Tip of the Day: How to Dress Like a Mad Men Hottie

Betty, Peggy and Joan, the 
Triple-Fashion-Threat of hit TV series Mad Men.

Whose style do you most admire? 
No judgement here if it's Betty!

Here are some basic steps to creating your own personal vintage hottie look.

Tip 1

It's all about silhouette.

Are you curvy like Joan or "straighter" like Betty? It's the DressologyHQ Mantra to dress for the body you have.

For the curvaceous Joans out there, look for the styles that celebrate the flesh!

Emphasize an hourglass bod with dramatic necklines and waist detailing.

ISSA Silk Jersey at Net-a-Porter

Black Halo at Nordstrom

If you have the lithe beauty of Betty, use pattern and straight silhouettes, traditional A-line dresses or a combination thereof to showcase your assets.

Most of all...embrace the power of the flower!

Rose & Gold Floral Slip Dress at Anthropologie
 

ModCloth Floral Dress Delight

Hey! How'd this get in here? The Mad Men Betty Barbie Doll!

The Mad Men Collection at Banana Republic

Tip 2

Keep it contemporary.

Be certain your look is modern and chic — not like one of those black-and-white Old Timey photos they take at the State Fair. 

You don't want people thinking they missed the memo for Dress Up Day at work.

Use on-trend colour and 
modern interpretations of retro patterns like polka dots & florals.

Nanette Lepore Lace Dress in Citrus at Shopbop

Milly Navy & White Silk Print Dress at Net-a-Porter

Trina Turk "Millicent" Printed Belt Dress at Nordstrom

Erdem Printed Chiffon Dress at Net-a-Porter

Lela Rose Printed Voile Dress at Net-a-Porter

And if it's Peggy's style you long to emulate, think conservative 
and you're in the Peggy Zone.


Next step? Cover up...primarily in plaids.

Modern Plaid Sheath Dress at Bloomingdales

Tip 3

Make the look yours.

Whether you go bold in colour like Joan, embrace pattern like Betty, or unite with the inner Catholic school girl of Peggy, 
a literal interpretation of Mad Men style 
is typically a no-no.

You dont want your version of Joan 
to look exactly like Joan. 

Emulate silhouettes, then make it your own 
with pattern, colour choices and accessories.

Play a little. Have Fun. 

Go Mad.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label at Net-a-Porter

Carven One-Shoulder Plaid Dress at Opening Ceremony

Contemporary Floral Dress at Asos

Metallic Jacquard Dress at JCrew

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Dress of the Week: D&G

It was no contest for the 

DressologyHQ Dress of the Week.

The honour goes to Dolce & Gabbana

 for their silk scarf collage 

dress of absolute wonderment. 

It will have you looking equally gorgeous coming...and going.

D&G Scarf Print Silk-Satin Dress at Net-a-Porter, $525

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Swarovski Elements Sultry Underground Video

Too beautiful to not watch.

Transport yourself to 1930's Berlin, 
1920's Paris, New York in the 1980s and 
London in the 90s

in this stunning and glamorous 

Swarovski Elements & Erickson Beamon 
"Deca-Dance" Video.

Two minutes of burlesque-able goodness.

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Little Black Dress of the Week: Lanvin

Ahhh, the LBD. 

Ladies Baking Donuts. 

Love Big Daddy. 

Loathe Boring Duds. 

Leave Behind Doldrums.
Living Big Dreams.

Much fun to be had with the LBD....and so much fun pretending money is no object with the DressologyHQ Little Black Dress of the Week from Lanvin.

Lovely Faux Wrap Lanvin Dress at Barneys New York $3730US

Here are 3 other ways to spend $3730: 

1. Buy two brand new mopeds!

Benelli from ScootsUSA

2. Book a suite for two on a 7-day Alaskan Cruise.

Roundtrip from Seattle

3. Get that custom closet/wardrobe fit-out you've always dreamed of.

From $3000 to $30,000 and beyond....

And a couple factoids for good measure:


•$3500 is the average monthly salary in Australia.


•$3500 is the average cost of having a baby in Canada and the US.


•It costs $3500 for tummy liposuction in London.

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Best Day....Worst Day???

I was recently faced with with 
a best day....worst day conundrum.

I discovered an amazing vintage metallic clutch buried beneath a pile of sad-looking linens at a thrift store. 

Had someone stashed it?? 
Was it hiding from some unknown fate? 
Or maybe it was waiting just for me? 
Me and my $8.

Yes, $8.

I snatched that shimmery delight out of the mess so quickly I released a giant cloud of dust, animal hair and Lord-knows-what into the air.

I had a flashback to the character from Peanuts (remember him?) With his thumb-sucking, blanket-dragging and the cloud of dirt that always surrounded him.
But I digress...

The remainder of the day was lost in the dreary doldrums of errands, but I had a glow about me—because I'd found a treasure in a pile of discarded sheets and smelly towels.

When I finally landed home I grabbed my prize and 
admired it lovingly....gorgeous, shiny, vintage chic. 
For $8. 
Best. Day. Ever.

I inspected my new beauty a bit further and found a tiny knick on the corner, 
which I choose to believe adds character.

It says: "Hey...I'm old. I made it to 2012 and now I have a new life among other cherished (and overpriced?) handbags in a closet that smells of lavender and eucalyptus
(great natural insect/mold repellants). 

Before placing my treasure in its new home I decided to sneak a peak inside as they always used such lovely coloured silk linings back in the day.





I clicked open my magic little darling—and there it was. 
Staring at me. 
Antenna twitching. Shiny shell glistening. 
A cockroach. 
He also seemed quite pleased with his new home.

Best day....Worst Day. 

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

Dress of the Week: Laura Ashley

The DressologyHQ Dress of the Week

 is the next best thing to going on a holiday. 

The Picture Perfect Postcard Dress 

from Laura Ashley. 

Bon Voyage!

Laura Ashley, $189

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?

The Pastel Trend. Like It? Or Lump It?

Reminds me of an Easter Egg Hunt,

 but what the heck, I suppose everyone can use 

a little "pretty" now and again. 

And there aint much prettier...than pastels.

What do you think? 

Alice + Olivia Side Drape Dress in Lilac, $275US

Anthropologie's Gabriella Slip, $198US

DVF does Mint, $398US

Marc Jacobs does Pastel Daisies, $1030US

BB Dakota's Harmony Dress in Apricot, $90US

Red Valentino Cotton Stretch Dress in Rose, $550US

Butterfly with Me Dress from ModCloth, $199US

Another Alice + Olivia in Pale Aqua, $220

__________________________________ Why not look your best every day?