Sarah Jessica Parker is a Burberry Delight

I think Sarah Jessica Parker cemented her claim to fame as a style icon thanks in large part to her collaboration with Patricia Fields on Sex and the City. Every time I watch it, there’s some small, new detail there that I never noticed before. So many odd, amazing, and fabulous clothing combinations that it’s no wonder we all still turn to the show for inspiration. Even today on the red carpet, SJP takes a cue from Carrie and adds an over-sized accessory here, or an unexpected color and texture there. Like most icons, when she attends an event, you can bet people will be watching. She didn’t disappoint at the Burberry show this past September.

SJP's look was a decadent tone on tone ensemble; a rich gradient of caramel, chocolate, and cream. Who better to get you're mouth watering for fabulous Fall fashion? The entire look is the coupling of contrasting textures and themes. The ladylike lace of the dress (yes, that's a dress under there) with its cascading ruffles is juxtaposed against the smooth leather, military jacket with the high, strapping heels of her shoes leaving me fit to be tied. If you're hungry to satisfy your chocolate craving, check out the images below. They're the best options available on the market right now.

"Victoriana" jacket at asos.com

The jacket Sarah Jessica is wearing is absolutely labelled as a splurge. After all it is a Burberry jacket! If you want the real thing now but from a more greenback-friendly source, try this one. The color is lovely and the military style is marvelous.

A dress purchased in Madrid by London-based social fixture Jane Asher

This sweet shift embodies a woman's girly-girl but is controlled by the simple design. It's a perfect piece to contrast with the leather jacket. Try locating your own at your favorite department store or boutique.

"Colleen" Satchel at Shop Suey

This bag's shape is very similar to the one SJP is holding, plus the style lines are pretty good mimics of the original. It's a great steal when you can't afford the splurge.

Never underestimate the authority of sassy heels. Nordstrom

To help complete this SJP-inspired look and to carry you into colder days, add a few more accessories like gloves and a scarf. To keep your legs warm, pull on a pair of sheer black tights. You could also choose opaque tights but that's where you have to ask yourself one question: WWCD? (What Would Carrie Do?)

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search

Fashionable TV Shows: "Mary Tyler Moore" Show

 

I find inspiration for my personal style from various sources, including books, television and movies.  And I am not alone in this.  Our media is influencing other areas in our lives as well.  Eat, Pray, Love is sending women in droves on their quests to experience life in Bali.  One hit 70's television show in particular had many women flocking to NYC- the Mary Tyler Moore show.  I have to think it wasn't just her lifestyle, but her fashion sense that lured women to the show.

I want both of these outfits (minus the polyester).

Mary's dress and belt (above), paired with the right boots, so 2010, right?  Now picture Samantha Jones or Carrie Bradshaw in Rhoda's outfit.  Straight out of Sex and the City.

Lovin' the sleeves on this blouse!

That is the perfect fall "orange".

Just goes to show the "safari" trend never really goes out of style- it just re-invents itself.

What celebrity (alive or dead) inspires you?  How do you incorporate 70's inspired fashion into your current wardrobe?

Did you know a statue of this scene exists in memory of the show?

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search

Who's Who in Fashion: Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon

I previously posted that Jimmy Choo is coming out with a clothing and accessory line for H&M on November 14th, 2009.  Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, therefore unaffected by the craze that Sex and the City caused over the brand of footwear, here is the 411 on the brand and the woman behind it all.

Jimmy Choo was launched in 1996 when Tamara Mellon, Accessories Editor at British Vogue realized the potential demand for stylish but wearable shoes and approached Mr Jimmy Choo, the couture shoe maker based in the East End of London, recognized for his excellent craftsmanship. Tamara partnered with Mr Jimmy Choo to start the ready-to-wear shoe company and opened the first stand alone boutique on Motcomb Street, London along with a strong wholesale business. Sandra Choi, Mr Jimmy Choo’s niece, was named Creative Director, a position she holds to this day, reporting to Tamara Mellon.

In 1998, Jimmy Choo opened its first boutique in New York followed by Los Angeles in 1999. Sparking an immediate success amongst young Hollywood, Jimmy Choo became synonymous with the “red carpet” shoe of choice and was hailed the lucky charm for Oscar winners such as Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank and many other Hollywood actresses.

In April 2001, Mr Jimmy Choo’s equity share of the business was purchased by Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd. During this period, Jimmy Choo saw its first significant expansion and the introduction of handbags. In November 2004, Lion Capital acquired a majority shareholding, valuing the company at £101 million. In February 2007, a majority shareholding of Jimmy Choo was acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners, the international private equity firm, a deal which valued the company at £185 million.

Today, Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury lifestyle accessory brand with women’s shoes, handbags, small leather goods, sunglasses and eyewear. Its products are available in the growing network of Jimmy Choo freestanding stores as well as in the most prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide. From its original base in the United Kingdom and United States, the Jimmy Choo store network now encompasses over 100 locations in 32 countries.1

Mellon had frequently visited Choo’s Hackney workrooms when she was at Vogue, often having him create shoes for a shoot. With her father as chairman of the new company, she opened a shop that she filled with the sort of shoes she liked to wear. “It was only logical,” she points out. “I am the customer. I understand the lifestyle. I know what sort of shoes women in my world need. I have the ideas and Jimmy’s niece designs them for me.” From the first collection, her Knightsbridge shop became a magnet for the international super-rich and sexy.
Since buying Jimmy Choo, Mellon has moved fast, and is now seen less as a society princess and more as a driven businesswoman.2

1 Info and images courtesy of http://www.jimmychoo.com/scat/thestory
2 Info courtesy of http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article5390414.ece