The hippie-hippie shake

My parents were pseudo-hippies to the extreme. They did not head for San Fransisco following the Grateful Dead. They didn't live in a commune or grow their own vegetables. Nor did they construct homemade signs protesting the Vietnam War, nuclear development, or civil rights. However, they were dressed appropriately for such activities. I am certain they believed their clothes demonstrated their inclusion into the counter-culture. A far as they were concerned, they were radicals. They were bohemians. Along with their generation, they left the mainstream behind and bravely moved forward into the world of dirty hair and folk music.

My mother ironed her locks straight, parted them in the middle, and grew them down to her waist. Early photos of her document the hippie style that dominated the 1960's - bell bottom jeans, clogs, love beads and peasant blouses. She also owned a leather fringed vest, wildly printed minidresses and Native American jewelry. She practiced yoga, took pottery classes and wore little to no makeup. My dad sported an impressive Jew-fro, the afro of the whitest white people populating the planet, and a bushy mustache. His clothes were purchased at the army-navy surplus store. His claims to glory were the road trip he took around the country in his VW minivan, and his trip to Woodstock, where he hitchhiked and slept in the mud.

My parents played records by Simon and Garfunkel, Carol King, Joan Baez and The Byrds. Macrame plant holders swayed in our kitchen, and my father grew pot in our basement. I was raised on homemade baby food, and some of my earliest memories include picnics under willow trees on worn tapestry blankets with my parent's hippie friends.

Eventually, my mom and dad abandoned their dirty clothes and counterculture ways. My dad began to wear neckties and suits. My mom cut her hair and started listening to Blondie. They bought a co-op in a deeply suburban neighborhood, sold their VW minivan,  and saw their hippie friends less and less.

I think my personal style is a blend of bohemian and conservative elements. I love my flared-leg pants, ethnic jewelry and concert tees. But my closet also contains button-down shirts, tailored blazers and ultra skinny jeans. Today's outfit is a perfect representation.

What fashion era do you feel best represents you? Who are your fashion influences?

Free People crochet tunic; Joe's Jeans jeggings; Target long-sleeved white tee; Frye boots; Plato's Closet leather bracelet.