The Cast of ‘Sex in the City 2′ chat with RLR Reporter, Cindy Pearlman

Sex And the City 2
By Cindy Pearlman for the Red Lipstick Report

NEW YORK – There they were: The bedazzled crystal mesh spiked Manolo Blahniks shoe-boots in all of their glory. Naturally, those come accompanied with an accessory known as Sarah Jessica Parker. There were also the classic black Christian Louboutin stilettos. Of course, Kim Cattrall channeling Samantha. Sky high beige patent leather pumps. How un-matronly of Kirsten Davis a.k.a. earth mama Charlotte. Two-inch beige brushed suede city gal pumps? Those are worn by Cynthia Nixon and suitable for the always-sensible Miranda.

On a sunny spring morning in the Big Apple, there was no business like shoe business for the stars of “Sex and the City 2.” You can’t help but glance at their feet before you even look at their faces.  The ladies who launch so many fashion trends are launching their new movie. They glide into the shoe salon at the swanky Berghoff Goodman department store ready to pump you up.

Sarah Jessica is in a sparkling silver Anna Sui suit jacket and matching meshy skirt with a bright pink tank underneath. Her legs are like two toothpicks, her face a sliver, but her smile the one that is so familiar.  She arrives first for her interview and all you see peeking around a corner is a mass of big, wavy Carrie Bradshaw hair. “We’re not all here yet,” she whispers. “We’re incomplete.” But it’s not Cattrall who is doing last minute preening in the bathroom, but Nixon who needs an extra minute. The other ladies hardly disappoint. Cattrall looks slinky in an off the shoulder bright blue silk dress. Davis is more demure (sort of) in a leopard print hoop skirt and matching top and Nixon wear a white sheath dress covered in flowers. You’ve got shoes. You’ve got the gals. You even have the guys including Mr. Big himself in a black suit, tie and white shirt and “Sex and the City” writer/director Michael Patrick King who insists, “No one cares what I’m wearing.”

It was time to talk “Sex 2.”

RLR: Can Carrie handle being married? Or is she the perennial single gal?

Parker: “That is the Big question – no pun intended. There was a wedding. Now there has to be a marriage. Where Carrie finds herself is she’s asking questions about the environment she currently lives in, which is now as a married woman. The big theme of the movie is tradition. Why do we run towards it and then want to push it away. We so willingly commit to conventions like marriage, but then find ourselves squirming and asking questions including how do our friends redefine tradition. And what better way to define tradition than in the Middle East! Kidding!”

RLR: Why do you think women struggle with the issue of what it means to be married?

Parker: “I think we are woman of a certain generation are very conscious and we’re asking ourselves many questions. We ask because we’re re-defining our roles all of the time. This is the great gift our mothers gave us, which is the ability to rethink the roles in very conventional institutions like a partnership. It’s a privilege to talk about these topics in the movie in a way that feels so relevant without being preachy.”

RLR: The new movie asks all of you to define traditional values. Now, let’s get to the male point of view. Can Mr. Big deal with being married to Carrie without cheating? He did cheat on the Idiot Stick Figure with No Soul – his second wife Natasha. In fact, there is a scene in the new movie where Mr. Big asks Carrie for two days off to live in an apartment alone. Should guys get two days off from marriage?

Chris Noth: “The movie is an interesting journey because we talk about how to define what a marriage means to two people who have a long, intimate relationship. When it comes to Big and Carrie, the relationship changes once they’re married. He wants to stay in; she likes to go out. He wants to cuddle by the TV; she thinks they’re losing their sparkle. They get annoyed and they miss each other in the movie – what they’ve always had together. But they’re asking what that tradition is and what it should be according to what’s in your head. There is a difference between what’s real and what’s in your head. Did I relate to that when it comes to my own personal relationship? YES! I related personally. I’m all for the house and the apartment occasionally.”

RLR: Kim, any thing to say about Samantha going through menopause. In the film, she’s all about the creams and hormones and feeling the “za za zu” for cute men.  Did you relate?

