Fashion's Bohemian Rhapsody

The deeper we get into summer, the deeper the desire to wear flowing light fabrics - fabrics that fill with air when a breeze blows, or when we walk by a fan, or when we stroll by the water. The warm weather begs not for the tougher looks of the harsh winter, but for soft, sheer textiles and organic colors and accessories.

More time outside lends itself to a reconnection with the Earth, with leisure, pleasure and the sensations of our bodies in the heat.

Summer styles lend themselves to Bohemian vibes and artistic craftsmanship.

This week I visited two shops in search of just that – and , both on Smith Street.

Mongo is the type of store in which the more time you spend, the more you see, the more you want, the more you need. It is a playground for the eyes and for the fingers – extraordinary colors, shapes and textures abound. I caressed the most delicate of hand-dyed silks, smooth beaded jewelry made from tagua nuts, the peaks and valleys of intricate embroidery and the cold, smooth surfaces of metal.

Owned by Tom and Julie Diller, perhaps the highlight of the shop’s offerings is Julie’s own clothing lines “Ohm” and “Cameo.” The textile designs feature dyed garments and Schiffli embroidery – a style first brought to the east coast from Switzerland, and named for the Swiss-German word for “little boat,” because the machine’s bobbin casing resembles a sailboat.

The result of Diller’s dyeing technique is some of the most subtle, yet rich, tones. Though delicate as can be, her garments are all washable, and travel without needing to be pressed.

Another extraordinary aspect of her work is the cuts. Her clothing flows, ripples, and layers, and yet it hugs your body. Her clothing clings to the body in ways that are more sensual and flattering than a garment half the size or with twice the spandex content.

I constructed an outfit from her “Ohm” line, channeling what I like to imagine as a modern-day, summertime Stevie Nicks. I chose soft, rosy tones almost the color of compact powder, adding to it elements of pale lemon yellow.

One of my favorite pieces is the embroidered “breast warmer.” I chose to wear it alone, with a bare midriff, but it would look wonderful over a slim tank or under a sheer blouse. It is wonderfully versatile, and its fine craftsmanship and unique cut make it the star of any outfit.

I accompanied this piece with an incredible waterfall skirt in pale yellow (it hugs your hips in the most wonderful way) and a light, smokey gray silk wrap.

NOTE: Diller makes silk and embroidered wraps that will change your understanding of the word “wrap” or “shawl.”  These items are downright decadent and sexy.

An accessory I can’t stop thinking about is the pale pink turban I wore on my head. It is a “half-turban,” more like a headband, resulting in more of a hippie vibe than a matronly one. This turban also comes in other colors. If you are nervous about wearing a turban, which is a bold fashion move, try pairing it with simple jeans and a tank for a less dramatic statement.

What I love about Mongo is the many interpretations one can take of the clothing and accessories there. Put many pieces together to make a whole, very wearable look, or try adding just one piece, like a turban, wrap, or breast warmer, to your existing wardrobe for a Bohemian splash of something new. 

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At Refinery, Suzanne Bagdade also gives textiles center stage. In addition to lavish pillows and bags, you will find lushly printed tunics, sundresses and scarves.

To create my look at Refinery, I went a little less gypsy and a little more hippie.

One of my favorite colors for summer is white. A long, airy, white dress – what more could you want on a hot summer day or a balmy summer night?

I picked a white cotton dress, with the surprising detail of a plunging neckline, and paired it with a small floral scarf, which I tied around the empire waist. The dress, which is made in India, is marvelously affordable at $36.

I accessorized heavily around my wrists, stacking metal and bead bracelets, leather and bead bracelets and a coral red beaded cuff. I also placed a beautiful, smooth, carved wooden ring on my finger. I love the organic qualities of the materials in this outfit: cotton, wood, metal, leather.

The most exciting element of this look, however, is the shoes.

Refinery carries Sven clogs, comfort shoes that are handcrafted in the United States, using bases from Australia and Sweden, leathers from the United States and Holland, and Sheepskin from Australia.

But Refinery doesn’t just carry them, you can actually special order your own custom shoes - selecting bases, heights, shoe styles, leathers and colors.

This makes me think of the days when people had clothing made for them, and then actually wore these fine pieces of tailoring for years, rather than tossing badly made clothing out at the end of each season.

And indeed, the quality of Sven clogs is phenomenal. Your custom shoes will arrive in approximately two-and-a-half weeks, and the surcharge is only five dollars.

As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, I encourage you to pack away your hard, tailored clothing of winter, and to experiment with a more Bohemian aesthetic - one that is connected with the wind and the sun, the light and the air, and which so beautifully binds comfort and sensuality. 

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 Mongo, 246 Smith St.

Schiffli embroidered “breast warmer” - $110

Waterfall skirt - $238

Silk wrap - $149

Turban - $45

Knit Cydwog shoes - $258

Pouch - $24

Tagua bracelet - $25

 Refinery, 248 Smith St.

Handprint cotton dress - $36

Beaded cuff - $18

Leather & bead bracelet – single $18, double $22

Metal bead bracelet - $19

Wood ring - $12

Sven clogs – slip on 3½-inch clogs in black leather $174

(ranges from $125-$178)