That 70s Show: Bohemian Summer

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

Since I was a teenager in the late 70s I have already actually lived the trend, and its resurgence again in the 90s. I remember I had the a pair of bell bottoms with the widest leg you could find, because if the bells were big enough to completely cover your shoes, and drag a bit to rough up the edges, well, then you were the coolest. Which I wasn't but I tried. I was making baby steps towards my fashion hits at that point. :)

Third time is a charm I suppose, because this spring the 70s are back in full swing for spring and summer. And I love it. Now that I am all grown up and everything I think I can get it right this time, and it is a lot easier to do with all the cool pieces out this season to give your wardrobe a laidback gorgeous 70s vibe.

One of my favorite takes on this trend is the collection of Olivia Palmero’s + Chelsea28 that debuted at Nordstrom on February 8, 2016. I talked about it in a piece I did for the magazine I write for, Vanguard Seattle, which you can see here, which includes a slideshow of some of the cool pieces. Palmero, a street style star with a coveted personal style, knows how to touch on a decade from the past and give it a modern appeal. The collection includes new stylistic silhouettes, fresh color, and retro prints with a contemporary perspective.

I especially loved this gorgeous Tie Neck Midi Dress with its pretty paisley pattern and wispy slits that make it sexy in a carefree way. The tie neck and adds to the groovy appeal, as do the ¾ sleeves. One of my favorite things about this dress is its movement. As you walk, the hem slits swing and the fabric of the dress moves in the most flattering way. It is incredibly feminine without being too sweet, sexy but not in your face…in other words, the perfect summer dress.

Normally I don’t copy a look head to toe but the photo of Olivia Palmero in the above-mentioned dress with the Joie Aubrey Suede Knee Boots was killer. I opted for the soft dove gray suede color in the boot instead of the burgundy she is wearing in the photo because gray would go with more in my wardrobe. They are so fabulous on and have a bonus—they are actually very comfortable. My go-to shades for spring and summer are always Ray-Ban, and this aviator with the pink tinted lenses is one of my very favorites this time of year. It really is super flattering on every skin tone.

I am all about wearing a leather jacket with a feminine dress to toughen it up a bit, but my darker moto jackets were too harsh. Luckily I have this great soft pink faux leather jacket from Target that is fab with my spring and summer pieces. Here is a similar one from Target. A pair of big gold hoops and some chunky rings and I am right back in the 70s again, a little older and wiser of course. ☺

It is my birthday on Sunday and I am feeling grateful and happy for all that I have been given, for my amazing friends, my beautiful family.
Be stylish, be beautiful, be you. No matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.
Have a lovely weekend.