Elegant Bohemian: The definition

Isn't this a gorgeous picture of Cher?!  Early Cher embodies what, to me, "elegant bohemian" is all about.  There's a sleekness, dignity and ELEGANCE to her style.  But it's her unexpected details that bring out the BOHEMIAN in her look.  The ethnic jewelry.  The hair.  The WOW factor of her jewelry.

One of the things that I relate to about Cher is that there is nothing subtle about her looks.  She doesn't have "fine" features.  Everything on her face demands attention.  I get that.  I'm well past wishing I had delicate features and an ethereal beauty.  I have rebellious eye brows that MUST be tamed.  Large eyes.  A nose that's been broke and is far from delicate.  Teeth that just refuse remain within the confines of my mouth!  And I have a sneaking suspicion that my hair line and brows have a thing for one another because my forehead just can't seem to keep the two apart!!  Truly! My brows want to grow right into my forehead!  And if I didn't tame the hair above my lip............well, enough of that.  I think you get the picture!  I'm not being self deprecating here, just embracing what I see in the mirror.

Cher has never been ethereal in her beauty either.  She has "in your face" features and she has NEVER tried to tone them down by her personal style.  No shying away from bold accessories or clothes.  No reeling anything in.   She's full on, unapologetic, CHER!

And I'd like to think that that is REALLY what Elegant Bohemian is all about.  Again that word, ownership.  Seems to be a recurring theme for me lately, even in my personal conversations with my husband.  Owning who we are and what we are.  "No complaining.  No explaining." Drawing a line in the sand between inspiration and imitation and staying well clear of the imitation side.   Embracing what makes us unique while allowing (and even celebrating ) others their own uniqueness.  

Elegant Bohemian is the equivalent of what I say when I'm complimented on my name, Serene and asked, "Well, are you serene?"   My standard reply rarely wavers, "While not yet a done deal,  it IS a work in progress and a definitive goal!"

70s Style

I think I could do this all day....my favorite icons and looks of the 70s!  

I so wanted to be one of Charlie's Angels!  

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Clean cut image?  Absolutely!  But sky rocketing on style...it's hard to watch the Mary Tyler Moore show and not want to wear what she's wearing!  And can we talk about her FABULOUS apartment!!!  The girl didn't even have her own bed room, but she had a killer closet!

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Lynda Carter as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman!  It was so fun to pretend to be her and spin around and around trying to change into Wonder Woman!  But it's her wardrobe that I'd take now!  She epitomized 70s chic!  I ADORE the hair in both of these pictures!

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Call her Ms Ross!   I had a serious Diana Ross obsession when I went into high school and to this day I can sing every word and sound of Ain't No Mountain High Enough!  This is her from her Mahogany days and they just don't come any more stunning than this!  I would LOVE to wear this gown that she has on, but I'm thinking I can at least maybe DIY a pair of tassels like she has on.

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Okay, she may have lived in the projects but Willona had some SERIOUS style!!  I used to always wonder how she could be so poor and dress so well!  What she's wearing right there, I'd put on in a heartbeat today!  And actually, Velma's looking pretty chic herself!

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Can we talk about Cher?  She was not afraid to work the drama, even early in her career.

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This.  Right here.  I love this whole look.  The severe hair.  The huge earrings.  The black and white tunic.
 PER. FECK. SHUN!

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I came across a model from the 70s named Pat Cleveland.  She was simply STUNNING!  No all American Christi Brinkley good looks here.  She was over the top WOW!  Completely inspirational!  

Lesson learned:  We all are going to get dressed every day anyway.  Why not go for a dramatic effect and make it memorable!