Tuesday, November 12, 2013

read + bell : a bohemian giveaway


The bohemian aesthetic really does compliment motherhood. Since my pregnancy with Che there have been a few staples in my wardrobe that have, quite literally, seen me through the seasons; white peasant tops, floral dresses, patterned scarves. Made from cotton, easy to wear and to wash, they are cool in summer and can be layered in winter. The "floaty" factor is always appreciated; tight and clingy just doesn't feel right anymore. 

It's always a pleasure to promote and work with brands that I genuinely appreciate - for their values as well as their products. Read+Bell is one of my favourites. 

Tory Read and Anne Bell are the creatives behind Read+Bell; an ethical fashion and homewares label inspired by the colour, energy and spirit of India. "Ethics are really important to us so we travel to India each year to work with businesses who are still using traditional artisan techniques, such as block and screen printing, to create our pieces. This in turn keeps these crafts alive and provides employment, especially for women in remote villages," says Tory.

Both women revel in the opportunity to shop the bazaars in India and chat with the local artisans who create their pieces. Vibrant colour is a feature of the label, as is the fine white embroidery evident on many of the dresses and smocks. "Our gorgeous range of white cotton pieces are hand-embroidered in the "chikan" style in Northern India. This style of embroidery provides a soft, rich and organic finish."

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The winner of this giveaway will receive a $150 Read+Bell gift voucher.

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment telling us what you love about bohemian fashion and/or styling. Tory and I will choose the winner based on the best little story you can tell (no essay required!). Comments will close on Tuesday 19th November at 8pm and winner will be announced shortly afterward.

Best of luck!

Comments closed!!!!!! The winner is #43 Nikki - congratulations!

You can also follow Read+Bell on facebook and instagram - readandbell


56 COMMENTS

  1. It's all about comfort without the frump (my daughters call it mumsy!) factor for me.

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  2. What an awesome giveaway! Bohemian style.. Why I love it? It's so totally effortless. A top that slims you down while making breastfeeding a breeze - definitely up my alley.

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  3. Bohemian fashion is all about freedom AND style. With a toddler constantly running around non stop, that's exactly what I need - something that will allow me the freedom to wave my arms around like a mad woman (while trying to chase her) and still be able to look stylish while doing it. lol

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  4. I'm now a mother of two, my youngest being eight months. For me, I'm struggling with loving my own body and self at the moment, but when I put something like this on, I can look in the mirror and actually smile and like what i see. I feel sexy, free and feminine, I feel like me again

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  5. I love that with bohemian styling key pieces can last for many years - my sister and I live in different parts of the state but we still trade back and forth a navy cotton shirt our Ma made and embroidered in the 70s. It's now almost completely worn through, and can only be washed very gently y hand.

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  6. What I love about bohemian styling is the ease and elegance. Today I wore a light cotton floral blouse, black harem pants, sandals and a long string of beads. It was such simple outfit that took me all of 30 seconds to style but I felt so good, I really felt like I had a spring in my step as I cruised to supermarket aisle with my 3 boys in tow. It’s also perfect for Australian climate, soft and breathable for summer, perfect for layering in winter.

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  7. I think the floaty clothes makes you feel a bit like you're on holidays I love that bohemian can mean anything - collectively individual !!! The layers and depths of colours vary, but I think it's the spirited feeling that makes it so relaxing :) p.s. I've been eyeing off the prayer beads :)
    Thanks
    Lauren

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  8. I love the way I feel in floaty skirts and loose beautiful tops. It is like wearing elegant pjs- but you look done and effortless! Love this label- fingers crossed. X Ashley

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  9. it's about feeling beachy and relaxed even when you're hitching up your skirt in muddy melbourne spring, and imagining you're someplace warmer :)

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  10. My life is feeling far my bohemian these days and I'd love my wardrobe to match. We picked up with our young baby a few months ago to move around the world. Chasing my toddler around in this Philippine heat definitely calls for soft flowy clothes.

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  11. I have loved the bohemian look since I was a teenager, and love it all the more now that I am a mum.I feel comfortable and relaxed in clothes that feel effortlessly beautiful, and I think this infuses a sense of calm into my parenting. I also love the feeling of natural fibres on my skin when touch and play and movement are such a large part of my day with my sweet toddler.

