Bohogi, sounds like a sloppy sandwich, doesn’t it?  It’s my play on words – a bohemian/yogi fusion if you will.  And for those of you scratching your heads, per the Urban Dictionary, a yogi is defined as, “One who practices yoga and has achieved a high level of spiritual insight or a teabag that has been rolled into a joint to add flavour.”  I am obviously referring to the former and not the latter. 

The promise of Spring/Summer always gets me in the mood for bohemian attire.   But for me, Bohogi is more of an attitude – a love of altruistic good deeds, an appreciation for beauty, people, culture and spirituality, a return to nature dressed up in an embellished caftan.   But Bohogi goes beyond that.  It’s really ‘be yourself.’  Are you picking up what I’m putting down?

Close your eyes.  Let’s make believe I decided to erect a giant Bohogi teepee for my friends in my backyard.

Lucky girl has her own library and teepee! Um, spoiled.

Then we draped the walls with these sumptuous velvet Viceroy curtains from Anthropologie.

The will of the universe: We throw a bunch of Sky posie pillows in there and they land oh so perfectly like a shoot for Elle Decor.

And your feet were kept warm with this brilliantly bright Gloria's Garden rug. Love matchy-not matchy.

And we snuggle in this DVF Tie Dye Duvet

Impromptu dance party: We listen to Miike Snow on this Roberts Revival Radio or we ask our friend to bring their iPod speakers. Whatevs.

The more I think about it, it sounds like a fun party idea.  Hrmm, maybe I should plan that.  And, I’m taking credit for coining the term Bohogi.  Give it a few months and it will be all the rage on MTV (just like crazytown). Trust.

There is this very delicious Suede brit pop song circa 1999 titled “She’s In Fashion“ that makes me want to bop around my room trying on clothes and dancing.  I mean, isn’t that what you do in the privacy of your bedroom when a really good tune comes on?  Let’s live in truth…together.  On a sidenote:  Back in my teens, I used to crush madly for Suede’s lead singer, Brett Anderson.  I loved him in all his gangly glory, but manorexics don’t age well.  There’s a rule that as you get older, you have to choose your face or your @ss.  Truly, you can only love manorexics in their prime. 

The Brett of my youth. I won't attach an 'After' pic because it's far too depressing.

I really fell off the party bandwagon this December (sadness, whoa-whoa-whoa…) but I am optimistic for a full recovery in January.  Plus, I am extremely enthused to jump start the New Year.  The year 2011 feels very fortuitous.  Here are my party-girl picks that I think will have people giving you the Manhattan Onceover and whispering, “She’s in fashion.”

My oh my: Alice + Olivia Priscilla dress combines my love of bustiers, feathers and a pouffy hem.

Channelling Blair Waldorf: While you need the confidence of a Blair to pull off the ridiculously oversize Susan Daniels headband, an evening out is a great excuse to go gi-normous.

Remember that Debbie Gibson song Electric Youth? Like that but cobalt mascara from Buxom.

Nude Attitude: Topshop Chunky Chain Bag

Pump It Up: Steve Madden Glitter Heel

Glam holiday: Tay-Tay Swift covers FASHION.

On a recent champagne shame spiral, my friend J commented on my attire by saying, “Where do you think you’re going? You’re dressed for the Bahamas!” Sure, sometimes I exhibit ba-na-nas behaviour but for good reason.  I have outfits that need to be taken out.  When I see ‘HOLIDAY’ emblazoned across every magazine on the newstand, all I wanna do is drape myself in luxe fabrics, sequins, crystals, wear mini things with 60 denier tights and teeter on stilettos accompanied by a companion (preferably male) who will help me maneuver the patches of snow on the sidewalk.  Phew! (Please note:  Although grammatically questionnable, my run-on sentence was intentional for dramatic effect.) 

With frigid temperatures, it is habit to cover up for warmth.  But defiance in the face of winter is an admirable show of courage, especially when combined with fashion risk taking. Take that subzero wind chill!  Here are some delectable holiday looks which will keep your friends wanting morex3.

