Monday 31 October 2011

Hippy Chic - On The Cheap


Inspired by Leticia's fabulous blog post yesterday I thought I'd recreate the Boho-meets-folk vibe of last month's Italian Vogue only on a tiny budget.


Ethnic print, fake fur, statement jewellery, aged leather heaven, totally gorgeous and prohibitively expensive.



Here's my cheapo version.


Tonnes of ethnic jewellery (Carnelian & silver ring from my girl Krista)


Lamani Indian gypsy anklet worn as a choker, earrings from the fabulous Sandy.



This 1970's English-made leather bag (50p, car boot sale) was a dirty cream colour but I re-dyed it denim blue with Dylon specialist leather dye (£3.95, local cobblers)


1970s Dashiki kaftan (£3.75, PDSA), Embroidered denim waistcoat worn inside-out (£1.99, Banardos), Skinny leather belt (10p, jumble sale), River Island boots (£2, Salvation Army)


Total cost - £12.29

Less money spent on clothes, more cash for living the hippy dream in Goa.

65 comments:

  1. You should do a tutorial on how to dye the bag - i would have never have thought to do that.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gorgeous Vix, love the kaftan.
    XXX

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Vix just popped back, I thought about your wall of misery when I read this, it's a bit spooky:
    http://sdaedalus.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well I'm unsurprised that you can do an awesome hippie look on a budget - you usually do - but I AM surprised by the dyeing of a leather bag, what a great idea. And of course you look great - always enjoy seeing your jewellery.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ooh I'd heard something similar to what Dash mentions, although I was under the impression it was that sickly green lady who was the culprit.

    ReplyDelete
  6. that kaftan is divine Vix!
    I love what you did with the waistcoat! :)

    Jules

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow I have never heard of leather dying.....too cool & a great way to bring something back to life! Love your oh so less expensive inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You always amaze me how you get such fab looks at nth of price than the big fashion spreads.

    Just loving the whole look and particualarly your jewllery. Loving those chunky bangles. And those rings are just gorgeous!

    And what a great idea dyeing your leather bag. Never would of thought that would be possible. It looks brill.


    MBB x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Inspiring! The whole point of style is that you cannot copy it from a page but you take a page from something you admire and make it your own - as you always do.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi my dear-wow, the kaftan is simply stunning and loses the Vogue looks for sure-nothing beats authentic vintage for this look and your outfit is spot on, well done!! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. ABSOLUTELY FREAKING GORGEOUS!!!
    Love,LOVE this! So you,so Vogue-up-your-ass!!!Glorious details!Delicious!!
    Goodness,I'm nearly out of superlatives!!!
    LOVE YOU,you hippytastic beastess of spleddour!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Inside-out waistcoat, dyed bag - genius!
    I've fallen deeply in love with this ensemble, beautiful.
    I've been mentally adding up the cost of my daily outfits lately, sometimes with stuff donated to me it's only the underwear which cost me anything.
    Even with a budget of thousands, without the gorgeous gifts and creative flair you own, this look could never be replicated.
    It's time a magazine snapped you up Vix!

    ReplyDelete
  14. really beautiful and indeed folksy, my dear! love your bold and juncky jewellery, my dear. Spending less on clothing and spending more on travelling is just fine :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Who does it better than you.....??

    NOBODY!!!

    x's

    ReplyDelete
  16. You look perfect for a fraction of the price of anything in Vogue. In fact most of your fab outfits are probably less than the cost of an issue of Vogue! M x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fab outfit, as ever. Just shows what a bit of imagination can do. I definitely think that constraints (like budget) make creativity shine all the more. Anyone with cash to splash can spend it on the latest fashions, but a stylish and innovative look is different altogether.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Gorgeous dress, I so love navy blue, my all time fave colour.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this dress, in my opinion it sums you up! Completely something that I can imagine you buying at a jumble. It looks like it was made for you!
    Sophie
    x

    ReplyDelete
  20. vix i think you really must have the most fabulous wardrobe, you never stop surprising us with a new great look, and this ethnic print kaftan is so fabulous!!! especially love this radiant blue, haha i think i will dream tonight of this beautiful bright blue kaftan;)
    bloody kisses and happy halloween!

    ReplyDelete
  21. wow, such a n amazing hippie look. i really love to find cheap bargains - and i do - but your finds seem to be the most beautiful and most low priced.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh Vix, you look fantastic - that kaftan is amazing. Your bargain hunting skills still don't fail to astonish me

    ReplyDelete
  23. Vix, you always look so good and you rock the hippy look. It looks so much better on you than on a model because I know you actually wear it.

    Fab and frugal - I'm totally envious! xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Fabulous as ever Vix! It always amazes me that people actually spend the type of money you see in fashion magazines, how do they afford it?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fantastic - and even better for being so cheap! You could probably shift the decimal point 2 spaces to the right and be near the mark of some of the Vogue outfits.

    As Loulou said - it looks great on you because it's actually your regular style x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your jewellery is stunning! Liking it lots :D
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow what a fantastic job you did of recreating Vogues look. You look fantastic.....eat your heart out Vogue.

    Oh and wow to the dye job on the bag, you clever vintage goddess you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. You look Completely gorgeous in this ensamble Vix.
    This style really suits you too.

