Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 3: Joan Holloway (Harris)

Sexy, confident, and always sassy, office manager Joan Holloway (Harris) never fails to steal the show. Taking her style cues from her idol Marilyn Monroe, Joan shows off her curves proudly. Her striking red hair, delicate features, volumptuous shape and love for bold, rich colors prove Joan is a force to be reckoned with.

A fun loving girl who's also responsible (sometimes) needs a wardrobe that is sexy while still being completely office appropriate.  This dress, from  ModCloth, has all the features that remind us of Joan - buttons, bold red color, form fitting shape, cap sleeves, and a waist cinching belt!

A typical day at the office calls for a not so typical dress, like this one from Nordstrom.  This 3/4 sleeve dress features a bold blue color, fun retro looking collar, and thick black belt to help those of you who don't have Joanie's perfect hour glass shape.

A vision in emerald, Joan makes the other women in the office green with envy. Luckily, Joan always knows just what to say to keep everyone calm and productive.

Joan Holloway is a whole lotta woman and for fancier occassions she needs a dress that can do her justice.  Be a stunning lady in red and show off your figure in this this sexy dress from Macys.

But, Joan doesn't wear dresses all the time!  Sometimes there is a skirt and sweater combo mixed in there.  We love this dark green sweater and it's old fashion button details and think it would look perfectly Joan-y with a tweed pencil skirt and pointy toe heels!

Pencil skirts are a very well known staple of the Joan Holloway wardrobe.  We love them in all colors and styles and think they make every woman look sexy and shapely, enhancing (or creating!) curves.

Joan doesn't mess around with sky high heels.  Walking around the city and office all day means you'll need heels that are low and comfy, but still super sexy and pointy!  Pointy toe kitten heels or ones that are slightly higher, like these Nine West heels, would be just right. Here are some in plain black, but you could also find colors that coordinate with your outfits which we have also seen Joan do on occasion.

What would Joan be without her signature necklace?  This necklace, available at Amazon, is similar to Joan's vintage pen necklace. Jen has one of these and has gotten many compliments on it, plus, it really writes so you don't ever have to worry about not having a pen handy!

And, of course, you'll often see Joan wearing a gold brooch along with the necklace above.  Etsy has a variety of vintage style gold brooches, like this round floral shaped one by Archives Chicago.



Likes to laugh, lives to love.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Mad Men Character Inspiration Part 2: Betty Draper

Today we are excited to feature our second Mad Monday. We love vintage looks and, when it comes to feminine style , there is none more charming than model turned housewife, Betty Draper.  Betty is the epitome of how the modern 1950's wife and mother should look. Her style is a little bit of a mixed bag and goes from pretty and youthful (a la Grace Kelly) to respectable and sophisticated (think Jackie O) little by little.  But, regardless of her choices, she never fails to look fashionable and picture perfect with not a single hair out of place.

One of Birdie's favorite styles to wear is the sleeveless, button down dress.  Throughout the show you'll see her in a variety of these dresses, usually as her everyday kind of wear, and typically paired with a skinny belt.  We can certainly see her wearing something like this around the house, grocery shopping, or at one of her Junior League meetings.

Entertaining guests or just looking to impress?  Be the perfect hostess in a simple but stunning dress like this with it's modern colors and pattern and classic silhouette. Betty usually doesn't choose colors like these but she will for a festive occasion or for when she is looking to get a little attention.

Sure, there is another side of Betty (the pants wearing side) but that is one that we rarely see.  When you do you can bet they'll be some pretty unique and fashion forward pants like these plaid ones!

Charming business men isn't easy!  To wine and dine her hubby's coworkers at formal dinners and weddings, we think Betty would have loved this dress from Macy's.  This dress is modest and appropriate for an upper class woman of her time with it's full skirt and lovely pale pink color.

Being wealthy isn't easy and your bound to have more than a few social events to attend to. If your planning to attend a more modern and fun cocktail party, you could opt for this adorable little number.  All eyes will be on you in this gorgeous dress with feminine colors, a bit of sparkle, and Betty's signature full skirt that creates the perfect hourglass.  Don't forget your white gloves!

