Style File: 'Mad Men' fashion
This product image courtesy of Banana Republic shows a women's design from Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection. Credit: AP Photo/Banana Republic
"Mad Men" has gone beyond a fashion fad. The AMC show about a 1960s ad agency -- in which style is as important as the characters and plot -- continues to influence with a branded collection debuting this week at Banana Republic. It's a good look -- and one that people look good in, says Simon Kneen, the chain's creative director. "It's about good tailoring, it's bon ton, and a little more buttoned up and polished." But, he says, a key part of the collaboration with the show's costume designer Janie Bryant was to be sure they weren't crafting costumes. The clothes are modern, with shapes and details adapted to a contemporary eye, he says.
-- Associated Press
Olsens change it up
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have school -- or, more specifically, AFTER school -- on the brain. The paparazzi magnets and "designers" of J.C. Penney's exclusive juniors brand, Olsenboye, have released a limited-edition change purse, $9.99, 100 percent of which benefits after-school programs. (And now through August 27, if you buy anything else at JCP, round up your total to the nearest dollar and the extra change benefits the same cause. Hey, pennies add up. ) At J.C. Penney stores and jcp.com.
-- Joseph V. Amodio
