Welcome to Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce & Cutler Gleason & Chaough! This week the offices merge and, as expected, a small number of folks get the axe (looking at you, Burt Peterson). The added bonus is that Peggy haunts SCDP’s offices again, AND finally tells Don she didn’t get this far ahead in life just to kowtow to his whims. Pete struggles with his mother’s increasing dementia with belligerence, and Joan shows she runs deepest amongst the partners by rescuing Bob Benson’s job without anyone ever knowing. And finally, Don is pulling what fellow YKYLF staffer Matt calls a “Don Christian-Grey Draper” move on Sylvia, who finally ends it with him after he takes away her copy of The Last Picture Show.

Like a butterfly shedding its cocoon, this episode we witness Peggy shedding a matronly shell. Step 1: this twee hat and stodgy coat. It's 1968, Pegs. Look to your former officemate Megan for style tips, rather than the first Mrs. Draper, circa 1958. This combo is doing you no favors.

Step 2: Things get a little better when she removes the overcoat. You may see Jackie Kennedy swaning about the Blue Room, but I see a slightly Maoist aesthetic. It’s also very similar to what she wore two weeks ago when she lip-locked Ted. Is she subliminally hoping for a repeat?

Step 3: Butterfly! This fresh sleeveless look was hidden all along, and she's now free of the overpowering coat and blazer. Since it's late spring, I hope she wasn’t boiling underneath all that. Peggy’s got enough to deal with what with 1) the merging offices and 2) her own neurosis.

She later comes to work with an outfit that requires no such metamorphosis. The piping on the blazer, the statement buckles, the patterned skirt...nice work, Peggy. It’s a strong enough look for her to lay into Don. Good for her on setting ground rules.

But Peggy's still not the HBIC at SCDP&CG&C. That would be Joan, who is no longer out to prove anything. Have you noticed she's ditched the pen necklace? In its place is a multicolored scarf and (ahem) a butterfly brooch, framed by a brilliant blue suit.

More Joan & David...

Even sick as a dog, she brings it with this stunning green coat that sets off just about everything else in her color wheel. I should look half so good when hiding in my office, clutching a garbage can.

A quick trip to the ER with Bob Benson, a pesky ovarian cyst removed, and she's back with a vengeance in this green-on-green look. Who else on the show can rock this without making everyone think it’s St. Patrick’s Day? At first I thought she had turned a necktie into a scarf, but it’s actually a scarf that’s part of the same dress. Well played. The olive vest nicely shows off yet another brooch (they're her new thing, I guess?).

Then there are the rest of the staffers. Of them, best-dressed goes to the idiot receptionist whose name I can't be bothered to remember. This dynamite silkscreened top is the greatest thing to happen to Idiot Receptionist, since she’s too stupid to leverage any of her skills to get ahead in business. There is one person in every office that is most likely to leak damning corporate documents to the media, and she is that person.

Moira, Ted Chaough’s pedantic assistant (who got totally schooled by Joan in the Ways of SCDP), pulls off a lemon-yellow shift dress with minimal fuss. What I’d like to know is how she manages to keep it wrinkle-free for longer than 45 minutes, given the fabric.

Wrinkles are not a problem for Pete’s long-suffering assistant Clara, who looks like she’s being strangled with a cross-stitched throw that my grand-aunt once made on a trans-Pacific flight to Asia. Once the “dress” has outlived its usefulness, it will eventually be used as set decoration on That 70s Show.

I know I've been focusing on the ladies, but I'm sure you can imagine what the men wore: suits and skinny ties. I do need to callout Don, though, whose downward spiral into alcoholism and depression is most clearly evidenced in this one shot with Ted:

Right there. Don’s sweaty, out of his comfort zone, unsure of where he’s going, while Ted’s coolly navigating him through the skies and keeping him safe. Ted is the new Don: confident, successful, and a total badass. The man flies planes, dammit. That is one shitkicker of a bomber jacket, and I COVET the aviator sunglasses. If the show goes to 1971, he’d fit right in for opening night of Shaft.

Since Don is spinning out of control at the office, he gets busy and bosses around Sylvia. Girl’s clearly got a problem with dressing, as she only wears things that can be easily removed by Don. There is, for instance, this garden-party outfit, which she is not wearing to a garden party:

And she also channels Mrs. Roper a full decade before Three’s Company premieres:

Or this candy-apple-red lingerie number that has a bigger dart problem than Anne Hathaway’s dress at the Oscars:

And with all of the pain and turmoil Don and Sylvia are inflicting upon each other, I wonder why he can’t just be happy with Megan (whom we see little of this week). I mean, look at how she rocks out this hip, stylish top that could easily transition from daywear to loungewear to a Stones concert in Central Park:

Match it with her Liz Taylor-as-Cleopatra-lite look, and the earrings, and you’ve got a winner. This effortless chic is something you can’t buy.

Just as we compare Peggy to Joan in wardrobe, we have to compare Sylvia to Megan. See who’s projecting so much effort and who’s not? Exactly. I mean, it takes a lot of character to look this effortless:

Peggy and Don (and anyone else at the as-yet-unnamed-agency who's sweating bullets), take note.

Change is in the air at Sterling Cooper Draper Price, though the team doesn’t quite realize it yet. Bert, Pete and Joan are secretly working on taking the agency public and (no surprises here) it doesn’t exactly go as planned. Pete and Joan think they’re going to become millionaires overnight, however Mr. Campbell’s trip to the brothel sticks a pin in that balloon. Don isn’t much help after firing the sleazy Jaguar client and Roger’s new business tactic of waiting at an airport gate to win business smells a little desperate. Despite all of this trouble brewing, everyone brought their casual game to the table this week and I have to say, I was living for it. Except for Ted — girlfriend needs to lay off the turtlenecks.

