Bag Books: Summer & the City

Summer & the City by Candace Bushnell

So ends our Trilogy! Unless, of course, Bushnell writes another prequel, then we shall have a glorious Quadrilogy!

This novel is set after The Carrie Diaries during Carrie's first summer in New York, with a firm favourite Samantha Jones.

It's worth noting that the Carrie in the prequels is more like the Carrie in the series than the Carrie in the original novel. I wonder how many times I can say 'Carrie' in this review? So far: 6.

As you live through Carrie's first New York summer, you also explore Samantha's past which was only mentioned in the series. Remember her fiance? Well that's the relationship she's in for the duration of this book.

We also spend alot of time with a very femininist Miranda Hobbs, who was as argumentative and clever as she was in the series. Good ol' Miranda!

The story line has Carrie come to realise her love for the city, has conflicts with her old and new friends, and has Carrie start to experiment with clothing. Scrubs, really Carrie?

There's also Carrie's first love, which is nice to read about. Then there's the school part and the relationships she develops there.

Towards the end of the book you have another loved character introduced, as Carrie meets them on a train heading to New York.

If you love the show and have liked the other books then this is certainly for you!

Final Carrie Count: 12

I shall have a nice Christmassy book up next week for you to enjoy!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: The Carrie Diaries

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

As I reviewed Sex and the City last week, I thought I'd move onto the prequels.

I guess it's not difficult to see where I got the inspiration for the title: 'The Carrie Files' now is it?

Of course I had this on the day it came out! I walked all around Wolverhampton in my boots (sadly not Manolos) until I found it. Then I started reading it on the bus home.

It was really interesting to read about Carrie's family, as you never see them in the TV show, and they're not really mentioned as I recall. So getting to know a loved character a bit better is always a big plus.

I found her escapades in school to be interesting, and funnily enough I could relate to her in some parts.

Without spoiling it, people who are lovers of the series will love the very ending of the book, as a very familiar (and loved) character answers the phone.

I read this in about a day because I loved it, and it isn't a difficult read either, so it's nice to pick up at each chapter.

So, I guess it's only fitting that I review Summer & the City next week.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #24

Le gasp! The 'Fashion Roadkill' outfit, "how on earth do you wear that?" I hear you cry. Well, New Years eve and taking one or two pieces from it is the key!



Coat: Asos £95
Top: Asos £6
Shorts: Asos £35
Shoes: New Look £19.99
Earrings: Ted Baker £25

Personally I wouldn't wear that top, but a camisole or sheer shirt would be more flattering to a general population. I adore the shorts though, I'd wear those with my black tights to really make them pop.
The colour of the coat is beautiful.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

Bag Books: Sex and the City

Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell

With 20+ weeks of re-creating Carrie's looks, I think it's about time I wrote about the book!

First off, I'm going to say that my copy of the book is not that sexy, I have the TV show cover with the four girls on where they're all wearing Little Black Dresses.

This is the book which spawned the series which spawned the movies, it's a great character driven piece, but I certainly enjoyed the Carrie you see on screen to the one you read about in this novel, which was first published in 1996.

It certainly explores the the bedrooms of the New York elite, and you see several of it's themes throughout the series.

Series one of SatC certainly has a more book based Carrie, but I'm glad she got developed into the fashionista that she became.

This was a really good first novel for Bushnell.

What can I say? If you love Sex and the City, it's definately worth a read.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #23

Now we're on the cusp of December I thought I'd do Carrie's New Years Eve look, it's actually one of my favourite scenes of the movie, where she runs across the city to go to Miranda's so she doesn't have to be alone. Even though Carrie is in her jammies it's actually a nice look with the camisoles, throw some jeans on and you've got a good outfit.



Coat: Asos £85
Long sleeve: New Look £5.99
Camisole: New Look £7.99
Necklace: Anna Lou £19.99
Hat: ebay £4.99
Trousers: New Look £11.99
Boots: New Look £34.99
Bag: New Look £24.99
Gloves: Asos £20

I've always love that coat of Carrie's, it looks wonderful, it's appeared in the seasons of SatC too, so it's her recurring piece.
I chose the necklace given that it mentions the theme of the movie, finding love, finding it in your family, your friends, your boyfriend, your dog, anywhere.
The boots were hard to find though, being white, but these lace ones are lovely! They come in black too, if you aren't brave enough for white.
Though I was thinking "put some bloody socks on!".

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #22

This week I thought I'd do something a little different and show you one piece of clothing and offer similar pieces at different prices. As it's knitwear I am in conjunction with Knitzors.



