Mexicali Every Day: Styling the Dahlia Overdye Dress

Made to Fair Trade standards, the dahlia overdye hippie dress is a brilliant patchwork of unique floral, striped, stonewashed, and swirling fabrics. With a v-neck top that can be tied around the neck like a halter or hooked into two loops on the back to be worn as a tank, this dress is versatile as well as flattering.

This sassy little strappy dress is the best thing ever for spinning and swaying at a groovy festival, but there is more to it than meets the eye! With a bit of layering creativity and awesome accessorizing, this fun frock can flit from sun dress to sophisticated Winter style in a snap!

We challenged Carly to create three looks that would be good for going out to a fancy dinner while retaining her bohemian style. It being January in Maine, she paired the dahlia dress with warm tights and boots to be sure she stays cozy. A classic black cardigan and elegant recycled silk scarf bring a polished panache to this outfit that perfectly strikes the balance between comfortable and cosmopolitan!

In Carly's second outfit, the dahlia dress is layered over a mod turquoise turtleneck top, with a slim leather belt to emphasize the smallest part of her waist and add a luxurious feel.

Carly's third look features the same sort of layering, with the dress over a long-sleeve top for warmth--and a thin leather belt to accentuate her waist--but in this case she has chosen a deep v-neck tee to show off one of our bold beaded fashion necklaces, for a bit of boho glamour!

How would YOU style the dahlia overdye dress? We would love to hear your ideas!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 11: The "Happy Hippie Crop Top"

Step 1: Wrap unfolded scarf behind you, draping the loose ends forward over your shoulders.

Step 2: Cross the ends over in front of your chest, pulling the scarf wide so each side covers half of your bust.

Step 3: Pull around behind you and knot in the back.

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Mexicali Blues has a large selection of fashion scarves at http://www.mexicaliblues.com and in our stores in Freeport, Portland, Raymond, and Newcastle, Maine! Check out our website for many more cool hippie clothes, hippie gifts, and bohemian style decor items for the home!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 10: The "Best Dressed" Boho Vest

Step 1: Fold the scarf in half, tying the top corner of each side together (if your scarf has fringe, use that; if it doesn't, just tie the corners a couple of times so you can be sure they'll stay)

Step 2: Fold scarf in half again, keeping the knot you just tied on top.

Step 3: Tie the top corner of each side together again (your first knot will be inside or next to this new one)

Step 4: Pull the sides of the scarf apart, so the knot you have created is in the middle.

Step 5: You will see that you have created two armholes; put your arms through and go rock this vest, impressing everyone with your style and ingenuity!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 9: The "Sweet Shrug"

Step 1: Wrap unfolded long scarf behind you, draping the loose ends forward over your shoulders.
Step 2:Pull the ends under your arms and behind you, tying in a double knot.

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Mexicali Blues has a large selection of fashion scarves at http://www.mexicaliblues.com and in our stores in Freeport, Portland, Raymond, and Newcastle, Maine! Check out our website for many more cool hippie clothes, hippie gifts, and bohemian style decor items for the home!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 8: "Rambling Rose" Neck Scarf & Headband

NECK SCARF

Step 1: Place unfolded scarf behind neck, and bring the loose ends in front of you.
Step 2: Bring ends off to the side where you want your bloom to be, and begin twisting the them together from the top down.
Step 3: Once you have twisted down to the bottom of the scarf ends, begin twisting the new hanging end into a rose-shaped coil, arranging it with your hand as you go.
Step 4: Tuck the tail behind and down the loop that is around your neck.

HEADBAND

Step 1: Roll or fold scarf over to make it the desired width for a comfortable headband.
Step 2: Wrap scarf around head in headband position.
Step 3: Bring ends off to the side where you want your bloom to be, and begin twisting the them together, starting close to your head and twisting away.
Step 3: Once you have twisted down to the bottom of the scarf ends, begin twisting the new hanging end into a rose-shaped coil, arranging it with your hand as you go.
Step 4: Tuck the tail behind and down underneath the part that wraps around your head.

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Mexicali Blues has a large selection of fashion scarves at http://www.mexicaliblues.com and in our stores in Freeport, Portland, Raymond, and Newcastle, Maine! Check out our website for many more cool hippie clothes, hippie gifts, and bohemian style decor items for the home!

One Dress, 30 Days: Blogger Shows How Accessories Can Make an Outfit

Accessories can have an enormous impact on the simplest of outfits, and blogger Susan Stephenson is proving it this month with her "Dress to Impress" project. Building creative outfits around the same L.L. Bean Signature sweater dress each day throughout the month of January, Stephenson hopes to encourage women to make the most of their wardrobes and build outfits that help them put their best fashion foot forward!

