Cash and Carrie

Rarely does a film come along with so many retail opportunities. Here are some of the best from 'Sex and the City.'

BY JOSEPH V. AMODIO | Special to Newsday

May 26, 2008

It's not the most obvious combination - a red floral dress, orange purse and zebra-print pumps. They're Manolos, of course, because this is Carrie Bradshaw we're talking about.

That's just one of the looks from "Sex and the City: The Movie," premiering Friday. Fashion-wise, it packs a punch. Costume designer Patricia Field estimates there are some 300 changes for the Fab Four; 80-plus outfits for Parker alone. Trends are brewing: belts (Carrie's spiked belt wraps round a green floral cocktail dress, Samantha's white patent leather round a gold sequined skirt), and "strong shoes" (gladiators, baby, chariots, optional). And the montages are as intoxicating as Redi-Whip fumes.

In less than a week, the blogosphere will no doubt explode with opinions - what works, what doesn't. Still, there's plenty worth emulating in "SATC: The Movie." Here, highlights of merchandise inspired by the film:

Snag Carrie's fresh look by focusing on the eyes, says Judy Chin, Parker's on-set makeup artist. Chin used Paint Pot eye color, $16.50, plus Powerpoint Eye Pencil, Blot Powder, Fluidline and Mascara X, all from MAC. Available at MAC, Roosevelt Field, or maccosmetics.com. For public appearances, Parker relies on volumizing DiorShow mascara, $24, and DiorAddict Ultra Gloss Reflect (in Jersey Pink), $24.50; available at Macy's and Bloomingdale's.

Right on trend with the film, a strapless summer floral (of cotton/spandex), with "crackled" leather belt and scoop neck slub tee, each $8.98, from Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker. Available exclusively at Steve & Barry's, including the new Lake Grove store, plus Hicksville, Massapequa, Medford, Westbury and Manhattan. For info, visit steveandbarrys.com.

HBO stocks anything an SATC fan could need, from pink logo'd mousepads, flip-flops and shoe bags to keychains, jewelry, hoodies and more. And, of course, various tees. This one is $19.99 at The HBO Shop, Manhattan, 212-512-SHOP. Also visit hbo.com/store/sexandthecity.

Carrie won't let that move to Paris in the last season (huuuge mistake) detract from her love of clever accessories, like this Eiffel Tower bag by Timmy Woods, $450 in basic form, $3,000 for the Swarovski crystal version used in the film. Available at patriciafield.com.

The Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Gift Set, $69.50 at Macy's, includes eau de parfum, body lotion and mini eau de parfum, plus a code for two free tickets to see the movie. (Just go to the Web site listed on the sleeve and print out tickets.)

Carrie's opulent bridal look (we're not saying why she ends up trying on dresses) wouldn't be complete without this Fred Leighton 19th century diamond feather brooch (echoing her feather headpiece). Price available upon request at Fred Leighton, Manhattan and Las Vegas.

A pair of frou-frou blue Manolos (custom-made by Blahnik) plays a pivotal role in the plot, but it's Carrie's Dior Extreme gladiator sandals that steal the show. If only Dior still made them (reportedly they're whipping up a new supply for summer). Or go for (ahem) a knockoff. Nine West's Sulliban is on sale for $69.99 (and back ordered) at ninewest.com.

Gotta-have looks

The Fab Four are back. We won't give away plot points, but here's a taste of their big-screen style. Charlotte, in shoulder-to-toe Prada: Clean, simple, but a little plain, no? She's jazzier in the Christie's auction scene, wearing a black/white strapless Ferragamo with yellow flowers and what looks like net. Carrie, in a Ralph Lauren ensemble and Manolo spikes, looks sweet, but we like her racier - say, the sinful chinchilla and Dolce & Gabbana poof dress she wears to a fashion show. Miranda dresses up (literally, she's ditched the suits and looks better than ever), rockin' it here in Alberta Ferretti metallica. Samantha makes red-hot hotter with a Thierry Mugler jacket, Valentino skirt and Fendi bag - but why can't we get Dixie Carter and the theme from "Designing Women" out of our heads?

What to grab Miranda's bag by Nancy Gonzalez is one-of-a-kind. Look for variations in croc at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf-Goodman and neiman marcus.com. And Samantha's patent Fever stilettos by Stuart Weitzman, $250. Available at stuart weitzman.com. (For more pix and designer ID's, check out instyle.com, or isawitin.com.)