London (and other cosmopolitan cities for that matter) is embracing "Boho Chic," the downtown look that's evolved into an upscale trend. While London is well known around the globe for being prim and proper, Londoners are now taking a more laidback, natural approach in life - from sipping Earl Grey in street cafés to capturing an overall sense of freedom. This mellower mode de vie is echoing through a new look they have coined "Uptown Bohemia."

It all began in the 19th century. This laissez fair state of mind precipitated during a period when misfits lived their lives freely in poverty and immorality - rebelling against the superfluous rich. Arthur Ransom, author of Bohemia in London, explains, "Bohemia in its more proper sense arose with the growth of capitalism in Europe. With the decline of feudal and aristocratic patronage, the arts came to rely upon the increasingly prosperous and powerful bourgeois for commissions and support."

Today, London has evolved as the melting pot where women from different cultures share the same profound love for fashion. It's a locale where clothes are couture and designers are the dictators of trends. Women are showing their individual styles, putting together not-so-perfect looks by layering different fabrics and mixing vintage with new and ethnic with designer. Rather than being coerced, these women are honing their own creativity.

Mastering the easy-going appearance that is bohemia is no hard feat. Just incorporate key elements like big belts, embroidered tunics and long, flared skirts. According to designer Wenlan Chai of Twinkle, New York, "Modern Boho is an interesting mix. It's a fascinating interpretation of things that are familiar but new." With the latter in mind, it's all about details and distinctive styling, using imagination to bring together earthy and exotic materials for an avant-garde look.

Superb sources for bohemian pieces are second-hand boutiques. While thrift stores and flea markets do carry a wide selection, vintage stores happen to specialize in the eccentric and rare. Housing one-of-a-kind trends from the '20s, '50s and '60s, they are a potluck of bohemian buys. Just stroll down London's ortobello Road - the Mecca of vintage shopping - and you'll discover designers and stylists sneaking a peek at the latest trends. This particular street is alive with artistic essence and chic-street smarts. Primrose Hill is also bombarded with bohemians - it happens to be the nesting spot for fashion designers Matthew Williamson and Sadie Frost. From Soho Street to Nottinng Hill, the bohemian lifestyle has become a movement, a liberation from the tyranny of fashion.

England also happens to be the home of bohemian It girls - supermodel Kate Moss and actress Sienna Miller. Both have inspired designers to show an ethnic impression in their collections. Moss is the new face of Roberto Cavalli and can be seen clad in a kimono-style dress with earthy prints and exotic belts in the label's latest campaign. Moss is also known around the globe for being a trendsetter and always dressing to the beat of her own (inner-hippie) drummer. Miller, on the other hand, is Matthew Williamson's muse. Like Moss, she perfects the bohemian look with moves like unconventionally wearing a skirt as a top, adding a vintage belt and paring it with perfectly faded jeans - making the look a popular trend the second she's snapped by the relentless paparazzi.

Keeping the "Boho-Chic" in mind, designers have taken this street attitude to the runways. Models are wearing flowing dresses, oversized shirts and wide loose-fitted pants. From Blumarine to Alberta Ferretti, the designs are embroidered with ethnic prints that convey the diversity of modern gypsies. You'll also see crochet and deep V-necks with soft, practical fabrics and antique jewelry - '60s fashions inspired from the streets. It is the new hippie look, just more elegant and refined, of course.