ZARA ONLINE SHOP OPENING

If we could choose our Fall 2011 wardrobe right here, right now, this would be it. Everything pictured is from Zara. Now I know those of you who don't live near a Zara are rolling your eyes thinking that none of this can be for you but I have to interrupt the exasperation to announce that Zara now has an online store! Yes friends, we can now shop Zara from home in our jammies to our heart's content. You can stop being annoyed now every time we mention Zara on this blog and instead pop online and get yourself some moderately priced chic-ness for yourself. Cheers!

WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY

Yes, we know Labor Day was a couple days ago and that technically the old rule of thumb is "No white after Labor Day!" but honestly, who cares about that anymore? This Elle article perfectly explains the no-white-after Labor-Day mantra and why you should maybe let go of some of those silly old "fashion rules". When wearing white, no matter what season, just always keep in mind the weather and the occasion, as you would with any outfit, and you should be good to go. (Hint? We sometimes like to throw a tweed jacket over our white looks in early Fall - we think this somehow adds just the touch of autumnal luxury that a pristine white outfit may be lacking...)

COBALT EMBELLISHMENT

We are really liking boxy, fuller blouses half tucked into cropped or rolled trousers. We snagged this blouse at a thrift store, knowing the eyelet embellishment down the front was too good to pass up, and the pants are Zara. There is a similar blouse at Zara right now that would look great with these cropped trousers from Topshop and some killer heels, like the leopard print pair we've shown here from Forever 21.

70s INSPIRATION

"The 70s take the runway" according to The New York Times. 

So what's the draw of the 70s? Like the Times refers, you can't help but think of such fashionistas as Jackie O and Faye Dunaway. Coming off of the 60s, petticoats were lost, hemlines fell, waist lines were more natural, and the fabrics were flowing, loose and free. We think of the wrap dress Diane Von Furstenberg created (which by the way, you can see she's still making beautiful versions of the same concept today in her pre-fall line) or houses of style like Yves Saint Laurent. As we transition into fall, you'll definitely see us good girls following some of these designers' lead...  Marc By Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Valentino (looks here and here.) Above, Megan is wearing a vintage 70s dress paired with Steve Madden shoes, and bangles by Forever 21.  Below is a brown Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, followed by a fabulous Gucci red dress.

Remember, runway looks are taken as inspiration. We at Thread Ethic are lovers of lining sheer pieces, buttoning lower necklines, etc, etc. :)

SIMPLY SEQUINS

How gorgeous is this Naeem Kahn sequin gown? Simply perfection.

TEAL AND CROPPED NAVY

Here we are, loving the cropped tee shirt again. This time we've paired it with a narrow, higher waisted skirt. We are digging the casual feel this cropped shirt is giving what would otherwise be a somewhat prim skirt. Tee shirt H&M, skirt vintage, heels Chinese Laundry, and necklace from the Kennecott Copper Mine gift shop. There are also great cropped tee shirts at Zara, Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters.