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Episode: Exotic Escape Mission Accomplished

Set in Abu Dhabi but shot in Morocco, Sex & the City 2 brought Marrakesh style back in a big way. This hot summer trend can easily go overboard, but Afiya and Janette show you how to put together a wearable Moroccan inspired look.
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Takeaway Tips
  • Go for Bright Colours and Gauzy Layers
  • Find a Great Scarf to Use as a Turban
  • Mix & Match Metallic Accessories
Agent Blogs July 2010
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I often get asked where I find my fashion inspiration. It really comes from a number of places. Obviously the runway (I try to attend as many fashion shows as I can and I always tune into FT), magazines (my fave publications are UK Vogue, French Vogue, Nylon and Canada's own Flare), online (style.com) and of course movies! I just watched the new Sex and the City… alright… I went to see it at least 3 times. Just like the show and the first movie, Sex in the City 2 is bubbling over with amazing fashion trends.

One of my favourite trends is the "haute hippie" look sported by the ladies on their vacation. This look really is more classic than trend. Since the late sixties, designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Matthew Williamson have favoured this look for their many style muses (Talitha Getty, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss). This look incorporates luxurious fabrics (think raw silk, chiffon, and beaded linen), bold jewel-tone colours, and accessories inspired by nature's dangerous side (snake skin, animal bone). In other words, not inexpensive!

Afiya and I decided to recreate this bohemian luxury on our fashion mission. The best part: we did it at a fraction of the cost of Carrie or Samantha's outfits. We know the stores at Vaughan Mills inside and out (I shop there at least twice a week!) and knew some of our go-to spots like French Connection, STYLESENSE, Michael Kors, and Aritzia would have the pieces we needed. It was really about mixing and matching items we sourced from the various designers showcased at the mall. "Haute Hippie" is a style that should blend various designers and look like it's been collected over time, with a well-traveled flavour and a slight vintage feel.
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It was panned by critics, but I'm a fan of Sex & the City 2. Exotic location, cute storyline and outrageous fashion – what's not to love?

The clothes were great. I have to admit that the over-the-top bright wardrobe was, at times, a bit loud for my personal taste, but I can appreciate the details: colour, pattern, texture. And summer is the perfect time to break out of routine go-to neutrals and add a splash of something new.

A colourful mash-up is certainly fun and if you're bold enough, I say go for it – but for the rest of us a few easy swaps will make a big statement. The dress that Janette & I found at French Connection is ideal because it does so much legwork – great pattern, detailed neckline and metallic thread lend a lot of visual interest in just one piece. Look for interesting details (like an adorned neckline and threading) and stick to muted colours for an easy way to work in some colour, pattern and texture without much thought.

We added a simple scarf from XXI to create a stylish head wrap that is surprisingly easy to wear. A head wrap adds charm and, while in this case we kept it neutral to balance the dress, is an unexpected way to add a shot of colour, texture and pattern to even the simplest outfit.

Of course, this is the time to pile on the accessories (although we may argue that there's no wrong time to pile ‘em on!). Chunky bangles, layers of delicate chains and metallic shoes and/or bags are an affordable way to bring in a little shine. Can you overdo it? Maybe. But if you feel like a million bucks, does it really matter?