Window shopping: what would Carrie Bradshaw do?

"Sex and the City II" started filming today and I think this warrants a little nod to Carrie Bradshaw and her girlfriends. I know, it's been over five years since the show went off the air and it has in many ways lost its magic since then. These days you can get Manolos for $60 at your local consignment shop, Magnolia has line-free locations at Columbus Ave and Rockefeller C, and you're using your old baby blue "I'm a Charlotte" tank as a dishwash towel (everyone who says they didn't buy one of those tanks is a liar). And more importantly, at least I don't relate as much to the ladies and their problems anymore.... I guess that is one thing to be thankful for!

But at the end of the day -- who cares about the plot, the sometimes subpar acting, and whether it was "realistic" or not that a freelance writer had a fancy Manhattan 2br, a designer packed closet, and friends who always had time for brunch, coffee and cocktails.... come on, we were all watching the show (and the first movie) for the fashions! The wardrobe and the styling were iconic, mind blowing, to die for!

My favorite looks on Carrie out of those pictured here are probably the hotpants /newsboy cap combo and the empire waisted tunic with a purple cardigan on top -- I think she wore the tunic/cardi to the movies with Aidan... or am I horribly wrong? Regardless, it was one of SJP's better (and more wearable!) looks on the show during her pregnancy.

Both of these outfits are so effortless and easy to wear, and don't really require a big wallet either. I am not so sure about pairing hotpants with pumps, though.... platform sandals or equestrian boots are usually my footwear of choice for styling a day look incorporating these short shorts.

Furthermore, I have realized lately that I am somewhat inspired not only by Carrie's sartorial choices, but also her outlook on life. Just because you are a broke freelancer, you should not deny yourself the finer things in life, such as an apartment you cannot afford, waiting list designer handbags and cocktails at the Plaza! And for an unexpected day off, what could possibly be a better way to spend your time than to go window shopping in the West Village, SoHo and NoLiTa? On the right are some storefronts that caught my eye when I was strolling from boutique to boutique with my dog today: Kit 228 (Elizabeth & Prince), Ralph Lauren (Bleecker & Charles, check out those pinstripe shorts!), Intermix (Bleecker & 10th). All of them well worth visiting!

And last but not least, the mirror image of yours truly in the midst of photographing the Alexis Bittar window display on Bleecker Street. Please note my denim cutoffs, Miss Me boho blouse and chunky 80s jewelry. Let's hope Ms Bradshaw would have approved!