SJP, The New Collection is Coming to Selected Nordstrom Stores and Online February 28th! Will There Be "Must-Haves?"

Photo taken from Nordstrom.com

Let me start by saying that in my mind, there is no closer imitation to art than Sarah Jessica Parker is to her role in Carrie Bradshaw.  Many of us fashionistas still watch to see what SJP will pick to wear from one event to the next.  So it goes without saying that her New Collection "SJP" by Sarah Jessica Parker is highly anticipated and will debut at selected Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com on February 28th!  I often confuse the character with what her real life style really is.  Are there similarities? Does SJP take both into consideration for The Collection?

Photo taken from Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread.

I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement until I heard these shoes will range somewhere starting around $200 up to $600; your reaction may or may not have been similar, but I had to scratch my head in deciphering whether or not I would pay this much for a SJP shoe by the real Sarah Jessica Parker verses a Manolo or Choo.  SJP has a fashion perspective and sense of style that could circle me times 1000; but, when I think of many of the great shoemakers who started in their little cobbler shops and worked their way up until they earned the price tag and respect as great shoe designers, I am not envisioning her name (at least not yet).  So let's clarify - SJP is designing her new collection of shoes, handbags, etc. with the support of George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA and launching them in selected Nordstroms.  So with that being said, I am getting a better picture of success, particularly with Malkemus and MB USA supporting her vision.  Will SJP be able to compete with top shoes and accessories designers just because she played a fashionista and lives a real life filled with much style?  I am not yet convinced although she seems to be off to the races.

I am interested in hearing your point of views on this topic.  Part of me expects they will be of great quality because it is SJP, but there is also a part of me that says, really? Would I? They will be Italian-made just like J. Crew swears to a certain quality that only Italian shoemakers can provide. I say this with a smidgen of tongue and cheek.  I was a little disappointed to see that once again we are producing products from other countries because of their reputation for excellence.  How about designing and producing them in New York or Colorado, just sayin'.

The SJP Collection also seeks to provide other wardrobe must-haves such as trench coats?  I am very interested about this, probably more so than the shoes.  Sarah Jessica Parker says, "At long last I am able to share the news of my coming shoe collection and my partnership with Nordstrom in a more official way.  When I initially met with George Malkemus to discuss the idea of a shoe line, one of  the first things I said to him was that Nordstrom was my dream retailer.  And it seems some dreams do come true," says the actress and designer. Well, I agree with her in that Nordstrom would be my dream retailer as well.   This quote was taken from Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread.

From Nordstrom's Blog, The Thread: A Polished Pair: Malkemus tapped Parker for a shoe collaboration with Manolo Blahnik in 2011 on a reinvention of the coveted ‘Carolyne’ style.

As I sit and ponder about what and who this SJP Collection will be most like, I wonder whether it will incorporate some of the things we loved most about her character Carrie Bradshaw; she often had an eclectic style, sometimes classic and she always seemed to find several hundred dollars hiding around or just charging for a pair of Manolo's when the emotional need came upon her!  Her off-screen style sense at least in my eyes ranges from mommy, jeans and tee to highly fashionable at the Met.  I would say that my style leans toward the character Carrie so it will be interesting to see the female target audience they are most hoping to reach.  Selling at Nordstrom at least initially would lead me to believe this Collection is targeted a bit more upscale possibly alienating many women from purchasing the line.

I am fascinated that Sarah Jessica Parker is taking such a brave leap, again.  Do you all remember the low cost line she initially launched called "Bitten" for discount sportswear retailer Steve and Barry's?

I remember seeing SJP on a morning show wearing these clothes making us all feel like we could look great with pieces all under $19.95.  Something tells me that this SJP venture is a whole new ballgame.  This "Bitten" line was back in 2007 so thankfully we have had time to forget this.  However, the fashion industry was curious during this time whether or not the pieces were from SJP's style or Patricia Fields, who adoring fans of Sex and The City came to know as SATC's successful and unique stylist (still is!).

So again, will this Collection be true SJP, Carrie or too Manolo? Frankly, if I were to purchase upscale Italian pumps, I would go straight to the Manolo source.  I might suggest that landing Nordstroms with price points somewhere in the middle range of Manolo (or slightly less), puts this line smack dab in the MIDDLE.  Hopefully this will not hinder the overall quality.

As Nordstrom heads their post about the SJP Collection, "I need, I want, I will slip on a pair of SJPs."?  I am fairly sure there will be major buzz at least initially, but how Sarah Jessica Parker takes SJP with consideration to her true style both on and off screen into a real life collection remains to be seen.  But hey, Carrie would have given it a major go, wouldn't she have?!

Check out Refinery29 who also covers the SJP's shoe collection featuring a full-length video from The Coveteur as well.  You might get a better sense of why and what is inspiring Sarah Jessica Parker, the real person! :)

Cheers!