Love it or Hate it–Sex and the City 2 is topping box offices, scathing reviews and sexist reviews are hitting right and left (with just as many young women replying back, “What did you expect?”), and Carrie and the girls are wearing a wardrobe more unbelievable, fantastical, and unaffordable than ever.
Like many 20-something women, Sex and the City and that fabulous foursome have been a part of my life for a long time, and while it’s an imperfect series, it’s not one that ended without leaving a generation of women a lot of life lessons.
When it comes to fashion, I’ve always considered Carrie Bradshaw a heroine–whether her outfits left me cringing or coveting, she always did it with zest, spunk, panache, and loads of style. (In fact, Carrie Bradshaw was one of my first post topics, and the women of Sex and the City have come up often since.)
10 Things Carrie Bradshaw Taught Me About Fashion
1. Have FUN with Fashion/Don’t be afraid to try something NEW. Drindl in Central Park, anyone? Carrie’s outfits always showed her flair for fashion, and she wasn’t afraid to try something new– whether it was new to her or a new trend. Her outfits always reflected her spunky and playful personality.
2. Invest in GOOD shoes. Good doesn’t have to mean expensive and strictly Manolos–afterall, there are plenty of horror stories about designer shoes dying after walking a few NYC blocks. But invest in good shoes, ones you can wear over and over, and that you love, that will treat you & your body great.
3. Fashion CAN be affordable and GOOD fashion CAN be found ANYWHERE. Some of my favorite scenes from the tv series were seeing the gals in a shop that wasn’t high end. From discount wedding shops to vintage shops, Carrie showed, especially early on, that great fashion & style could found at all price points.
4. You don’t have to defend your love of fashion. To be honest, I don’t think I saw any of those women apologize for their love of fashion. Neither will I, and neither should you.
5. You’re never too old to play dress up. Whether it’s dressing up for a night out with the girls, or just because you’re feeling extra fabulous that day, Carrie reminds us all that we don’t need to save our best, most amazing frocks & accessories for special occasions. Every day that we get up is another opportunity to dress up– however the hell we feel like.
6. You DON’T have to to sacrifice personal style because: you hit 40 (or 52); you have kids; you’re in a professional job. One of the most inspiring things, as a young woman, was seeing how these women held firmly on to their sense of identity through relationships & break-ups, marriages & divorces, childbirth, aging, and more. You are who you are– and that shouldn’t be sacrificed because an element in your life has changed.
7. It’s okay to buy what you can afford. Remember when Standford teases Carrie, about knowing her when she was in her early 20s and wearing Candies? Carrie Bradshaw didn’t start off with a fabulous shoe collection, and while she certainly wasn’t a model for savings & financial management, she grew in to her success as a writer and grew in to her shoe closet.
8. Fashion’s not more important than security– as a woman I can have AND create both for myself. Who really wants to grow up to be the old lady who lives in her shoes? Not me. I love that SatC focused on the financial savvy (or lack of) with these women. I think it’s easy for us to fall in to traditional gender roles and not take an active role in our finances beyond our bank accounts. Maybe a better path for Carrie (and our future fabulously earning selves) would have been $500 pair of shoes, $500 invested in stocks/IRAs/etc?
9. Look to the past, and your own past, when shopping. Early SatC Carrie loved her vintage, and I imagine she was the type of woman to shop for life– buying pieces she knew she’d love in 10 years, regardless of how it was dated or not. Find the pieces that flatter your mind and your body, and keep it in your possession until it’s worn out.
10. Just because it’s in style– or out of style– doesn’t mean it’s for/not for you. One of the great things Patricia Field did in designing the show was creating women with their own sense of style. Trends can fit in to, be a part of, or expand your own sense of personal style. But always be sure to keep an open mind about fashion.
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Good list…. and I still want that Sonia Rykiel flower top she’s wearing in the first picture.
WendyB´s last blog ..My True Blood Party Style
You & me both, Wendy!
Which makes me think of another thing…. it’s okay to wait a lifetime to wear the perfect outfit for the first time.
