Hat: Forever 21
Bandeau: Free People
Skirt: Vintage
During our parents age, there was Woodstock. Now, henna covered, fringe dancing kids flock from all parts of CA just to frolic in the bohemian glory that is Coachella. As I dreamily skim through my instagram feed, it’s obvious that those who have mastered the boho, urban look are the most desirable in our day and age.
But here’s the kicker, unlike the original hippies who raved about world peace and free hugs, our generation of hippies is mainly just another viral fashion trend. At first, the hippies and underground grudge music hunters were outcasts in society. They were the weirdos and a physical representation of the counterculture movement. Today, us boho Milineals going to festivals like Coachella or EDC, are upper Middle Class kids who have enough disposable income to afford a couple hundred dollar ticket for a weekend of entertainment and instagram gold.
The words ‘vintage’ and ‘boho chic’ no longer refers to the ugly second hand clothes that your great aunt used to wear in the 80s. Vintage implies that the article of clothing is already worn in and maybe even washed out. The vintage look mimics this feel and Millineals are eating up everything vintage. From Polaroids to Urban Outfitters vinyl turntables, the vintage look does not come cheap to the average young shopper. Unless your shopping at Forever 21 or your actually willing to ‘pop some tags’ and ‘Thrift Shop', the absolute best stores to perfect your boho or urban look are Free People and Urban Outfitters. Currently, these are my two to-go stores. I’m absolutely in love with everything boho, romantic, classic, and urban. What’s simply ironic is that the look most intended to look effortless and original is no longer either of the two.
I am a Millineal Hippie. I was raised along the beautiful shoes in socal with other upper middle class American kids. We all had big dreams of going to the most prestigious college possible while keeping in mind that our student debt may haunt us forever.
Of course, like the original hippies before me, I dream of having the freedom to travel without obligations: Wanderlust. If anything, the most intriguing thing to me about the hippie lifestyle are the ideas about freedom and love. Of course, I don’t condone drug use or unsafe sex or anything like that, but I like the idea of enjoying the simple things. Now, when we could buy nearly anything our hearts desire, to me, there’s nothing better than getting something that is hand-made. Essentially, the value of thought is more important than the value of the present.
Ah the simple things, what a cliche statement. Everyone wants to believe that all they want in life are the simple things, but the reality of our society will not allow us to ever be content with anything. There will always be something new and something better. We live in a consumer society—for better or for worse.
Though I always believed that I had a heart for wanderlust, there’s something so fleeting about fashion trends. I remember when I used to be obsessed with the valley girl chic look of Juicy Couture and the underaged sexiness of Abercrombie and Finch. Trends change as the client grows up. You didn't need me to tell you that.
The Millennial hippies are music hungry, fashion obsessed, upper class, blogger material, photogenic socialites. And by socialites, I use that in a very non-elitist way. Eh, take it as a grain of salt if you may. All I know is that no one can be unhappy in a crown of flowers. Go frolic along the turquoise waters of Laguna Beach with a flower crown on your head while holding some pinwheels in your hand and tell me you don’t feel free. Young, free, trendy, and full of curiosity. There’s absolutely nothing better than being a Millineal Hippie.
xx Ella-Kol