This is such a fab jumper. I can't remember which episode it's from though, but I shall be re-watching the seasons soon! I need not tell you that I love knitwear, isn't it fab? The jumper Carrie is wearing appears to be a garter/reverse stocking stitch knit with a fab k2, p2 rib.



1. New Look £24.99

2. Matalan £18

3. Asos £30

4. Next £35

5. Topshop £42

1. I like the colours, the neck and the variated stripes but you'd really need a long sleeved top on underneath.

2. Nice natural tones stripes, in a nice chunky yarn by looks of it, what more could you ask for.

3. The effect of the yarn is wonderful, I love colour change yarns for this reason. It's ribbed throughout and really focuses on the one stripe on Carrie's jumper, hence it being included.

4. Be still my beating heart! How wonderful is this jumper? I think the blue really complements the rust tones and there isn't too much meaning it doesn't take over. The self striping yarn really works for this.

5. Trust Topshop to have a really similar jumper in colour, but it's not over the top colour and it works, I believe that these tones would suit anyone.

Jumpers and skinny jeans tucked into knee high boots is one great way to wear these jumpers, and given that knee high riding style boots are everywhere right now you really cant go wrong with this look.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #21

Well folks, I said that the last post was a land mark, well here I have another one, this post marks half a year of me doing The Carrie Files, and I have plenty more looks to come. As you've seen, I've started introducing different characters into The Carrie Files, this will continue as not everyone is a Carrie, other people are Mirandas or Charlottes, some are even Samanthas. As I'm feeling sentimental with this post, I felt that I'd do a look from the intro sequence of SATC2. Enjoy!



I know, the flashback where Carrie first arrived in New York. Not Carrie's finest moment, but fun non the less.



Sweatshirt: New look £9.99
Vest: New Look £3.99
Trousers: Asos £18
Shoes: Schuh £40

This outfit works despite not being highly fashionable. Obviously my favourite part is the shoes, I miss wearing cons, so comfy!
I didn't do the luggage or her (hideous) bag because luggage is obvious really.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #20

Well folks, we've made it to the 20th week, and to celebrate I'm presenting you with a look I've wanted to do for a long time, so here it is:



I've loved this coat since I first saw season 6, so beautiful, so I'm super excited to share this look with you.



Coat: Asos £90
Jumper: New Look £7.99
Hat: Asos £30
Mittens: Asos £10
Bag: New Look £19.99

The collar may be different, but the pockets are exactly the same. That shade of blue will lift any spirit, and those mittens are divine.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #19

I thought I'd do a double look, a his 'n' her so to speak. For those who don't know, that is Alexander Petrovsky, Carrie's lover in season 6, whom she goes to Paris with.

Carrie



Coat: Asos £85
Cuffs: Asos £12
Jumper: Dorothy Perkins £32
Jeans: New Look £19.99
Boots: Aldo £60
Bag: Asos £35
Mittens: Dorothy Perkins £7
Snood: New Look £7.99

I couldn't find a bag similar to Carrie's so I went for this fabulous art deco style clutch instead.
I really like the coat, looks so warm.


Alexander



Jacket: Matalan £25
Trousers: Matalan £10
Jumper: New Look £26.24
Gloves: Matalan £9
Shoes: New Look £14.99

I do like this look, it's smart but also on the casual side. I like the cuff on the gloves, just makes them seem more impressive.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #18

A quick Carrie look this time, the image only shows the top part, but I've researched the bottom part for you! Also what bag she has, but they cut out the shoes, so I'll be inventive.


Blazer: Asos £60
T-shirt: New Look £12.99
Jeggings: Warehouse @ Asos £45
Shoes: New Look £24.99
Bag: Asos £25


This is a quirky cool look that could be worn with jeans and still look good.
I chose the shoes to complement Mickey's shorts and there wasn't enough colour in this look for my liking.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #17

A good look for this season, given the current Fetish trend. The darkest outfit Carrie wears in the movie, I happen to think she looks great in it.




Coat: Yumi Direct £44.99
Top: New Look £5.99
Jeans: Asos £30
Belt: Forever21 £4.90
Hat: New Look £9.99
Boots: New Look £49.99
Gloves: Tesco £12.50
Bag: Oasis @ Asos £16

I adore that coat, I think the whole ensemble is beautifully dark, it illustrates perfectly Carrie's emotion at this point of the film.

The Carrie Files #16

As it's now into the Autumn months I figure it's time for a more seasonally suited Carrie Files. This is from Carrie's "Dark period" of the movie.


