Above, from left: Joan Holloway; Roger Sterling; Don Draper; Betty Draper (all in doll form, of course).

Mid-century American fashion is the definition of ladylike elegance, which is why I’ve always been enamored of the immaculate wardrobe featured in AMC’s “Mad Men” - especially Joan Holloway’s pencil skirts and Betty Draper’s pretty swing dresses.

Now toymaker Mattel is partnering with the television series to produce several “Mad Men” Barbie and Ken dolls.  However, according to an article in the New York Times, the dolls will come replete with appropriate 50’s-style accessories, but “no cigarettes, ashtrays, martini glasses or cocktail shakers.”  Don Draper would not approve.

The Joan Holloway-inspired doll seems a bit too svelte to emulate the gorgeous Christina Hendricks, and Don and Roger’s suits aren’t quite as tailored as they are in real life, but nitpicking aside, I love these.  (And, actually, the Betty Draper doll is pretty spot-on.)  It would be terrific if you could buy a Sterling Cooper dollhouse, too!

There will be 7,000 to 10,000 copies of each dolls, which are expected to retail at $74.95 each.  They will be available in specialty stores as well as online at amctv.com and barbiecollector.com.

Via The New York Times & AMC Blog.

Wondering where the deals + steals went?

They’re now on our Twitter page!

In order to make our Deals + Steals even easier to access, we’re now posting online promotions and coupon codes on Twitter.  This way we can share coupon codes as soon as we find them – no need to wait for the weekly Deals & Steals posts.

Check out Twitter.com/File_Fashion to see the deals we’ve collected!

All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.

What’s the difference between an Hermes Birkin and an Hermes Kelly bag?

There is probably no inanimate object in this world that comes as close to legendary status within the realm of fashion as an Hermes bag.  Actually, we’re referring to two handbags: the Hermes Kelly and the Hermes Birkin.

Many other purses come close (the Chanel 2.55 comes to mind), but none possess the same level of internationally-recognized social standing.

The Birkin and Kelly are also widely confused because of their similar appearance.  While both are extremely coveted amongst fashionphiles, there are a few differences that give each bag its distinctive style and character, which we’ve listed in full detail below.

The Kelly:

• Is generally considered the more formal style.  (Think ladies that lunch and old money – although the Kelly has recently gained some notoriety for being increasingly popular among WAGs and reality TV stars.)
• Has a single handle that seems particularly apropos hanging from the crook of the arm of a lady with perfect posture.
• Has a more structured shape than the Birkin.
• Comes in either rigide (outside stitching, more expensive) or souple (inside stitching, softer feel).
• Available in a 25cm, 28cm, 32cm or 35cm size, the most popular being the 28cm and 32cm.
• Comes with a removable shoulder strap.
• Is named after the elegant actress Grace Kelly, who, after her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco, covered her pregnant belly from photographers with her structured, crocodile Hermes bag.

The Birkin:

• Is generally considered the more casual and younger of the two styles.  (Also extremely popular amongst jetsetting celebutantes – you’ve probably seen it countless times between the covers of US Weekly.)
• Has two handles – the most obvious difference between the two – which gives it a sportier look.  However, like the Kelly, the straps are short and the bag is not designed to be worn on the shoulder.
• Has a less rigid, slightly slouchier shape and a wider opening.
• Comes in a range of sizes: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, and 40cm.  There is also a 45cm travel Birkin with slightly longer straps (to be worn on the shoulder).
• Was created in 1984 for the British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, who was on the same flight as Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes when her overstuffed purse caught his eye.  The Birkin was designed to be larger and more practical; however, Jane Birkin later confessed she stopped using it because the heavy bag contributed to her tendinitis.