If Pete’s face wasn’t always scrunched into a weasel-like scowl, I’d say he could pass for a young Mr. Rogers in this snappy shirt and cardigan combo. The colour contrast adds a smidge of interest, and I’m pretty impressed he mirrored that colour palette with his tie.

Business Pete doesn’t bring anything we haven’t seen before, but again he’s coordinating accessories in the tie and pocket square. And here I thought Trudy picked out all his clothes!

Speaking of Trudy, I guess we’re seeing less of her not because of their separation, but because she’s clearly studying hard at Disney Princess finishing school. Seriously girl, what is with those puffy shoulders? I get it’s only your dressing gown, but there’s a time and a place for that style — and it’s at a Renaissance fair.

There’s so much wrong here, I can’t even process it fast enough. The shape makes Trudy look like a linebacker, the colour would make asbestos jealous, and I don’t think I’ve seen this much chiffon since the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Let’s cleanse our palates with Roger Sterling’s new bestie — paisley. A man who hooks up with a flight attendant just to get inside dirt on travelling business men definitely has the starch to pull off a collection of paisley ties. The gold is fairly subdued and surprisingly doesn’t pop against the grey, but Roger saved his A-game for travelling with his blue on blue on blue combo. I’m seriously thirsting for that blue paisley even though I know I’d have to be 3 martinis in to work it like Roger.

Casual Bert loves an argyle sweater vest, however, I do not. Sorry my friend, I appreciate that you never compromise your bow-tie dedication, but I am so over argyle I’m this close to being under it. Trying to take the agency public and make all the partners very wealthy people must have clouded his judgement.

Over at CGC, Ted is sporting his favourite colour — that weird 70s mustard that was popular for way too long, and seeped into all areas of life (cars, kitchens, shag rugs). When your blazer is as striking as that striped mess Ted’s wearing, don’t match your tie with it. Teddy's being swallowed up by bad taste.

Props to Gleason for the kicky neck scarf, tho. I’m still waiting for the day when Fred from Scooby Doo is again an acceptable style icon for men, without looking like a trendy tool in a scarf.

Peggy obviously doesn’t share my aversion to Ted’s wardrobe because those two shared a passionate kiss after hours. As far as Peggy’s outfit goes, it’s pretty plain for our girl. Sky blue is a safe choice and the buttons/collar don’t have the odd, stylish flair Peggy seems to infuse into her look.

At least she complements Ted’s teal turtleneck. Although having to type the words “teal turtleneck” really hurts me. What’s he hiding under those? Maybe Ted’s wife is an insatiable hickey machine and since he’s over 16, he’s embarrassed. I once got a monster hickey when I was 22 and you know what I did? Put on some cover-up and wore scarves. That’s how you do it, Ted. Take a note.

Anyway, guess who’s back in town? It’s Marie, the judgemental, wine soaked woman from Montreal here to stir shit up — like this week, when she instructed Megan to look hot and make sexytime with the Mister. Marie’s casual look also falls into the blue/green colour family, but she manages to stand out with her disdainful smoking pose and demure string of pearls.

Impressive though that was, her best look this week was this black dinner frock at left. How much do you love those sheer sleeves? Also, how much more do you love her sitting on the couch drinking red wine straight from the bottle? Don’t ever change, you cynical French fox.

Megan and Marie’s relationship is so tumultuous, I can’t even keep up. But when they’re dressed as fabulous as this, who the hell cares? One of my favourite late-60s/early-70s colour combos is purple and orange. In fact, I’m still in love with it and seeing Marie draped in those colours so elegantly...I’m swooning. Not to be outdone by maman, Megan’s serving some Soap Star Realness with her sexy update to the classic Jackie O. aesthetic. 

Need I mention the fangirls? Next to these chic women, those teenagers look like extras from Oliver!

More Aldo...

After their little shopping spree, Marie and Megan accompany Don to dinner with the gross Jaguar guy. After listening to his wife prattle on about absolutely nothing (snaps to the writers for crafting such intentionally banal dialogue!), Don pulls a classic Draper emotional breakdown and fires the client. Frankly, they should have fired him for being totally gross and kidnapped his wife for an emergency makeover. Big hair, big earrings, big ruffles — you don’t get out of the suburbs much do you, honey? 

I mean, compared to Don and Megan’s power couple steez, those Jaguar folks are downright bumpkin. Megan is beyond sexy in this gold dress, and I applaud the neutral make-up. If she had a more smoky eye, it’d be red carpet ready. Don’s no slouch with his slick suit and gold tie to match.

I mean, people must hate these two when they see them out like this.

On the other end of the spectrum, Don’s casual look is less than impressive. Granted, he’s still polished as hell, but these plaid blazers aren't the right fit for him. I get that it was the style at the time, but y’all know that man feels most at home in a tailored suit with a power tie and freshly shined shoes.

Don and Megan are a pretty stark contrast to Peggy and Abe. But Peggy and Abe have two things going for them: a sweet new apartment in an up-and-coming part of New York (unless it gets burned to the ground by gangs), and accidental hipster style. Is this 1968? 2013? Who knows! Abe is tackling a little DIY in in Lil’ Abner overalls, and let’s talk about Peggy’s coat — adorable! Air kisses for the green and orange stripes, and the unisex style.

