Mad Men fever has well and truly hit our shores.
I have been an addict for the past two seasons and am waiting anxiously to see what’s next. But rather than dragging out that time pondering the prospect, I’ve come up with a special presentation for you all to work a little Mad Men into your every day. I bring you the first of the The Mad Man Style Files!
I am a Joan Holloway fan through and through. I love her wardrobe, her hair, her attitude and her way with the snide remark. Even if your tongue is not as sharp as Joan’s, your style certainly can be. There is a particular formula to her style that you can either choose to adopt fully or create your own modern take on the look.
*Fitted to waist and hips.
In a time when lycra had not yet made its fashion debut, designers had to rely solely on skillful tailoring to achieve Joan’s fitted look. This means more darting, seaming and pleating than you see on the average garment today. Belting with a skinny belt made of the same fabric as the dress was common practice in a more casual day dress look, but you’ll find that Joan’s look relies on clever rouching, cropped jackets or perfectly placed rear darts to achieve the same waisted focus.
*High Scooped Neckline.
Joan’s figure is a deadly weapon, all the more so for its lack of overt sexuality. You won’t see Joan’s bosoms falling from a plunging v-neck, just her sculptured collar bones appearing above a modest neckline hinting at what lies beneath. Like Alfred Hitchcock, Ms Holloway knows the art of suggestion is more powerful than having to spell it out.
*Knee Grazing Length.
This one plays not only into the afore mentioned art of subtly, but also plays a key role in creating the perfect hour glass shape. By bringing the eye in at knee level, it echos the curve of the waist giving it further impact.
*Solid Jewel Colours.
This is one woman who knows how to make the most of her assets. With her flame red hair, confusing the issue with vivid prints en massse would only detract from her striking features. Instead, by choosing solid jewel tones that compliment her hair colour, they serve to frame her natural assets allowing us to focus on her silhouette.
*Shaping Underwear.
Commonly called Foundation Garments, these are the precursors to Spanx and all those style of underwear. Without the aid of the stretch clothing we have today, woman relied more heavily on their underwear to give them the perfect shape they needed. (If only there was a bit more usage of these we wouldn’t be subjected to the multi boob phenomenon we see so much of now). To get the perfect Joan shape, you need the perfect Joan underwear. It lifts, taughtens and holds you in in all the right places. Rather than relying on the dress to hold it together, this removes the straining, lumps and bumps, giving you Joan’s sleek smooth shape.
*Sleek 60′s Coif.
Joan’s hair truly is her crowing glory. Not only striking in colour, but with such style, polish and variety, waiting to see how she arrives next is a pleasure. There is much thought that goes into each style. Even the softer ‘bed head’ do’s have a more sculptural quality that says, ” I look this good on purpose”. Each style has similar design elements. Height at the crown, side swept fringe (bangs) to highlight her eyes, and a shorter length to show off her alabaster neck.
*Signature Necklace.
A strong personality can carry off a signature item with apolmb. Rather than being a show pony for an extensive jewellery collection, Joan’s choices are simple, only extending to the glittery in the earring department or on a big night out. In each and every office scene, Joan sports a sleek silver pen necklace. It is simple, practical and comes with the unspoken adgenda of business, but not at the expense of style.
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*** Coming Up: Joan Hollway Hair – A Super Kawaii Mama Tutorial! ***