Embellished Tank – I would rather wear a goose down jacket and coat check it, than cover up my pretty tank top with a festive sweater.  But that’s just me.  Jewel tone sleeveless tops in georgette silks, smooth satins, paired with netting and lace are often Bedazzled with stunning statement details around the neck.  I am drooling already. 

Alice + Olivia NEVER disappoint. Loving the texture of this flowy chiffon embellished top

 Mini, Mini, Mini – In my books, a holiday party calls for mini.  Like mini quiches, cupcakes, frites, tiny candy canes etc, etc.  I will confess that I am a big advocate of MINI, as evidenced in my post Mini is the New Supersize.  With holiday you are allowed to go more opulent.  In fact, it’s encouraged.  Petite skirts or shorts with black tights and statement shoes.  You can’t go wrong.

Prrrrr...so soft: Gryphon Tiger Print Velvet Mini

Give them something to talk about with these Alice + Olivia cuffed shorts. Pair with lace or printed tights if you've got twigs for legs.

What's worse than a hangover? A champagne hangover. Moet in moderation kids!

The Bigger the Better: Teased Hair at Rochas

Back in my party heyday, I worked a look called ‘Gina Lollabrigida,’ named after the famous Italian actress.  I had a favourite red gingham halter dress with oversize white buttons down the front and a giant slit.  I once wore Gina on a night out on The Rambla in Barcelona.  When I did a turn to show off my look to friends, a nearby waiter dropped his tray of wine glasses and sangria.  Such was the power of Gina Lollabrigida.  True Story. 

My retro look was topped off with my favourite hairstyle - voluminous party girl loose curls with a teased crown.  Now that 90’s is considered vintage, I thought I would bring it back for holiday season.  This hairdo is particularly va-voom paired with some glamourous cat eyes.

Step 1 – Start with dry hair (damp won’t do as it has a tendency to lose its curl easily).  Hairdressers always recommend that you let your hair be unwashed for a day or two if you are going to get an updo because it holds a style better.

Step 2 – Using large sized velcro rollers, begin rolling hair around the top section of your head starting from the ends to the roots and pinning using bobby pins.  Use medium sized velcro rollers for the bottom portion of your hair using the same method.  Spritz all over generously with hairspray.  If you have bangs, section them off and leave them uncurled.

Step 3 -  Leave velcro rollers in for a half hour to an hour.  Kill time.  Maybe watch an episode of The O.C. on DVD or paint your nails.

Step 4 – Remove velcro rollers gently by pulling them away from your head on the diagonal.  Your curls will be fairly subtle (unlike hot rollers).  You can touch up the ends by using a 2″ wide barrel curling iron.  Spritz again with hairspray. 

Step 5 – Using a fine tooth comb, take the section of hair on the middle top of your head and begin to tease hair.  Spritz again and finish by gently smoothing over hair from the front of your head.  Do a prolonged all over spritz.

Whoa, a lot of hairspray and effort to look like you just rolled out of bed.  But pain is love my darlings.

My Italian Muse circa 1960's: Gina Lollabrigida

Drew Barrymore loves volume at The Golden Globes. Can't you tell?

Ooh French Country in Red: A pretty table setting from Dinner Party Wars

In an attempt to avoid time suckage, I choose to live in a television free zone.  Though having stayed at my mother’s place for a few days, I could not help but succumb to the home improvement shows on HGTV and fanciful cooking segments on Food Network.  I still quite enjoy Jamie Oliver’s lisp. 

One show in particular that had me intrigued was Dinner Party Wars, where three couples competed in a challenge to host the best dinner party.  Having been a hostess and a guest at many social gatherings, both exceptional and fall dead asleep boring, I could probably fill a novella with quips and useful advice.  With the holiday season fast upon us, I thought I could share some of these useful grains of wisdom with all of you.

