In the Northeast, transitioning your wardrobe into fall and eventually winter is no simple task. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put all of my summer clothes neatly away only to come head to head with an 80 degree day in late October. So I’ve since learned to transition into fall slowly and stylishly.
Part of making a slow stylish transition into the colder months is to pair your new fall pieces with your summer favorites. For this fab pre-fall look, I combined my new Old Navy Felt Floppy Hat and Old Navy T Strap Platform Clogs with an Aztec Print Dress from Express. The long sleeves give it a fall look while the short length keeps things comfortable should the temperatures hit the high 70s.
I love the floppy hat look for fall, but the wool hats will usually run you well over $50. With this Felt Floppy Hat from Old Navy, you can get this must have fall look for less than $20.
What is it that makes a person boho chic? It’s the clothing, the attitude and the funky aura that offers that unique bohemian charm. Whether your looking for a new apartment or want to remodel your current one, explore your inner boho child and get earthy.
How to Find Your Ideal Space
If looking for a non-traditional apartment layout, you may have to skip the typical local broker that will more than likely show you cookie-cutter layouts. Look to online advertisements on Craigslist, visit specialty apartment websites like www.ForRent.com. ask friends and family to keep an eye out for potential rentals and snap a picture of every “For Rent” sign you see to get the number.
Before you look at a property, search online for renter reviews. Try sites dedicated to apartment feedback such as DoNotRent.com or plug the address into a search engine to see what pops up.
Go online to learn more about the community you will call home, too. City guides are a starting point to find basic mass transit options or mobile service providers. Look up crime information at Neighborhoodscout.com too, so you know what to expect.
Fitting in Your Old Stuff
Now that you’ve signed the lease, it is time to fill up your space, because a true bohemian has treasures. You want to create the illusion that you spend your off hours trotting around the globe.
Evaluate what you already own first and distress any furniture that looks too good. For example, maybe mom pawned off her perfectly good dresser and sofa on you as an excuse to buy new ones. The paint should be peeling and each piece must have a proper amount of wear and tear. HGTV offers a practical guide on distressing furniture.
Raid your parent’s and grandparent’s attics. Free stuff is always a plus. Take pictures of the room before you leave to catalog what you don’t use just in case you need something later.
Learn to Upcycle
Upcycling means you take one thing and make it something different. This is how you make use of old lampshades, wine bottles, pallets and old tires. Design site S.A.S. Interiors calls this “shopping your home.” It is a zero budget approach to filling up your bohemian space. Pinterest offers inspirational ways to put old stuff to good use. Just enter upcycle or repurpose into the search box.
Shop Second Hand
Any person worthy of the label boho chic lives for second-hand finds. Keep your eye out for some shabby essentials:
Textiles, such as rugs, pillows, blankets and curtains can translate into wall hangings, floor coverings and room accessories. Anything Moroccan is a bonus find.
Velvet furniture. You need at least one piece of low-pile velvet in your living room.
Crates are multi-functional tools for any room.
Lanterns, especially ones with colored glass to create ambiance.
Over-sized mirrors — the shabbier the better.
Anything wrought iron. From beds to tables, wrought iron is simple yet ornate, and the obvious choice for the boho enthusiast.
Use thethriftshopper.com to locate secondhand stores and consignment shops in your area. You will be amazed at home many vintage shops there are just around the corner.
