiful, modern, African dresses, skirts and pantsuits that are sure to flatter most figures and budgets.

The African Shop opened it’s virtual Etsy store in March of 2013, by Christelle and Michelle Nganhou. The store’s owners are based in Great Britain, but lucky for world shoppers, they ship to most places. The African Shop’s fashion forward African clothing lives up to its motto: “Empowering African designers/tailors while providing the best of African Fashion.”

There are 76 pieces for sale in The African Shop’s Etsy store, and it was difficult to choose which curated pieces to highlight for this blog post. Be sure to check out their complete collection at https://www.etsy.com/shop/THEAFRICANSHOP?ref=pr_shop_more.

Akwa Wrap Style Blazer by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Meida Skirt by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Chela Blouse by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Fleur Skirt with bow tie by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Kaky Skirt by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Leray Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Freeda Mid Length Skirt by the African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Skyy Maxi Skirt by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Dashiki Boom Dress 2 by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Birdy Blouse by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Nabine Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Kalima Pencil Trouser by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

Africa Maxi Dress by The African Shop, Etsy and Facebook

~Your Curator of All Things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley