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. 

Jennifer Lawrence for Dior

It makes perfect sense that America's sweetheart, Jennifer Lawrence, would be the face of Dior. In fact, it was a strapless, vivid-white Dior Couture tiered gown that JLaw wore when she iconically tripped up the Academy Awards stairs just last year. That was the moment she shed her celebrity, immortal identity and became a fully relatable human being; a personality trait she has sense supplemented in interviews and appearances. And, as the people at Dior have figured out, authenticity sells. 

Jennifer Lawrence's honest persona has seeped into her very image, as seen in the beautiful new shots for the latest Dior campaign. In these photos, taken by the acclaimed French photographer Patrick Demarchelier, Lawrence's pixie cut is softly and effortlessly slicked to the side. The lack of makeup focuses all attention on her prominent cheek bones and full lips. Furthermore, her bare purity juxtaposed with the Dior garments make the ad that much more striking.

At this point, it's safe to say: Jennifer Lawrence can do no wrong.