Boss style, Olivia Pope - Style Resolutions for 2013

Like most (I'm sure globally by now), I'm glued to my television on a Thursday night to watch in action Miss Olivia Pope - "The Fixer" for the television series Scandal. Apart from her ability to effectively get her (normally very high profile) clients out of trouble, her wardrobe is one to be admired. Kerry Washington’s character reflects what any successful woman should look like - a style of understated elegance. Styled by costume designer Lyn Paolo, Pope's wardrobe exemplifies and promotes career character and huge confidence....Simply put she is boss.

While this crisis manager labors behind the scenes in a litany of cases especially where the mighty have fallen, she surely keeps her boss factor in top form; not only with her thorough management skills but also with her presence. Her clients have been of the male persuasion (so far) and she has proven that you don't have to wear manly power suits to prove you can roll with the boys. She achieves just the right balance of professional, yet feminine style and has proven that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. With that said, I thought it would be a good idea to include some style resolutions this year of course in addition to my usual annual New Year’s resolutions…Well the ones that truly add value to my daily life!
Interested in looking and feeling your best this year? Then join me! Check out my inspiration.

Lets channel our inner Olivia Pope, shall we? - 5 style resolutions that are worth the try:

#1 Hiding!: Considered to be a safe colour - whatever that means exactly...as a makeup artist, I'm always glad for the opportunity to don black as my uniform...and as a (sometimes) stylist, I know in practice that this is a myth. I've never seen Olivia Pope wear anything in black (trust me I remember) and so often in TV and movies, when a woman is playing a strong leadership role, she always end up in very dark structured nearly masculine type suits. I love that she is dressed in lighter suits, so she stands out in such a male dominated world. I am working towards one day stepping into the world of "suits" and personally I think androgyny and the over exertion of playing too tough is getting overrated.  

Pink Escada Suit

So, is there a color, style or type of garment that you hide behind? Alternatives can work, when realized which are best ;).

#2 Breaking Addiction and replacing them with new and better habits: Many people have addictions or bad habits they would like to drop. Mine? I'm a cocktail ring addict…the vintage ones. There I said it! Although very penny wise with other things in my life, I will fork out money for those lil suckas! And often times they do not get worn for fear I may lose them. I really really like them! (refuse to say love, as they are indeed material things). A challenge this one is going to be, but so worth it by year end. I live by a budget, so I would be budgeting the money towards other meaningful things (not sure what yet), so I am willing to trade in my addiction. Olivia always wears minimal and delicate pieces (not saying you should lose your sense of style, hello) which is not too bold or heavy and at the same time makes a statement.

What is your fashion addiction? And would you would like to break this year? Maybe its getting the latest bag or shoe...deciding what trends to leave be, can work ;).

#3 Reality Check: There is one very specific kind of accessory that really allows Kerry Washington to make the transformation into Pope: the heels. I have noticed that shoes are really important to this character, how she walks, is a tell tale sign of what there is to know about her. Yes that's fine and dandy, as I too gravitate towards heels especially the platform kind; as these elongate your legs and make you look oh so much taller...But I’m all for dressing appropriately. Looking extra special for most endeavors (especially when its on a Monday), is something I highly recommended but this year, I plan to wear more flats as now my activities and responsibilities allow it. Frankly my feet, in particular, like this style resolution!

What is your style? Do you become self conscious because you may be too practical or impractical?  What style change would you make that would truly add value to your daily life?

#4 The art of pre-planning: Routine can be boring, but one of my resolution is to curb on my tardiness...well mostly for my personal appointments. To help me start out my day being less frazzled, my resolution is to figure out what I am going to wear the next day...before I go to bed. I also commit to being a better outfit pre-planner for special events as to avoid last minute style and budget blunders. Olivia's wardrobe is always very immaculate and have you ever noticed when duty calls she always knows what to grab and where to find it? (whenever that scene is being shown). There is a pair of shoes by the door, a wrap or a coat always laying close by and with her line of work organization is key.  

Ferragamo wrap coat (love!)

Do you mind rituals and would a nighttime fashion ritual help you? Another thing to consider is a better organized closet, that would help you get out the door each morning faster, but secure in your mission of conquering the world!

 #5 Ah shucks...Get over it!: One thing I have had to learn, is that I need to get over the fact that I put on some extra weight (Grrr!). Its hard maintaining diets, so I opted to just eat right and do what has to be done to lose it. Its even harder when what you have been prescribed, adds to that weight gain..I wont complain as it's better being in good health than sweat the small stuff...Its handled! ;) (Always wanted to say that). So buying a few new staple pieces (especially jeans) to add to my wardrobe will help with my expert camouflaging techniques, proper fit and presentation is essential. I, also, know I will look better and feel better. What have you observed about Olivia? She is super confident though vulnerable and never once does she ever seem helpless, the woman has so many dimensions to her! 
What is your issue? Weight change may not be yours, but could you be dressing your body type better this year? Which specific area of your body is a particular challenge?

 A toast to keeping our style resolutions and to looking and feeling our best this New Year!We better work!Have a happy Monday!
xxo
G