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  12. I love the bohemian style for a number of reasons, the style never dates, you can layer up in winter, its a comfortable style that suits almost everyone and most importantly it hides those lumps and bumps us mums have :)

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  13. I love the ease of movement that comes with this style of clothing. I can spend time playing with my daughters on the floor, without my jeans riding down my backside and cutting off my circulation!!! And the prints, well they always make me feel that little bit exotic and stylish, even with child in tow!

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  14. I love the breezy, floaty style. Colourful and comfortable and if I'm having a bad hair day i can hide it under plaits or braids :-)

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  15. I love the breezy, floaty style. Colourful and comfortable and if I'm having a bad hair day i can hide it under plaits or braids :-)

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  16. It is a style that brings out the treasure hunter in me. I can find great pieces at tag sales, grams closet, antique stores, and boutique shops. You can have unique personal style without going broke! I love a look that tells a story and the bohemian style does just that.

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  17. Hi there Jodi! Thanks for hosting this beautiful giveaway. What I love most about bohemian style of dressing is that anything goes. It's the perfect opportunity to mix old and new as well!

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  18. I have always been drawn to the simplicity of the bohemian style. I like to feel comfortable and beautiful in my clothes. The bohemian style does exactly that. I think it compliments the natural beauty of the person wearing them as opposed to shifting their beauty into something else. This style of dress asks you to be "just you". I love that. Thanks for the introduction to this maker. Warmly, Elizabeth

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  19. Bohemian textiles and patterns emerged in my life while traveling through India - it is a style that I have yet to find fault with! The cut, weight, and colors of bohemian-inspired clothing fits me to a T!

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  20. I really adore that bohemian aesthetic and how it's relaxed but still very fun. I always think of festivals when I think of bohemian style. The feeling that the person has enjoyed themselves for days living life day by day. The bohemian girl braids her unkempt hair and immerses herself in a completely different culture than the conservative norm.

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  21. For me, there is no better style than bohemian. The ability to feel feminine, graceful, and sexy...all comes through for me when I wear these clothes. I truly feel like ME in this style and that gives me such confidence getting dressed each morning!

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  22. Thanks for this opportunity Jodi. My wardrobe needs the stand up to outback travel, the odd coffee date, the grocery shopping, preschool yard & beyond. This look is perfect because it is cool and comfortable while also being feminine and pretty.

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  23. I live in a small house in the woods with great big windows looking outside. Because our view outside is so beautiful, I like to contrast the inside of my home with bright pops of color. The Bohemian style is eclectic yet versatile and beautiful bright quilts and pillows from Read + Bell would help beautify the inside of my home.

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  24. It is all about the associations: freedom, relaxed, easy, light-hearted, open-minded - those are words that come to my mind when I think about or see bohemian style. The word bohemian itself transports so many positive connotations for me: I think of Paris, of small mansards, drinking tea in the afternoon and red wine in the night, a candle in an old wine bottle with colourful remnants of the prior ones, warm summer nights, laughter...
    And, a very practical factor, bohemian style in clothing is just so flattering and makes me feel good!
    Read+Bell sounds like a wonderful company to me - thanks for the chance!

    keejah (at) gmx (dot) de

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  25. I love the bohemian style for being both feminine and effortless, dreamy and practical, beautiful and simple. For me, it evokes a feeling of freedom and an image of beautiful places.

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  26. I love that it looks so good but seems so effortless. But what I REALLY love it how easy it is for me to nurse in a bohemian top! Nursing friendly without looking frumpy.

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  27. I adore everything that is bohemian style. It resonates with me because of it's wonderfully relaxed nature, how the fabrics flatter every body type - it is not just reserved for those of a certain build and that makes my heart so happy. Bohemian clothing seems to whisper encouragement to let my hair down, dig my feet into the sand and just let go. xx rachelrenee@xtra.co.nz

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  28. …To create the perfect blend of Bohemian Beauty - Take a good dose of urban chic, muddle well with a balanced amount of rustic earthiness and finish of with a light peppering of vintage accenting here and there. Serve with a pixie crop, long curled locks or a gently gathered top knot with wispy strands here and there. Definitely not optional, a small clasp of wooden beads peeping just a little from underneath one long flowing sleeve or gently hanging to compliment a soft and simple neckline….