AGREED!! OK, maybe not point 8 – I don’t think SATC taught us that security is better/equal to fashion. But to have fun with fashion – YES! To have your own style, never be to old to dress up, mix old faves with new…yes, these are all pearls of wisdom to be gleaned from the show :)
trashtastika´s last blog ..IFB Links a la Mode
I don’t think SatC intentionally teaches us that security is better/equal to…. but when Carrie can’t afford to buy her house because of her shoes? It’s an oh-shit moment that I think is supposed to leave a lasting impression…. so it did teach *ME* that…. my points may not work on everyone… ;)
Yes, thanks Ashe – I do get what you’re saying now :) Agreed!
trashtastika´s last blog ..How To Make a Felt Pillbox Hat (part 2)
Oh what a great post ashe!
I agree. Carrie Bradshaw taught me that you’re never too old to play dress up too.
Retro Chick´s last blog ..Behind the Scenes with Lady K Loves
What a fun list! I especially like #10. SATC was so good at developing each character’s own sense of style. Wardrobe choices were based on the characters – not what happened to be “in style” which is a great lesson for all. Great post Ashe!
XO Piper
DailyDivaDish´s last blog ..Princess Brides
Perfect points Ashe! SatC is so near and dear to my heart. I think the show was all about having fun and not apologizing for our choices, fashion or otherwise!
Fajr | Stylish Thought´s last blog ..For Corporate Girls who have considered Suicide when Khaki was Enuff
This is such a great list. I sometimes forget the great nuggets and teaching moments the show had to offer. Thanks for the reminder. =D
Great post. Miss Janey went in with pretty low expectations, but ended up enjoying SatC2. “The Girls” have been a big part of her entertainment for years- she wouldn’t think of missing it.
Miss Janey´s last blog ..Dream Shopping
Fantastic post Ashe!
I’ve also always coveted that Rykiel top. Actually her whole wardrobe during the two Parisian episodes. LOVE!
Love this post! Carrie Bradshaw is my ultimate icon and has been my inspiration for years. :)
Shopgirl´s last blog ..Designer fashion at the click of a button!
Ah Carrie. Once at a party we were required to take our shoes off before entering. My sister leaned in and whispered to me: “I’m having a Carrie Bradshaw moment.” (Remember when Carrie’s Manolos got stolen because she was forced to leave them at the entrance to the party? Not to mention her valid complaint: “This is an OUTFIT!”)
Laura Kim Connell´s last blog ..Atom Egoyan et al Give to LEAF
omfg! i looove this article. You totally hit the nail on the head! I especially love #4.
kudos
Jessica Lynn´s last blog ..Women Who Dont Like Women
I’m in love with this blog!!!
I was so overjoyed to read this article.. excellent topic and you have a phenomenal writing style.
I will most def be subscribing :)
Much love & good karma.
<3
Great list! I totally agree with you. Carrie Bradshaw is an ultimate style icon and so are the girls.
The thing Carrie taught me is : it’s okay to dress with a little sense of humour. I think some people took some of her outfits too seriously. She has a great sense of humour and it affects the way she dresses!
Marie´s last blog ..Portrait : CHARLOTTE RONSON
good lord do I love this post – the best SATC one I’ve read in a looong time( including my own)!
Fantastic post! And it’s great that you pointed out the fashion/finances relationship the show highlighted. It’s so easy to just focus on all those great clothes and ideas, but it often takes lots of MONEY to make them happen. I know I’m guilty of spending too much too regularly, because I’m so in love with shoes and accessories, especially.
Carrie once said if she hit the skids and became a bag lady, at least she’d be a Fendi bag lady. That is cute, but the reality is not so charming, so yeah, we need to be sure that for every dollar we’re spending on bags and shoes, we’re saving one too.
Grit and Glamour´s last blog ..WVW: Western Wildflower*
Super list, your blog is fab! I miss SATC (the show mind you) so much.
Excellent article! I love Carrie. I hope one day I can afford her shoe closet :)
great post, I’ve always loved Carrie’s outfits more than her character herself. Say what you will about Satc, but there’s definitely feminism in there!
Nobody is too old to play dress up :) In fact, I think that’s what older women should be doing to keep themselves feeling young!
