NEW GIRL CRUSH: "HOUSE OF CARDS" CLAIRE UNDERWOOD

So, this past weekend, my husband took our son to Charlotte to see his grandparents and I watched the entire first season of "House of Cards".  Having worked in this world all of my career, I was skeptical that it would contain even a modicum of authenticity--but I was pleasantly surprised.  I could go on and on about what I felt was portrayed correctly and what was entirely fictional, but what I couldn't get out of my head after the show, was the wardrobe and look of "Claire Underwood" played by Robin Wright.

Claire's Minimalist chic

It was chic and minimalist with practically no accessories.  I absolutely loved it and couldn't figure out why. You see, I arrived in D.C. in the mid-nineties and this kind of simple, no personality look was de rigueur throughout the city.  I shouldn't say "this look" because I remember the shoes were terrible, the fabric cheap, and tailoring no where near that of my new girl crush, Claire. There was no attitude, no style and it was all so...boring.

My own style choices were perhaps a bit more adventurous and I could never figure out why no one wanted to accessorize and separate themselves from the pack. Certainly, as young staffers, some women chose to distinguish themselves from their peers by exposing breast and thigh to get attention. However, wanting to be taken seriously, I chose to add a scarf, a pin, a bracelet, some decent heels, or a bright color. I loved clothes and finding a way to stand out from the pack without looking like a man or plain Jane, became part of my DNA throughout my career.  Even working in Baghdad, I tried to dress appropriately and accessories followed me throughout the world.

A few of my accessories in Baghdad

Half my closet in Baghdad

But back to Claire...she has had me thinking the past few days. Have I gotten it all wrong? Is that age? Is it because Robin Wright could make even a brown bag look chic and covet able?  I have had to rethink my sartorial choices after having child and becoming a Stay-at-Home Mom.  Over the last year, one could categorize my biggest style inspiration coming from the French Voguettes. (Sure, I will always adore Carine Roitfeld's spot-on style, but it is the easy wardrobe of Emmanuelle Alt and her colleagues that have influenced me most.) The skinny jean, the men's-inspired shirt, perhaps a jacket and a fabulous heel, or boot.  Throw in a watch, a bracelet or two or an occasional scarf and BAM!, I'm ready to go.

Claire, however, doesn't need trends. She doesn't need accessories, save a great bag and shoes. It seems so simple and perfect.

Adore the white bolero

Simply her YSL Muse

Love the large lapels on this Camel coat

Effortlessly draped scarf

Gorgeous grey shift

Eyeglasses and blue button-down. Classic.

Monochromatic dress, coat and bag + coffee

Tailored perfectly

Simple

Love the Narciso

Even her night clothes are perfect

Perfection.

Now the question at hand is, am I so drawn to her look because it's so fabulous, or because I like her character? I keep imagining myself in such a pared-down look.  Would I look as chic or like someone who doesn't have slightest individual style? Is it made so amazing because only a Hollywood star like Robin Wright could pull of the hair?  She's tough, assertive, and a bit mysterious. Are such "political" movie/television roles usually reserved for a caricature of a politician's wife, with requisite bob and brightly colored suit, and minus the Individualist streak?

Perhaps, I should amend my usual style choices and just add a little bit of Claire at a time.  Perhaps she'll inspire me to tailor my clothes a bit more, buy those Tom Ford glasses I have been pondering, meticulous organize my vanity table or put one of my Muses back in circulation.  I suppose that's the kind of initiative and self-confidence that would make Claire most proud.

Had been looking for new glasses...

Tom Ford Eyewear