In later seasons you're more likely to see Betty is something like this.  As her life changes (no spoilers!) she starts dressing a bit more conservative and respectable, showing that she is growing up and changing. While dressing more mature, she is still as classy and beautiful as ever.

When Betty needs some time to herself she hits the stables for some riding and is, of course, dressed appropriately. This would be the perfect chic and modern equestrian outfit, complete with boots,  riding pants, and a conservative sweater and turtleneck all in neutral classy colors.

Now, let's not forget accessories.  Betty's accessories are classic and feminine and very simple.  Need to add a pop of color to an outfit or make yourself look more respectable and presentable?  Just add a chic silk scarf and you're ready to go!

And, of course, Betty is never without the blue blood staple, pearls!  She is often seen wearing big, oversized pearl stud earrings or a delicate necklace.  Slip on a pair of these and your double strand pearl necklace and you'll feel instantly glamorous. 

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

The Eleventh Day of Christmas Winner!

On the 11th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Kasey... a unique owl locket from Gypsy Warrior and a beautiful collage etching by Kate Van Vliet! 

Kasey will receive this amazing silver and gold heart locket from Gypsy Warrior.  Gypsy Warrior is a collaborative effort from two very stylish dolls, Nicla and Michel (who went to college with us!) The ladies combined their eclectic personal styles to create a website that provides unique and vintage clothing and accessories to women everywhere who want to stand out from the crowd.  Their selections are strongly influenced by retro 60s and 70s style, and have a bohemian edge. While Gypsy Warrior is a fairly new business, they are wildly popular and their items have been selling out like crazy! Be sure to check out their Etsy and Ebay page for the latest fashion deals, and follow them on Facebook as well!

It is definitely Kasey's lucky day. In addition to the amazing owl heart locket, Kasey will also receive this gorgeous etching by Kate Van Vliet. What we really love about Kate's art is that it reflects a beautiful contrast between masculine and feminine. Working with wood, metal, and fire (traditionally thought of as very "masculine" elements) Kate creates art with traditional "feminine" subject matters, such as birth control, compacts, doilies, etc. Kasey will receive a beautiful, framed drawing of a hot air balloon drifting away from a lovely castle. Jen in particular loves this item, as her husband proposed to her on a hot air balloon! But even if you don't have this romantic sentiment to draw you in, we're sure you'll enjoy Kate's delicate and unique style that makes her work so eye catching. Check out Kate's website to view all of her collections, and check out her Etsy page to see what's in stock!

Thanks again, to Gypsy Warrior (big shout out to Michel!) and Kate Van Vliet for their wonderful contributions!  Keep up the amazing work, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Congratulations to today's winner, Kasey!  Please send us an email with your contact information so we can ship out your prizes asap! Also, tune in tomorrow for the last day of our 12 Days of Christmas (last chance to win a prize if you haven't done so already) and our last post before we go on a Christmas hiatus!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Shades of Autumn

Here is another great color combo for fall!  We know that incorporating a whole range of colors can be tempting, particularly for the fall season, and who are we to stop you?!  What we will do is show you how to combine multiple fall colors in a way that is tasteful and sophisticated and not reminiscent of a hand print turkey.  So, to pick a few colors we went with brown, green, orange and yellow.   You could easily add more splashes of burgundy to this palette, if you so choose, but we like to keep things a little simpler.  Plus, focusing on just these four lends to an almost vintage, 1970's feel that we are really digging.

Brown, Green, Orange, and Yellow Fall Wedding Color Inspiration Board

Images from: KottonKandy52, TheSlightlyObsessiveBride, ElizabethAnneDesigns, wedding-cupcakes, Zazzle, OnceWed, ModCloth, wishspecialevents, merrimentdesign, KellyOShiroEvents, David's Bridal, Urban Outfitters

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Real Wedding: Mike and Sheryl - Part 1 of 2

We hope you enjoyed our post last Friday on Mike and Sheryl's gorgeous E-session at Coney Island.  Today we are thrilled to share this lovely couple's special day with you.  These images were captured by the very talented duo, Wayne and Angela, from Wayne Yuan Photography.

