Sarah Jessica Parker is known for playing the fashionable character Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO show “Sex and the City.” However, the “Footloose” star often faces criticism for her real-life fashion choices.
Sarah Jessica Parker is famous for playing the stylish Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO show “Sex and the City.” During her time on the show, she became a fashion icon, inspiring women all over the world with her glamorous looks.
Many women looked up to her as a trendsetter, using fashion to express themselves and their feelings. However, in real life, Parker has never been as passionate about fashion. In a 2012 interview with People, she said that she doesn’t relate to her character’s fashion sense. She explained:
“It’s not how I think of myself, and I think it’s probably the healthier approach.”
Parker likes nice clothes and beautiful things, but you won’t catch her in a tutu at the grocery store. She believes that fashion takes a backseat to life, especially since she has three kids. She stated:
“It’s just not a reality — not when you have three kids, and you go to the market, and there are hungry people at home. You have a limited time to do it. There’s just no time to let vanity enter into that.”
People have often noticed her style choices. In an interview with Vogue, she mentioned that she finds it funny when people criticize her looks.
Over the years, she has faced backlash for her fashion choices, including a much-discussed outfit at the Met Gala. Parker said that people borrow styles that resonate with them at different times, but some will always dislike them. She doesn’t understand why people criticize her choices. “So, what’s the point of the criticism?” she asked.
Parker has learned to ignore her critics. For her everyday outfits, she chooses what she likes without worrying too much about whether it matches.
“Unsexiest Woman Alive”
Parker also faced tough times when Maxim magazine named her “Unsexiest Woman Alive” because she doesn’t fit certain beauty standards, like getting Botox or having fuller lips. She felt that this title was harsh and hurtful, affecting her and her husband, actor Matthew Broderick.
Things got worse when paparazzi took unflattering pictures of Parker having lunch with TV host Andy Cohen. She was makeup-free with her gray hair showing, leading to negative comments about her age. Cohen defended her, pointing out that he has gray hair too and called the comments “misogynistic.”
Parker did not stay quiet about the criticism. During an interview with Vogue, she spoke about how people seem to enjoy seeing others struggle with aging. She said:
“It almost feels as if people don’t want us to be perfectly OK with where we are, as if they almost enjoy us being pained by who we are today.”
She added, “I know what I look like. I have no choice. What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?”
However, this was not the last of the harsh comments. In 2018, she faced ridicule again after wearing an ornate headpiece to the Met Gala. People mocked her looks online, calling her a senior citizen.
In June 2023, during a chat with Howard Stern, she discussed Hollywood’s obsession with cosmetic surgery and aging. When asked how she views herself, she said, “I’m presentable,” but added that she doesn’t enjoy looking in the mirror. She acknowledged that she thinks about cosmetic procedures but has never had plastic surgery, although she has tried skin treatments like peels.
Parker reflected on potentially getting a facelift at 44 but was uncertain about it. Stern expressed relief that she hadn’t gone through with it. She understands why some people choose procedures but knows that there is societal pressure about aging. She recalled the viral photo with Cohen, where people criticized her but ignored his gray hair.
Now in her late 50s, Parker remains unbothered by her critics and has clear thoughts on aging. She said in an August 2023 interview:
“I just don’t spend that much time [thinking about appearance]. It’s not that I don’t have an ego, that I don’t have a decent, healthy amount of vanity, but I just don’t want to spend that much time really deconstructing it all.”
Choosing Family over Fashion
Despite facing criticism over her fashion choices, Parker prioritizes her family. During New York Fashion Week in 2006, while others rushed to find the perfect outfits, she chose to stay home with her family. Her son James had just started school, and she wanted to be there for him.
Now, attending events is challenging since she has three kids. She and Broderick welcomed their first child, James Wilkie, on October 28, 2002, and he is now a student at Brown University. Their twins, Tabitha and Marion, were born on June 23, 2009, through a surrogate.
Though some fans criticize her, Broderick remains supportive. He often praises Parker’s beauty and feels lucky to be with her.
