Here is my ever-evolving list of the ballsy, brainy women I aspire to emulate. (And no, Oprah is not here. She controls enough of this world.)
Michelle Obama. She is a rock star, exemplifying how being a well educated career woman, a devoted partner and mother, and a fashionista – budgetista even! – are not mutually exclusive propositions. Behind beside the great president is a great woman, indeed!
Kate Winslet. From her Oscar-worthy performances, to her endearing emotional response to winning awards – even in the face of snobby criticism, I can’t helf but be a hug fan.
Tilda Swinton. Aside from being one of my favorite character actors out there, I love Tilda for being the most fearless fashion icon out there right now.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Witnessing her speak from the bench in dissent in the case Gonzales v. Carhart made her an official object of my worship.
Anna Wintour. The Devil? Who says power can’t come in a female form and a fierce pair of Pradas? Any woman who reaches this level of sucess in the media world is a hero of mine. You betta work!
Andrea Mitchell. This is what a journalist should be. And she is proof that a smart woman should always marry a smart man. And if you can, get Ruth Bader Ginsburg to conduct the ceremony! Kick ASS!
Gwen Stefani. Ok, to be honest, I’m not feeling her solo work (though I love No Doubt). But I think she is a brilliant pop artist who owns her look and trusts her own sense of style. I’d hate anyone else with a husband that hot and a kid that ridiculously cute. But with Gwen, it just makes me love her more. Get it girl! Get it, get it girl!
Joan Armatrading. One of the most talented singers and songwriters this earth has ever seen. I can only imagine how tough it must have been for a black woman to break into the music biz as a jazz- and folk-infused rocker in the 1970s. Yet, she stuck to her vision and is still amazing to this day. 
No idea why she isn’t as popular in the States as she is across the pond, but I love her!
Nancy Pelosi. For showing the boys on the Hill how its done, and speaking her mind even when it’s not politically correct. And for wearing really nice suits while doing it.
Shirley Manson. Garbage is one of my favorite bands, and Shirley is 99 percent of the reason. The frustrated rocker chick in me wishes I were HER!
Mary J. Blige. She was fierce before ‘fierce’ was fierce. She let go of the drama and embrace the fabulousness. If only all us women could do that.
Cate Blanchett. Her acting prowess alone is enough to warrant a spot on this list. But add her fashion fierceness too? That makes girlfriend absolutely ferosh. Love, love, love her!
Deborah Harry. How can you even describe the fabulousness of Blondie’s icon? She can still pull off the two-toned hair and style. I wanted to be her when I saw her sing The Tide Is High on Solid Gold. (Look at hot hot she was!) I still want to be her.
Chrissie Hynde. Midwestern-girl-turned-rock-goddess. The epitome of the girl who can more than hold her own in a male-dominated genre – and show them how it’s done.
Bethenny Frankel. Reality television is a vehicle that can make even the most accomplished, normal, respectable person look like a lunatic. She somehow comes off as a smart, funny, take-no-crap New Yorker, the kind of friend we all need.
[This list will change periodically]
My 2 cents . . .
Ruth: She rocks. My one issue is that I think she should diessent to the assinine rule that requires the female Justices wear those doileyesque bibs!
Anna: Having worked in the same office building as this woman for many years and having had the opportunity to see her in person on more than one occasion – the only word I could think to accurately describe her is FEROCIOUS. In all the good and bad ways that one can embody this word – she does.
Andrea: I heart her. I saw her on Jeopardy years ago and wanted to BE her. Smart women SHOULD marry smart one. I would like to start by DATING one!
Gwen: Cool as a friggin’ cucumber and I hear very nice as well. Oh – and yes – HOTTEST husband around – WITH a British accent to boot! I should hate her – but I can’t!
Nancy: Been awhile since I have found a female politician to be inspiring.
Shirley: Lyrical genius! “I am not as pretty as those girls in magazines” ME NEITHER – NEITHER ARE 99.9% OF THE FEMALE POPULATION! “I am rotten to my core if they’re to be believed” – ME TOO, ME TOO!!!!
Mary J: NO MORE DRAMA – words to f*ckin live by!
Joan Armatrading does a wonderful version of “In These Times” on an album called Songs For Tibet: The Art of Peace. She’s phenomenal. If you’re an iTunes user, you can find it there. I highly recommend it.
“Tall in the saddle… One day you’re gonna have to dismount.”
Love Joan. Love love love Joan.
Two other musicians I love. Ann and Nancy Wilson, just a couple of sisters that wanted to rock and roll. When the 80s rolled around the record lables started putting them in corsets and push-up bras, they told them to piss off and left. Plus, you can’t beat the bassline of “Barracuda.”
Bobbi- as to your comment re “I am not as pretty as those girls in magazines” NEITHER ARE 99.9% OF THE FEMALE POPULATION! I have this to add:
Neither are 100% of them. Can we just coin a phrase for the art that is computer enhanced photography?? CEP aint’ reality….I love magazine photos in particular and really think they are art. But no one would look at a painting and expect me to look like the person in it. Why should I look like the person that has bene “painted” in the photo? Ridiculous!