SJP's Latest Dress Creates a Funky Illustion

Leave it to Carrie Bradshaw to turn a trend on it's head. Everyone and their mom (okay, so everyone and Taylor Swift) has been spotted out and about in a crop-top and matching poufy skirt this year. Leann Duggan of Refinery 29 pointed out that Sarah Jessica Parker wore a gorgeous paneled ensemble that creates the illusion of this look while actually being one (very cool) piece. I'm so impressed, as usual, by SJP's innovative take on style.

The Sex and the City star cum shoe designer appeared at the Footwear New Achievement Awards (they have awards for everything these days, don't they?) wearing a black Delphine Manivet dress with clear mesh panel that cut across her abdomen and both arms to make it look like four individual pieces worn together. The dress itself is so subtly odd that it far outpaces any other LBD that I've ever seen on the red carpet of late. There's something kind of '80s going on, with tiny puffed shoulders and a ruched skirt that gives off a taffeta vibe, not to mention some velvety panels. It almost shouldn't work, but it does. SJP's simple styling and nude t-strap pumps from her namesake show line certainly help.

Interestingly enough, I was combing through another Refinery 29 article this morning when I came across a strikingly similar dress from Pixie Market. Okay, so it's not exactly the same, but it features strategically placed mesh panels and is made of a rich organza fabric reminiscent of the lush material on SJP's dress. At only $60, it's the perfect couture-esque holiday piece for a girl on a non-couture budget.

Little Black Organza Party Dress, $60, pixiemarket.com

And here are the exact same shoes SJP sported with her version of the paneled dress.

SJP 'Carrie' T-Strap Pump, $355, nordsrom.com

And now I've done all your holiday party shopping for you! You're welcome.

Images: Brands