Brush up on your social skills: Kate Spade Occasions

• Guestlist, guestlist, guestlist - I once read a hilarious blurb in a book about seating people alternating funny-boring-funny-boring-etc  If it were up to me, there would be no boring!  But there is some truth to this statement that the personalities should mesh well.  When throwing an intimate dinner, the best ones have a good blend of friends and strangers who will hopefully connect on their commonalities – “Oh, you love red velvet cupcakes? OMG, me too!”  And ’tis the season for love connections.  Did you know that if you hook up 3 friends successfully, you get a green light straight to heaven?  You haven’t heard about this?  That’s because I made it up.    
• Decorate Good Times –  I have had many themed parties – Japanese, French Wine & Cheese, Summer Al Fresco.  Even if you don’t go over the top with party decorations, a lush bouquet or some tealights helps to set the mood.
• Greetings and salutations - A good hostess welcomes new guests into the fold by greeting, then taking around the new arrival to strangers.  A conversational starter is how they know each other and letting the individuals know if there something mutual between them ie. a similar career, a sport or activity, where they live, etc.  It’s always nice to leave a guest with few acquaintances at the party with a friend (co-hostess) who is very accomodating – this way, they never feel awk-ward. 
• Feed the People –  Although it is not uncommon to start a dinner party late, you should have drinks, nibbles and appetizers ready for guests.  Even if you have special prepared warm appetizers, it won’t kill you to leave pretzels, nuts or chips on the tables.  They knew they were coming to a party so they have been saving their appetites.  For smaller gatherings, a fixed menu is manageable, however, for larger parties a buffet style may please more people’s palettes and food preferences. 

Dessert served up on these Natural World plates from Anthropologie. Bugs and grenouilles never looked so appetizing!

• No Prohibition – Never let the drinks run dry.  Always top off glasses but offer water when you notice people crossing the line into OOC (out of control) territory. 
• It’s a Party – Parties are meant to be enjoyed, by everyone including the hostess.  Let your guests get involved if they offer.  Allow them to bring out plates of food, refill wine glasses or help you put dishes into the dishwasher.  You should be giggling, clinking glasses and dancing too!  What’s the point of having a social if you’re going to be a party pooper and boil over like a stress pot?  A memorable party is one where everyone has a great time.  Remember, a happy hostess sets the tone. 

Careful now! Don't cry over spilled wine...unless it's red and your couch is white. Busted, so obsessed with Anthropologie.

Classic Carrie Bradshaw: The pink ballerina tutu

Ah November.  Is your social calendar filling with invites to birthday soirees, holiday parties, and BFF dinners?  My favourite after-dark attire is ‘Cocktail,’ not only because it alludes to the consumption of alcoholic beverages but because in my books it’s the most fun look to pull together.

The ‘Cocktail’ hour bridges the truly formal (black tie) and ready-to-wear (skinny jeans).  In your wardrobe, ‘Cocktail’ is the life of the party.  She’s ready to get down with a few rounds of champie, dancing shoes and she’s not ready to come home until the break of dawn.  You like her already.

This party season, I am throwing my support behind Tulle.  Tulle everything – in dresses, in skirts, in your hair!  Voluminous tulle in a fine gauze or larger open weave adds a flirty and youthful playfulness to any outfit.  All of a sudden, Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ sounds off in the background.  It’s the rustle of a petticoat, the use of your hem as a dance prop, the way a tutu makes you galavant carelessly in the street.  Tulle is the absinthe of fabrics, a party aphrodisiac.  Let’s get drunk, shall we?

Alice + Olivia Tulle Party Dress: If you saw this girl in the room, you know she's gonna have a good time. One shoulder & jagged edge hem. Seriously!

Wearing this BCBG Tulle Tutu in blush pink is like pirouetting down a sidewalk singing Mandy Moore's 'I Wanna Be With You' a la Center Stage. Did you get my obscure 90's teen ballet movie reference?