    Mr. Coco doesn't like me to wear Dashiki's *lol* Whenever I see a lovely one when I am thrifting he says "NOOOOO" "NOOOO NOOOOO" *God it makes me so damn mad!*
    I did sneak and purchase a African tunic top.. I still have not worn it .. but I will...I am trying to figure out the right time. (laugh)

    I will have to try to dye a bag! What a perfect idea. I pass up on alot of cream & white ones.. just cause I would prefer a darker color.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think my Mum has got this EXACT kaftan! I adore it and tried to steal/borrow it from her but she refused! Instead, she gave me one that she'd made herself with kinda of chunkier patterns and black, orange, magenta and turquoise!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Fab kaftan...you look the business. You should do a leather dyeing tutorial for sure. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  31. You look amazing as ever, Vix. Far more inspired than the Vogue stylist!
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Rockin it as usual I've never seen you looking anything less that fab. I love those earrings.
    Happy Halloween!
    Karlene

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ooo Vix what an amazing outfit. Your jewellery is striking. Right now I love the thought of lying on the beach in Goa!
    Dx

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's this style that is absolutely purrrfect for 2nd hand, creative clothing. Great on the budget and great on you, Vix. And how much do I love this bag?! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'd say your attempt was a success. Head to toe. How long have u been growing your hair? I always forget to ask.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You dyed a leather handbag? That so deserves a tutorial! Your look is, as always, perfect. The kaftan is beautiful, and I love the whole image. No-one can show you how to do hippy though, you're the hippy queen. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am a caftan lover -- that one is FAB! Love the look.

    ReplyDelete
  38. You look so wonderful in this outfit! Hippy chic is so your forte. That kaftan is amazing! I love the colours!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Italian Vogue here you come! I'd love to see one of these images photoshopped into the group photo - you'd be the best of the bunch.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Another amazing example of how you don't have to spend lots of money to look gorgeous. Although I am pretty sure I could not look this gorgeous on that little money. I love your jewellery.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thats my kind of price!

    Looks fab.

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  42. You look stunning Vix! I love the hippy chic print, the blue is gorgeous on you! All your jewelry is so big and bold yet girlie, I love your silver style! The polish is delicious, the bangles, yum!

    I'm loving that necklace/anklet :) (such versatility) and those ear rings from Sandy are sooooo you-love them! Who would have thought to dye the bag, nice...note to self.
    You make me look at clothes differently all the time, I love you for that and so many other things!!!
    XOXXO~
    Krista

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think this is my 2nd favourite equal to my 1st favourite of your outfits I hope I can find one soon just like yours.xx

    ReplyDelete
  44. Very cool and groovy outfit! My favorite part of this outfit are the bangles, the earrings and the choker.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Well, I never knew you could get leather dye! I'm now planning some revamping....

    ReplyDelete
  46. Navajo prints are so in right now. Your dress is perfect!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

    ReplyDelete
  47. You look marvelously gorgeous!
    kaftan is so stunning, love the colors. What a stylist you are, vogue should ask you fro style advice. I always eye all your bangles amor. Never thought of dyeing a bag. Great idea.
    Besotes

    ReplyDelete
  48. You look amazing! Plus your 'cheapo' version is WAY more authentic:)

    ReplyDelete
  49. love it all especially the jewellery. I used to have a top like your dress
    xx fee

    ReplyDelete
  50. What a stunning dress, you look magnificent! And excellent job on the bag, it's a great idea. Loving the fab Lurex from the last post too! I am a big Lurex fan! xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  51. I've got some boots to reheel and dye but I find it hard to find the dylon leather dye - where did you get yours?

    Great outfit at a snip!!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  52. i am in awe of your be-ringed hands and your anklet-y choker!

    ReplyDelete
  53. This is definitely YOUR look, Vix, you could tell those overpaid stylists at Vogue a thing or two! It's cheap, it's ethical, it's beautiful, and it's totally you, not just a "look" for a photo shoot.
    That's why we love ya, babe! xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thanx for the get well message!
    That home-dye job on the bag looks amazing, such an even colour. Never tried it, but I'm well impressed.
    Z xx

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi Vix, love the Kaftan - i see them once in while around here, genious with the fake fur!

    I struck luck last week! i got my hands on a local designer skirt for 4$ - a little hard to style since the pattern is quite bold, but i will find a way!

    Lots of love - Ariane xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  56. Love those earrings and that waistcoat xx

    ReplyDelete
  57. Another stunning look! I adore the hippie boho look for this time of year; all the layers are great for the changing temps.
    I would also love to see a tutorial for dying the bag; what a great way to give a worn piece a new life!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have some major ring envy going on!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I adore this outfit so much, Vix. I think it is soooooooo you and so magic.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  60. How did I miss this???

    I LOVE that kaftan - and the vest worn inside out and ALL of that fabulous jewellery!

    You are, as always, the GURU of bargain shopping/style!

    Love, Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  61. you look like Russian beauty in this outfit :-) x

    ReplyDelete
  62. Oh my...this post has completely captured me, I am naturally mesmerized. You look so beautiful, this outfit has to be one of my very favourites.

    There is most definitely nothing cheap about this ensemble, as the eye for fashion you have Vix, is truly priceless. Nobody knows clothes like you do and that in itself beats any high street or infact designer version.

    You will always be my favourite hippy chick xxx

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix