Mad Men Fashion Report: Pearls And Brooches, Then And Now (SPOILER ALERT)

**Spoiler alert! Do not keep reading if you haven't yet watched your Tivo'd "Mad Men" season finale.**

Sunday's season finale included a lot of bomb dropping moments - and I'm not talking about the threat of a Soviet nuclear strike. The first strike... "Don, I'm pregnant," -Boom! Strike 2: "Peggy, you could go to hell!" - Boom! Strike 3: "I love you and I want to be with you," -Boom! Followed by the Grand Finale: "Pete, I had your baby and I gave it away." - Boom... Boom... Bang... Bang! Way to leave us hanging until season 3.

With so many questions left unanswered, I can't help but think of how "Meditations in an Emergency" mimicked the tone of our current state as a country. Like all the Mad Men characters on Sunday night, we are fearful - fearful of losing our jobs, of another terrorist attack, of an election gone awry, and of a sick economy where the ultimate damages are still unknown. As a globalized society, we've recently rediscovered that when there's a boom, there's always a bust. And there are some things we can learn from Betty, Joan, Trudy, and the rest - pearls and brooches can make any outfit look its best.

It's true. My grandmother always told me that you could make any plain wardrobe look like a million bucks when you dress it up with a pearl necklace or a fine brooch.

This fashion season, brooches are once again making a comeback and Mad Men may be to blame. Take for instance Joan, pictured below, wore a delicate gold leaf brooch with a matching pair of earrings. You don't need an overbearing brooch to make something look elegant. For example, Francine had on a plain brown suit with a short boxy jacket, yet her brooch added a splash of elegance to that rather dreary color.

Brooches may come in and out of style but pearls are timeless. If you haven't already learned from Jacqueline Kennedy, then take a look at Betty Draper - the Queen of these mollusk productions. She wears pearl earrings, pearl bracelets and pearl necklaces from a single strand to three. Pearls symbolize pure elegance, so throw a pearl necklace on anything and you'll exude a Jackie O or a Betty Draper. Pearls can also be worn in pink, yellow, black, short or long. The always perfectly prim Trudy wore golden colored pearls. Even Peggy is moving on up in accessories with a simple single-strand of pearls.

Betty Draper

Trudy Campbell

Peggy Olsen

Our potential first ladies, too, seem to be emulating the styles of Betty, Peggy and Joan. Check out the accessories that Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama have flaunted on the campaign trail.

Unless you're funded by the RNC, it's becoming more difficult to purchase a completely new wardrobe during these tough times. Accessories are key this year in dressing up and changing last seasons' attire, and buying a pearl necklace and/or a brooch doesn't need to break the bank either. Pearls and brooches don't need to be expensive to look expensive. You can find some of the best wallet-conscious jewelry items at places like Forever 21 and H&M.

While we impatiently wait for the next season of this beloved show, the fashions and stories of Mad Men will carry us through until the next episode. So before Peggy starts wearing a Mary Quant mini and before Don grows his hair out, check out this week's more affordable Mad Men looks to bring out your inner Betty, Peggy, Joan, and Don.

Comments

[Tamoomoo]

I've been asking my husband for a strand of pearls for a while. I love how pearl jewelry looks. I was fortunate enough to have my Grandma loan me her pearls for my wedding- I had a 1950's style tea-length gown and the pearls really made the dress.

[PeaceOnEarth62]

I love everything about this show especially the fashions. All women should aspire to be so beautiful and lady-like. I am tired of seeing women out in public dressed in shorts and t-shirts, even pajama bottoms and slippers. Enough is enough.

We need to command respect and dressing well is the best way to accomplish this.

[naschkatze]

You talk of brooches, and say nothing about Madeleine Albright?

[reemo]

I love reading your blog... more than I love Rachel Zoe... and I think she'd love it too!

[Marnie21]

Thank you so much for the the link to the betty blazer im def going out to get one. Its a must have! Also thanks for selecting more affordable options.

[Pythia]

Well, it's the last show of the season, but you finally got it... better late than never. Accessories, accessorize. From the hat, gloves, handbag, scarf, or yes, pearls and brooch, women back then made a far greater effort to 'polish' their appearance. I was in the jewelry business, and wore pearls and brooches even in the early 80's when only old RNC ladies like Barbara Bush were doing it. And once again, it's HOW you wear them. May I recommend a place for inexpensive REAL (albeit, freshwater pearls). Ross Simons, either by catalog or over the internet is a treasure trove. I have a classic single strand and studs, a full on 3 strand with matching diamond studded bracelet, a 5 strand choker of black ones, and large mixed color black Tahitians (think Nancy Pelosi) that are outrageously affordable now in Mother of Pearl. My old Cameos, worn as brooches, also gather tons of attention, especially worn at the bottom of a V-neck lace top at the bodice, or pocket of a houndstooth riding jacket. And did I miss it, or did you not cover the power of a matching red lip and nail, a la Revlon? They must be immaculate, but winter is coming, a great time to experiement. Retro vintage is feminine, but don't expect to blend. People do notice...