AnnaSophia Robb channels Sarah Jessica Parker in new 'Carrie Diaries' photo

Curly hair? Check. Fabulous frock? Yup. High-heeled shoes? Uh-huh. Ability to look stylish while hailing a cab? Absolutely.

AnnaSophia Robb channels Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City" as she brings to life a young version of the unlucky-in-love Carrie Bradshaw in the upcoming series "The Carrie Diaries." In this new photo released by The CW, Robb's curls fall below her shoulder and she's dressed in a black-and-red polka dot bubble dress -- a look similar to many we saw on Parker's beloved character during her run on the original series, which aired on HBO from 1998 to 2004.

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It's an iconic “Sex and the City” moment. How many times did fans of the show see Carrie Bradshaw hail a cab? It was her escape route for bad dates, her ride home when she was overloaded with Manolo Blahniks, and sometimes even her daily exercise.

In this new series -- based on Candace Bushnell's novel "The Carrie Diaries" – the year is 1984 and 16-year-old Carrie lives in suburban Connecticut. Long before meeting her besties Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte, she pals around with a trio named Mouse, Maggie, and Walt, and crushes on transfer student Sebastian (played by “High School Musical” star Austin Butler). The show will also explore Carrie's first big relationship. No, not with Mr. Big -- with Manhattan. Following the death of her mother, Carrie is offered an internship at a New York City law firm. Her love affair with the city is immediate.

So what did Parker think of Robb taking on this iconic role which earned her four Golden Globe Awards during its memorable run? "She sent me a letter! I wrote her one back, too," the 18-year-old actress -- who has appeared in "Soul Surfer" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" -- told Us Weekly. "She was just very encouraging about it all. It was really cool!" And while comparisons between “The Carrie Diaries” and “Sex and the City” are inevitable, Robb has said she's not hung up on them. "I know everyone's going to compare it to ‘Sex and the City,’ but we're never going to be that," she told the magazine. "The show is more for my generation, but it's set in the '80s, so it's fun."

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"The Carrie Diaries" writer/executive producer Amy B. Harris has said she thought Robb was right for the role of a young Carrie as soon as she met her. "When AnnaSophia Robb walked into the room, we knew we had found her," Harris has said. "Her grace, intelligence, sense of fun, and her empathetic nature make her the perfect girl to bring our young Carrie to life. The fact that she loves a gorgeous pair of heels doesn’t hurt either."

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"The Carrie Diaries" is set to premiere in January on The CW.