Rachel @ a la Modest´s last blog ..IT Geek & Fashionista
Great list, so true. If only I could stop investing in shoes for awhile…my budget needs a breather ;)
Great list, so true. If only I could *stop* investing in shoes for awhile…my budget needs a breather ;)
Natalie´s last blog ..Crush: Tokyo Street Style
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but have been working my way through the Sex and the City boxset, and I think the main thing I get from Carrie is that there’s no such thing as “age appropriate” dressing any more. I’m always worrying if my skirt is too short, or if I should *really* be wearing whatever it is “at my age”, but Carrie just wears whatever the hell she likes, even although she’s in her late 30s at the point I’m up to. It’s refreshing for me to see fashion still being presented as relevant to women who aren’t teenagers or 20-somethings…
Amber´s last blog ..The Fashion Police’s Ultimate Retro-Inspired Swimwear Roundup
you know, so many people hated satc2. after interning then working on and off for pat field’s team for the past 2 year, i’m a little embarrassed to say that i only JUST went to watch the movie this past sunday.
i kinda enjoyed it! i mean, yes yes, they went to abu dhabi, of COURSE she met aidan, etc etc, but i thought there were parts in the script that were really funny, and again, i love samantha to bits.
i’ve never worked that closely with pat before until about 2 weeks ago when i was helping her with a project, and i think i say this with more confidence before: that woman is smart. very smart, and she thinks. yes, fashion is fashion, but she puts thought into it. i think she is probably the main reason why people love the drama and movies, she plans EVERYTHING even down to details that you might not realize but still comes into the corner of the viewers eyes. i thought the movie was great, i do love their wardrobes, and if there was an satc3, i’d probably watch it too. hah!
Great, great, great post! I absolutely agree, don’t be afraid to try something new :)
XX,
Neekoh
neekoh´s last blog ..Hudson Jeans After Hours VIP Party
Fabulous post – as a SATC fan myself, I have had a similar experience with the “lessons” :-) Number 5 and 6 especially resonate with me right now, because after moving to Zurich from New York, I found myself surrounded by the old stigmas about moms, and having to find excuses to get dressed up. I am constantly overdressed here – people just don’t seem to enjoy putting a lot of effort into their appearance.
But then of course there are those precious few exceptions, people who clearly care about and enjoy fashion and playing with it. Like with Carrie, I may not always like the outfits, but when someone is wearing something that reflects their personality, something they put some thought into, it’s always uplifting and inspiring!
Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels´s last blog ..OOTW- Think Tank
The show was in realistic in that women would have to be successful and at an age where they would have a good enough savings to afford those fashions.
To be honest, I don’t think I saw any of those women apologize for their love of fashion. Neither will I, and neither should you.
Great quote! I just wrote an article that has this as part of the theme. So true.
Ella Mode´s last blog ..Personal Style- I- Lauren-Noelle- Vow
So great post! Also congratulations about the post at IFB!
Carrie is fab! always!
love,
Kira
Ashe, this is such a fabulous and shareable list! I missed the SATC boat, and I barely jumped on board a month ago after seeing SATC 2. Since then I’ve purchased seasons 1-5 at my local Target and have immersed myself in the fashion, quotes, and camaraderie that is SATC. You’ve made some valid points and your article is timeless.
Chandra (@ShiftC)´s last blog ..Modest Panel Q-ampA
Your “Why ProBlogger” article on IFB led me to this post and your blog.
I can see why this post is getting the attention it is – it’s extremely well written and a wonderful analysis of the fashion in SaTC. You don’t often see SaTC addressed from this angle, but everything you said is right on the money.
Looking forward to checking out the rest of your site.
Beautifully Invisible´s last blog ..Daily Dose of Inspiration- Charlize Theron
what a great post Ashe; there’s a Carrie inside of all of us…well, there should be. :)
If you’re required to live by any rules, these rules are the ones to live by.
xx,
Christina
christina of profresh style´s last blog ..whats in my purse
I love this post! I live by many of these rules, especially the dressing up one. People are ALWAYS asking me why I’m so dressed up – I’m not, I always dress like that. I really believe in wearing what you love whenever you want to wear it!
Amy´s last blog ..Pretty Polly for MyTightscom