    (I’ve been reading Christmas cocktail and mocktail recipes - can you tell??!!) :)

    What an amazing opportunity Jodi - I’m definitely saying my prayers for this one. It’s exactly what I’ve been after to add to my wardrobe for breastfeeding friendly, post birth comfiness to adapt with my wardrobe through the seasons. Thank you very much to yourself for bringing this to us and to Read and Bell for not only bringing this giveaway to us but for also making gorgeous and mindfully produced clothing available. I really appreciate finding brands exactly as their’s to support. Their 13/14 collection looks gorgeous I'm very inspired. Thank you

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  29. it's all about comfort, comfort, comfort, life is too short to wear uncomfortable clothing that expects me to mould to it's designs, bohemian style allows me to be me, to look stylish and original and still be comfortable.

    cheers Kate

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  30. This fashion seems so fresh and exciting...what every mother needs to feel wonderful about herself, inside and out. What a fabulous giveaway...just in time for Christmas too...thanks Jodi xx

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  31. Since having children, clothing for me it is all about comfort, staying cool and feeling confident. This is so easily achieved with bohemian styling, so comfortable and flattering. I've been eyeing off Read + Bell royal blue embroidered dress for a few weeks now, this just might be my chance. What a wonderful giveaway!

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  32. I love that I can chase my big kids, play on the floor with my little fellow and STILL look good and fee comfortable if we need to pop out somewhere. I really like it's simplicity, and if it's ethically sourced thats even better Xx

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  33. It's so hard to be grumpy when you're wearing flowy and comfortable clothing. And seeing how happiness is infectious, you can spread the love while looking fabulous! Go bohemian!

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  34. Bohemian style and mothering complement each other beautifully. Both are improved with relaxation, letting go of the perfect, bright colours, laughter, being comfortable in your own skin and of course a child (or two or three) in tow.

    Thank you for this opportunity.

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  35. Once upon a time there was a girl who thought she was a changeling. That her true parents were gypsies. She set out to explore the world wearing long floaty dresses, a denim hat upcycled from a pair of jeans and was followed everywhere by the sound of bells. Then awareness struck and she folded the dresses carefully and placed them aside in favour of the dungarees necessary to function on the frontlines of environmental and social responsibility. Every now and then the dresses came out for a party, or a wander through the forest, reminding her of who she was and still was. Then one day gypsy girl's grandparents were fading and after many years of wandering she returned to be with them. The year her beloved grandma died a child was born to her, on her grandma's birthday. He has her blue eyes. The dresses were long lost by then. But they crept back as comfort and a return to the gypsy ways crept into her days. Something about the wind in her hair, the flow of clothes around her rounded body and the bohemian flair that brought out the sparkle in her tired mama eyes. xx

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  36. Light, comfortable & easy access for breastfeeding. I have to agree, tight,clingy & revealing doesn't feel right at this stage of my life.

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  37. so i think maybe i am just buying into the traditional look for the philosopher (i am a professional one) but bohemian clothes make me want to sit, sip tea and think:) so really, you can think of this as me trying to improve my work productivity:))))

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  38. I love the bohemian style because it reminds me of my mother who, always draped in beads and beautiful cotton prints, brought us up with her bohemian spirit - for us to be free, to be our own people and to love.

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  39. Several years ago, my man and I took a 6-month long journey through India. From the chilly tea plantations of Darjeeling to the the heat of the south, staying comfortable was key to staying happy while on the road. As the days slid by I found myself giving away the bulky clothes that were taking up too much precious space in my pack, and instead opting to enjoy the opportunity to have light, comfortable clothing custom made for me. Simple drawstring pants cropped short enough to weather sudden rains and mud puddles, long tunics with or without sleeves, and a surprisingly warm thin wool shawl to wrap around my shoulders when needed. I grew to love the ease of dressing this way, and found that in spite of the styles being somewhat modest, I felt more feminine than ever. Upon returning home I slowly but surely found my way back into jeans and trendier clothing - but always with a mix of my more bohemian items. Do you know what I discovered? While the jeans I loved two years ago feel dated to me now, the tunics I still carefully keep from those days in India never go out of style. That's what I love about bohemian style.

