something old, something new...

"Hello my name is Sara and I am a Sex and the City-aholic." (insert: "hi Sara.")

Big surprise, right? As I assume you have gathered by now, I live, breath, eat and dress by that show. Not only was/is it a cutting edge program in the world of television (especially in terms of the FCC), but it also broke new ground in the world of fashion. Designers such as Dolce&Gabbana, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Fendi, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Jimmy Choo have become household names practically overnight. Fashion is no longer only for Park Avenue princesses or Hollywood heartthrobs. Women (and men) everywhere are learning that they really can be every bit as stylish as they want to be.

Don't know what I'm talking about? You can check out the looks (and designers) right here on the show's official website.

Now, back to the topic at hand- the broke college kids. Just because we, as a generation, have become familiar with the labels doesn't necessarily mean we can afford them anymore than before. But there is one major secret to the show's stylish success- vintage.

The pairing of old and new isn't exactly a new concept, but the stylists behind Sex and the City (including Sarah Jessica Parker herself) have put a whole new spin on the idea. Many of the primary pieces in Carrie's closet are vintage, and are from Parker's actual wardrobe.

Now, no, the simple pairing of the two doesn't make the designer clothes any more affordable- the prices don't magically change. What it does do, however, it make that entire outfit doable. Rather than having to buy the dress, the jacket, the shoes and the jewelry, chose only one primary piece to splurge on.

The picture above shows Carrie as the fashionista we all know and love her for being. The secret to this photo? While the silk dress is Calvin Klein, the jacket is actually vintage (and from Parker's actual closet). She, who is clearly not a broke college kid, pairs it with a pair of Miu Miu heels and a vintage Dior envelope.

This little trick not only saves money, but it also aids personal expression. Let's face it- anyone can walk into any store, point to an outfit on a model and say "I want that." They can then walk out of the store with the trendiest "it" items, hot off the runway. But what fun is that? Using vintage and personal items can add flavor and personality to an outfit, allowing some of the items to act as conversation pieces. It feels so much better to be complimented on an accessory with a story behind it than one just purchased at the mall.

So go ahead- be bold. Pair those Manolos with the dress from Target and your grandmother's pearls. Sport the Dior jacket over your new outfit from the Gap Outlet. Carry a Fendi bag filled with $.99 chapstick and a disposable camera. Anything is possible, as long as you can work it. While these may be seen as crimes of fashion on Fifth Ave, I'm sorry Toto, but we're not in Manhattan anymore.