Showing posts with label claire underwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label claire underwood. Show all posts

Political Running: How Julie Bishop makes athleisure cool

18.7.17


There's no escape from a politician's busy schedule and in between the endless meetings and travel opportunities, it can be hard to fit in regular exercise.

Julie Bishop is perhaps the most active political exerciser. As Australia's Foreign Minister, Bishop travels the world in the name of diplomacy. But despite her gruelling schedule, Bishop always finds time for a run.

Her commitment to jogging has been widely reported, and whilst travelling the world, Bishop always rises early for an hour's run. From the beaches of Cairns to the sweltering climates of Indonesia, Bishop is dedicated to the cause.

Julie Bishop is well known for her fashionable dress sense and this stylish look also makes itself known in her workout gear. A true champion of athleisure, Bishop sports coordinated items for her jogs. Black running tights with graphic logos, matching quilted vests and neon tops are key to her look, as are trusty pairs of Nike trainers.


Aside from the motivation of doing a run, for most of us (me included,) choosing what to wear for a workout can be as tough as the physical pain itself! Bishop is a great example of how selecting simple, no fuss athleisure pieces is always a good choice. Her look is effortless, and displays her love of fashion that provides a function.

Julie Bishop's running look reminds me in many ways of Claire Underwood's athleisure attire in House of Cards. Classic and no-nonsense, the two also sport eerily similar haircuts.

So if you're a running enthusiast or an eager beginner like me, look to Julie Bishop for how to do athleisure in a chic and effective way.

My Thoughts on House of Cards S4

22.4.16


I'm hoping by now that you will have watched Season 4 of House of Cards! If not, it's probably best that you look away now!

After a cracking end to Season 3 I was really excited to see how Season 4 would kick off. What was Claire's master plan and would she be able to achieve it? I must admit I found the first episode of S4 a bit lacklustre and really hoped that this wouldn't be the end of my love for HoC. Mercifully, it picked up and we back to the usual game of tricks, bargaining and the Underwoods ruthlessly going after what they wanted.

Perhaps the most shocking and unpredicted event of the season was the attempted assassination of President Underwood by Lucas. Out of prison and living under a new identity, he can't shake off what happened to Zoe in Season 2, and his all consuming hate leads to him shooting Underwood and killing Meachum in the process.

This attempt on his life unites Frank and Claire, probably to the relief of many of us! Their relationship is now albeit a professional one, with shared love of power charging them to an even greater force, which looks like it can't be stopped. Perhaps my favourite scene of the season is when the Underwoods take to the stage at their national convention, back together, but now as political running mates in the upcoming election.

The best television dramas parallel what's happening in real life. We see a brokered party convention (likely to happen with the GOP later this year,) and the challenge of filling a Supreme Court seat in a vital election year.

The season ends with Frank declaring that 'we make the terror.' A reference to the ongoing terrorism threat and closing plot of the season, whether he carries out his promise in the next season will remain to be seen.

What were your thoughts on Season 4 of House of Cards? Share your thoughts in the comments! 

Claire Underwood: House of Cards S3 Style

18.3.15

I finally finished House of Cards Series 3 over the weekend, and oh my, it was worth the wait! Aside from the gripping storylines and the last five minutes of the final episode (what!!!) I was obsessed with the wardrobe that Robin Wright wears to play Claire Underwood.

The character of Claire is pretty amazing. She's strong and determined but displays a real fragility. Some have called her a modern day Lady MacBeth, but I think in the latest series, we really got to see behind the facade.

Claire's style in Series 3 had many similarities, but there were subtle differences in the clothes that she was wearing. Robin Wright brought her stylist, Kemal Harris to work with her, and the results see her character wearing a mix of Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and Proenza Schouler. The color palette doesn't stray much from greys, whites and navys- apart from a burgundy dress in a scene on Air Force One and a pale lavender suit for her formal photograph with the President.

It's also notable that Claire was little to no accessories. Apart from her Cartier tank, a pair of simple earrings and a belt from time to time, her style is very minimal, and the focus is purely on the clothes.

So what were my favourite Claire looks from S3?


I love the shoulder detailing on this black dress!


This Kemal Harris off the shoulder dress was custom made for the character and is a big change from her normal palette.


A sharp white sleeved dress. 



The amazing silk Valentina gown by Ralph Lauren! Who else thought the beer pong scene was really fun?


An elegant separates look- a black pencil skirt and white silk top.


That final scene... I love her grey plaid scarf! 

Screenshots/Netflix
And for cinematography, this shot is pretty special. 

What do you love about Claire Underwood's style?

House of Cards Season 2

10.3.14

House of Cards Facebook
Much has been written about Season 2 of the epic House of Cards, and I felt it was only right that I added my thoughts to the mix!

I watched Season 2 last weekend, and finished it in two days. Whilst I don't usually 'binge watch' television series on this occasion it was totally appropriate! (The only other time I have done this is with American Horror Story.) Season 1 had some pretty gobsmacking moments and the new series didn't disappoint.

I won't give too many spoilers away just in case you haven't watched it yet, but Claire Underwood really came into her own as a character with such a strong and important storyline- plus her style was as chic as ever! Frank schemes to new levels, but it all seemed so natural! It was great to find out more about characters like Freddy and learn of their backstory, and new characters including Jackie Sharp. I think I'm most looking forward to seeing how her character develops in the new series which is currently in production.

Season 2 really didn't disappoint, and whilst I was glad to see some of the characters go (particularly in the first episode,) I can't wait to see what Season 3 brings!

Have you seen Season 2 of House of Cards yet? Let me know what you think in the comment box below!
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