Let’s take another look at this coat, OK? Also, check out Peggy’s buttoned-up oxford shirt. I have friends who have basically worn this outfit, but in different colours. It looks like she was out postering for her band's gig at a local dive bar. This is the flair I was talking about earlier!

Even her boring merlot dress with the wide collar looks more like Peggy with her patterned scarf. Quirky! Bold! Let’s keep an eye on her, though, because I have a feeling the SCDP/CGC merger will push Peggy into Executive Realness, killing her style.

Of course, the real female style icon on Mad Men is, and will always be, Joan. Girl was pretty excited about the agency potentially going public. A million dollars was on her doorstep and she greeted it with her best casual floral blouse. Wardrobe knows how to complement a red-haired woman because I’ve rarely seen Joan in anything unflattering. Her hair’s been freed from the professional up-do we see week after week. It’s all on point and she knows it.

Once shit hits the fan with Don firing Jaguar and chasing after Chevy, Joan doesn’t hold back with the emotions. I always say, if you’re going to have a public display of emotion, make sure you look drop dead gorgeous. Luckily, Joan doesn’t have a worry in that department. Again, we see an emerald hue and it is coming alive against those gold accents.

But I'm holding up a yellow card for this red and blue polka dot number. Sure, it's fun and trendy, but I’m not sold on it. I think it’s the contrast between the colours? At any rate, the new super-agency better beware, because y’all know Joan ain’t taking no prisoners.

Man, the 60s were tough. The Sterling Cooper gang (and Peggy) are at an awards dinner when the news breaks that Martin Luther King Jr. has been assassinated. It's pretty much as awful and heartbreaking as you'd expect, although what's really striking is the awkward detachment of all our main characters (especially when Don, Joan and Peggy are trying to relate to their African-American employees). In an unexpected turn of events, we finally get some insight into the enigma that is Bobby Draper. Oh, and Ginsberg gets set up on the world's most awkward date and cements himself as a classic character by admitting that he's a virgin — a confession he immediately follows by saying, "What am I doing? I ordered soup, I just said that..."

Few things are as exciting than an awards banquet on Mad Men. Most of the other shows we cover here at YKYLF have a weekly soiree which basically requires formalwear (or, in the case of The Lying Game, daytime glamor). But most of the time, Mad Men sticks to businesswear. So it's a rare treat when we get to see our favorite SCD(R.I.P.P.) characters all dressed up for a night on the town. The men don't forge any brave sartorial paths with their tuxes, but the women ... well, that's a whole other story.

It's a good thing Joan was seated so far away from the stage. With Joan in a dress like this, Paul Newman wouldn't have stood a chance. The color is regal, the cut is lethal — essentially, Joan is divine, and one day baby Kevin's daughter will see this photo and pray that Grandma Joan saved the dress.

On the other hand, Peggy's grandaughter will probably find this in Peggy's closet, and she will cringe while Peggy argues that it was "very stylish, back in the day."

This dress is so very Peggy. Remember that time Peggy thought Abe was going to propose to her, so she wore a giant pink bow dress? This is somehow a more grownup version of that dress. So, I guess yay that she's growing up, but can she please grow out of the Laura Ashley look already? I feel like all this dress is missing are a pair of white gloves and an Easter basket.

Wearing all the colors of that Easter basket is Megan Draper, looking every bit the tv star she's become. Sure, Joan was sexy and all, but no one looks as straight-up glamorous as Megan.

Although, I did have to do a quick check to make sure this wasn't the same dress she'd worn for the swingers dinner last week. It's not, although the colors and patterns are terribly similar. But it's easy to tell the difference afer a quick check between last week's sleek mod dress and this week's dress, with its "I Dream of Jeannie" sleeves.

More Alice + Olivia...

And the sleeves. Oh, the sleeves! Janie Bryant added sleeves and beading to the dress.

Basically: Janie Bryant is a genius. End of story.

For the vigil in the park, Megan wears a leather duster that is totally appropriate for a city descending into total chaos.

Sally, after your dad and Megan get divorced, stay friends with Megan. If we can't borrow Megan's coat, please do it on our behalf one day.

Megan wraps up the episode learning some ugly truths about Don (like how he's dead inside, which, duh).

I don't know how Megan's keeping it together. Her husband is one dead puppy away from total sociopath. She has a job where her employers want to make her the meat in a middle-aged swinger sandwich. She had a miscarriage and couldn't tell her husband about it because deep down she knows he's dead inside. And yet she manages to look awesome in this stunning tangerine nightgown, without any makeup on. If I didn't feel so bad for her, I'd hate Megan.

Unrelated, but I need a forum to share this: does anyone else think Jon Hamm looks like Fred Flintstone?

A really, really handsome Fred Flintstone?

Ginsberg's dad played Yenta and set him up on a date with a Nice Jewish Girl. The date is awkward and charming, and I'm really hoping this isn't the last we see of Ginsberg's date.

I'm so glad they styled her like this — young, hip, stylish. The hair is big, the dress is mod, and look at how much leg she's showing! She's actually trying for this date, and poor Ginsberg ordered soup.

I'm just starting to notice how many blue dresses are in this episode. Even Sally gets in on it with this blue turtleneck under her jumper.

The chain straps are such a great detail. This jumper makes me a little sad for Sally, that she's not coming of age in the late 80s/early 90s. How much would she love the punk and grunge scenes? Can't you see her in flannels, a ripped pair of tights, and some scuffed-up Docs?

