If you are fortunate enough, like me, to live in Southern California, or perhaps in Florida, you can but not rejoice at the occasional fashion revival of the hippie era. I am not talking about unkempt long hair, flashing boobs and making out on the streets of san Francisco whilst caressing your bong with your free hand. After all, this post 9-11 American society at large is strangely characterized by a sweet return to family values and conservative sexual attitudes. For some reason, though, the outfit of the liberated 70’s woman, creeps its way back onto the catwalk and the high streets on a regualar basis. Like this Spring. And if Minnesotans are still shoveling snow in their driveway, we Los Angelenos are already blessed by the sun, and the promise of a hot summer. Hence, the Hippie Dress. Paisleys, color blocks, flowers and monochromatic hues are all different facets of the same prism. The maxi dress is what designers are experimenting with the most, although mini-versions of the same style are also a constant, both in the North American markets and the European shops. What probably fascinates us girls about the 70’s dresses is their versatility: flip-flops and a wooden bracelet by day; high-heel sandals, a few silver bangles, and smokey make-up by night. Here’s a a tip on how to pull together this Boho look on a very restricted budget. After all, only Angelina Jolie doesn’t mind spending $400 on a her grey maxi dress she has been spotted wearing while toting her children around. The Venice Beach boardwalk, for example, is infested (in a good way!) with stores and stands that sell Indian skirts and dresses - some of them pure silk - in a myriad of patterns and colors, for as low as $10. If maxi dresses are not available, grab a skirt with an elastic waist, pull it up to your chest, making sure that it doesn’t fall more than 3″ above your knees, slip on your sexy sandals, accompany the look with loop earrings, a fun colorful beaded necklace, and do not forget: Spray some confidence on your body. That’s the only wining attribute you’ll ever want to display, regardless of fads and trends. If you are familiar with a sewing machine, you can possibly buy a real vintage flower-child dress, like I did, and give it your own spin. Mine cost only $15 at a Redondo Beach thrift shop. I cut off the top collar and the lace sleeves, which made it look too “costume-y” and authentic, and thus transformed it into a tube-top, sexier dress i can flaunt my tanned back in. Pretty groovy, eh?

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