They married in a surprise ceremony on May 19, 1997, and have been happy ever since. Parker mentioned that their relationship thrives because they spend time apart and then come back together. She said on a podcast:
“I know this sounds nuts, but we have lives that allow us to be away and come back together.”
Broderick often shares how much he admires Parker, recalling their first date and how he remembers her clearly walking toward him.
Despite the negative comments and criticism, Parker feels secure in her relationship, partly due to Broderick’s constant support. He calls her “just a great, beautiful, hilarious person!”
My granddaughter evicted me for getting married at 80 – Unable to tolerate the disrespect, I decided to teach her a lesson
When my granddaughter threw me out after I got married at 80, I decided I couldn’t condone the disrespect. With my new husband, Harold, we devised a daring plan to teach her a lesson she’ll never forget, leading to a confrontation that would change our family forever.
I never thought I’d be telling this story, but here we are. My name is Margaret, and I turned 80 last spring. I lived in a cozy room in my granddaughter Ashley’s house. It was small, but I made it my own — filled it with memories and mementos from my past life.
“Morning, Grandma,” Ashley said one bright Saturday, barging into my room without knocking. She never knocked.
“Morning, dear,” I replied, folding my quilt. “What’s the rush?”
“We’re heading out to the park with the kids. Need anything?
“No, I’m fine. Go enjoy your day.”
She left in a hurry, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I couldn’t complain much — after all, I had sold my house to pay for her college. Her parents died in a car crash when she was just 15.
I took her in and did my best to give her a good life. Now she lived here with her husband, Brian, and their two children. Their home was spacious, lively, and often noisy.
Life took an interesting turn at the community center a few months back. I met Harold. He was charming, with a camera slung around his neck. We started talking, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to our meetings. It was like a second chance at love.
One afternoon, while Ashley was at work, I decided to share my news. I found her in the kitchen later that evening, pouring over some recipe book.
“Ashley, I have something to tell you,” I began.
She glanced up, “What’s up, Grandma?”
“I’ve met someone. His name is Harold, and… well, he proposed.”
She stared at me, eyebrows raised. “Proposed? As in marriage?”
“Yes,” I said, unable to hide my smile. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
Her reaction wasn’t what I expected. “Grandma, you’re 80. You’re too old for a wedding dress and all that. And Harold can’t move in here.”
I was taken aback. “Why not? We have plenty of space.”
“This is our home. We need our privacy.”
I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn’t listen. The next morning, she packed my belongings and set them by the door.
“Ashley, what are you doing?” I asked, tears welling up.
“You need to go, Grandma. Find somewhere else to live. Maybe Harold can take you in.”
I couldn’t believe it. After everything I had done for her — raising her, selling my house — she was kicking me out. I felt so betrayed as I stood there, looking at the boxes of my life packed up like unwanted clutter.
I didn’t have many options, so I called Harold. When I told him what happened, he was furious.
“She did what?” he shouted. “Margaret, get your things together, I’m coming to fetch you right now. You’re coming to stay with me.”
I hesitated. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You’re not a burden. You’re my future wife, and we’re in this together.”
With no other choice, I loaded my things into Harold’s car. As we drove away, I looked back at Ashley’s house, my heart heavy with disappointment.
At Harold’s, things felt different. He welcomed me with open arms, making me feel at home. We spent our days planning our future, but the hurt from Ashley’s betrayal lingered.
“We’ll teach her a lesson,” Harold said one evening, determination in his eyes. “She needs to understand respect.”
I didn’t know how we’d do it, but I trusted Harold. He had a way of making everything seem possible.
“Alright,” I agreed. “Let’s show her what we’re made of.”
And so, the plan began.
Harold and I spent countless evenings planning our next move. Harold, being a renowned photographer, had an idea to reach Ashley through her passion. She loved photography, and the annual local photographer’s gathering was something she wouldn’t miss for the world.
“Margaret,” Harold said one night, “I’ve got a ticket for the gathering. Ashley won’t be able to resist — I’ll courier the ticket to her, anonymously.
I nodded, feeling excited. “Let’s do it.”
Before the gathering, Harold and I got married in a small, intimate ceremony.
