3Gs: Gossip Girl and Gucci!!!

OMFG! Darlings, CC is in fashion ecstasy! If you haven't seen the Gucci Resort 2009 show yet, proceed immediately to www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/2009RST/review/GUCCI after reading today's Couture Carrie post! Though the majority of the looks were rather retro (think 70s: maxi dresses, long natural middle-parted locks and platform espadrilles), what stood out for CC were the echoes of the PREP SCHOOL vibe of which we have all become so enamored since the inception of TV and fashion phenomenon Gossip Girl. Witness the wonderful WASPiness of Gucci's grosgrain-striped trousers, see Jenny and pals below, and think: hybrid.

The key for the non-teenaged set is to create a sophisticated crossbreed of the Gucci & Gossip Girl vibes - CC calls it 3G!

How to dress accordingly without spending 3G:

1) girly plaids

Think Scottish princess, not Mary-Kate grunge.

For practically pennies, snap up a ruffled plaid shirt from victoriassecret.com.

Or sport some sexy stretch five-pocket skinny pants by Highway Jeans, at alloy.com.

Isn't this Ivy newsboy cap from delias.com adorable, B?

And how sexy school-girl is this fishtail hem bias cut tartan skirt??

Go to victoriassecret.com to buy!

2) smart tweeds

Take a cue from the GG girls (see Blair flanked by fabulous Chanel bouclé-swathed peers on the steps of the Met)!

Try this Nanette Lepore Sultry tweed pencil skirt with playful ruffle hem.

Visit shopbop.com.

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3) tights

Bright, opaque, patterned, thigh-high, knee-high, argyle, striped -- practically anything goes when it comes to 3G legwear!

CC is loving . . . Betsey Johnson's athletic-chic red thigh highs

Lacoste's 80s-throwback turquoise tights
Kate Beckinsdale goes naughty librarian in striped thigh-highs (photo courtesy hollywoodtuna.com)

4) ultra-preppy cardigans and blazers

The striped jacket hits the runway at the Gucci Resort show in Milan.
Little J, get the look for less with this sassy striped crested Victoria's Secret blazer.

The aptly named Blair Preppy Cardigan in heather gray from delia*s fits the bill, as does...

this long cardigan tee from Victoria's Secret.

CC adores how it's paired with a tailored striped button-down and cheeky necktie, borrowed from the boys but decidedly feminine!!
5) Accoutrements!
CC likes preppy decorative touches like this Candace Ang antique brass kilt pin, at etsy.com. Wear it on your skirt or your lapel!!

Are these Jean Paul Gaultier Couture herringbone double buckle boots not so fab, S?
And who could forget a ridiculously luxe handbag, like this Goldenbleu Lillian bag, currently half off at shopbop.com!

Until next time, Upper East Siders!

xoxox, CC
Fashion credits: runway photos in this CC post via style.com; Gossip Girl stills courtesy nytimes.com.

She's a Grand Old Flag

Stars and Stripes Forever!

Okay . . . CC was going to wait until Independence Day for the red, white & blue post, but then she figured: what if all her lovely readers have some shopping to do for next weekend's fireworks and festivities? So get ready to hoist up the flag (or, wear its signature colors)!

As was noted in an article entitled “The Betsy Ross Label” in last week's Thursday Styles : , the spring/summer and resort collections, both in New York and abroad, were heavily reliant upon red, white and blue. See the runway photos below from, inter alia, Charles Nolan, Chanel, Miu Miu (pictured at top left), Lacoste, Blugirl, Moschino, and Moschino. Read the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/fashion/26ROW.html?_r=1&ref=fashion&oref

The Runway Gets Patriotic:

Charles Nolan; photo at upper right courtesy nytimes.com

Left: Trend Les Copains

Lacoste nautical striped tank and red & white beach bag
Agnes B Resort 2009 striped pants and toppers

Bill Blass Resort 2009

Moschino Cheap & Chic Spring 2008
Chanel Spring/Summer 2008

Blugirl (CC just adores this poufy blouse and vest combo, the chunky bangles, the oversize bag, etc.)

Next, a sweet dose of street style from fellow fashionista and blogger extraordinaire, Ida! Visit http://rougemarie.blogspot.com/

And now, your shopping directory, from the sublime to the ridiculous:

D&G grosgrain ribbon trim jacquard jacket. Purchase at eLuxury.com.

Brooks Brothers cuff links. Go to brooksbrothers.com

Topshop stripe anchor thong. Go to topshop.com

D&G strapless belted dress with pleated skirt, also at eLuxury

Angela Moore stars and stripes bracelet. Visit angelamoore.com
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Agriculture dress, at Net-a-Porter.com

It is clear that these are not simply "American" or "patriotic" looks, since designers worldwide are showing them, and fashionistas are loving them. So what do you think, my lovelies? Which piece or ensemble are you craving? Is the red, white & blue trend just for summer or all-year-round?

Fashion Credits: Photos in this post courtesy nymag.com, except where otherwise noted. Flag ribbon candy at right, go to hammondscandies.com.
Extra Credit: If you're interested in flag trivia and etiquette, see http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0

My 70s Collage

Okay, are y'all watching Swingtown yet? Loved that bikini Lana Parrilla wore in last night's episode! Some more 70s-inspired duds, from Missoni's Resort 2009 Collection. Photos via style.com.

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!