Maya Gatewood Lifestyle, Design and Wellness Blog: It's Handled! Olivia Pope Inspired Look Book

I am such a huge fan of the tv show Scandal and insanely inspired by Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, whom I also love! Olivia Pope is such a strong, powerful and beautiful Black woman, how could I not be inspired by her style. Quintessential chic, with clean lines, neutral color palette and simple accessories, she is also sophisticated, confident and classic. She doesn't need to turn to gimmicks, tricks or illusions to look stylish. Her clothes are understated but by no means boring; she dresses so her personality can shine through. You look at Olivia Pope and say "Wow! She's good at her job."

Anywho, enough of my love affair with Olivia :-) on to the look book. I have been wanting to do an Olivia Pope inspired look book for the longest but something about this season has really been inspiring my everyday looks, for the office especially and now that it's Fall, fueling my love of coats (click here for my Coat of Arms post). An exciting find is The Scandal Collection by The Limited. Where The Limited has pieces seen in Scandal episodes available for purchase! I mean how perfect is that? Click here for a video from Kerry Washington about the inspiration behind the collection.

I put together three looks (it was hard to choose only three!), that I feel embody the spirit of Olivia and incorporate my own style. By the way I used the same H&M black slacks in each look (similar here), proof of how to extend your wardrobe with basic/classic pieces.

First thing's first! Olivia will ALWAYS have a banging coat or jacket! The color palette is restricted to camel and black, but I've created visual interest with the lines and collar of the coat and zipper detail on the sweater. Olivia enjoys a relaxed fit to her more causal pieces.

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Sweater: DeJanero (NYC), Slacks: H&M, Pumps: Nine West (similar here), Coat: No idea ha! (It's old), Necklace & Studs: H&M, Watch: Marc Jacobs

Next up is the power suit. As a fixer Olivia's got to show that she is good at her job. The power suite exudes confidence, intelligence and strength. Her suits are again, in a neutral color palette (the most color she will do is a soft pink) and have a fitted blazer. I love this blush blazer and fitted sweater paired with those same black slacks. You'll have no problem saying "it's handled!" in this combination.

Blazer: New York & Co., Sweater: H&M (similar here), Blush Pumps: Anne Klein (thrifted)

For the third look I had to incorporate white! White is Olivia's signature and calling card. I paired this sheer white blouse with a black, white and gray checked trench coat. When Olivia does a print it's usually in a stripe, plaid or window pane. I love the delicate and feminine gathering of the fabric with this look. The tailored pants and pumps still say power, but the blouse says I'm a woman!