Sylvia's gone for most of the episode, but she's very present once the riots start, as Don worries about her safety (she's in DC). The only time we see Sylvia is at the top of the episode, wearing this fantastic coat.

That zebra stripe collar is just too chic. The whole look is so very wealthy and Upper East Side (I bet Cece Rhodes would have owned a coat like this in her younger days). And yet, I can't help but be reminded of something else when I see this much red on Mad Men: Don's brothel-based childhood, as seen in the premiere episode.

This week at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, everything basically sucks. Don isn't OK with Megan having a romantic plot on her soap opera, Joan tries to act like a 25 year old, people are fired, their bosses complain, and everyone else drowns their sorrows in a bar. Silvia ends the episode wishing peace upon Don, but she (and we) all know that he'll never achieve it. What I've always found interesting about all the characters in Mad Men is that none of them are content. So what exactly do our characters want to have and to hold? A new account...or something more grand?

Megan and Don go on a double date. If Don and Betty were "Ken and Barbie" then what does that make Don and Megan? She's too glam to be Midge or Skipper. Megan's fashion choices are getting bolder and more exotic as the show slowly leaves the 60s, as seen here with this pink dress infused with a metallic print. I'm also loving Megan's eyeliner — very Cleopatra, and not the LiLo version. 

How's the wine? And your lamb? So, now that we're friends, wanna swing with us?

Sixties activiests used to say "don't trust anyone over 30" but here I'm inclined to say "don't underestimate anyone over 45." Mrs. Swinger's dress looks like it's covered in those glow-in-the-dark stickers you used to put on your wall as a kid. As for Mr. Swinger, that's a pretty standard suit/tie for said agenda. Maybe I was expecting more color? But then again, it could be part of his straight-laced facade.

Meanwhile, at a dinner free of wifeswapping offers, Dawn grabs girl time with her bestie and talks about how everyone at SCDP is basically an American Psycho. Look at all the colors here of Dawn and her friend — so much more than the array of greys and blacks suits we're used to seeing all day at the office.

I spoke too soon! Now THAT is orange! Hate or love the color, the scarf adds a nice pop of contrast and keeps Scarlett from looking like the sorbet that Don forced Megan to eat at HoJo's last year.

More Asos...

And check out her white go-go boots! They remind me of what Sally Draper tried to wear last season, until Don shot her down. Can you imagine if Don had final say over his employees' wardrobe choices, too?

Although, something tells me that Don would approve of everything Joan wears to the office, including this super flattering floral number. (And seriously, will Superman and Wonder Woman ever hook up, or is a Don/Joan dalliance stomping on sacred ground?)

Speaking of sacrillige (of the sartorial variety) — "Hello, my name is Harry and I dress/act like an employee of the I.R.S." So many yawns, Mr. Crane.

But I'm wide awake for Mrs. Draper! Is she moonlighting to make some extra money for her escape from Don? No, silly, she's just camera-ready for her soap opera.

Fact: 40 years from now this outfit will be most popular selection in the "Adult" section of your local Halloween store.

This episode bounces all over the Big Apple, and we soon end up at a hotel room, albeit not for the usual Mad Men hotel room scenario — SDCP is sneakily presenting a big pitch for the Heinz ketchup account, only to find out that Peggy and her new team are also in the game.

On one side we have Don, Pete and Stan. On the other are Peggy, Ted and some guy we don't care about. So who won?

Neither! And both teams retreat to drown their sorrows at a nearby bar. But chin up, Peggy, I'm really digging your bold blue and red outfit. I'm a sucker for the symmetry that only a double-breasted jacket can deliver.

Meanwhile, instead of 2 Broke Girls, we have more of a 2 Let's-Act-Like-We're-25-Again Girls deal as Joan and her old friend get cray with the flavored sugar water.

Still in her day dress, Joan looks like a walking advertisement for the New York Aquarium, and I mean that as a compliment. This swirl of blues and greens is lovely on her, while that warm pink flatters her fair-haired friend perfectly. Stay classy, girls.

Or not. Later that night, Joan finds herself at the Electric Circus as the third wheel while her friend macks on a waiter. Did I really just type that sentence? Has Joan ever looked so out of place and stodgy? You guys, I think the universe is about to cave in on itself.

There were go, Joanie, remind the world that Marilyn Monroe (dead though she may have been for five years now) is actually a Joan. But what do we think of Joan's new snogging pal? His black and cream situation makes me cringe. Go for one or the other, bro. Only certain people can pull off varsity-level contrast like this, and it's not a psychedelic beatnik like you.

Back in a decidedly less colorful environment, we have infidelity in an elevator. Yeah that's right, Don. We didn't forgeting about your cheatin' ways! Although with this black-and-white chic North pole look on Sylvia, who could blame him? (Well, maybe Megan...and every other woman except Sylvia...) 

After lots of arguments and disappointments, we're going to close on Stan, who's quickly becoming my new favorite character. While the rest of the cast walks around with a furrowed brow, basically one drink and an empty elevator shaft away from ending it all, there goes Stan and his devil-may-care attitude.

And his beard! It's like the ultimate accessory. If Stan's beard could talk, what would it say?

Yeah, I don't know either, although I have a pretty good idea of what it might say to Peggy.

