The Mad Men Influence

In case you don't know this, I love Mad Men! I mean LOVE IT! There are a couple of reasons that I started watching it - 1. Jon Hamm (Don Draper) is a Mizzou alum (and easy on the eyes, too), 2. I love advertising, 3. I am a child of the 60's and really sometimes wish I could have been an adult during that decade.  Once I began viewing it, it was an obsession. I can't get enough of it. And I really need more than 13 episodes a season - fortunately I have all 3 previous seasons on DVD so I can be with Don Draper anytime I want. The 4th season is in full swing and my obsession is growing. No matter how flawed Don Draper may be, as a viewer you are drawn to him. And the cast, story lines, and set are just magnificent - a true look into 1960's Madison Avenue and American culture. Thank you Mathew Weiner!

So, as I mentioned previously, my house is a hodge podge of different styles. I have noticed lately that it does sport some Mad Men influence. Here are a few of my Mad Men finds:

The lamp I found at an estate/garage sale a couple of weeks ago for $1. It is marked "1962 Florence Art" - I found out they are a company out of San Francisco. I looked on eBay for other Florence Art lamps and there was only one listed for $495. I love the mixture of bent wood and ceramic on this piece and it has the original shade in great condition.  I could see this in Don Draper's office but I think it will be sitting mod, eventually, in our sun porch/media room.  I picked up the seltzer bottle or cocktail shaker at Hatfield's Antique Store in St. Joseph a couple of years ago. I don't remember what I paid (not much) but I loved the black and gold color. I'm sure Don and the boys would mix up some mean drinks with this. It is sitting on our bar, of course.

This radio is awesome. It still works, has a fabulous color, and is in nice condition. It wasn't one of my cheapest finds but I think it is worth the $20 I paid for it. You might find one of these in Don's bachelor pad apartment. Can't you just hear the advertising for Lucky Strikes or maybe Samsonite luggage? They don't make them like they used to... radios or advertising!

So, how has television influenced your style? Have you picked up a treasure because you were inspired by your favorite character? Maybe magazines, music or the movies are more your passion. Whatever it is, don't let the era stifle your creativity.