In the above picture, Susan has brought bright bohemian style to the classic sweater dress with a Mexicali Blues recycled silk magic wrap skirt and a bold wooden fashion necklace. Pretty earrings by Leetie Lovendale for the Beadin' Path and luxurious leather boots from Clarks USA round out this stylish outfit that perfectly blends exotic creativity and sophistication!


The goal of this project is to show women the myriad possibilities of professional, pulled-together outfits that can be created with a bit of creativity and the items already in their closets. Accessories are far more affordable than a completely new wardrobe, and this is a way to show women that they don't need to feel that they can't dress their best because they can't afford it.

Stephenson's project emphasizes the importance of creating the best possible outward impression, particularly for women currently seeking employment. All items used for this project will ultimately be donated to Dress for Success of Southern Maine, a non-profit organization that provides women in need with suits, accessories, and a big confidence boost to help in their own career development.

We are so pleased to be part of this awesome project, and hope it inspires and empowers women to take control of and pride in the way they present themselves in the professional and personal world! Follow along with Susan's sartorial exploration here.

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 7: The Knot Fade Away

Step 1: Place unfolded scarf behind neck, and bring the loose ends in front of you.
Step 2: Cross ends loosely in front of you over your collarbone and toss the ends back over the opposite shoulders.
Step 3: Cross the ends over the same way behind your neck, and bring the ends back over your shoulders to the front.
Step 4: Making sure the ends are close to the same length, pull out one of your newly formed loops, circling the loose end up through it and back out.
Step 5: Repeat on the other side.

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 6: The Simple Twist of Fate

Step 1: Place unfolded scarf behind neck, pulling on one end so it is longer than the other
Step 2: Wrap the longer end around your neck and back to the front.
Step 3: Tuck the longer end into the loop around your neck, bringing it back out underneath the loop.
Step 4: Repeat, looping the longer end through the loop over and over until the ends meet each other.
Step 5: Twist scarf so the loose tails are hanging off the the side, for a sweet asymmetric look!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Scarf How To--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 5: The Loop-de-Loop

Step 1: Place unfolded scarf behind neck, and bring the loose ends in front of you
Step 2: Tie the ends in a simple knot (we chose a double-knot, to be sure it would stay!), creating a loose loop
Step 3: Divide the large loop into two smaller ones by twisting the middle as you bring it back over your head.
Step 4: Fluff it up and step out in style!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Mexicali Blues has a large selection of fashion scarves at http://www.mexicaliblues.com and in our stores in Freeport, Portland, Raymond, and Newcastle, Maine! Check out our website for many more cool hippie clothes, hippie gifts, and bohemian style decor items for the home!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 4: The Boho Bandita

Step 1: Place unfolded scarf behind neck, and pull so one end is longer that the other.
Step 2: Wrap longer end once around neck once or twice and bring to the front.
Step 3: Grasp one side of the loose end and tuck into the wrapped portions.
Step 4: Fluff it up and step out in style!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Scarf Tying Tutorial--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 3: The Pretty Pretzel

Step 1: Fold scarf in half.
Step 2: Wrap halved scarf around neck so there is a loop on one end.
Step 3: Bring loose ends through the loop
Step 4: Bring your hand up through the new smaller loop that has been created, allowing it to wrap around your hand/wrist
Step 5: Twist your hand with the scarf wrapped around it, creating a new twisted loop
Step 5: Pull the loose end through that loop, and repeat, twisting as you go until your knot chain is the desired length!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Thai Princess Dress

Step 1: Pull the magic skirt straight out on both sides, behind your torso

Step 2: Bring one side of the skirt across the front of your body and around, passing the tie on the end around behind your neck.

Step 3: Pull the tie that has gone around behind your neck under your arm and back to the front.

Step 4: Tie the two ties under your bust, creating a pretty empire waist.

Step 5: Go show off your lovely bohemian style!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Bohemian Shrug

Step 1: Pull your magic skirt out on both sides, behind your shoulders.

Step 2: Wrap it around you like a cape and tie in front of your chest.

Step 3: Pull the ties behind your back again and cross them, switching hands and bringing them back to the front in the opposite hands.


Step 4: Tie the ties under your bust.

Step 5: Go out and rock this awesome shrug!

Magic Wrap Skirt Style Tutorial: Butterfly Kimono Top

Step 1: Hold your magic skirt out on both sides, behind your hips.

Step 2: Bring the right side up over your shoulder, keeping your grasp on the end and pulling your right hand back down towards your waist.

Step 3: Take hold of that end with your left hand hand. Using your right hand, pull the tie on the other side across your chest and up.

Step 4: Pull the strand in your right hand around your neck and back around, under your left arm and back towards your front.