Top: New Look £7.99
Vest: New Look £7.99
Leggings: Asos £10
Boots: New Look £24.99
Bag: New Look £24.99

The simplicity of this outfit is that most people have a pair of leggings in their wardrobes, they also have a white vest.
I love the layering aspect of it, warm and stylish.

Love, peace and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #15

As we're heading towards the part season I thought I'd share this quirky little outfit, I do love this. Though, only Carrie can pull off a bumbag.



Top: New Look £5.99
Skirt: River Island @ Asos £18
Shoes: Asos £35
Necklace: New Look £3.99
Bag: Asos £15
Hat: Next £12

Given the time of year I chose a full length top instead of a cropped one, though a simple alteration would change that.
As only Carrie can pull off a bumbag (shudders) I've chosen a small crossbody which is far cuter.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #14

This time we're looking at this iconic look from the second movie, the beautiful Halston dress with those golden 'Dorothy'-esque shoes is so simple yet so amazing.


Dress: Asos £19
Shoes: New Look £24.99
Necklace: Asos £68
Bag: New Look £15.99
Sunglasses: Asos £12
Earrings: Accessorize £10 (for a set of 3)

Carrie's bag is Chanel, but this clutch from New Look is a great alternative
I love the simplicity of this outfit yet there's so much hidden depth, like all colours in the necklace and the gold glitter heels.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #13

Ah, this is such a perfect look for this time of year, due to the dull, wet weather.


Coat: Asos £100
Umbrella: Ebay £24.50
Top: New Look £19.99
Skirt: New Look £12.99
Boots: Asos £184
Bag: New Look £14.99
Belt: New Look £4.99

This is a rather smart look, I guess it could be worn in an office, perhaps changing the top, but Carrie makes it so chic! I love this coat from Asos, the double collar just makes it so special!

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #12

This is a great look from the 2nd movie, a great simple outfit that stands out as most of them are OTT this time around!
Man's shirt: Asos £16.50
Jeans: New Look £25.99
Shoes: Topshop £60
Bag: New Look £14.99
Sweat band: Ebay £1.50

Out of all, I think the sweat band is most out of place in this outfit, though SJP chose to wear the SATC2 movie band inside out.
I chose a men's shirt as I think they tie better.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #11

Seeing as the (absent) Summer is turning to Autumn with all this rain, I thought this look would be a great for the seasonal transition.



Jacket: New Look £99.99
Cardigan: Warehouse £45
Top: Asos £8
Scarf: Asos £15
Jeans: Dorothy Perkins £32
Shoes: Asos £36
Bag: New Look £12.99

I think I've got this pretty spot on, I've looked so close to the image, and other images, of this look, even conferring with the movie.

The scarf is the biggest deviant, but there is a replica knitting pattern on Ravelry.com, just search patterns for 'Carrie' and you'll find it.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #10

We've hit the 10 mark...that's double figures my Carrie loving viewers!



Another look from the opening credits of the first movie. I love this look for the tailored pieces, boyish yet still a feminine tweak. Although you can't see it in this picture, she is actually wearing a simple peep toe shoe in this scene.


Shirt: Topshop £34.99
Waistcoat: All Saints £75
Tie: Vivienne Westwood £60
Trousers: Asos £40
Shoes: Asos £25
Bag: New Look £7.99


I chose the designer tie as a nod to the wedding dress Carrie is given in the movie, yet if you were going for the exact look, then any black tie would do. I also chose the sheer blouse as it's more in style right now.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #9

The look this time is from my favourite episode of Sex and the City: I heart NY. This episode is also the first time I fell in love with shoes, seriously, how can you not love those Louboutins?






Dress: New Look £39.99
Coat: Asos £120.00
Necklace: See previous Carrie Files.
Shoes: Shoes of Prey

Shoes of prey is such a good website, you can create a designer look shoe at the fraction of the price, hence using it to recreate those beautiful shoes!
I chose a kimono coat to keep the look up to date.
I love that dress.

I'm going to watch this episode again.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo

The Carrie Files #8

An American girl in Paris.
The poop scene, really, she wonders down a cobbled street in Paris and ends up stepping in a vast amount of poop, I'm assuming horse.

Dress: Asos £30
Under skirt: Party Warehouse £8.95
Shoes: Miss Guided £29.99
Coat: Asos £100
Corsage: Asos £10
Bag: Topshop £35

I have always liked this outfit, I think the corsage pinned to the coat is so cute. Should you want to make the coat look more like Carrie's, I suggest you buy some grosain ribbon and pin to the hem.

Peace, love and all that jazz. xo