The Tao of Joan

Last week I wrote about the fabulous style of TV's best married couple, Don and Betty Draper of AMC's Mad Men. But many ladies out there don't identify with tortured housewife, Betty; it's office vamp (now office vamp/tortured housewife) Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) who's inspired Holloway blogs, retro fashion trends, new-found confidence and many a dye job, no doubt, with her fierce signature style.

Even if you don't have Ms. Holloway's--I mean Mrs. Greg Harris'--dangerous curves, you can still steal her style and attitude--for less.

Here are a few style and beauty tips inspired by Joan's best quotes on the show.

"You want to be taken seriously? Stop dressing like a little girl."

First things first, you have curves; show them. Make sure that waist is cinched. Joan doesn't stay looking so shapely just by magic. There are some girdles involved. To keep your silhouette smooth, check out the modern day undergarments from Spanx--with our Spanx coupons.

To have that traffic-stopping look, avoid patterns in your day-to-day dress. No need to distract from your lovely face with a bunch of florals and plaids. Black, jewel tones and bold primary colors look good on almost everyone and make a statement. A true Joan avoids the watered down wishy-washiness of pastels.

Play up a head-turning walk with stacked heels that help you sashay.

"Really evaluate where your strengths and weakness are. And be honest."

Keep your natural beauty looking its best. If you're a natural redhead, keep your fair skin protected from the sun. Buy some SPF 30 at a 30% discount at OverstockDrugstore.com.
If you dye your hair for that saucy Holloway look, protect your color from fading with shampoos free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Shop Folica for great deals on color-saving shampoo, like Hamadi Ginger Soymilk Hairwash and by using one of our Folica coupons you can save $20 on your order.

As for evaluating your weaknesses, here's one Joan move not to emulate: smoking. It was all well and good in the 1960s, but we've all wised up and realized it's dangerous, so quit it.

"Your décolletage is distracting."

Joan may be a vixen, but she's still a lady. "Modest is hottest"--as they say--so wow them with your witty banter, not your plunging neckline. Try this sexy but work appropriate DKNY boat neck sheath from Saks, on sale now. And here's a Saks free shipping deal to get that new blue shift on its way with a little less green.

So now you've sufficiently Joaned yourself up. Well, la-di-dah! Congrats.

"I said congratulations, didn't I?"

For even more delicious, Joan-inspired fashion, check out ModCloth. They carry a line of Mad Men-inspired, vintage-style dresses, purses and more, perfect for "Joan"-ing it up and we've got a great Modcloth coupon to get you 10% off your order.

Look at you. You're practically ready for the secretarial pool!

For more fun Joan-isms, check out this tumblr account that asks "What Would Joan Holloway Do?" or anachronistically follow Joan on Twitter @joanholloway. Or better yet, follow me! @SavingsMBones.

Any other ways you like to live like Holloway?