Cattrall: “What did I relate to in this movie? Menopause. Menopause. Menopause. I didn’t need to do any research for that part of the film.  I don’t need to say any more! The truth is Samantha wants to be the old Samantha and she will do anything to keep that feeling. But the message is you never have to lose it.”

RLR: Miranda deals with the issue of a bad boss at work. She has worked so hard all these years and now she’s at a career stone wall because the managing partner at her firm hates her. Did you identify?

Nixon: “The real issue is what do you do when you have a really terrific job. You’re well paid and have worked for decades. All of sudden, you’re just miserable in that job. I can totally relate to that one! (Everyone laughs). No, I’m just kidding! Just kidding!  I love these people around me! Honestly, the part I can relate to is as you get older and get more of a sense of yourself you really do learn to value yourself. You know when someone is treating your badly and even though it’s in your best interest to maybe keep your mouth shut, you will need to speak up. Miranda defines herself as a lawyer, but in this new movie comes to terms with the idea that if she’s a miserable lawyer, it might be better not to be one at all.”

RLR: Now, let’s get to Charlotte. She’s going nuts as a young mother of these two girls. The irony is she wanted to have a baby for so long, but motherhood is no piece of cake. The question is what happens when you get what you want – and then you can’t handle it.  Did you identify?

Davis: “Obviously, Charlotte has always been very traditional and she has high expectations of herself in those traditions. She wants to control life and is faced with a lack of a perfect picture. But she can’t be honest with herself in the movie about the stress involved in trying to be perfect. One of my favorite things is that Charlotte’s good friend Miranda can see through her façade. And she can see herself through Miranda. She needs to go away to the Middle East and have freedom. I could relate to wanting that feeling, but not the children part.”

RLR: The theme of the movie is you can be a fun and fearless female at any age. Has that been the biggest gift of the series and now the movies?

Davis: “I love how the movie shows women shows that women who are very different in their lives are very together as friends and soul mates. Yes, our characters disagree and Charlotte can be very judgmental, but somehow they come together at the end of the day. They’re powerful women and can still be together. I love that about us and I think it’s the most powerful thing about the whole experience.”

Cattrall: “The show and these movies have encouraged women to be fearless and change the way they feel about cancer, being alone, being lonely, being deserted and everything else that happens to you in life. We encourage women to come together and that’s a powerful thing in this era of post-feminism. This movie discusses what it’s like to be successful, smart and feminine.”

Parker: “In an era where there are all of these women being so unkind to each other and calling each other horrible names that I find really objectionable, I really love how these women from ‘Sex and the City,’ really love each other and how decent and honorable the respectful they are to each other. When I see on TV how women treat each other, it’s stunning to me. On ‘Sex and the City,’ these women were never made to be friends, but they came together. Their DNA is really different, but they found that this friendship changed the way I feel about my friendships and how I respond to my choices. I love that there is a place where we can illustrate how women can be allies rather than adversaries.”

Nixon: “I loved the time on the show when Miranda and Charlotte had a big fight about Charlotte deciding to stop working. Miranda really called her on it and said that isn’t what the feminist movement is all about. But that was wrong. It’s about choices. These four women are so different and made different life choices. They’re not shy about offering their opinions and advice, I think we’re a feminist choice it doesn’t mean you have to have a career, you have to be married.”

RLR: Quick fashion question. There’s an ‘80s montage with the big hair and “Flashdance” off the shoulder shirt. What was your worst ‘80s fashion statement?

Parker: “The clothes I’m wearing in that scene were my ‘80s fashion statement…exactly! Those were my clothes.”

RLR: You shot most of the movie in Morocco, which doubled for Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. What was it like to shoot there? Was it different from the thousands who gathered to watch you on the streets of the Big Apple?

Parker: “It was laborious and Herculean to shoot in the desert of the Morocco. It was one of the great experiences of my professional life. I got to live with this wonderful cast and crew and see the sun rise and set over our locations in the most far-flung places. I got to lie in bed with these women at the end of the day. It’s not everyday I get to be on a camel with Kim Cattrall.

Cattrall: “Not many people can say they’ve done that with me. It was indescribable.”

