Mad women

It was no surprise when  news broke this morning that Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant is in talks to do a guest designer collection for the Matchbook company.  The show's popularity ( and Janie's style) has been cropping up as a  major fashion influence everywhere from Oprah Winfrey to the London Runways.    The designer, who explained her line and it's appeal to WWD “It’s gorgeous, classic silhouettes. Americans have been so casual for so long, I think they long for this kind of considered dressing.” 

But for those of us without Oprah’s bank account, or ready access to the major London fashion houses, creating is still easily executed. A simply trip to Anthropologie will unearth many 60's inspired styles, or log on to Modcloth to browse the virtual vintage repro racks.

For the more adventurous mad-men-trend-setters, vintage stores offer the most authentic pieces, at frequently the best price point. But buyer beware, there are tricks to vintage shopping that show stylists and retro fans following including:

1) Check it once, and then check again. Every vintage retailer will claim that they closely inspect, clean and repair items before they hit the floor. But buyers beware: vintage is almost always “as is” and depending on the age of the garment some wear and tear is to be expected. Always take the time to check seams, buttons, hems, and zippers for damage. If you see anything beyond your abilities to fix, or wash out, set it down and step away.

2) Bring a bottle of water in your bag. Vintage stores can be overwhelming, crammed, and crowded. To beat vintage shopping fatigue tuck a bottle of water in your bag to sip while you shop. This will keep you refreshed, hydrated and energetic enough to sift through the racks.

3) Start small. Accessories and jewelry are a great way to add a little retro flair to your wardrobe without commit to a full-vintage look. Look for  glittery brooches, chandelier earrings, and brightly hued clutches to give your wardrobe a big style boost at a small price.

4) Check the fabric content. Cotton may be the fabric of our lives, but it wasn’t the thread of choice for many yesteryear designers, and unfortunately old-school polyesters tend to be thick and sweat inducing. Remember a fantastic $10 dress isn’t fantastic if it’s too uncomfortable to wear.

5) Think outside the Valencia corridor. Yes, San Francisco has some fantastic vintage stores, but higher demand for vintage among San Francisco’s population makes many stores over priced and over picked.  Two of the bay's vest vintage shops  are  Twisters Vintage, and Mercy Vintage, in Berkeley and Piedmont respectively.