If the season opener had a running theme of death and mortality, this week's episode had motif of guilty infidelity. (You say that's every episode? Yes, I agree.) Don continues sleeping with his neighbor Sylvia, Pete hooks up with his cute blonde neighbor Brenda, and Peggy feels like she's cheated on Stan by revealing SCDP secrets to Ted. Meanwhile: Bob Benson is still trying to squirm his way into the family portraits, Joan is fierce and stoic (even when what's-his-name from Jaguar says some gross stuff to her) and Don has childhood flashbacks when he and his mother moved into the "boarding house" (coughBROTHELcough) owned by his aunt and uncle. At one point we're treated to a glimpse through a keyhole of Don's very pregnant mama about to get it on with Don's sleazy uncle. Gross.

I gotta admit it's nice to see Alison Brie (Trudy) back on the show. It's been ages! She looks sweet and put together in this gold and green floral number, although the sleeves are definitely odd and her hair seems half-done.

Snaps for the drapey neckline though, and she wears green and gold like nobody's business.

Later on we catch her another dress with flattering colors but odd styling. This time she's in a slim rust and crimson paisley dress that appears to be wishing it were a cheongsam, yet not really pulling it off. But then I remember that we're heading into the 1970s and it's no wonder there's some wacky sartorial choices being made. Ahem.

Trudy's morning-after-she-discovered-Pete's-infidelity dress is a basic shirtdress style thing with wide stripes in green and... beige? Tan? Quite homey and boring, but maybe that was the point. She fights the normality of the outfit with a bold red lip, impeccable hair, and fightin' words: "I am putting a fifty mile radius around this house and if you so much as open your fly to urinate, I will destroy you." Get out of the kitchen, Pete. Ain't nobody can stand that kinda heat.

Sooo the real question is... How many seasons will it take for Pete to realize how actually stupid he is? Don't know, but I rather like his bold maroon-and-blue tie.

These diagonal stripes are super en vogue apparently, because all of the men seem to sport them lately...

Example B. Don's tie reminds me a bit more of Captain America than Ad Man, but it's definitely a nice change from the same old same old.

Behold, the object of Pete's current idiocy: girl-next-door Brenda. She's sweet and sort of unassuming in a patterned coat that looks like it could have come from modern-day Anthropologie.

But when B shows up at Pete's Manhattan pied-à-terre, she's much more Breakfast at Tiffany's. Although "Mistress" doesn't seem to be playing a role she's quite suited for, she looks pretty darn good in a leggy black dress, jaunty hat, simple broach, and perfectly curled tendrils of hair falling down along her face.

She reminds me a little of a would-be Broadway chorus girl facing the casting couch — eager, but not at all mentally prepared for what she thinks she wants.

On the other end of the ingenue-diva spectrum, we have everyone's favorite curvy redhead. Joan is poised and cool as a cucumber in navy and red, even when faced with What's-His-Name from Jaguar (y'know, the dude she slept with to land the account last season?). Although this isn't her most fashion forward ensemble, it still works, and DANG her hair looks good.

Don's sights are currently set on Sylvia Rosen, wife of his neighbor Dr. Rosen. She is rockin' the voluminous 'do, but so far her outfits haven't done much for me. This blue dress is nice but a little plain for the wife of a well-to-do Manhattan doctor.

Sylvia's dinner outing gown is much nicer, however, with a lovely shimmer to it. And a demure pink lip with come-hither lashes is a one-two punch for Don.

Sylvia accessorizes with some dazzling drop crystal earrings and a guilty conscious, courtesy of all the time she's been spending with Megan.

Speaking of Megan, all of my personal sartorial instincts tell me I should hate this outfit, yet I absolutely don't. I love that it looks a bit like something a man would wear golfing. I love the green, and the oversized lapels. I love the weird plaid pants. She looks effortlessly kind of bold, in a green-and-plaid Katherine Hepburn sort of way, I think.

More Jennifer Behr...

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Peggy has been exploring the world of jewel tones, which is a welcome change from previous seasons.

I approve of this green coat a whole lot. Much more so than the navy sweater with the cream-colored Peter Pan collar underneath.

Pegs, Peter Pan collars do not say "woman in charge", they say "can I get you anything else, Mr. Executive?"

But then...oooh la la, Peggy! What on earth possessed you to purchase something so wild, so risqué, so... fun!? The bright purple is awesome and the abstract pattern on the bow is so unusual for her, and I dig it. (Also props to whoever pressed that bow within an inch of its life... it ain't goin' ANYWHERE!)

This pairing is also bold and refreshing. Maybe purple is Peggy's new power color?

All-in-all, I'm starting to think that Peggy adores her bows and collars about as much as Emma on Glee loves hers. Will this trend continue? Stay tuned.

We're back! Confused? A few of us around the YKYLF staff room were as well, but let's peel the onion, shall we? Don and Megan go to Waikiki to do a little schmoozing, get their bronze on, and make everyone still sitting in the cold (like me) very, very jealous. Don wrestles with the idea of death through various outlets including a) the trip to Hawaii and b) the subsequent sales pitch, c) the funeral service for Roger's mother, and d) his doorman's recent near-death experience of his doorman, who was brought back to life by Don's neighbor/newest idol, Doctor Rosen. Megan is living the dream in both wardrobe and as a newly appointed soap star. Peggy is kicking ass and taking names at her new job, Pete is still a royal douche, and god knows what Joanie is up to, as we only see her for one glorious purple minute. Roger is in therapy (finally), and the death of his shoe shiner is tis what it takes to bring some real emotion out of him for the first time, well, ever.

Ahh, Waikiki. It's one of those places that you expect to see beautiful people, so spotting the stunning Don and Megan lounging in the sand comes as no surprise.