Parker: “We were in the dunes for days and we smelled things and ate things that were so new. It was hard, but we couldn’t have done it any way else. We couldn’t even find a bathroom on many of these locations. Kristen got sick on a Friday, which was her day off. She did it to be nice and so she couldn’t interrupt shooting.”

RLR: So it was a green Charlotte? That isn’t exactly a fashion statement!

Davis: “I called Sarah Jessica Parker’s brother who was with us in the desert and said, ‘Erin, can you call the doctor. I can’t get out of bed!’”

Parker: “Apparently, in Morocco if you’re very sick the cure is just warm milk. Isn’t that what you were prescribed and how did that work?”

Davis: “I can’t talk about this anymore! But I can say that my favorite memory was our fantastic English caterers made this wonderful Thanksgiving meal, but ran out of stuffing and apple pie. Cynthia and Sarah’s son came to visit and we had another Thanksgiving. We had snake charmers come for the boys.

Parker: “We made marshmallow smurfs over the fire. They called them smurfs.”

RLR: There are so many rumors of catfights on the set. Are you really going to say everyone got along?

Cattrall: “Boring, but so true.”

Parker: “Our relationships are what I cherish the most. I got to live with this cast during a shoot that was out of the country. We really got to know each other. In New York, we go home to our family, kids and animals. Being away changed everything. I came to love them more than I ever had and in a new way. I had to really rely on these women and I was so challenged by them. They’re also thoroughbreds. Nothing could get us down. Hour 18 and we have to go to the bathroom, day 58, we were sticking it out that was kind of tone that was impressive and inspiring.”

A Dozen Dirty Little BeautyTricks

A DOZEN DIRTY LITTLE BEAUTY TRICKS
By Tamara Gold

Shhhhh, we need to keep this strictly on the QT. Look over your shoulder pads and make sure no one is watching.

I’m about to violate the Secret Stylist Code of Ethics by telling you the little Hollywood tricks we do to make our clients look extra fabulous including treatments stars regularly do before they sit down with us.

Remember that you didn’t hear it from me.

1. No Panty Hose.

Take a little bit of your favorite luminizer and mix it with an amazing moisturizer. Gently apply it on your legs and it looks like you’re wearing beautiful hose, but instead you have soft, natural, glowing legs. Amazing! My favorite for this…Laura Mercier. It rocks for your legs.

2. Shine on? Forget it!

If you’re shiny because of too much running around just hit the ladies room and grab the toilet seat paper cover. ( A new one of course.)  Tear off a piece and blot your face. It’s a great way to get rid of the oil without taking off your makeup. But, those of you have worked with me personally, know I love those tiny little blue oil-blotters from Clean & Clear.  Keeps you from looking shiny and helps you steer clear of that cakey look you get when you powder over your face to keep your shine at bay.

3. Spanx under it all.

Okay, Okay! I know….It’s not always comfortable, ladies, but hike ‘em up. If you have waist, hip, tummy or thigh issues – or all of the above, damn it all to hell – then get out the Spanx because they will suck in it for you. And, if you were wishing you could wear Spanx to the beach, your in luck!  This just in… Spanx Swimwear

4. Botox

A lot of the stars are  doing it. It’s true.  Same with plastic surgery.  I’m sure you knew that, right? You either think it’s okay or you don’t.  If you decide to give Botox a try…make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing! Yikes.  And, remember…Just don’t go too far. A little bit at a time will avoid those horrid cat eyes. Who wants that look.

5. Hair extensions

No one over 40 has the same thick, long to your butt locks that they did when they were younger. Ask your stylist about extensions if you want that look. Discuss the ones that are the least harmful to your regular hair. There are so many different techniques. Try clip in extensions before you invest the big bucks. Again, go to the pros that do this kind of thing all the time. Extensions need to match your color and blend into the cut of your hair. There is nothing worse than being able to see where the extensions start and that the hair looks fake.

6. Visit your dentist and get your teeth bleached.

There’s nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous smile without the old lady yellowish I-drank too-much-Starbucks teeth. No time today? Try baking soda on your toothbrush and Crest White Strips are another favorite of mine.

