Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Camelot Years


I have immersed myself in the Mad Men marathon.  For those of 
you who have never watched the show, it covers the lives of 
advertising executives, their secretaries, and their families during
the early 1960's and culminating in the 1970's.  It was the era of 
social, racial and sexual change.  Women were pushing their way
through the glass ceiling. Yet at the same time it was an era of
fantasy.  The age of Camelot.  

The Kennedy's were in the White House.  Jack and Jackie were
the beautiful young couple who seemed to be cast by some
Hollywood producers.  Jackie redecorated the White House by
restoring historic furnishings.  Americans were treated to a tour
of those changes and many American women strived to bring 
that same sense of elegance into their own homes.
  


Jackie's fashion style was copied.  Her boxy jackets and pill box hats were 
finding their way into the closets of American women.  This jacket was from
my Mom's favorite suit.  She kept it all these years.  She had a little leopard
pillbox hat to match.  I have both now.  



Three quarter length sleeves were so popular.  My Mom's full length
mink had them.  She told me not long before she died that she regretted
the sleeve length on her coat.  Women wore furs back then.  It was a
different time.  I have kept the coat, but doubt I will ever wear it
as I don't feel good about wearing real fur.



As I am watching this Mad Men marathon I realize how much
my parent's era was that era of Camelot.  Betty Draper looks
like old photos of my Mom.  Blonde, pretty, perfect hair and nails.
Always perfectly dressed.  The only difference is my Mom 
didn't smoke.



It was an era when image was everything and the Mad Men
series brought all of that era to life through the world of
advertising.  Advertising ~ the profession of smoke and 
mirrors.  Hidden truths that would not be buried much
longer and would shatter the charade as the decade of
the 60's evolved.  For a few days until the series finale on
Sunday, I will be enjoying the images of that bygone era.
The clothes, the design, the scenes from offices and 
New York City restaurants.  An era reminiscent of my
own parents.  So stylish and chic.

In the words of Alan Jay Lerner from the musical
Camelot:

In short, there's simply not
A more congenial spot
For happy -ever-aftering than here
In Camelot

If you would like to watch Jacqueline Kennedy's 
White House Tour click onto this link.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley


10 comments:

  1. I have never managed to watch this show. Odd that I haven't!
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've only caught a couple of episodes. I'm sure it will be one I will look back and think it was so good and wished they hadn't stopped making it. Maybe one rainy day I can start at the beginning and watch it through - not necessarily in one day though!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I haven't seen the show, but that time period is certainly intriguing! I love the garments you still have of your mother's. Such beautiful clothes!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Loved your post! I have a Pinterest board with so many photos of Jackie and Jack while in the WH and of Jackie alone. What an era.
    She would have been my mom's age, 85 now, so yes, my mom dressed beautifully too, with the hats and all. Mother is and was a beautiful, aqua-blue eye blond. Although lovely Jackie was a brunette.
    Love all your cloths from your mom, and the brands that are no more.
    Thanks for sharing. Pinning.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  5. It does not take many years to make changes.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I too am absorbed in the Mad Men Marathon. I only started watching it on Netflix a few months ago. I had started watching it for the second time. There is too much sex, drinking, and smoking, but I love the clothes, cars, and furnishings. I was a sophomore in high school in 1960. Don't know why I didn't watch it when it first came on.
    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  7. I haven't seen the show, but mom was straight out of this era, too. I have her mink, monogrammed and all. I can't wear it either, but can't let it go. She wore white gloves and Chanel Number 5. My mom looked like Doris Day and even sang professionally. I bet I would really enjoy the show...and Bonwit Teller! Oh my gosh...I remember!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Momma wants that jacket
    Snorts,
    Lily & Edward

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just found your site.
    Since I'm "vintage" I lived the Camelot years. We felt such pride in our country and Jack and Jackie. Then the world changed and we had Viet Nam.Many friends were lost and our lives changed forever.
    Love the mink~~ I have my grandmother's mink collar, I think I will put it on my denim jacket and let anyone think whatever they want. It was once on her favorite jacket (size 2) and it still reeks of her perfume. She's been gone many years, but it stays and brings happy memories to me.
    Thanks for a great site.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love Mad Men, but I haven't watched the last part yet, because I don't want to have to wait a whole week to see the next episode. I'll buy it on Amazon and watch it all the way through :)

    Your mother's things are beautiful. I have two fur coats from my mom, but I haven't worn them in years. Mostly, because society is so informal now. I miss the formality of the past and I need a time machine. Know where I could get one? ;)

    xo

    ReplyDelete

Oliver and I LOVE and read every comment.