  

There were so many stunning shots that we couldn't pick just a few, so we've decided to split Mike and Sheryl's wedding into two parts - getting ready/pre-ceremony portraits and  then next week tune in for the ceremony/reception. Getting ready is a sometimes fun and sometimes stressful time for a bride and Sheryl was happy to share some of her feelings with us.  When asked how she felt the morning of her wedding Sheryl told us she was actually pretty calm and relaxed and then she followed with, "I think the most memorable part was when the flowers arrived at the room. I was already all done up and dressed, and the photographers were taking some portrait shots. They were so beautiful and they really pulled everything together. It was the last thing I needed to feel like a bride and then we were off to see Mike!"  



Sheryl and Mike decided to take their pictures pre-ceremony (obvi the best way to do it since this ensures the hair and makeup is still all in place).  They had a romantic rendezvous at the bottom of the Hilton Newark Penn escalator and, blessed with a gorgeous day and bright shining sun, they were whisked away to Branch Brook Park for some pre-ceremony portraits with the Bridal Party.

Thanks again to Sheryl and Mike for sharing these with us!  Be sure to check back next week for the finale which will include details on designers & vendors and, of course, beautiful shots including the ceremony, reception, general decor, and more!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Vintage Pink and Tiffany Blue

Another great color combination for Spring is the ultra feminine pale vintage pink paired with the beautifully romantic "Tiffany" blue. The blue is more vibrant and rich, while the pale pink shade softens it and balances out the color theme -- think his and hers!

Images from: The Wedding Decorator, Zappos, WeddingPaperDivas, BetsyWhite, Flickr, Pretty Chicky, Urban Outfitters, Ann Taylor, JCrew,



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Gossip Girl Style, Part 2 of 4: Vanessa Abrams

Vanessa Abrams started out as Dan's home-school, outsider friend, but has quickly risen to the ranks of the NYU elite. Her wild hair and beautiful blue eyes have made her a favorite among the men on the Upper East Side, but it's her fashion choices that make her such a vivid character. She is not afraid of taking fashion risks, opting for bold colors, interesting patterns, and, of course, lots of jewelry! Here are some looks that we could see the burgeoning filmmaker sporting:

Vanessa is not afraid of wearing colors, so this bold red dress by Urban Outfitters seems like a perfect fit for her. Plus it's made up of vintage, surplus, and deadstock material, which makes it eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind, just like Vanessa.

 

This dress, available at Nordstrom, is a little less structured than the first, but still equally as suitable for Vanessa.  V would love this fun, pretty dress that features some of her signature colors!  We can just picture her sporting this look with a baggy sweater, slouchy boots, and a large colored hobo bag!

This leafy tiered necklace exemplifies Vanessa's unique style and daring choice of accessories.  Available at Anthropologie, you can mimic Vanessa's bohemian look by pairing this with a flowy dress or a casual v-neck tee -- and Dan Humphrey will be all yours.

 

V not only loves bright colors, but also can't get enough of prints!  With the perfect combination of both, we can totally picture our Bohemian Brooklyn gal in this tank from Express.

Like we said before, Vanessa loves her accessories!  While maybe she never made it as far as to sit on The Met steps, we're sure she's ventured inside more than a few times to admire the art.  We wouldn't be surprised if she'd stop in the gift shop on the way out to pick up this bright and colorful Egyptian inspired piece.

Vanessa is definitely a thrifty shopper, and while she tends to value original, eco-friendly pieces, she is not one to shy away from a bargain. That is why this artsy sequin tunic from Forever 21 is a perfect choice for her. It's fun, vibrant, and costs less than $25! 

But V knows when to take a step back and opt for some neutrals. Perfect for mild weather, this loose, belted cardigan from Anthropologie reflects Vanessa's go-with-the-flow attitude. The artistic pattern and earth tone bring out the softer side of the daring Brooklyn the native, while still maintaining her unique sense of style.

 

And wearing neutrals makes it even easier to choose your statement pieces, such as this gorgeous pair of earrings from Neiman Marcus.  Though we're not likely to see V shopping at that store, we think she'd really make an exception for these Egyptian inspired, turquoise earrings by Milly.  We think,with their Bohemian look and funky pattern, they would be a fantastic addition to Vanessa's seemingly never ending jewelry box. 

Happy shopping!

XOXO

Jen & Saira