7. Get out of your lawn chair.

For those ladies who are still tanning (and I know you’re out there), just know that stars never expose their faces. It’s horribly aging. If you’re out always use sunblock, but also wash it off the minute you get in the house. If you want that tan look then just use an amazing self-tanner on your face. And, go easy. I’ve been a little too “tan” ( read- orange!) in the past from a little more self-tanner than necessary. There are new organic self-tanner’s out there today. Stars do opt for the tan look because less makeup is needed to give them that glow and well, the lights on some sets can really wash you out.

8. Pad it, Baby.

If you’ve got a little tush envy..You don’t need to toss down more carbs to get Kim Kardashian’s curves….because you might also develop a gut at the same time. You can buy butt pads and add them into your jeans the way certain stars do. It’s also fine to pad your bra a bit with those chicken cutlet type pads that look natural. Can you believe we actually add padding to give the right curves? But, it’s available if you need it. Make sure their are securely in place! Nothing worse than a little bra pad playing peek-a-boo when you’re feeling oh-so-sexy…only for your admiring friend to point and say, “What’s that?” Hmmm. Been there. Done that. Laugh it off. That’s the only way out of this one.

9. Wear nude shoes to make your legs look longer.

Check out the pictures on the Web of the “Sex and the City” gals at the recent Showest event in Vegas to hype the movie. They were in gorgeous slinky dresses with nude heels. Even shorter girls will look like tall models. It works! You don’t get the break in the line that you get when you slip on a dark shoe.

10. Buy fabric tape.

You can take a hem when your pants don’t fit perfectly or you wear flats. It’s also a way to change up  a skirt- make it longer or a mini without alterations.You need to do this one while not wearing your clothing. Taping while in the clothing leads to wrinkles, rumples, and uneven hemlines. Still in doubt; Get a second opinion,and make sure you’ve taped it all up evenly. www.hollywoodfashiontape.com

11. Splurge on false individual lashes at your salon if you have a big event.

It’s about $40 to $50 to have a professional makeup artist put them in and they will only last a few days. But if you’re going to a reunion or on a big date or a wedding then they’re absolutely worth it. Your eyes will pop. You’ll feel like a movie star and won’t even need to wear as much eyeshadow. Individual lashes look more natural if applied in between your real lashes. Applied on top of your lashes, a little more glam. Strip lashes really pop the look and take it way up to the max.

12. Smile!

So many of us are so serious (worried, frantic, busy, etc.) Your smile is your best beauty secret of all.

Don’t Want to Be a Glamour-Puss…Or Do You?

Once upon a time — a long, long time ago in the ‘90s — we had a dream. It began at the top of our noggins with an ice-straight blowout and then we worked our way down to the D&G dress, Gucci purse and the fabulous jewelry that we couldn’t afford, but our benefactor Visa seemed to support.

No matter what the cost, we wanted one thing: To be glamorous. Even if we worked at the local mall stocking Haines tighty whities, we wanted to look like a movie star.

A funny thing happened after the economy collapsed. My clients are saying words that could have sent you to style penitentiary a few years ago.

“Tamara,” they lean in and confide. “I want to look good, but I don’t want to be too glamorous.”

This is an interesting phenomenon because while women want to be pretty – or even very pretty – they don’t want to be too much.

This leads me to ask you: When it comes to looks and style, what do you want? Do you want to be pretty or glamorous? A head turner or a heart breaker? Or are you still humming that U2 song when it comes to style -“I still haven’t found what I’m looking for?”

I think I can give you some resolve on this issue even if your own style has been in flux since you turned five. You do want to be pretty, but more importantly, you really need to step into who you are as a woman. Then the rest will fall into place.

Style isn’t an exercise in looking like Demi, Michelle or any number of these Jennifers or Jessicas floating around out there. Style is about finding the best shapes for you along with the best colors, best hair style, best clothes, best shoes… the best everything for just you. It’s not about what Reese is doing. Again, it’s about how you are as a woman.

