Hi all, I have a burning question.  Does anyone know what is a "Bohemian or a Goth"? I think I read somewhere on here that Angel Spun is a Goth.  If so, Angel Spun, I would sure appreciate your input on this. The reason I ask is because I think my soon to be 15 yr old niece is becoming one.  I dont the know the differance if there is one, or even what a  goth or bohemian is.  Is it a beflief system or a type of dressing?  If my niece is either of these, what types of gifts do I give her as her birthday is coming soon?  I do know she is wearing a lot of black, she likes velvets, silks, wild colored tights, multi-colored hair.  Her hair is sooo damaged from coloring. We wont even go there.  Any suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks  Debr

Bohemians are free spirited artisic people who don't place much importance on conformity or money.  The first name that comes to mind is Johnny Depp.  He's a male of course, but he seems sort of boho to me.  Also, he's done 2 movies that I know of (Chocolat and The Man Who Cried) that show examples of the bohemian lifestyle.  Also, Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet are other celebrity bohemians that come to mind.

As far as fashion, a few years ago, dressing bohemian or "boho" was a fashion trend.  Basically, long flowy skirts, ruffle tops...just think of the way a gypsy would dress however, that's just one example.  They wear whatever they want but they aren't into trends or expensive items or labels.  Their style is very low maintenance.

I'm not sure what sort of gifts that they would like.  I mean, I'm sure that they would like artsy type gifts, such as music or a piece of art work of some sort, but exactly what kind would be a matter of individual taste.  Although, if you aren't sure, maybe you could ask her for advice.

Stevie Nicks is a Bohemian because she wears exactly what you described La Dosa ;)  So, I would use her as the perfect example of what a Bohemian looks like.
And, I love the way she dresses and as far as I know she still has long blonde hair and she just turned 60 at the end of May.

To be honest, I pretty much knew about the Goths but I did not know about Bohemians until now ::)
I have seen Goths in person but not any Bohemians yet.

Jerry

Yeah, Stevie Nicks does appear Bohemian. So does Mary Kate Olsen.

Thanks, La Diosa and Jerry.  It is appearing that my niece is a "Boho".  She really doesnt care about the money or fashion labels sorta thing.  She really doesnt care what people think.  She is kinda in a place of her own.  I am thinking that far as gift giving goes, I may resort to the "gift cards" as that way I wont buy the wrong thing.  

Debr

Hey there, Debr.  :)

La Diosa has already given an excellent description of the Bohemian lifestyle. Thanx for that, LD!  ;)  The only thing that I can think to add is that their style is somewhere between hippie and gypsy.

As for goths, they are people who belong to the gothic subculture, which emerged in the late 1970's, quite closely to the punk rock scene. For this reason, I very much doubt that your 15-year-old neice is a goth. Most true goths in the US are over the age of 30 (thus, even I am young by that standard).
   That being said, I don't personally know your neice, so I can't say for sure one way or the other. Her fashion style sounds gothic, from the way you've described it. But again, that doesn't mean that she is.

You also don't have to capitalize the word "goth" when referring to the subculture or its people. It's not required.  ;)

Anyway, as far as gifts go, goths would also appreciate something "artsy," so long as it had a darker æsthetic. Music, jewelry, artwork, clothing, giftcards...the list goes on. Some of my favorite gifts of the past have been black satin pajamas, 1928 jewelry, giftcards to my favorite clothing stores...or Starbucks  ::)  and lots of CD's. My family has also given me calendars of the world's most haunted places as well as tons of Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas stuff.  ;)
   You already know some of the things that she likes - work with that.

If you can't decide that way, then you could just get her something that will come in handy or useful in daily life. My parents will usually give me a gas card or Target giftcards as a bonus Christmas or b-day present. Oh! And movie theatre gift certificates are great too!

Hope I've given you at least a few ideas. Do let us know what you get for her.  :)

You are very welcome Debr ;)

Jerry

You're welcome.  I dress boho from time to time, so I'm glad that I could help.

I also hope that you were able to find a gift for your niece that she'll love and appreciate.