Bring Back Bohemian

A dress from Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2008 Couture Collection

Nicole Richie, Chanel Iman and Angela Simmons bring Boho-chic back!

The 70's were a liberating time. We just don't see that kind of freedom of expression anymore. That is until this summer! Jean Paul Gaultier, ever the free thinker, was ahead of the game on the runway. His Spring 2008 Couture collection was filled with tributes to the decade of debauchery. Think flowing chiffon, busy prints and oversized clothing. Even Victoria's Secret is getting in on the act. Check out this Printed Caftan Dress on sale for $79 available at www.victoriassecret.com. If this trend is feeling far too retro for you, at least consider wrapping a scarf around your forehead like Ms. Simmons above. Paired with this summer's must-have long dress, the look is both deliciously modern and delightfully vintage.

Hair Stories: The Braidy Bunch

Nia Long, Beyonce and Nicole Richie bring hobo-chic to the red carpet.

1. Burnt Sugar - Hair Pomade, $10.00, www.oyinhandmade.com; 2. Karen Marie - Colossal Gem Butterfly French Twist Comb - Onyx & Smoke, $17, http://mp.hairboutique.com; 3. Frederic Fekkai Wave Creating Spray, $19.50, www.sephora.com; 4. Supreme Bobby Pins, $4.99 for 60, www.sallybeauty.com; 5. Star Snap Clips, $3 for 2, http://mp.hairboutique.com 6. All Day Hold Spritz by Elucence, $7, www.culmart.com; 7. Sailboat Hair Pins, $4.90, www.forever21.com; 8. Organic Sapote & Coconut Pomade - For sheen, hold & silkiness, $9.95, www.anitagrant.com

Lazy days in the sun require an equally laid back hairstyle. This summer make your staple style loose braids held back by antique-inspired hair clips. Hobo-chic is here to stay and since you’ll probably wearing a long floaty dress this season (see these celebs), braids will finish off the look. Styling essentials include a no mess pomade to slick down your edges if you’re going for a more polished look like Beyonce. For those of you who like your hair looking a little disheveled like you spontaneously decide to braid it and put it up, Frederic Fekkai has a Wave Creating Spray that’ll give your hair that flyaway look. Naturals should braid their hair then take it out to create a braid-out/waves. You can then loosely re-braid certain parts of your hair to set off the style. Take some inspiration from Nicole Richie and Nia Long. Their hair looks elegant yet unpretentious – the perfect theme for summer.

Hippie Chic….

Oprah Winfrey arriving at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Mortons on last Sunday in West Hollywood, California.

Ali Landry at Coach’s Legacy Collection Launch.

Nicole Richie attending the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood party held last September in California.

Cate Blanchett arriving at the Babel premiere during the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.

Suffice to say, fashion was not at the forefront of the Hippie movement’s consciousness. More concerned with rebelling against social order and exploring their sexuality, hippies threw on clothes that challenged their middle class upbringing. Flash 30 to 40 years later and the likes of Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller and even Oprah are embracing their bohemian alter ego’s. Thank designers like Anna Sui, Etro, Gucci and Matthew Williamson for putting bright, 70’s inspired prints back on the runway and into our lives. As usual see below for ideas.

Color Me Bad!

Tracee Ellis Ross and her vintage clutch at the WWD Oscars Party.

Amerie, and her Fendi Spy Bag, attending the Giorgio Armani Go Red for World AIDS Day at the Giorgio Armani Store on Madison Avenue in December ‘06 in NYC.

Sarah Jessica Parker, wearing a Giambattista Valli dress and VBH clutch, attending the 2006 National Board Of Review Awards Gala last month in NYC.

Nicole Richie, holding a Pucci clutch, at the Cavern Wallpaper and Kidada Jones for Disney Coutour Celebration of their new collections January last week in West Hollywood, California.

I saw a feature in last week’s “Life & Style” magazine that talked about Sarah Jessica Parkers' multi-colored clutch by VBH (V. Bruce Hoeksema). They found like four pics of her with it in different outfits and talked about how it must be worth the $990 she paid because it goes with everything – They really don’t miss a beat! Anyway, it got me thinking about investing in a crazy colored bag that will go with almost everything in my closet. And the things it doesn’t go with?... Why not clash?! See below for some colorful ideas.

Mellow Yellow

A dress from the Versace Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection.

Trend Prediction: Yellow dresses. I know it’s a little early to be yearning for Spring but when it arrives be a bright young thing and invest in a stunning yellow dress. I usually don’t like Paris Hilton’s style but I adore the dress she wore to Fox’s TCA party last year – it makes me feel like shift dresses were made for the color yellow. Reese’s gorgeous, strapless dress is by Nina Ricci. Pairing it with red heels was genius. Most fashion sites are naming Reese as their best dressed woman at Monday night's Golden Globes. I think half the fun of wearing canary yellow is finding the right accessories, they are so many possibilities! And as if you needed any more encouragement notice how great yellow looks on darker skin tones (see Garcelle).

Note: See the last Trend Alert: Tight Fix.