I know (from reading the blogs) the costumers set a distinction between the modern looking women at Sterling Cooper and the suburban world of the wives.

The suburban wives are deliberately dressed in the billowing skirts with petticoats in contrast to the sleeker, more modern look of the modern working women in the Sterling Cooper offices. In contrast, the SC women opt for the slim pencil skirts and sheath dresses you see.

I really liked Joan's at home outfit, she is stylin' where ever she is. She looked great in her capris and cute top and barefoot.
I did notice the pen necklace was missing in her work scenes this episode. Is that symbolic of a career change?

When Betty gets dolled up for an event in NYC, her wardrobe is more Jackie O-ish. Referencing a past episode, she can be Marilyn and/or Jackie at different times...anyone else think so?

I can't imagine where Peggy got those panty hose she was wriggling into at the beginning of "Maidenform." Panty hose weren't introduced until 1965 and this episode takes place in 1962.

I'm so glad someone noticed the pantyhose anachronism...now what about those Selectric II typewriters and super-fast giant Xerox machine that weren't common in offices until the '70s??

The IBM Selectrics were introduced in 1961, which makes it not available for the first season. The IBM Executive was all the rage in the agency I worked for in 1960. The Xerox copy machine was first introduced in 1959. However, employees weren't allowed to use it -- only a special employee hired to do that along with performing other menial duties.

I like Betty's puffy skirts BUT: it means that she's wearing a crinoline every day...unlikely for at-home wear I would think. She could forego the crinolines and still wear the full skirt; it would gather, but still look okay.

The Drapers may actually live in Ossining Village or even nearby Briarcliff Manor, both of which were in the 60s (and are still) lovely upscale communities. There's a park along the riverbank (probably where they had their "litterbug" picnic) and some historic buildings in town. About a hundred years ago the name of the town was changed from Sing Sing to Ossining to give it a separate identity from the nearby prison. But whether they live in the Village or Briarcliff Manor, the commuter stop is Ossining - in fact you notice in the first episode, there's a modern, very anachronistic Metro North sign behind Don's handsome head as he leaves the station.

At my first secretarial job I was given a Remington manual typewriter. Only the secretaries of the really higher up executives had electric typewriters. This was for the State of Illinois. Imagine my bliss when I was promoted to a higher position and discovered I was to have a brand new IBM Selectric - I loved that machine! I had one initial problem with it, however. Apparently I typed too fast for the machine and the little rotating ball could not keep up with me so it kept skipping letters. We called the serviceman in several times before he finally told me to slow down and that solved the problem. Back then we could not use the copier without permission from the secretary of the Director of our agency. She had all the power, just like Joan. Unlike Joan, however, she was about 60!

Interesting comment, Zerelda, regarding the IBM Selectric. My previous secretary first started working in the early 1960's (she was in her 50's when she worked with me, but she was definately a "Joan"). She told me that she had the same problem with the IBM. The rotating ball couldn't keep up with her and the serviceman told her the same thing. She was the greatest secretary I have ever had. She had amazing typing and shorthand skills, but more importantly, she was and intuitive, elegant, and was a little bawdy. I wish I could have taken her with me when I changed firms.

I wish I could have met your secretary, Country Husband, she sounds like my kinda gal. "Bawdy" - one of my favorite words! There is a fine line between being bawdy and being vulgar, and most people today cross it, I find. I am glad you recognize the importance of a good secretary. I worked for years for a wonderful gentleman who always managed to find a way to take me with him as he was promoted several times. His standards were extremely high, and I was never more proud than when he said I was the best secretary he ever had. I still remember how he used to say good night to me every evening as I left the office: "Thanks for all your hard work today."

And she would have caught all of my typos in the above post. ;)

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