Jackie O. and Michelle Obama aside, Washington D.C. is not really known as a fashion capital, with most lady lawmakers sporting modest pumps and sensible pantsuits. But former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wins our vote for her covert political style.

In her new book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box, Albright explains why an accessory can be a girl's (or a diplomat's) best friend. Taking a cue from the fashion great Coco Chanel, who once said, "It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure," Albright tried to communicate messages to high-level officials -- with her brooches!

It all started with Saddam Hussein. When she was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the Iraqi press published a poem calling her a serpent. In response, she wore a snake pin with a dangling diamond (pictured) to her meeting with the dictator. "Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal," says Albright. "Former president George H. W. Bush had been known for saying 'Read my lips.' I began urging colleagues and reporters to 'Read my pins.'"

How to "Brooch" the Subject
As lots of working gals know, corporate environments can sometimes stifle your awesome personal style. So if you're stuck wearing button-downs and blazers to work everyday, learn from Ms. Albright and add some "oomph" to an outfit with one of these fun brooches. Here's what we would wear to:

Those never-ending meetings: This sterling silver brooch is based on the molecular structure of caffeine, making it the perfect pick-me-up for any wardrobe. And it's so funky and cool that you'll wish those folks on the conference call could see it. ($55 at SupermarketHQ.com) 

A job interview: This Swarovski-embellished owl pin by Kenneth Jay Lane will show that you're wise beyond your years and clearly ready for the new position. ($118.59 at Pret-a-Beaute.com)

Ask the IT guy for help: Need help defragmenting your whatizit or locating your cache? This "Hi" computer key brooch by Vicolo Paglia will definitely win the tech guy's heart and may result in lots of upgrades. ($43 at FarFetch.com)

If you're in the New York area, visit the Museum of Arts and Design to view more than 200 pins from Albright's collection, now through January 31, 2010.

--Michele Laufik