Yes, I watched Sex and the City 2...

So then, I've finally watched the movie. This is what I think...

Sex and the City 2 was not as bad as the movie critics claimed it was. Fans of the series will still like elements of the movie. However, there were parts of the movie and the styling of the outfits which gave me a bit of goose bumps.

These parts I sort of cringe...

Liza Minnelli's dance number, 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' sort of gave me the goose bumps but I realised, she actually made an effort. She tried her best pulling off the dance number.

The Irish soundtrack used to show the Irish nanny that Charlotte hired was pretty cheesy that it actually made me cringe (nothing wrong with the music, I just hated the way it was used in the movie)

Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie was a little annoying that I almost got fed up with her. It was like she wants to create another problem for herself...perhaps she got bored...that's why she went overseas? By the end of the movie, she 'grew up' after a little blunder and set back in Abu Dhabi...

The styling...what can I say...I didn't like it at all... It’s ‘tackyville’!!!

Seriously, who would wear something like in the middle of a desert!? No wonder why Samantha was having hot flashes (in another manner)!

Oh my...Samantha...are those spikes necessary?

Seriously, what's with the spikes?! It's either I don't like the dress or I don't really like Miley Cyrus in general... Who do you think wore this dress better? Let me know!

I guess the movie did portray on how some ugly truths on how some people would act if they were in a completely environment...by being amused (and perhaps making fun of) by a culture and behaviour that is 'unusual' to them... It did bring some negative aspects of the characters in the movie....

The writers for the movie might have been somewhat insensitive but....I mean seriously, do we need to see Carrie, Miranda and Samantha poking fun at the women eating chips under her niqāb? This part was unnecessary...which I guess prompted the critics to call this issue ‘racist after the movie was released last week (a little more insights of this issue at the end of the entry). Perhaps this was one of the reasons why UAE didn’t want the production team to film the movie (the movie was filmed in Morocco)? Perhaps way they portrayed Samantha’s behaviour in the movie (which was unacceptable, even though she was really frustrated...Miranda was at least a bit more prepared and considerate to the situation)... However, there is a true element for one scene where some of the ladies, would wear designer outfits underneath their niqāb (this is apparently true as I was once told that this is actually done!).

I did enjoy seeing the movie with my friends...especially one who got excited and sort of gasped at one scene (kissing involved with Carrie and a certain someone)...the situation was hilarious!

I liked how the movie started with a little flash back of how the ladies dressed up almost 20 years ago (with some flashback of styles of the late 80’s). The story was interesting at the start until the ladies decided to go to Abu Dhabi... I guess I wish they focused more in New York like they did in the first movie (which I thought was a lot better)...

Hee hee...I don't get the elbow band on Carrie's outfit...I guess it's what they call 'fashion'!

Wow! That cassette Walkman brings me back memories! I think I've still got mine somewhere in my house in Singapore!

 Oh my...this hairstyle brings me back memories...ten year back...when I had my hair cut like this and I got teased at a gathering...

The settings, the interior of the movie, Carrie and Big’s apartment was nicely done...perhaps if I ever get my own place...I would consider using my hallway as a library.

I’ll love to stay and be served in a room like where the ladies stayed in ‘Abu Dhabi’...though I guess might be a little intimidating when you have butlers on call almost everywhere you go...

Lastly...I would love to fly in the airplane class they sat in on the way to Abu Dhabi...I know there are some airplanes with a bar inside...imagine such luxury on the plane on a 13 hour flight....

Oooo! Cosmos in the plane!

This is the only outfit (dress by Christian Dior (John Galliano) I liked in the movie...though actually, it was worn in Season Three's episode, 'What Goes Around Comes Around'.

Overall, I still think the movie isn’t that bad...I could re-watch some of the parts of the movie...and skip a couple of scenes to the end... Who know what they will show next (though I thought it should have stopped at the first movie...)....perhaps a prequel?

...and yes, I still don’t like that outfit I last mentioned (Dior t-shirt with Zac Posen skirt), even after seeing it at the big screen!

Further reading: Sex and the City 2: A Disaster of Cultural Stereotypes

 http://womensrights.change.org/blog/view/emsex_and_the_city_2em_a_disaster_of_cultural_stereotypes

  

Please note that the article does not mean I support or do not support these views...I am showing this article from a ‘third person’ point of view.

That one outfit which I don't like from Sex and the City 2...

I've been reading the reviews about Sex and the City 2 and it does not look like the reviewers has taken it well, what about the general public? What were the content of the movie that it had to be banned in the UAE? Wait and see...


However, I'm wondering why are magazines raving about this look? 

