Showing posts with label house of cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house of cards. 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.

What I'm Watching On Netflix

27.4.16


Netflix has become a common portal for many of us to watch our favourite shows, films and documentaries. With awesome dramas like House of Cards and comedies such as Grace and Frankie exclusively commissioned by the company, it's hard to remember where else we used to get our entertainment from!

I had lots of fun compiling a playlist when I first signed up to Netflix, and I'm still working my way through a large list of shows and films that I have bookmarked. I've rediscovered some cult classics and catching up with series I missed the first time round. It's all rather addictive!

Here's what I'm currently watching thanks to Netflix!


Bates Motel: the prequel to the classic Hitchcock film is set in present day Oregon. It's dark, intense and I love it. Vera Farmiga is amazing as Norma Bates, and her emotional and deeply haunting portrayal of the character whose fate we already know is utterly compelling.

Hinterland: cerebral and dark, Netflix has the English language version of this crime drama set in the wilds of West Wales. You'll be gripped from the first few minutes of episode one.


Fuller House: the highly anticipated revival of the classic Full House got me really hooked on Netflix. Light, warm and with lots of humour, it's awesome to see what those Tanner kids are up to twenty years or so on!


Grace and Frankie: I watch Grace and Frankie when I need cheering up! Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are the perfect funny duo and each episode shows how the once enemies turned best friends set about rebuilding their lives after their respective husbands leave their wives for each other.


Damages: I'm rewatching the earlier episodes and catching up with the final series. Glenn Close = amazing!


House of Cards: any post about Netflix wouldn't be complete without mentioning House of Cards. Season 4- outstanding. It's also worth checking out the original, British House of Cards!

What else should I be checking out on Netflix? Share your suggestions with me in the comments!

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! 

Happy Weekend!

3.4.16


Happy Weekend everyone! This week has been a funny one for me, giving me time to reflect on things from the past and where the future is headed. Deep thoughts for a Sunday! As one chapter nears its end for me, and a new one is about to start, I'm reminded by the good things that have happened and remain hopeful for the future.

Amongst the deep thoughts, here are some links that I've checked out.

House of Cards quotes: now I need to find many opportunities to use these daily! You're welcome! :)

Seven brands go April Fools: were you fooled this April?

The Queen through the ages: Her Majesty is an absolute style icon- which outfit is your favourite?

The Plaza sells its chandeliers: they've made the Baccarat beauties into earrings! I am very tempted!

March through Instagram

1.4.16


House of Cards Season 4 | Alex and Ani friendship bracelets | Fun at the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair | Celebrating St David's Day | Spring flowers | Robin Wright | Celebrating Mother's Day | New ballot box storage | Happy Easter! 

Happy Weekend!

20.3.16


Happy weekend everyone! Congratulations on making it through another week! :) This week has been a busy one for me, pushing several projects further along their pipeline and making plans for the coming months!

Here are some great reads that have caught my eye this week...

Lorfords Hangar grows in size: it is great to see the famous Hangar One taking shape! Lorfords is the best destination for antiques and design inspiration. This new space is amazing!

What every business partner could learn from House of Cards: mix friendship with business? Align your goals? These tips and more are really interesting!

Celebrities on planes: some great photos here! Barbara Bush was my neighbour on a flight from NY to London last year!

Happy Weekend!

13.3.16


Happy weekend! This week has been a sobering one for me, and has given me a chance to reflect on many things. On Friday I headed to the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair - it was fantastic! With a great range of dealers and beautiful antiques and it was a fun day out! I picked up a pair of authentic ballot boxes from Chris Holmes Antiques - pictures to follow!

Here's what has caught my eye this week:

International Women's Day: 8 women to watch in 2016: this week we marked International Women's Day- this women are worth watching this year!

Nancy Reagan proved the power of partners in leadership: former First Lady Nancy Reagan sadly passed away this week. This piece examines her role in President Reagan's tenure as Commander in Chief.

I'm modeling my marriage on Frank and Claire Underwood's: such a compelling piece! But don't read if you are not a fan of spoilers!

My Top 5 Political Dramas

17.7.15


With a background of working in politics, I always find myself drawn to political dramas – fact and fiction! Even if I find myself needing to distress, I still reach for the nearest political DVD I can find


So which are in my top 5?

The West Wing: Forever a classic, the West Wing played an early role in my interest in politics. The issues, solutions, personalities and morals ring true for political arenas around the world, and I return to favourite episodes of the series for when I need a political pick-me-up. Season Two’s ‘Two Cathedrals’ will forever be my favourite.

Madam Secretary: Starring Tea Leoni, this drama follows Elizabeth McCord's role as Secretary of State. Dealing with a coup in Iran, crises at home and a change in family life, this is one of my absolute favourites. Plus McCord's wardrobe is proper A-game.

Commander in Chief: Cancelled after eighteen episodes, Commander in Chief starred Geena Davis as the first female American President. Fiesty and controversial, Davis played President Mackenzie Allen, and Independent who becomes Commander in Chief following the death of the former President. There was speculation that the series would be made into a movie, but unfortunately this never transpired.

Scandal: Perhaps one of the most addictive dramas on TV, Scandal follows main character Olivia Pope as she fixes Washington’s problems- oh and is in a relationship with the married President of the United States. The sizzling episodes provide an exciting and gripping distraction from everyday!

House of Cards: No list would be complete with House of Cards. House of Cards is the American remake of the classic original British drama. With the amazing Kevin Spacey playing the shady, divisive and downright scary House Majority Whip turned President, this is one gripping series. Season 4 is currently in production.


What are your favourite political dramas? Comment below!

April through Instagram

1.5.15


Walking the cobbled streets of Old Town Alexandria | A friendly Welsh welcome home! | Amazing art at the Crosby Street Hotel | Saturday night guilty pleasure | Easter flowers on Fifth Avenue | My comfy new Tory Burch flats | Robin Wright and nail painting | Starry treats | South Wales Police horses

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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