That 70s Look

Couture Carrie is totally inspired by the new CBS show, Swingtown. This drama by the creator of Big Love is fantastic, so if you haven’t gotten hooked yet, tune in on Thursday nights at 10 for scandalous network fun laced with Quaaludes, ménages a trois, and fabulous seventies style.


The first two pics are via cbs.com. Note the sassy chandelier, exposed white brick, and shag carpet on set!
And even though I never went there, I became a bit nostalgic for the Playboy Club after seeing the scene in Episode 2 where the whole crew is served drinks in classic Bunny style and then everybody does the hustle! Is Grant Show not the hotness with that 'stache?

Fortunately, we can channel that 70s look without scavenging the thrift stores (though that can be fun . . . ), since designers are offering a bevy of retro-inspired looks for fall.

The runway photos that follow are taken from nymag.com’s coverage of the Resort 2009 and Fall 2008 shows. From top to bottom:

LONG DRESSES:

Erdem

Dark floral chiffon mock-turtleneck gown. Sounds awful; looks great! It's amazing how a dress with so much coverage can still be incredibly sexy!


Emilio Pucci

These graphic prints will never go out of style!


Alexandre Hercovitch

Op-art concentric-circle print with scandalously low v-neck. I'm totally wearing this one to my next fondue party!

Issa

Halter-style maxi dress with generous doses of peach and brown

Leonard

Strapless patterned peasant dress with pockets . . . perfect to wear to that poetry reading.

Mara Hoffman

Couture Carrie's personal fave . . . would adore wearing this symmetrically patterned cream-hued stunner to a gallery opening in BK!

Michael Kors

There's no mistaking the nod to the seventies in this gold-flecked orange and pink gown, complete with empire waist and deep v neckline. And get a load of the gold chandelier earrings!


SHORT DRESSES:

A-line, with poufy sleeves, round neck or keyhole

Leonard

Generously cut three-quarter sleeve frock with majestic tapestry pattern.

Just Cavalli

Disco-era chicks were not afraid to mix and match prints! Loving the leopard tights and peasant tunic combo. Note the oversize accessories: huge pendant and floppy hat.

Christian Dior

Retro-licious kaleidoscopic floral motif, complete with frilly cap sleeves.

Allegra Hicks

Abstract leaf-print with a bit of sheen and a wide trompe l'oiel belt - genius!

Ports 1961

Muted tones and just enough exposed skin! I hope the fingerless opera glove catches on for fall!

Tibi

The color scheme alone screams "seventies"! Geometricized stair and palm frond print in gray, orange, beige and black . . .

Tuleh

Because there are a shortage of knee-high red suede boots in the world... We are totally wearing this sexy striped wrap to the next key party!

Gucci

You can always recognize a disco-fabulous look by its unabashed amount of fringe.

PANTS:

High waist; wide leg; the tighter, the better!

Halston

The original and best is back, with orange in abundance, and a fabulously tacky long fur vest to boot!

And remember that only leisure suit adage: If it ain't polyester, it ain't worth wearing!

Hermés

Can you say "paisley"?

Miss Sixty

Looks like high-waist, wide-leg jeans are here to stay!