Just a little side note: you might just get a little glamorous along the way when you figure this one out. Sorry, it’s the fallout of finally finding your unique style. Glamour is that little pouch of makeup samples they offer you with the big purchase. You could turn it down, but why would you?

When you finally figure out the real you,  how to pull it all together and polish up what you have..you just can’t stop it. The glamorous, gorgeous, glowing version of  YOU will be on display for all to see.

You will become that woman.

You know that women.

She’s the one who shows up at the PTA meeting in the black pants, simple white shirt, the great layered haircut and looks absolutely stunning.

Everything she’s done seems right. Her skin glows; her eyes shine and that damn hair swings in the right direction even when she sits by the air-conditioning vent. She isn’t worried about buying 10 pairs of black pants (because they all fit differently). One really is enough.

She is confident in her body. Even if it’s not perfect.

This blog is dedicated to you finding your best self. It’s not about vanity because there is a vast difference between vanity and beauty. Vanity is standing in front of a mirror and getting so lost that you can’t come up for air. The type of beauty we’ll find here is the type where you say, “This is what I have to work with in life. I’ll do my best with it. I’ll own it.”

Look at Jackie O. She was never the most gorgeous, but with those trademark sunglasses, classic cardigans, slim Capri’s and that perfect dark bob, she was stunning and classic.

Look at Michelle Obama who looks so much different since she has moved to Pennsylvania Avenue. During the campaign, she was beautiful, but now she has a new rock-solid confidence and has transformed into gorgeous. What could possibly be different other than she sent out change of address cards?

Answer: She owns her beauty.  She wears clothes from J. Crew and looks like she just stepped off a runway.

She’s not a perfect beauty, but most of us would be happy to feel that good about ourselves.

By the way, she looks quite glamorous to me now.  It’s just part of the deal.

OMG! That Dress!

Okay, Jennifer Aniston you have to stop it! I mean it! Stop it right now.

Don’t even get me started about how you romp around with hot Scot Gerard Butler in your new movie “Bounty Hunter” only to dump him and then have him rekindle.

Even worse is that after he stuffs you into a trunk while doing his bounty hunter duties, you emerge looking professionally fluffed and sleek, all killer legs flashing, in the world’s most perfect little black dress.

I couldn’t even focus on your hair. Instead, I was forced to say, “Oh my God. That dress!”

Of course, being a style sleuth, I found out it’s not even really a dress, but a top and a skirt that’s so perfect on Jen and she wears it well. For the whole frickin’ movie! The specifics aren’t important because it looks like the prefect black dress. Why? It fits her body, it’s very streamlined and it works for her style.

Now, let’s pick apart why it works. The top is very casual and its scoopy neck almost looks like a T-shirt while the skirt hits her at exactly the right spot on her thigh. Sweet!

Just in case this sends you to the racks to buy your own trunk worthy LBD, (little black dress) I have a few helpful hints.

Tamara’s Tactics for Your Perfect LBD:

1. Watch the length of the LBD

Everyone will be different here. There are some of you Red Lipstick mavens who need that LBD to hit at the knee or below. If you’re in your 40′s and the skirt is two or three inches above the knee, it might just be too short. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, but it’s tricky. Make sure you feel comfortable in the length. If you have that awkward ick moment (be honest) then go a bit longer. No matter what age, please don’t go six inches above the knee so a slight breeze means we get to see your crotch. Not attractive unless you’re doing a Showtime Late Late Night movie. At the knee or an inch or two above should be just right.

2. Find a neckline that works best for you like our style sister Jen.

Consider that Jen has round features, the scoop neck works great on her by complimenting and repeating her natural geometry. She’s a softer type with a great set of arms, so she can go sleeveless. If you have a bit more meat on your bones than opt for a longer sleeve. A V-neck can also be quite flattering and will accentuate your pretty face, especially if it’s a rounder one. Your best shirt style should be reflected in  the neckline of  your LBD.