Megan's swimsuit is absolutely adorable, and the color is amazing against her (very) slightly tanned skin. I'm kind of lusting after Don's sunglasses, too. I wonder if they come in women's sizes?

I really want Megan's lacy little beach cover-up and white flowered flip-flops. Who ever looks that chic coming off the beach? I'm always a sandy, disheveled mess, but I guess if I had Don to come back to, I'd step it up a notch, too.

The next morning, after a little side-boob action, Megan slips into a beautiful, and slightly trippy, neglige. Does the woman ever turn it off?

No. The answer is no. After spotting Don on the beach taking part in a small wedding ceremony, she struts her stuff in a purple and citrus peasant blouse with her matching floppy hat and Jackie O sunglasses.

Hawaiian Don (or Don Ho, if you will, har-har) is a breath of fresh air as well. Beige linen suit, with a lei around his neck. Yes, please.

The maxi-dress that Megan wears to the luau is gorge as well. Purple is certainly her color, and the halter neck is perfect with her amazing collarbone. Don looks like he's about to cut a bitch when Megan dances with the host of the luau, and luckily his hawaiian shirt is made less cray with the addition of his subtly plaid blazer. Way to mix your patterns Don Ho. Must be the tiny bubbles...in the wine...

Back to reality, and our happy couple are weather sppropriate in their winter gear. Don is dapper in his suit and tie. Who doesn't love a man in a fedora? Megan even splashed on some red lipstick for the occasion and still has some stunning voluminous hair (not to mention the ahhhh-mazing fur hat and coat).

Honestly, who looks this put together after an 11-hour flight? Again, I am usually a disheveled mess.

More Forever 21...

Home sweet home and Megan has jazzed up some old sofa upholstery into a cute little vest and mini. Only she could pull this off.

Get back to work, Don! He's wearing the same thing as the night before, but with a different tie. At least we have new employee/brown noser Bob to jazz things up with an olive suit and multi-colored tie.

We've also got the rest of the SDCP creative team looking like a big old hot mess, as usual. Guess we know who makes the big bucks, huh?

Speaking of big bucks, Joanie looks like a million of 'em in her purple power suit. I dig the accesories (especially the emerald and gold bracelet), BUT! Note the absence of her pen necklace. I guess that was more of a Secretary Joan thing, whereas Partner Joan doesn't need such accoutrement.

BTW, way to match your lips to your nails, babe.

Yes, we're all staring, fellas. Not at you though. Roger looks great in blue, but I'm not a fan of the double breasted jacket (or wearing a blue jacket with grey pants). Pete looks quite good here, for a dirtbag.  Great detailing on the suit, and the matching pocket square/tie combo is lovely.

What in the bejesus has happened to Harry?!? I like your case, but no, no, no, to the rest. Is this his tribute to Roy Orbison? What's happening here?

Don's sweet secretary Dawn is adorably profesh in shades of blue. The ruffled tie-neck top adds a touch of glamour to her schoolgirl-ish outfit. She seems capable of holding down the fort — I feel like he might keep this one for a while.

Speaking of feelings, Megan feels badly that she can't go to Roger's mother's funeral, and I feel bad that she's wearing a ribbed turtleneck. Were those ever popular? Sorry, Meg, I cannot approve.

Later on, at the funeral, Jane stands out against the bevy of biddies in black in a fab dress that is totally appropriate with black tights. Sidebar: Can we please start wearing hats again? Please?? I would want that hat if I wouldn't look insane wearing it to the supermarket (and I would wear it to the supermarket).

Blah, blah, Roy, and Same-Suit Don, look as they should for the funeral (except for Harry's tie — though I like it — it's not really appropriate for a funeral, is it?). Too bad Don's plastered. I assume that his mind is still wrestling with death?

On to much happier occasions...it's New Years Eve (aka, my birthday eve — just put that in your diary for later) and Megan is a vision in this silver sparkling number. The detailing in the neck is fantastic, and she even matches her makeup to her outfit. Golf claps for you, my dear. You brought it back in the end.

Oh, hey Grandpa... oh, god, Don? Ugh. Your NYC casualwear is exhausting.

I'll take Don Ho over this any day.

While the Drapers are basking in the sun, the Draper youngins are stuck in suburbia with the Francis fam. After an eventful night at the ballet, the whole family reunites in the warmth of their Christmasy home. Sally's dress is so cute and age-appropriate. Snaps for the bold cobalt and lace detailng. Betty's ivory brocade dress is beautiful, too and definitely flattering for a woman who needs to "reduce".

Henry is a bit Bing Crosby here, no? I was waiting for Marjorie Reynolds to pop out and sing "White Christmas" with him. His mother looks every bit the spinster mother-in-law in her fur coat and hat. Best line of the night: "Give the ticket to Henry, he'll take care of it." "You know how I take care of them, Mom? I pay them." That's passive take down, if I've ever heard one.

I like how that dress Betty in layers and babydoll nighties to make her look bigger. This is adorbs though. Pink is her color. If only she didn't ruin it by opening her mouth and spewing all that talk about raping their 15 year old house guest. Creepy.

Unable to sleep, Betty has a heart to heart with Sandy about moving to the big city and communal living (like she wasn't just telling her husband to rape the kid...). At least her housecoat looks comfy. Like a bedspread.

Sandy takes off (despite Betty's super convincing spiel about how hard life as a struggling artist in NYC can be) to St. Mark's, and Betty follows in pursuit. Sigh. She couldn't stand out more if she tried. Did she try? Apparently, Betty has aged 20 years since last season.