Both the Kelly and the Birkin are:

• Entirely hand-made, from start to finish.  Supposedly, the craftsmen who make Kelly or Birkin handbags are trained for 7 years – they are first tasked with making belts, wallets, small leather goods and other handbags before moving on to the Birkins and Kellys.  It can take an artisan up to 20 hours to construct a Kelly or Birkin bag.
• Embellished with a number-coded padlock and keys, which are housed in a small leather sheath.
• Available in various types of hardware: gold, silver palladium, burnished ruthenium and guilloche, which has a diamond-cut pattern.
• Made of various leathers, from smooth or pebbly calfskin, to exotic lizard, crocodile or ostrich skin.  Togo, which is a scratch-resistant textured calf leather, is considered the most popular.
• Very pricey: each starts at around $6,000 – but prices can go up into the six figure range, depending on the materials used.

Would you save up your pennies for an Hermes bag?  Let us know in the comments, and vote for the Birkin or the Kelly in our poll.

References & Further Reading:

• “Hermes v. Hermes”.  The Washington Post.
• “Hermes”. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
• Hermes Reference Library at The Purse Forum.

Have a style-related question you’ve been dying to ask? We’re at your service.  Feel free to email us at fileunderfashion@gmail.com.

Above: 1. Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Rubber Heart Pumps ($132) at FarFetch.com.

When I was in grade school, Valentine’s Day was one of my favorite holidays. We’d spend the afternoon cutting out hearts and pasting them to white paper doilies to make valentines.  Then we’d gorge ourselves on Sweethearts and heart-shaped Red Hots and red fruit punch.  Life was good.

So it should come as no surprise I’m still a sucker for the holiday after all these years.  Here’s a collection of gifts that are perfect for your Valentine (or yourself)!

A pair of vintage lead type from an actual printing press hang from this necklace. Perfect for one of your initials and the initials of a loved one!
Above: 1. Double Letterpress Silverplate Necklace ($65) at EricaWeiner.com.

Perfume with a quirky edge – and a card that’s too cute for words.
Above, from left: 1. Comme Des Garçons Play Eau De Toilette ($94) at FarFetch.com; 2. “love you big heart” Card ($5) from Etsy.com.

This tiny gift from the World’s Smallest Postal Service comes enclosed with the message “You are as Cute as a Button”.  A tiny vintage button completes the package.
Above: 1. “Cute as a Button” Package ($10) at LeafcutterDesigns.com.

A heart-shaped clip with a birdcage veil is vintage kitsch and glamour all rolled up into one.  And a purple leather paperweight instantly prettifies any desk.
Above, from left: 1. Rockabilly Pink Heart Valentine Hattie ($40) at Etsy.com; 2. Leather Heart Paperweight ($35) at LineaPelle.com.

Wear your heart on your sleeve, or rather, on your dress, with this adorable red cutout frock.
Above: 1. Gingham “I Heart You” Dress ($54) at FredFlare.com.

It might not seem romantic, but load up the new “Nook” e-Reader with romantic poetry and photos of you and your sweetheart, and it’ll make anyone swoon.
Above: 1. Barnes & Noble Nook E-Reader ($259) at BarnesandNoble.com.

Product photos courtesy of their respective websites. All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.

Above: 1. Tretorn “Skerry” Pink Rain Boots ($44 – on sale!) at Zappos.com.

The best reason we can think of for inclement weather is probably a change of wardrobe. Tank tops, flip flops and sunny weather can get boring, right?

So even if you’re going out in gloomy weather, our roundup of rubber boots might actually make you feel right as rain. Or at least keep your feet dry.

Classic rain boots in an unexpected, color, print or material.
Above, from left: 1. “Zetta” Kelly Green Rain Boots ($19.99 – on sale!) at Target.com; 2. Chooka Printed Rain Boot ($59.95) at Nordstrom.com; 3. Chooka “Herringbone” Boot ($70) at Piperlime.com.

So sleek, you almost forget they’re rain boots.
Above, from left: 1. London Fog “Wales” Boot ($109.99 – on sale!) at Piperlime.com; 2. Jeffrey Campbell “Voom” Boot ($64.95) at Nordstrom.com.

A funky leopard print or classic yellow.
Above, from left: 1. Stuart Weitzman “Puddles” Rain Boot ($98) at JildorShoes.com; 2. Moov “Super Gloss” Rain Boot ($224 – on sale!) at MoovBoots.com.

