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.

GET THE LOOK

vogue.com

Yes, this is an entirely designer look (Rick Owens jacket, Helmut Lang shirt, Chloe skirt, Lanvin shoes, Proenza Schouler bag), BUT you can find similar pieces to recreate this look in a much more affordable way. There are faux leather jackets at Target and Lulu's that will get you in on the moto trend without breaking your budget and a  Trouve skirt from Nordstrom that is high end looking but much more affordable than the Chloe one Anja Rubick is wearing here. What a lovely way to start the transition into cooler weather.

PLEATED BLOUSE

We love pieces that have that special something - a distinct detail or something that keeps the clothing out of the ordinary. We even worked with a stylist once at one of our photo shoots who would describe beautiful clothing with detailing as 'special',"Oh, this blouse is special....and this dress is really special with all these ruffles' etc. It got repetitive after a while but the description has kind of stuck in my head. I'd have to say this silk blouse has some special pleating that makes it, well, special. Blouse vintage, jeans and belt Urban Outfitters, bag from Target, and Michael Kors wedges. Also, I happened to be wearing just this outfit when a correspondent for another fashion blog took my picture. Check it out here. The See by Chloe and Joie tops she suggests are really pretty.