My cardinal spirit was in full effect this past Sunday when Matthew Weiner ’87, the creator of the series Mad Men, walked away with two Emmy awards for both best drama, and for writing. Since its premiere in July of 2007, the show has taken home the best drama award two years in a row, wowing audiences with its refreshing and unique script, drop dead gorgeous actors, and escapist nostalgia for times not that long ago. Though I know nothing about the advertising industry, I do know classic fashion and Mad Men is a prime example of impeccably polished, classically American, and historically accurate fashion. From Don Draper’s suits, Joan Harris’ waist cinching sheaths, and even little Sally Draper’s madras midriffs, each week I am in awe of the varying color palate and precise tailoring exhibited on every member of the cast. Costume designer Janie Bryant purchases and creates vintage pieces to bring the men and women of Mad Men to life. Showing a keen eye for refined fit on varying body types while still harnessing old American glamour, Bryant has invigorated an already thriving vintage and consignment market.

Though shopping vintage has the potential to break the bank, Bryant claims that some of her best finds came from a Salvation Army in midtown Manhattan. While the retail industry has seen a marked decline in consumer spending in light of the economic downturn, establishments like Salvation Army and Goodwill are seeing an increase in traffic from shoppers of all economic classes. Though finding Betty Draper’s nightgown could prove damn near impossible, there are many treasures to behold in a local thrift store, especially in Middletown. I suggest digging through the crates if you’re trying to save some cash. Having worked as a costume designer last year, stores like Never Say Goodbye and Trusted Servant offer up an array of gowns, men’s’ apparel, and accessories that hearken back to the days of drinking on the job and smoking while pregnant. A fashion favorite of Wesleyan students, cocktails dresses, costume jewelry and Dior sports coats are common finds at these hot spots. The rumor mill suggests that there may be a line inspired by Mad Men in the works, but if you want to get a head start on creating your own ’60s ensembles, look no further than the aisles of the nearest thrift shop.

About amchung

Allyson Chung is a member of the Class of 2010. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she is an American Studies major with a concentration in Media and Popular Culture. Her interests run the gamut of fashion, music, marginalized spaces, sexual politics, and general global social hypocrisies, to name a few. She is the Vice President of the Eclectic Society, a co-coordinator of the Traverse Square tutoring program and has interned at Victoria's Secret and Liz Claiborne/DKNY.