About DIY Bohemian

“Don’t you just LOVE the way she dresses?!”

I never tire of hearing that!

It’s great reinforcement to a decision I have gradually made over the years.

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0819161236-copyHey y’all! I’m Cindy Davis, creator and CEO of DIY Bohemian.

My motto is:

Create your Own Style: Be FUNKY; be FABULOUS; be FRUGAL!!

It’s about the look

Not the label.

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I finally stepped out and away from the common, ordinary, BORING way most people dress!!

dsc_0095-tassel-skirtOne of my first projects was a vertically striped gathered maxi skirt that I found in a thrift store. She spoke to me. She said, “I want tassels of lace and ribbon, that match the colors of my stripes, hanging all over me, so that when you walk—or, when the breeze blows across me—I will swing and flutter and be happy!” So, I made matching tassels of ribbon and lace and attached each one to my skirt with a colorful button—aaaall over her body! Lol!

I remember wearing her to the Winter Park Art Festival—and women saying, “What a great skirt!!”

This was long before the bohemian butterfly fluttered its way into the fashion garden.

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Yes, I know, the hippies did their version—and bohemian does definitely encompass that vintage look. But, to me, it’s more than reviving the vogue of the late-’60s-early-’70s period, or the gypsies’ freedom from conforming to convention. It’s dressing in what makes you feel good about yourself, having a little—or a lot—of fun with your style; making a statement that says, this is me!

In those days, when I showed up in an unconventional outfit, people stared. Some, as if to say, “What is that she’s wearing!” But, others seemed to look admiringly.

Regardless, I decided I wouldn’t worry about what people thought: I would dress the way I wanted to dress!  I would make my own style instead of allowing the stores to dictate to me what I would wear…and, at the same time, save a lot of money! though I was always one for the sales. Of course, that meant altering shopping habits to the more unorthodox marketplace.

Today’s thrift shops are no longer graveyards for undesirable castoffs. They are recycling repositories!  They are terrific treasure hunts! Scavenging is a game: Sometimes, you bag some cool rags; sometimes, all you find are duds.

Price also has always had a say in whether or not I buy. Unfortunately, some thrift stores are getting greedy…and mark their items too high! Unless the article of clothing or accessory is super cool, I’ll pass it up. I frequent those stores who have the lowest prices…but, sometimes those cheapest shops have more body bags than body rags! (In other words, they have mostly clothes I wouldn’t be caught dead in as opposed to fabulous finds!)

But, I’ll show you how you can make an ordinary garment extraordinary. So, in some cases, it’s okay to get those boring pieces if you see their potential.

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Nowadays…the bohemian style is fashionable for the celebs, but not too many in the real world have embraced this—yet. This is one of my objectives: to encourage you—girl or woman, to find your own fashion identity. 😀

It is my opinion that, based on what has been told me, people love the originality, but are at a loss as to how to do it.

Thus, I feel it my duty—lol!—and my pleasure😀 —just for the pure FUN of it—to help the “creatively impaired”— lol!— to achieve a look that speaks “ME!”; to contribute to the improvement and advancement of attiring oneself to reflect one’s own true personality. 🙂

Granted, some people’s approach to life is serious and traditional—and they choose to dress that way, or their careers demand it. But, some have a little gypsy in their souls and want to express it in their appearance—and to do it frugally!

This blog’s for you! 😀

Click the image below to see what this Florida girl is about.


sm me in chair feat image 2017-6-21 looking bacl..

4 Replies to “About DIY Bohemian”

  1. Hi, Cindy. I just found your blog on Pinterest. I, too, like Bohemian style. I enjoyed reading your blog. Add me to your “family member” list. Always so nice to hear from a fellow Bohemian and get ideas. I also see that you are a Christian. God always blesses those who bless Him. Continue in His Love!
    Blessings to you…..Diane.

    1. Diane,
      Your comment is such a blessing! Thank you for writing a note of encouragement.

      I added your email to my list, so, you indeed are part of the family now. 🙂 You are receiving my welcome email.

      I’d love to hear from you again, and, maybe, you could give ME some ideas!
      Blessings,
      Cindy

  2. Hi Cindy. I just discovered your blog on Pinterest as I was looking for DIY summertime fun layered looks. I’m so blessed to find you. I’m a sewist too and scour the thrift stores for inexpensive things to change up my outfits from the neutral fashions at the mall that seem so bland. I’m excited to change up what I’m looking for – denim for bleaching, button-up dresses for dusters and scarves for all manner of cover-ups and embellishments. Thank you for spending so much time on your inspiring blog. I wish I’d found you sooner, but I’m here now. I’m about the same age as you also, and have recently begun to ask myself if I’m just being ridiculous to dress like this “at my age”. Looking at you…. thankfully not. xo karen

    1. Hey Karen,
      It means so much to me to hear from you. 🙂

      In my opinion, a woman’s age should not dictate what she does or does not wear. (I will NEVER wear what my grandmother wore!!) A woman of any age or any body type may still benefit from using imagination and stepping a little out of her comfort zone, finding that being creative and expressing herself in her appearance can bring a little joy into everyday life.

      Challenging the artist within can result in some fun outfits. Just remember when mixing prints to keep with the same shades of colors: Such as, the same shade of pink in a paisley should also be in the plaid you are pairing. At least one color needs to match to be successful in mixing prints.

      Have fun with mixing up your wardrobe. As long as you feel comfortable and like what you put together for an outfit, you should NEVER feel ridiculous! Take inspiration from 101-year-old Iris Apfel, style icon. She may be outlandish, but she is not ridiculous!

      Blessings,
      Cindy

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