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  40. i have just recently had my second child and about to turn forty; and have come to the realization that it's more about comfort for *me* but still wanting to look and feel good (and while breastfeeding and trying not to notice that little 'pouch' on the tummy that just won't budge) and that's where beautiful floaty styles of the bohemian look come into play...that and a pop of colour always makes a mum/woman feel good. thanks for the opportunity. :)

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  41. Being a new mama, I have quickly come to terms with the fact that my pre-baby body is forever gone. Instead I have learned that my more curvier body is something to love and appreciate. I grew my baby boy in my body and now my body feeds him, giving him all the nutrients he needs. And like you Jodi, I now understand that simple, floaty designs and lightweight fabrics best accommodates this new lifestyle x

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  42. Bohemian clothing is easy to wear. It flows with your movement, never restricting. Soft cotton absorbs perspiration of a busy mama. Loose fitted tops make breastfeeding my little one a little easier. Appropriate for a mama, but still stylish. Bohemian pieces travel with you from season to season... all alone in the summer's heat, or with leggings and a sweater in the winter's chill. When having "one of those days," I just pull out my softest, comfiest, bohemian dress, and it is always. always. just right.

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  43. Everything is imbued with energy, including the clothing we wear for this reason I love bohemian clothing for its colour and earthiness that I feel when I wear it. I also like that it can be connected to ancient traditions perhaps in its pattern or textile design. Lovely giveaway this one. I don't think there's a mama around who wouldn't welcome this prize! x

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  44. Bohemian clothing to me is about authenticity, about being yourself. There's no sucking in, no uncomfortable bits, they are pieces created with love and worn with love. I would love to get my recently post baby belly into this beautiful clothing. xx

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  45. It's like you said, "tight and clingy just doesn't feel right anymore." There is something whimsical and yet mature—confident—about wearing clothes like this. Time for me to retire my college summer wardrobe of fitted tanks!

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  46. I love the relaxed feel that this style brings with it. I feel better just slipping into a flowing skirt or a soft white kaftan, even a simple head scarf makes me feel pretty.

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  47. Bohemian clothing oozes simplicity and happiness. These pieces naturally flow and I feel as if this style of clothing is a representation of who I am as a person, who I strive to be. It's all about comfort and with the beautiful patterns, it all comes together. Peace, love & light Jodi xx

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  48. For its sense of freedom, and not because I want to hide anything, but because it's so inherently flattering. And because it says how I want to feel on a daily basis - creative, feminine, at ease, sure. It makes it all the more complete when I'm wearing it too. x

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  49. I like long tunic tops because they go over singlets easily and tights. Easy wearing, great for breast feeding and when you get a moment you can dress it up with heels and a necklace and grab a moment to escape and have a night out.

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  50. I adore floaty cotton on my skin, beautiful comfortable tops to wear everywhere, with bonus long sleeves to keep the sun off my skin.

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  51. bohemian fashion- one thing- hides the fat. I'm pretty sure thats a winning insight :)

    plus, I live in my read + bell items and i'm being greedy by entering, cus I really want some more.

    xo em

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  52. Wearing bohemian clothes always gives me a really strong feeling of being on holiday... of relaxation and feminine elegance... even when you're actually just taking the bins out, or clearing up a toy strewn living room, or traipsing the aisles of the supermarket with a shouty toddler... by floating around, they can magically transport you to a divine beach... and make all those not so exotic jobs suddenly much more calming!

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  53. Bohemian fashion - to be totally candid - is a reminder of my life pre-children: it represents ease and freedom and relaxation. Maybe wearing a bit more of it as a hectic, often-stressed mother will help me to channel those elusive qualities!

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  54. this style makes the wearer look like she is on an adventure, even if she's just off to the park with the kids for the 7th time this week!

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  55. Well, i like boho fashion and styling because it hides my flaws. A long flowing skirt or dress does wonders for varicose veins. It's colorful , there is always some gorgeous patterns and some crisp white with earthy tones too. What's not to love..

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