Yeah, I'd have that look on my face if my step-dad was still wearing his Christmas sweater this close to the New Year's too, Sally. Seriously, Henry. Ditch it until next year. Maybe not even then.

Hey now! After a fleeting insult at the commune, Betty decides to change her hair color, and it seems to have given a boost to her self confidence. The aubergine tweed dress is so sumptuous, I just want to touch it. Lose the pearls though, Betty. Sixty-five, you are not.

Back in Brooklyn, Peggy is simply ridiculous in these knee high stockings. No. Never. It's full tights, or none at all. I do, however, like the way her yellow telephone brightens up her ensemble. You don't mind dealing with a crisis on Christmas Eve, right Pegs?

Peggy's work wear is fabulous though. Way to bring it back around. That same scarf looks so much brighter with a gorgeous emerald wool coat, and the detailing on her dress is amazing as well. Those buttons and pockets? I die.

The next work outfit is cute, too. It fits more into her age group, I think, but doesn't make her look as powerful. Like a school girl, or an intern. Regardless, the color is nice on her, and I love me a tartan jumper.

Crisis averted, Peggy shows Ted her newest idea in her matronly coat and the usual scarf, while Ted is dapper in his tux. It's New Years Eve, for god's sake, Peggy. Live a little.

And by that, I don't mean "bed your boss". That never works out well.

So what are we up for next time, kids? A Peggy/Ted affair? Don being less morbid? Betty losing weight? An actual storyline for Joan? Can't wait to unravel this one.

Best line of the season? "Not every little girl gets to do what they want. The world could not support that many ballerinas." (Right up there with season 3 Joanie's: "One minute you're on top of the world, the next, some secretary's running you over with a lawn mower.") But it's also the best line to split up this finale. We've got the ladies and gents chasing what might be phantoms, and those who are off getting what they want - or deserve. 

I've been of two minds about the fashion this season. Yes, this because this season has been about transitions and changes, but part of me misses the classy threads of Joan and Thin Betty. However, another part of me is super pumped at the arrival of the mod fashions on the back of Megan Draper. For this episode, I like how Megan mixes the two decades. She's got a mix of the mid-50s-Audrey-Hepburn-Funny-Face going on at times.

Love the black turtleneck and skinny denim capris. You could do that now and still be the most stylish girl in the room.

But she takes that 50s look and spices it up with some accessories that are very much of her decade.

Yes yes and yes again to the kicky green headscarf with the great pattern. Hells to the no on her green shoes and even more nos on her friend's striped top. Actually, I love the cut and the neckline of the striped top, I just hate the vertical stripes. 

More Emilio Pucci...

Of course, when it counts, like during a screen test, Megan knows how to do mod like nobody's business.

Sigh. So cute. And so not going to happen on me at my next Mad Men themed party. 

Her maman, who is quelle grande bitch much of the time, has the late 60s all wrapped up in this quilted housecoat.

There is something so horrible and so right about that housecoat and the smoke and the piece of toast for breakfast. Probably because two of the three are just completely outdated and hilarious (and I'm not talking about the toast. Because even if you do smoke, do you really do it while eating?)

But unlike her très chic fille, Marie is still hanging on to some of those slightly outdated ways of dressing - like never leaving the house without a scarf or a hat. 

Parce que mais ouis ma chers, I cannot go out sans mon scarf. My hair est un fright. Fou de fafa, comme si comme sa, au revoir!*

*I have taken enough French classes to know that I just wrote 75% nonsense.

But when she's not wearing the headscarf, Marie is un dame trop classy. The pearls? The perfect nails? The perfect coif? The red wine? She's my kind of lady.

But for all her classiness, there is still that look that is already starting to become retro in Megan's day and age. Like the suit with the matching hat.

I love the idea that one would buy bouclé from head to toe as it really is so Jackie O when she was still a Kennedy, but as we head into the spring of 1967 we also head into the days when Jackie O dressed in a turtleneck and giant sunnies. The times they really are a-changin'. 

Which we see in the loungewear of Megan, which is so unlike her mother's earlier quilted robe.

While this is a hot mess of floral (and looks not unlike my Saturday night with a bottle of wine and a copy of Vogue), Megan's not hanging around the house in matching anything. Girlfriend is doing it for herself and that means wearing whatever the hell she pleases.

Well, everything she wants except getting the career she wants. Because nothing says chasing a phantom like this costume after your husband pulled strings to get you into it. 

Megan's mod mod world is so very different than Rory Gilmore as she goes Sylvia Plath on us. 

While the camel coat with the fur collar and the hat are delightful, she's still clinging to that suburban style that the young urban girls are doing away with. It's stuffy and formal.

Even her day drinking wear for an affair before electroshock therapy still has a muted unhappy housewife look to it.

Ahoy mateys! I'll admit though, it's a far cry from Betty's housewife days. But she's still a Profoundly Sad housewife.

Even her bra matches her slip! That commitment to coordination is going to go the way of the dodo bird. Probably because it takes some time and maybe some help in the house to keep your lingerie that organized. I don't know about you, but it's a very lucky day when I can match the unmentionables. And I certainly wouldn't bother trying if I was just going to get my brain shocked.

Then again, you might as well have all that organized before you forget things, like the dude you just slept with. Rory Gilmore is a electroshocked dream in pink.

At least Beth knows she's profoundly sad. Pete doesn't even know he's depressed and wanting a life that doesn't exist. However, his furniture totally knows.

While the rest of the office is going mid-century modern, Pete is the only dude with the oversized leather chair. Bitchin' cufflinks though, Pete.