Harold insisted on taking photographs. He captured my happiness and the glow of a second chance at love. The photos were breathtaking, showing the joy in my eyes and the love between us.
The day of the photography event arrived, and Ashley, as predicted, attended. She didn’t know we were behind her invitation. Harold and I stood backstage, waiting for our moment. The anticipation was almost too much to bear, but we were determined to see it through.
The host called Harold on stage to present his award-winning photographs. As Harold walked out, the room buzzed with admiration. Then, the portraits of me in my wedding dress appeared on the big screen.
Gasps filled the room as the audience saw the radiant joy on my face. The images were stunning, capturing not just the beauty of the moment, but the depth of emotion behind it.
Harold stated: “I found love at 79, proving age is just a number. Margaret, my beautiful wife, has a youthful spirit and a heart full of love.”
I could see Ashley in the front row, her face turning red with embarrassment. Harold handed me the microphone, and I stepped forward, my heart pounding.
“Good evening,” I started. “I want to tell you about sacrifices and love. When my granddaughter, Ashley’s, parents died, I sold my house to pay for her education. I raised her as my own. But recently, she forgot that love and respect.”
The audience was silent, their attention on me. “Ashley,” I continued, looking directly at her, “I still love you despite the hurt. But you needed to learn the value of respect.”
Ashley’s eyes filled with tears. She looked down, clearly feeling the weight of her actions.
Harold then spoke again, “Margaret and I decided to share our story to show that love and respect know no age. Family should be about support and understanding.”
The audience burst into applause, admiration evident in throughout the hall. After the event, Ashley approached us, tears streaming down her face.
“Grandma, Harold,” she began, her voice shaking, “I’m so sorry. I was wrong and disrespectful. Can you ever forgive me?”
Harold and I shared a glance before I pulled Ashley into a hug. “Of course, dear. We love you. We just needed you to understand.”
She invited us to a family dinner, promising to support my happiness and never take me for granted again. We accepted, hopeful for a new beginning.
That evening, we joined Ashley and her family. The atmosphere was warm, filled with genuine attempts to rebuild our relationships. Laughter and conversation flowed easily, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace.
During dinner, Ashley turned to me. “Grandma, I didn’t realize how much I hurt you. I was selfish and ungrateful.”
“It’s okay, Ashley,” I said, placing my hand on hers. “What’s important is that we move forward together.”
Brian, Ashley’s husband, who had been mostly silent, chimed in: “We’re glad you’re happy, Margaret. Harold, you seem like a good man. We’re lucky to have you both in our lives.”
Harold smiled. “Thank you, Brian. We’re happy to be here.”
The children, sensing the positive change, started showing us their latest drawings and school projects. It was a joyous sight, a family coming together again. The warmth in the room was palpable, and I felt a renewed sense of belonging.
As the evening progressed, Harold shared more stories about our adventures and how we met. Ashley listened intently, occasionally wiping away tears. It was clear she was genuinely remorseful and wanted to make amends.
After dinner, as we sipped tea in the living room, Ashley turned to me again. “Grandma, I want you to move back in with us. We have plenty of space, and I promise things will be different.”
I looked at Harold, who nodded in agreement. “We appreciate the offer, Ashley, but Harold and I have our own place now. We’ll visit often, though.”
Ashley smiled, a bit sad but understanding. “I get it. I just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” I assured her. “And so are you. That’s all that matters.”
As we left that night, the moon casting a gentle glow over everything, I reflected on the importance of self-love and standing up for oneself. Life’s unexpected joys often come when we least expect them.
And as I looked around the table, I felt grateful for the second chance at happiness and the family that, despite everything, remained dear to my heart.
Harold and I drove home in silence, both lost in our thoughts. When we finally arrived, he took my hand and said, “We did it, Margaret. We really did it.”
I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief. “Yes, we did. And it’s just the beginning.”
Harold kissed my hand, and we walked into our home, ready for whatever the future held. Our love and determination had taught Ashley a valuable lesson, and in turn, brought us all closer. It was a new chapter, filled with hope and endless possibilities.
What would you have done?
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