Fall fashion pays homage to disco days.
With the return of the Star Wars saga in our distant future, it seems evident that designers are yearning for a galaxy far, far away and feeling quite nostalgic about a decade from their childhood — or perhaps their parents’ childhood. Be prepared to embrace some not-so-subtle cues from ’70s style icons. Although fashions from Mad Max (the original) and David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust should not be taken literally, we do encourage you to take chances a la Ali MacGraw in Love Story. Here are a few of our favorite local boutiques with their picks for fall’s throwback to the 1970s.
Band on the Run
C. Collection, located in Riverbend, always carries back-to-school favorites. There is no denying that the boutique’s college and high-school clients will be giving nods to Joni Mitchell’s iconic boho-chic look. “For 20 years, C. Collection has had the latest yet affordable styles that are perfect for going out at night or hanging on campus,” says Sally Bliss, manager at C. Collection. Here, you’ll be able find all the groovy elements of fringe, suede and soft flared denim. Customers — ranging from mothers to daughters — are scooping up large-framed, circle sunglasses; bell-sleeve blouses; and oversized fancy hats. You just might confuse these ladies for Penny Lane in Almost Famous. 8141 Maple St., (504) 861-5002, ccollectionnola.com
Play that Funky Music
This Harahan hotspot exudes coolness. The owners, Lauren Beasley and Robyn Long, continuously provide customers with posh wares at a perfect price point. You’ll have no trouble emulating Charlie’s Angels (we know Farrah is your favorite) or the understated sexiness of Jane Birkin. “Boho-chic is everywhere this fall and is a personal style favorite of ours at Hickory Chicks Boutique,” Long says. “This effortless look is easy to achieve with flowy shoulder-baring tops, flared denim or trousers, and elements of lace.” Feel free to layer jewelry and stack on another bangle bracelet to release your inner Foxy Brown. 1915 Hickory Ave., Harahan, (504) 324-2454, hickorychicksboutique.com
Heart of Glass
The always-lovely sisters Kaitlyn Alvarez and Lindsay Laws at Lucy Rose have nailed the art of dressing pretty. Expect to find very on trend 1970s pieces that are suggestive of Karen Carpenter’s frocks and Michelle Pfeiffer’s character Elvira Hancock in Scarface. “We are obsessing over capes; everyone needs a good cape in their wardrobe this season,” Laws says. Whether affixed to a jacket, blouse and dress — or worn assuredly as your jacket or wrap — a cape is an ideal choice of outerwear for our temperate climate. Find one that fits your body frame and lifestyle — this look can be quite chic, or you can undoubtedly come off looking like Wonder Woman or Grace Jones. 3318 Magazine St., (504) 895-0444, shoplucyrose.com
What Goes Around Comes Around
Heed caution when gathering your goodies to update your wardrobe for fall. Although it might be 1970s-inspired, some ideas should forever remain in the past. Your grandmother or mother might have a rabbit jacket that looks like road kill — or even flared trousers in friction fire-starting polyester — but some trends are best left alone. Can you dig it?
Have a Bohemian Rhapsody with your style this fall! Happy shopping!
–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin, ALG Style