...I think it doesn't look stylist or appealing at all! I guess I'm not into the outfit because it screams TACKY and partly, I'm not really into t-shirts which spells out any brand names...logos placed in a subtle manner like Lacoste is the best... What went through the minds when they decided to put together this ensemble??? Sure, the skirt is from Zac Posen but seriously, this should be left out at any territory, during all times of the day! Apparently, it was suppose to be to a partial homage to the outfit (tank-top and tutu) at the opening sequence of the television series...

This "me likey"!


Don't get me wrong, I love the series and the styling back then (some bits in the first movie) but I have a feeling, I will be disappointed with the movie as I hated the promotional trailer...


...as for these dresses from 'Halston Heritage' (which Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw) is chief creative officer for this as well)...

Pictures from 'Red Carpet Fashion Awards'

The words chanting in my mind now are...'Product placement....product placement...product placement...' . I swear I saw something similar at H&M in a camisole top...


However, I'll be watching the movie to see if the reviews are accurate...


Link up: Daily Mail Online - How Sex And The City sold its soul: Since Carrie & Co hit the big screen they've turned into man-obsessed morons


This is was interesting to read though it's just one point of view... The article is kind of harsh and expect some spoilers of the second movie.

What were they thinking?: SATC Hat Box

I understand there are product placements in television and movies. In fact, I like trying to recognize the brand and product featured on the screen…even if it’s shown for a few seconds.

One in particular, Sex and the City (SATC), is one of the many great example…I like seeing the clothes and trying to recognize the labels of the outfit worn. It can be fun (which is why it’s great to watch this over and over again)…

One particular 'accessory' from the movie caught my attention:

When I read Marie Claire UK (July 2008 and their website (shown above), it states that it’s one of the ‘in’ thing to carry these days. They even set up a sweepstake so that one could win this particular hat box by Lock & Co (http://www.lockhatters.co.uk/); ‘The Carrie’ and one of their hats. I don’t mind so much on the sweepstake. I’m just a little concern that they actually sell the box for £450. However, since it’s bounded with leather around the box, I guess it should be understandable. Plus the box and logo looks nice…

Infomation on 'The Carrie' from Lock & Co. website (above).

I prefer to think of other solutions… I’m sure many of us would think of making their own… Go to any craft stores and grab a round box, decorate it, add the handles (string, ribbons, etc) then use it as a bag.

Of course there should be more to just these items... You got to decorate it somehow (whatever way you want). You can get boxes in different shapes and sizes (anywhere (first instinct would be IKEA), whether it's covered in fabric, leather or paper...) but I say something round or with a round edge feels more elegant.

I admit, it does look really nice. If I ever get round doing that, I'll make sure I post it here!

Observation: Sex and the City

I admit, I really like the television series, Sex and the City. The is THE SHOW where you can see clothing from various designers like Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, Prada....the list is endless. Everyone knows that it was the shoe where the public began to appreciate shoes from Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blanik and Jimmy Choo.


I find myself really fasinated with the garments which are featured in both the shoes and the movie (which I have to admit, I watched it twice :P)


Fans of the show or other fashionista who 'borrow ideas' from the shows often long for the items featured in the show. I find myself going on ebay typing in 'Manolo Blanik', 'Gucci', Vivienne Westwood' and 'Sex and the City' after watching some of their episodes. Sometimes I feel like getting these things.


Weeks (or maybe one or two months) before the movie premiered, there are articles that have been featuring the clothes from the movie. I find it really clever when there are magazine ariticles which runs about how to be stylish like the characters, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha on a budget (and believe me, I have some articles in various magazines I have encountered which would be too much to put in this blog!).

This was something I recieved from ASOS newsletter recently (I find it tempting to purchase their stuff but I feel it's kind of silly to purchase such thing since shipping is super expensive to my country!) on how to replicate the style of Carrie Bradsaw from the movie.



ASOS Newsletter (Click for a better view)


Many of us would know that 'Sex and the City' tours in New York are being set up by tour agencies just to get the experience. I liked this article from 8 Days.

(Click and read the article.... Prices quoted in Singapore dollars (as I assume). I feel tempted to try the hotel stay at The Berkley, Knightsbridge and can't help feeling a little sorry for the person who got duped for one particular tour. However, it seemed too good to be true and won't even bother trying to pay for such a thing!)

Anyway, here's one of the outfit I loved in the movie (as I like this particular designer!):

The Vivienne Westwood wedding dress! I'm not too hot on the feathers (actually more than that which you will find out in the movie) on the head. Apparently, it was a decision between Zac Posen and Vivienne Westwood for the wedding dress selection.... (read it on http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/lifestyle-fashion/stylenews/satc-4873.html)

A bit of a contrast to Dita Von Tesse's wedding dress (also designed by Vivienne Westwood) isn't it? I love this dress as well!


If I was a crazy fan, I would probably be moving to New York and try living in their own shoes this instant (and I am not that big of a fan)...