TV Inspiration: McMillan & Wife

You know I watch all detective movies/shows/old time radio broadcasts as part of my training to be a little old woman who solves mysteries. Of course most of what I pay attention to in the end are the wardrobes. Stay tuned for the insanity that is the Columbo costume dept - including a cameo by Edith Head herself - and a post dedicated to Mrs. Fletcher's massive collection of Coach purses and Cowichan sweaters.

Today let us take a moment to consider perhaps the best dressed crime solving heroine since Nora Charles - Sally McMillan of McMillan & Wife, 1971 - 1977. Susan St. James wears the hell out of some awful/amazing 70s ensembles and the best pantsuits ever onscreen.


Summery, w white lace-up espadrilles



white pantsuit w tubetop


She does the ribbon tied around the neck a lot. I did that all the time in high school. A wildly feminist teacher I had told me that it has the connotation of a dog collar and symbolized my desire to be controlled and degraded by men. What a load of crap.

Fitted glitter knit T



Blue velvet pantsuit



I wish I could get my hair to do this.. also best blouse ever.



Buffalo plaid pantsuit - must find.



Really good pixie cut on this waitress




Pretty much I wear this around the house/errands all the time - irish wool/old denim/60s hair



This glittery disco number is for a wake



Crochet & patent leather winter cap



That on the left is so MiuMiu a few years ago, no?



grey suit w oversize peach necktie





blanket skirt w overknee boots


Must find.

She does a lot of fitted long formal polyseter dresses too that don't screencap so well but look amazing.