Mad Men Style

Mad Men is a show set in 1960’s Manhattan. Life is fun and exciting, men are men and women are women but life is changing. Mad Men is all about the lives of the men of Madison Avenue advertising firm Sterling Cooper–but you just can’t help but notice the women. They are strong, sexy and provocative and of course they have a fantastic wardrobe!

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe admitted that she hardly sits down in front of the television but that if she had to style one series it would, in fact, be the AMC hit. “I’d have to say ‘Mad Men,’” she confessed. “But I wouldn’t change a thing. I think the styling is fantastic….The overall tone of it and the period it was in, it’s a period I’m a fan of.”

In fact, Katherine Jane Bryant who is the actual stylist behind the series hasn’t received nearly enough credit for her work on Mad Men–having recreated the styles that have influenced many contemporary designers in a huge way. The 60′s have and will continue to have a big comeback.

Fashion in the early years of the 1960s reflected the elegance of prominent figures, like Jacqueline Kennedy and movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn. Women wore suits, usually in pastel colors, with short boxy jackets, and over-sized buttons. Simple, geometric shift dresses were in style for day and in terms of  evening wear, full-skirted evening gowns were worn with tight-fitting waists. For casual wear, Capri trousers and pencil skirts were a common look for the fashion for women and girls-and denim was pretty much only worn for gardening.The alluring glamour of the 1960s stewardess has never quite lost its sizzle.

Here are some of our favorite looks for the pre-fall season to get the “Mad Men” look.

Clockwise from top left: Trina Turk Flight Crew Ponte Dress $298.00 www.neimanmarcus.com, Pencil Skirt $88.00 www.anntaylor.com, Flower Brooch $49.00 on sale $29.00 www.fantasyjewelrybox.com, Lara Satchel Saffiano $325.00 www.brahmin.com, Joie Lace 3/4 Blouse $268.00 www.chelseabrentwood.wordpress.com.

The Summer Romper

Who says you have to be a child to wear a romper? In fact-the romper has evolved into a sophisticated and chic trend for women that is youthful and grown-up all at the same time.

The trends in rompers for this Summer 2011 season are the color block and printed varieties-particularly in silks or flowy fabrics. A silk romper is the best investment because it can be dressed up…whereas those made of cotton or jersey should be reserved for more casual affairs.

Colorblock was seen months ago all over the designer runway shows and now that it’s hit the stores we are loving it! Colorblocking can trick the eye into thinking the outfit is two coordinating pieces, when in fact they are sewn together. To spice up a colorblock romper, simply add a fun gold patent leather belt and heads will be sure to turn your way.

Clockwise from top left: Trina Turk Samba Romper $258.00 www.revolveclothing.com, Color Block Bow Front Playsuit $110.00 www.topshop.com, Joie Bergamont Romper $258.00 www.chelseabrentwood.com, Roses and Dots Romper $17.80 www.forever21.com.

Just For Fun! Four Fabulous Finds!

Just for fun, we found these four fabulous finds that are sure to make you smile. This bright patterned tote is perfect for Spring-keeping you on trend and with enough room to pack for a day at the beach or walk the farmer’s market in style. A fringe necklace will jazz up a solid tee and is the perfect statement piece to make you stand out in a hip way.  Classic black stilettos are given a slightly playful twist with bows…we love how flirty and classic these are. Benefit’s, limited edition, Crescent Row Eue de Toilette set will prevent perfume ho-hum dull drum-with four scents to choose from you can conjure up different personalities depending on your mood.

Go ahead, splurge!

Clockwise for top left: Trina Turk Tiger Leaf Tote $175.00 www.trinaturk.com, My Fiona Stilettoes $26.80 www.forever21.com, Wanderlust Gradient Fringe Necklace $128.00 www.juicycouture.com, Crescent Row Limited Edition Set $36.00 www.benefitcosmetics.com.

Accessory Report: Great Spring Finds Under $100

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to revamp the wardrobe and add fun and colorful accessories to the mix. With so much to choose from online and in stores, we’ve curated a fashionable assortment of some of our favorite finds…and to make them even more enticing we kept each piece under $100!

A few key accessories are all you need to be on trend this Spring 2011. Chloe wire-framed glasses on sale are always in style and who’s really going to know you got them on sale, right? Gold earrings in geometric shapes are all the rage this Spring 2011, as well as interesting bangles in bright and bold colors. Speaking of color; turquoise, coral and white always say Spring is here.

A lightweight scarf is also a must have for those cooler days and for throwing on at night. We love International Goodwill Ambassador (and supermodel) Liya Kebede’s new line of handmade scarfs called Lemlem, meaning “to bloom” in Amharic. The line is ultra hip and was started as a way of providing Ethiopian weavers with a means to escape poverty; so not only will you look good but you’ll feel good too!

Finally, the well accessorized gal always has a floppy hat in her closet; the perfect accessory for a quick getaway to Palm Springs or a leisurely day in Malibu. 

(Clockwise from top left): Trina Turk Enamel Brick Bangle $98.00 www.trinaturk.com, Lemlem Printed Scarf $99.00 Exclusively for J.Crew www.jcrew.com, Chloe Sunglasses $95.00 www.theoutnet.com, La Vie Crystal Necklace $95.00, Available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Collection XIIX Bold Stripe Straw Hat $38.00 www.nordstrom.com, Dazzle Earrings Orig, $45.00 now $35.00 www.bananarepublic.com.

Where The Wild Things Are- Spring’s Geometric and Tribal Prints

Spring is the perfect time to let your wild side shine with color and prints. The warm weather evokes the allure of the outdoors and nature as we tend to spend more of our time in the sun.

Geometric and tribal prints were a huge element at the 2011 Spring runway shows where each designer put their own spin on the trend.

Get the “Out of Africa” look with a tribal print in combination with khaki or army-green pieces. To achieve a more mod look stick with bold primary colors and geometric prints.  Either way…you’ll look stylish and it just might remind you to add that African safari you’ve always dreamed of to your bucket list.

Diane Von Furstenberg Skylar Silk Romper $385.00 www.bloomingdales.com, Charlotte Ronson twisted Strap Dress with Rope Belt $235.00 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Marc Jacobs Geometric Printed Silk Top $495.00 www.netaporter.com, Hot Spots Bel Mar Tunic $238.00 www.trinaturk.com, Zebra Print Scarf $39.00 www.zara.com, Alice + Olivia Printed Layer Skirt $220.00 www.saks.com.