Z is for . . .

Over the past several weeks, CC delighted in presenting her Fellow Fashionistas with an alphabetical fall trend primer. If you missed a few posts and need a recap, see the intro here. Taken together, the mood this autumn--brought about by a lovely cross-section of pretty paisleys, fabulous fringe, billowy fabrics, playful prints and bold color--brings CC a real ZEN feeling.
Yes, "Zen Fashion" is actually a video game! But more importantly, it’s a step on the path to enlightenment.
You know it when you find it: that perfect piece that is entirely YOU! Though zen fashion for fall is typified by boho luxe, embodied in the runway looks pictured here, you can interpret it in your own way!

Above:
Gucci’s Autumn ad campaign makes CC feel at peace…


Left:
Anna Sui
Dries van Noten









Photo credits:
Runway pictures via nymag.com.
For video game at top of post, visit zenfashiongame.com.
Gucci
Issa
Leonard
Just Cavalli
Hermés
For some, zen fashion is quite literal: find a fabulous accessory to align your chakras. For yogis and the like-minded, there is Chakra Sky Jewelry by Shirley MacLaine. Visit shirleymaclaine.com for more on the “science” behind these oversize baubles.
Above:
Contrary to what its name might connote, the Gucci Hysteria tote may bring you inner peace! Available at Bergdorf Goodman. Thanks, Songy!


Right:
For most, a floaty and flattering frock is the ultimate in clothing enlightenment. CC loves this Roberto Cavalli silk chiffon halter gown. Visit net-a-porter.com to buy.
Note: CC received several comments on yesterday's Yardage post about how unflattering long frocks are on petite ladies. CC respectfully disagrees! Have your dress tailored properly and don a killer pair of platforms and you will be surprised at how statuesque you look! Case in point: Ashley Olsen, left.
But if you don't believe CC, or if perhaps something shorter might be more liberating for you...
This JMM mini flower print silk chiffon dress with flutter sleeves is the ultimate in hippie refinement.

This and next two looks at shopbop.com.
CC also adores the carefree chic of this T-Bags silk ruffle front print dress.
Does teal tantalize you? Get this Haute Hippie gold beaded v-neck frock!
Perhaps a pop of color in a refined print will help you chase away the blues . . . Try this Thomas Wylde printed chiffon blouse, available at net-a-porter.com.

What is ZEN to you?
Darlings, this brings our ABCs of fall to a close, but do not fret! There are many scrumptious September styles on the way. Here’s a sampling of what's in store: patent bags, luscious legwear, marvelous mittens, Hitchcock heroines, peplums, blue blazes, spats, luxury, architecture in fashion, repurposing, and equestrian chic.
So stay tuned!
And in the meantime, Happy Labor Day, and enjoy this last gasp of bikini weather!
La Lohan circa 2004 at left, via Vanity Fair.

Y is for Yardage

The New York Times tried to link the longer hemlines to the tanking economy. Seems rather counter-intuitive! Why spend more money on material when you have less in the bank? Whatever the reason, the yardage of fabric on the fall runways was excessive. The result? Beautiful long lines, voluminous dresses, and skirts for miles.

FLOOR GRAZING FROCKS

Above:
Gorgeous looks from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2008-2009 ad campaign

At right: Christian Dior

Photo at top of post via nytimes.com Pulse. Other runway photos courtesy style.com unless otherwise credited.
Emilio Pucci, via nymag.com
Giambattista Valli
Erdem
Jasmine di Milo, courtesy Paris Vogue
Nina Ricci, via nymag.com
Marc Jacobs
SKIRTS GO THE EXTRA MILE
Gai Mattiolo, via Vogue Paris
Carlos Miele via allwomenstalk.com
Hermés, courtesy nymag.com
Marc Jacobs
Louis Vuitton pre-fall
Ralph Lauren (above and left)
Miss Sixty, courtesy nymag.com
CAPED CRUSADERS

Giles
Antonio Berardi
PANTS PUMP UP THE VOLUME

John Galliano, via nymag.com
VOLUMINOUS OUTERWEAR

Antonio Berardi
IN THE STORES
Dresses
A lovely variety of long frocks awaits. For the next 5 looks, visit shopbop.com.
Trade summer’s bright maxi for something a bit more boho luxe for autumn, in richer hues and more sweeping silhouettes.
CC loves these two long frocks by Larsen Gray.
Above right, tank dress with contrast frayed ribbon fringe.
At left, tank pocket evening dress.
For evening, this Jenni Kayne handkerchief gown in gray ombré silk chiffon is divinely elegant.
Or try a comfy yet glamorous T-Bags Grecian dress in deep burgundy.

Attention big budget fashionistas:
Get this Alexander McQueen paisley kaftan gown (above).
Look at this incredible McQueen fabric detailing (left)!

This and the next two dresses at net-a-porter.com.

Vera Wang draped Grecian Goddess Gown . . . For your winter wedding, perhaps?
Roksanda Ilincic Pierrot color block gown
Trousers – Just keep the top half of your look ultra-fitted, maybe a bustier and fitted blazer?
Above:
Lela Rose wide leg trouser in metallic tweed
At right:
VPL Swag pant.
Both at shopbop.com.
Skirts

Ralph Lauren
cashmere long flare,
at ralphlauren.com
Y’s by Yohji Yamamoto pleated skirt. Visit eLuxury.com
If you are skeptical about floor-grazing frocks, really any below-the-knee hemline captures the chic conservative mood of the trend, like this Lida Baday Dégradé tiered skirt, available at Nordstrom.com.

So go the whole nine yards, darlings - literally!