Ah, kimonos. They’ve come a long way from the traditional Japanese garment. Now worn by hippies and fashionistas alike, luckily I consider myself to be somewhere in the middle of those two. In my usual fashion, I can’t find the exact one I’ve been looking for, so I’ve decided to break out the sewing machine and try my hand at making my own DIY kimono. Stay tuned for that post, but in the meantime I’ll whet your appetite with a few kimonos that are inspiring me. ( Hint: there will be fringe. )

I love this one – not too long ( read: not too hippie ), it’s simple, long-sleeved and perfect.

ORIGINAL SOURCE UNKNOWN

I really like this one too but it’s something like $228 and that ain’t never gonna happen. Oh and it’s sold out. ( Shakes fist at Free People! )

ASCOT FRIDAY

If I could find the silk she used for this kimono, I would be making that exact one. It’s beautiful. In fact, I’d wear pretty much that entire outfit. She wins.

DIY KIMONO BY ELLE APPAREL