Go neutral with matte gray boots, or stand out in a fun Orla Kiely print.
Above, from left: 1. Moov “Le Signature” Gray Boot ($196 – on sale!) at MoovBoots.com; 2. Orla Kiely “Multi Stem” Rain Boots ($128) at eDressMe.com.

Product photos courtesy of their respective websites. All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.

Hello everyone! Apologies for the delinquent state of updates – jet lag and playing catch up at all aspects of life has rendered me highly unproductive.

Had an amazing trip to Asia, but it’s good to be back in Los Angeles – despite the bizarre amount of rain we’ve had in the past week. Hope you’re all staying warm this winter.

File Under: Fashion will be out of the “office”, so to speak, for the next few weeks. I’ll be stopping in Tokyo for a few days before visiting Shanghai and finally Hong Kong – hopefully I’ll return with plenty of pictures to share!

At the very least, I’ll be stuffing myself silly with delicious food and enjoying the change of scenery.

You can, of course, still contact File Under: Fashion as usual via Facebook, Twitter, or email!

Jaa mata!

Photo credit: Tokyo – Eric Chu.

Clockwise, from top left: 1. Nixon Magnacon Watch ($600) at NixonNow.com; 2. Paul Smith Naked Lady Wallet ($225) at PaulSmith.com; 3. Band Of Outsiders Checkered Shirt ($240) at Barneys.com; 4. Monster Socks ($8) at UrbanOutfitters.com; 5. “How I Met Your Mother” DVD Set ($14.99) at Amazon.com.

As girls, it comes naturally to be able to find the perfect gifts for our girlfriends, moms…and especially, ourselves! But when it comes to shopping for the men in our lives – i.e. our boyfriends or guy friends – that’s another story entirely. That’s why I’ve done the dirty work for you this year and scoured the web for some of the best gifts for our favorite men - they’re the stuff boys like!

Whether it’s the slim-fitting plaid shirt or the secretly scandalous wallet, these gifts will be sure to bring a smile to your guy’s face. Ah, the holidays – ‘tis the season to give great gifts and be adored for it.

Image layout by Stuff Boys Like. Product photos courtesy of their respective websites.

Julie [pictured above] is an adorable redhead and self-described tomboy from Kentucky who is transitioning from a career as a nurse to a new office job. She writes in with her style request:

Hi,
I’m having to trade in my much love and well worn scrubs for what is termed “professional casual” for my new job. I am definitely and without a doubt, fashionably challenged. I don’t even know where to begin!!! What shoes go with what? I don’t like ruffles or pleats, and will suffer skirts only if I have to. Can anyone help me cut through this problem? Please?

Thanks,
Julie

Julie wants an office outfit that is practical, a bit conservative, but still fun - all for $50. We’re up for the challenge, Julie.

Clockwise, from left: 1. “Julia” Sweater Cardigan ($22.80) at Forever21.com; 2. Merona “Taryn” Ballet Flat ($10.48 – on sale) at Target.com; 3. Suiting Slacks ($17.80) at Forever21.com.

We kept the outfit above simple, neutral, and extremely affordable at $51.08! Ideally, these separates will work with other tops and sweaters that Julie already owns, so she can easily mix and match for variety. A color-blocked cardigan adds feminine flair without ruffles, and a pair of basic but stylish flats are a chic but versatile touch.

Clockwise, from left: 1. Apt 9 Cowlneck Sweater ($19.99 – on sale) at Kohls.com; 2. Contrast Skinny Belt ($6.80) at Forever21.com; 3. Wide Leg Trousers ($44.50 – on sale) at Gap.com; 4. “Dobine” Wedge ($39.98) at AldoShoes.com; 5. Tassel End Necklace ($5.80) at Forever21.com.

Still, there’s only so much you can do with fifty bucks, so we put together another outfit for Julie (above), this time with more accessories and very reasonably-priced investment pieces.

