Ahhh, Friends

The start of a new year popularizes gym memberships, gives people new hope, and allows us all to forget the missteps of the previous 12 months. This year, however, my priorities were a little skewed. As I embarked into 2015, I posed a life-altering question to myself: "Why make friends, when you can watch Friends?". 

For all of you (probably) very successful people–who refuse to pose victim to the procrastination powers of Netflix–here's the 411. As of January 1, 2015, the entirety of Friends can be found on Netflix in its original 90's glory. Thus, the question I posed to myself has quickly transformed into a motto, proving to be the most successful New Year's Resolution of my  life. 

As I spend hours fulfilling the challenge I set out for myself, I simultaneously receive a historical lesson in fashion. 

The fashion in Friends really drives the show, with the first season alone featuring iconic looks. What would Joey be without his turtlenecks? Chandler minus a sweater vest or an oversized tie would be a sin, and Rachel in anything but a crop top would feel treasonous. Each character had a distinctive identity enhanced by their respective outfits; wardrobes that evolved with every individual during the progression of seasons. And, in a strange twist of events, the fashion on Friends as a whole feels weirdly current. 

Here are the lessons I have learned from binge-watching Friends so far: 

1. Layering is great. Shirt under dress with a vest? Yes. A blazer over overalls? Sure. On that note...

2....overalls are always a good idea. 

3.. Rachel Green can literally rock anything. I mean anything. 

4. And, everyone should wear rings like Phoebe Buffay

Furthermore, watching Friends outside its original context makes me nostalgic of a time period in which I barely existed. The 90's in NYC seemed pretty rad: a time where rent for a few gigantic apartments could be paid through minimum-wage jobs, and a group of well-dressed best friends could spend their days gossiping at a coffee shop. Ahhhhhh, the 90s. 

my new screensaver

Power In Clothes: Claire Underwood

I pride myself on my loyalty. This quality extends to just about every corner of my life, from friendships to intense, life-consuming television series. Homeland was my first love. But, after an unimpressive third season, I decided it was time to move on.

 Then I found House of Cards. 

House of Cards, a dramatic series created exclusively for Netflix, is twisted, corrupt, and extremely thought provoking. Among the show's stars stands Robin Wright, as Claire Underwood, the incredibly influential, conniving wife of Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey). Wright convincingly plays Claire as a diabolical ice queen; who's smiles are as rare as her fashion missteps. Her morals are questionable and manipulation techniques undeniably effective, yet she is easily my favorite character on the show. If, in some fictional world, Miranda Priestly and Lily van der Woodsen were to create a more ruthless version of themselves, their result would be Claire Underwood. 

 Claire's wardrobe is as equally powerful as her demeanor. As Season 2 costume designer Johanna Argan puts it, "Her clothes are her armor... She is the modern-day Lady Macbeth" (NYDailyNews). The simple lines, classic silhouettes, and strict color palette of black, grey, and navy all add to her stature of sheer superiority. On paper, her style––made up of mainly shift dresses, pencil skirts, and oxford shirts––should seem like a bore. However, there is something about Wright's angular frame, paired with crisply tailored garments that gives her an entrancing sophistication. It also helps that she strictly wears designer pieces, from Louboutin stilettos to L'Wren Scott pencil skirts and Dior shift dresses.

As I begin Season 2 of the show, I look forward to all the shocking moments to come. However, if one thing's for sure, Claire's wardrobe, in all its powerful splendor, will relentlessly live up to all expectations.