3. Make sure your LBD is fitted to your body, so we can see your shape.

But it can’t be so fitted that it looks like you need oxygen or we see the exact shape of your kidneys. Please don’t get one that’s too big, so it looks like a maternity tent. That’s not the point here. It should gracefully skim your body and then drape over your form. You can go skin tight if that’s your personality. If you’re a glamour puss who loves the nightlife then a form-fitting black dress is your perfect LBD and wear it proudly!

4. Pay close attention to the fabric knowing that a medium weight material is the most versatile.

You will be able to wear it in summer with nothing over it or in the cooler weather months with a great jacket. If you’re very petite and tiny boned then lighter weights will work better for you. If you have stronger features including curly hair then you can go heavier fabrics because you can wear clothes with more visual weight to them.

5. Buy a classic, simple, streamlined dress without too much detail.

If it has all those studs or necklaces attached to it then it’s harder to work with in the future, plus people will think, “She’s wearing the stud-y, necklace dress again.” The perfect LBD is just the dress with maybe a hint of detail like a gorgeous stitching or detailed draping,  but don’t buy one that is too “souped up” with stuff because that’s not the point. You want to wear this dress a million different ways and  no one will know it’s the same dress because you will be able to create a faux hemline with hollywood tape, make it into a tunic, dress it up with jewelry or even use it at work under a jacket.

Five ways you know you have the WRONG LBD:

1. It screams disco queen.

2. It’s cutting off circulation to your pelvis and other important body areas.

3. You need girlfriends to help you get into it or men friends to help you get out of it. You’re empowered women and your clothes shouldn’t need assistants.

4. You can’t eat a bite of food in it or it will burst off you like Superman’s street clothes.

5. It makes noise when you walk in it. Your clothes shouldn’t talk back.

Five ways to know you have the RIGHT LBD:

1. You don’t have to wear any accessories and you still feel magnificent and sexy.

2. People stop and do double takes. Yes, they’re looking at YOU!

3. It packs easily.

4. You can wear it with almost anything in your closet plus any shoes. It looks great with boots, flats and the big girl pumps.

5. Our gal pal Jennifer Aniston might wear it to seduce Gerard in the sequel.

To Your Beautiful Life!

Tamara

7 Simple Style Strategies

Busy women, with businesses and families, still want to look great, but may find it hard to juggle it all and still look fabulous. The don’t want to spend too much time thinking about their looks, but they know it makes a difference when it comes to their business. First impressions do matter, but spending time on their wardrobe, isn’t a priority. Building a solid wardrobe can help you feel more confident and in the lng run, save you time and money.

1. Purchase the best quality you can afford. Good quality clothing will last longer and over the long run save you money.

2. Go for shapes and designs that are flattering on your body type. Stay away from trendy pieces that don’t do anything for your figure. Spend money on pieces that will be staples. Pick up a trend piece to add to your wardrobe for a season, but don’t break the bank on this item.

3. Look at color in a new way. If you usually play it safe by wearing only black and other shades of neutral, add color into the mix buy using your eye color. Buy a shirt in your eye color and notice how people compliment  you and listen to what you have to say.

4. Edit your closet. Get rid of anything that doesn’t speak to your soul, makes you feel sloppy, or doesn’t represent who you really want to be. Be ruthless. Too many clothes hanging in your closet can actually make it more difficult to get ready when you’re in a hurry.

5. Create a Style File. Look through magazines and catalogs and pull images of items you would like to own or ensembles you could duplicate on your own. Keep your Style File in your closet, in a binder, and flip through it whenever you need a little inspiration putting together a chic new look.

6. Be Creative. Mix and match pieces in a new way. Add a pair of texture tights, accessorize your outfit in a new way. Think outside the box. Outfits don’t have to be matchy-matchy. An unusual piece in the mix can add flair and interest.

7. Layer pieces to add interest to an outfit. A dress you’ve worn before will have an entirely different feel if you pair it with tights, add a short fitted jacket and a pair of boots.

Keep in mind that it should be fun to play with your style. If it’s not, you can hire a Wardrobe Stylist. Nordstrom’s Department Stores have a wonderful personal shopper system set in place.  Give them a call; make an appointment. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have great style. Wear your clothes with confidence and remember, style is an every evolving process.

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