Wide-leg trousers are a professional, yet comfortable staple in an office wardrobe, especially when paired with a modest wedge heel. We picked out a cowl neck sweater in a pretty shade of teal to complement Julie’s fair complexion and red hair. The whole outfit only comes out to just $111.27 – it’s still extremely affordable, and each piece will definitely provide plenty of mileage at her new job.

Photo Credits from Top Image: Pens – Jenny Rollo; Computers – Ante Vekic.
All product photos courtesy of their respective websites.

It’s Cyber Monday, and you can still shop some of the web’s best deals – don’t forget to check out ongoing Thanksgiving sales and Black Friday steals!

Know a good discount that’s not included? Feel free to submit it in our comments section!

The deals + steals:

7forAllMankind.com – Get free shipping through this link. (Bonus: Get $25 off orders of $200+, $50 off orders of $200+, or $100 off orders of $500+.)
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

AldoShoes.com – Get 10% off with coupon code CYBERMONDAY09.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

ArdenB.com – Get 30% off through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Ashford.com – Get $50 off orders of $249+ with coupon code THANKS50, $100 off orders of $499+ with coupon code THANKS100, $200 off orders of $999+ with coupon code THANKS200, and $400 off orders of $2499+ with coupon code THANKS400.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

BakersShoes.com – Get 25% off orders of $100+ or 15% off orders under $100 through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

BareNecessities.com – Get 10% off through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

BathandBodyWorks.com – Get 25% off with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Bloomingdales.com – Get $50 off any order of $200 or more through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

BCBG.com – Get 30% off select styles through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Bluefly.com – Get an additional 15% off through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

CharlotteRusse.com – Get 25% off with coupon code MONDAY25.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Chickdowntown.com – Get 40% off with coupon code BF40.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

DrSchollsShoes.com – Get 20% off + free shipping with coupon code ODS20.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

eBags.com – Get 25% off any 1 item through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

eDressMe.com – Get 30% off with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

eModa.com – Get 35% off orders of $200+ with coupon code MONDAY09.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Endless.com – Get $30 off orders of $100+ through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Express.com – Get $30 off orders of $120+ and $15 off orders of $75+ with coupon code 4422.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

FergieShoes.com – Get 25% off with coupon code FERGIE.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Forever21.com – Get free shipping with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Gap.com / BananaRepublic.com / Piperlime.com / Athleta.com – Get 20% off with coupon code MONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

IntermixOnline.com – Get 15% off + free shipping with coupon code CYBER.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

JCrew.com – Get 20% off sweaters + free shipping on orders of $150+ with coupon code HOLIDAY.
Valid through December 2, 2009 (today!).

LaGarconne.com – Get 15% off with coupon code CYBER09.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

LeSportSac.com – Get $20 off orders of $100+ with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

LuckyBrand.com – Get 30% off sitewide through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

NineWest.com – Get up to 50% off select items through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

PinkMascara.com – Get 20% off with coupon code CYBER20.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

RonHerman.com – Get up to 50% off outerwear through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

ShopGoldyn.com – Get 30% off new items and 50% off sale items with coupon code MONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Shoes.com – Get 20% off with coupon code CYBER.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

ShoptheVioletHour.com – Get up to 80% off sale items through this link.
Sale is ongoing.

ShopLesNouvelles.com – Get 40% off select items through this link.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

SouthMoonUnder.com – Get 20% off with coupon code CYBER20.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

SteveMadden.com – Get 35% off with coupon code CYBER35.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

StewartBrown.com – Get an additional 20% off sale items with coupon code SALESALE.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

SwayandCake.com – Get 20% off with coupon code CYBER20.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Swell.com – Get 20% off with coupon code CYBERMONDAY.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Tarte.com – Get 40% off sitewide. No coupon code required. (Bonus: Get free shipping and a free double-ended lip gloss with orders of $25+).
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

Tobi.com – Get 25% off with coupon code CHEERFUL25.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

UrbanOutfitters.com – Get $15 off orders of $100+ with coupon code GETSTUFFED.
Valid through November 30, 2009 (today!).

VictoriasSecret.com – Get 20% off with coupon code VSSAVE20.
Valid through December 2, 2009.

All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.