Closet Hippie.

A few years ago, I told my little sis that I was strangely attracted to an off-the-shoulder white gauzy dress from Free People and that I would buy it if it weren’t for the hid-ey-ous lacing and trim that defaced its otherwise romantic style.  (Seriously, what’s with all the weird ric rac and other finishes that they throw on top of their garments?!)  Without a pause, she said, “Yeah, that’s because you’re a closet hippie.”  This was news to me, having always envisioned myself sitting somewhere towards the Charlotte York end of the fashion spectrum.  She’s very wise, that one.  Ever since, I’ve permitted myself to occasionally indulge this secret sartorial streak, which remains otherwise entirely at odds with my organized, no-cutting-corners personality.  I’ve even been terrorizing preppy Lincoln Park with a Missoni turban/headband situation (this exact style, but with different colors – mine has purples, oranges, pinks, and, tragically, mine was not on sale for $89).  I’ll admit that it took Mr. Magpie a *minute* to get used to my headwear, but HEY.  Sometimes you gotta let your inner hippie out.  I texted two of my sisters a picture of myself in my turban get-up to ask for opinions and I believe that they both sent me peace sign emojis in response, which I took as a good sign.

At any rate, to my point: I’ve been into a little hippie-lacey-top vibe with distressed denim.  I’m taking cues from these ladies:

I’ll be pairing lacy little tops like this one ($20…what?! — other options under $100: here, here, here, or here) with distressed jeans/jorts (Rag + Bone, $160)

And some simple brown sandals (K. Jacques are the best — $285) and the perfect brown tote (Valentino, $2,400 — although I’m also smitten with this non-logo Meli-Melo style as well).

A look like this feels right with super delicate wear-every-day jewelry, like my gold cross necklace (similar to the Jennifer Zeuner style shown below, $143) which I wear virtually everyday, sometimes hidden beneath a layer if I’m also sporting a heavier-duty statement piece on top.

I absolutely love Jennifer Zeuner’s stuff and really, really, REALLY want this lariat necklace.  It would look awesome layered with my cross necklace and the other dainty gold necklaces I have.  I’ve coveted it ever since I saw a very chic cashier at a Scoop in NYC wearing it. #copycat.

If ripped jeans ain’t yo speed, also check out this crochet maxi dress that I bought for Spain and that drew more compliments than I would have expected.  I think it has just the right amount of oomph and shows just the right amount of skin — but you can still get away with a coy “oh this ol thang?!”