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Monday, December 31, 2012

The Carrie Bradshaw Tulle Skirt

When I think of a tulle skirt, a number of things comes to mind. Whimsical ballerinas en pointe to Tchaikovsky, giddy toddlers at a costume party, horrifyingly tacky cotton-candy colored prom dresses, and Carrie Bradshaw. As a former ballerina (very former, meaning kindergarten through fifth grade), wedding dress lover (Vera, Reem Acra, Amsale, Christos...) and overall connoisseur of anything rather feminine, I love the fabric, if done right. Like most things in this world, it has its wonderful moments, it has its terrifying moments (see prom dresses above). 

Let's consider the most culturally and fashionably relevant at the moment. Miss Bradshaw, an icon in her own right (although, purely fictional), donned a creamy and layered tulle skirt in Sex and the City's opening credits. If you're a regular watcher of SATC or flip to E! more than once a week, you've no doubt seen the classic scene: Carrie smugly sauntering the streets of NYC, only to be splashed by a passing bus with an advertisement of her column and picture on it. In my mind, and I hope in yours, the skirt is synonymous with her name and character. For such an iconic look, the story on how the skirt was discovered is quite diamond-in-the-rough. 



Patricia Field served as Sex and the City's costume designer for all six seasons and both movies, earning her two Emmy awards in costuming. While searching for outfits for the opening, Field found a tulle tutu in a bargain bin on the floor. On a whim, she bought it for $5. SJP, unsurprisingly, loved it, but it took some convincing to get the show's producer on board. Such a leap of courage certainly paid off, and continued to carry Bradshaw's style to the forefront of trends throughout the show's seasons. 

Perhaps taking a cue from Carrie, but more likely perhaps not, recent runway shows, too, display the ever-ethereal and statement-making tulle skirt. Starting on the left: Christian Siriano RTW spring 2012, Oscar de la Renta RTW spring 2013, and Tory Burch RTW spring 2013. Of course, tulle skirts will forever be a favorite at houses like Marchesa, Reem Acra and Vera Wang. 



On a more wearable, daytime scale, fashion bloggers have created their own perspective on the tulle skirt. Starting on the left: Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes, an unknown (yet well-dressed) blonde, and Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacfic. 


Even with Carrie Bradshaw and Patricia Field paving the way, would you wear a tulle skirt for a daytime look?

Sources: Carrie Bradshaw in cream, Carrie Bradshaw in green; Christian Siriano by George Chinsee, Oscar de la Renta by Giovanni Giannoni, Tory Burch by Robert Mitra; Sea of Shoes, Grey Tulle, Atlantic-Pacific

24 comments:

  1. If I lost a few pounds & gained a few inches, maybe? :)
    I'm slowly learning to be more adventureous with my style- and a tulle skirt- that's adventurous!

    Love,
    Manda from Eat Cake

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  2. i love this look, but not sure if it's something i could pull off...maybe something with just a tiny bit of 'pouf'.

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  3. I love Atlantic-Pacific's styling....wish i could pull this off! happy new year!

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  4. I'm so glad you brought up these skirts! I love them & have one I've been waiting to wear. I think now is the time!!

    Happy New Year!

    xo Michelle

    Fierce & Fashionable

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  5. Hi Elizabeth,

    Your in-depth writing about fashion and all things you love, stands out above the rest in a very saturated online world. I'm enjoying this fun read about tulle skirts and their breakout with JSP! Keep up the good work on a very fine blog you have here!! xx

    Love,
    -Lauren at adorn la femme
    http://adornlafemme.blogspot.com

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  6. Loving the tulle, so chic.

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  7. I love this trend. I would definitely wear it during the day with a sweater or button up shirt.

    Amy

    Fashion and Beauty Finds

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  8. Happy New Year, love. Such a fabulous post. If you get a sec, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my Candy Land Christmas party. xo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

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  9. Would definitely wear a skirt like that. Actually own a dress in cotton candy pink like that but I'm looking for a skirt now.

    x Cammie

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  10. I am dying to wear one of these skirts. I used to have a few costumes when I was dancing and I have to say I miss them!!!
    xo
    girlintheyellowdress.com

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  11. LOVE tulle skirts! The grey one with the metallic polka dots are definitely my fave! I wish it was mine!!

    XO

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  12. Hi!
    I found your post through Links A La Mode as I was also nominated for 3rd Jan!
    You've made me want one of these skirts! There are a few designs out of dresses with these skirts I may have to purchase!

    Holly x

    www.holsdols.blogspot.co.uk

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  13. Tulle is my favourite around christmas time. It's so much fun!
    Great blog girl!

    www.fineandfeatheredillustration.blogspot.co.uk

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  14. YES! Love the tulle look--always have! I bought one about three years ago and thought it would be a trendy piece I'd only wear that season, but it's been an essential item in my closet since. Great post!

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  15. Yes!! I love tulle skirts! See how I styled one for daytime wear here: http://www.stylefortheseasons.com/2012/10/tulle-skirt.html.

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  16. Looks gorgeous, i would like to wear with a cute, simple black T-Shirt with some necklaces.

    Brittany Daniel.

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  17. I don't think I would wear one but I love them (they remind me of my ballet classes!)and your selection here is wonderful.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  18. I enjoy your varied blog so much that I decided to nominate you for an award! The details are on my latest blog post.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  19. I'm not sure I could pull it off during the day but I'd definitely wear it at night! :)

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  20. Hello,

    The well dress blonde is me:) Alina Tanasa from www.fabulousmuses.com

    Kiss you

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  21. I always love a puffy skirt!

    Follow me! I'll follow ya back!
    Alicia
    ItsLattesAndLacee.blogspot.com

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  22. Yes! Especially love it with the plaid shirt & pearls!

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  23. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. tulle fabric store

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Thanks for taking the time to comment!