Step 5: Bring the strand in your left hand around your back and back to the front, circling around your waist.
Step 6: Tie the two strands in the front, around your waist.

Step 7: Enjoy getting compliments on your exotic new look!

Trend Alert: Friendship Bracelets

Our colorful Mexicali friendship bracelets are just $1!

Whether this trend is driven by nostalgia for the carefree days of Summer camp, or simply love for colorful accessories that are a little bit rustic, friendship bracelets are all over the fashion world right now! Combined and layered on top of one another, they can make a colorful cuff of woven whimsy that adds an awesome edge to your casual bohemian style. Paired with bangle bracelets or a sophisticated gemstone bracelet, these fun fashion accessories are striking in their exotic chevron patterns, creating a look that is at once elegantly worldly and funky!

Check out the wide selection of handmade friendship bracelets at Mexicali Blues, and add a bit of Summer color to all your favorite hippie outfits!

Eclectic Fabric: Batik Techniques & Methods

The bright and beautiful patterns and watercolor backgrounds of batik fabric are instantly recognizable as a unique sort of wearable art that cannot be imitated. The frequently freewheeling placement of the patterns and exotic colors reflect the often bohemian spirit of fans of this awesome type of fabric & clothing. At Mexicali Blues, we love batik clothing for its color and charm, and the variety of eclectic patterns and shapes that suit the personal style of so many different kinds of people. Let's explore how these gorgeous fabrics come to be!

Mexicali Batik Dress Batik Lobster Button Down Shirt

Batik is a method of decorating cloth using wax and dye. Hot wax is brushed, drawn, or printed onto cloth, usually silk, cotton or rayon, to block out specific parts and then the cloth is dyed. After dyeing, the wax is removed and the cloth is ready to be worn or made into something different.

Dipping cloth in dye, image via flickr

The hot wax can be applied to fabric in two ways. The traditional way of making batiks is known as batik tulis, where the wax is hand-drawn onto the fabric using a canting. This is a slow and tedious process but the results are phenomenal as the details can be much finer, and small imperfections make each cloth unique.

Applying wax by hand to fabric, image via Java

The second way a batik can be made is by using a batik cap or stamp to stamp the fabric with wax. A batik cap can be made of wood or copper, and the process is similar to block printing. This process allows "perfect" fabric to be mass produced in a time-efficient manner.

Batik cap or stamp, image via Murni's

Sometimes batik makers use both methods on a single piece of cloth, these textiles are called combinasi.

Traditional batiks are found primarily in southeast Asia, but also in China, Japan, and Egypt. Batik remnants have been found that are estimated to be over 2,000 years old!
In the early 19th century the Dutch brought Indonesian craftsmen to Holland to teach their craft to factory workers. By the early 20th century the Germans had developed the mass production (batik cap) of batiks that we in the United States are most familiar with today.

Production of batik cloth in Java, Dutch East Indies, 1912. Image via Wikipedia Commons

Using a batik cap, image via flickr

Batik has also expanded from making traditional patterned fabric, to making batik paintings or artwork on fabric.

Batik artwork, image via ruxlay

Whether geometric, multi-colored, hand-drawn, vibrant, traditional or abstract, batik is a beautiful art form that has been alive for many years. Now you can wear these wonderful pieces of art knowing that they have been responsibly imported from around the world by your favorite Maine store, Mexicali Blues!

Batik Garden Buddha Tapestry Kyra Sleeveless Batik V-Neck Top

Scarf How To--How to Tie a Scarf--Lesson 1: The Boho Braid

If the above video doesn't play, check it out on our youtube channel, here.

Step 1: Fold scarf in half.
Step 2: Wrap halved scarf around neck so there is a loop on one end.
Step 3: Put one loose end through the scarf.
Step 4: Pull the other loose end around the loop, putting it over the top of the loop.
Step 5: Pull that end through the side where the other end is sticking out through the loop.
Step 5: Tighten it up, and strut out into the world with your radiant new bohemian style!

The Mexicali Blues collection of stunning, affordable fashion scarves are versatile and can be used as so much more than a simple neck scarf! Wear a lightweight scarf tied around your waist as a bohemian belt, or in your hair as a unique hippie headband! From a feminine ruffle scarf to a funky knit scarf, our fashion scarves keep you wrapped up in free spirited high style to take any outfit to the next level of hippie chic!

Our tutorials are created to help you discover quick and easy ways to make the most of the gorgeous scarves in our bohemian fashion collection! Stay tuned for more sweet lessons on how to tie a scarf in new and unique ways!

Mexicali Blues has a large selection of fashion scarves at http://www.mexicaliblues.com and in our stores in Freeport, Portland, Raymond, and Newcastle, Maine! Check out our website for many more cool hippie clothes, hippie gifts, and bohemian style decor items for the home!

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