I also appreciate your striped ties - there's something J.Crew-ish about them. Even though I'm suspicious of the continuity on the train scene.

Tie change or lighting change that is fooling the eye. 

His wife Trudy thinks she's getting everything she wants, but being married to Pete means she's chasing the phantom of a suburban dreamlife. She's trying really hard though, in her full skirts and coordinating cardigans.

And unlike mod Megan's hot mess of florals (it's hard not to compare almost everyone to Megan...she's been a breathe of fresh air), Trudy's evening wear not only has a matching bow for her hair, but it matches the couch.

Hells bells, Trudy! You've got to tone that matchy matchy down! It's kind of no wonder Pete's a little blue. Who could take that much suburban bliss? 

I totally want those headphones. 

Around the offices of SCDP, there's some folks after their dreams. I can't say how well that's going to work out for them. I mean, Scarlet is straight up adorbs in scarlet, but she's not super bright is she?

Who cares when you look that cute and have such a great scarf around your neck. 

Also chasing the dream of doing whatever the hell they want, client be damned, is our creative team of Ginsburg and Stan.

Stan seriously needs to get a new jacket. The mustard yellow has got to go. And Ginsburg? Well, he's just a mess. Literally.

I know I wore coffee on my shirt today and on my jacket yesterday (it happens), but I've at least got the decency to try and hide it when I'm going into a meeting. Get it together, Ginsburg! You might sell more ideas and argue less with Don if you're not covered in coffee. Although, I'll give you minor snaps for the colour choices. And I dig the die. It's flashy without being novelty.

And our final man chasing a dream? Oh Roger Stirling. That LSD trip is a dream you need to keep on living. Just promise you won't go to work during a trip? Because I don't know that you can handle those polka dot walls.

Love that tie. Something about this show makes me stop and notice ties. Anyone else? 

While Roger took my advice about not going to work on LSD, I'm not so sure the giant hotel room window is a better option.

And the well-cut blue suit is pretty great.

Your around the house wear? Well, it's showing your age.

Seriously Don? What is up with that cowl neck cardigan? What is up with any TV dude in a cowl neck sweater these days? It's all too Mr. Rogers for me and I'd like for it to stop. What next? Grown men wearing keds?

I want more of this Don:

That tie is fantastico and I rarely have strong opinions about ties (outside of this show, of course).

But for however sharply dressed Don is, he's getting what he deserves, and that is a good, healthy dose of guilt over Lane's death. For starters, there's his visit to Lane's wife to give her cash.

She looks good for a woman who just lost her husband. The deep mustard blouse with the bow? Well done, Mrs. Lane Pryce. But bitch is cold and she sent Don packing (after taking the cash) and told him the money is only going to make him feel better. Dollars to donuts he's not going to feel any less guilty.

And oh hey! I'm right! Because his guilt is turning into creepy hallucinations of his brother who hung himself.

I know. I had trouble sleeping after that too. 

Attempting to follow in her mentor's well dressed footsteps is Peggy. I'll give her an A for effort.

I get that she's trying for the tailored look, but instead it's kind of looking like Santa Claus in this get up.

And judging by her underlings' faces, she's a slightly scary Santa

Those two are the beginnings of office casual. Although their office casual is dressy in some offices. 

Peggy's new boss is attempting the workplace casual in way I'm not ready to support.

But I have issues with men in turtlenecks. The blue plaid jacket I will suport though. 

I think Peggy's new position of power (did you see her name on the door of the office she doesn't share with anyone? Go, Peggy!) has something to do with her new fondness for red.

Girlfriend is getting some self confidence and she's wearing it on her sleeve and in her skirts.

She may still be leaning towards the full skirt, but I foresee a whole new Peggy next season. 

And Joanie, well, she's had a hard row to sow this season what with the jerk husband, being a single working mom, and literally sleeping her way to the top. But she's doing it in style.

Lady, you are killing it in fuschia. Harry Crane, on the other hand, is schlumpiness in his four (yes, four) different patterns. How does Jennifer let him go out looking like that. Pick a solid scarf at the very least!

Like Peggy's red, Joan's double breasted dress is a whole new, more powerful Joan.

She's still got the Joan pen, but that dress is all buisness. And that brooch? Want. 

She does dip back into her old style a bit with the scoop neck sheath.

It's an awful lot like the one she wore earlier this season. Which is why I was glad to see her do a different kind of sheath as they examined the new office space.

Fantastic Joan. Love the scarfy collar and that red is faboosh on you. And it sets everything up nicely for the first smack with the symbolism stick (I'm sorry Matthew Weiner devotees, I just like more subtlety).

Finally, I've got my doubts about this new super loyal husband version of Don. I know he worked through that when he killed a dame in his fever dream, but can he really resist the ultra-mod 60s girls who still hit on the aging Mr. Draper?

Do they have a daddy complex? Or does he send out vibes that he needs them to feel young? Because he totally caught the eye of the friend as well.

The dress is kind of the grown up version of Sally's mod dress and I dig it. Having just typed that, I realize that these girls definitely have a daddy complex. Because there are no accidents in any scene on this show. But I do like the white and sparkle going on. I wonder where this old fashioned is going to lead Don? Back to growing old with Megan? Or towards the new with these kinds of girls. 

We'll just have to wait and see won't we. Hopefully we won't have to wait quite as long this time. 

I'm so floored by what happened in this episode, I am almost at a loss for snark. Uh. I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge Roger Sterling for his impeccably tailored everything and especially this pop of color in the drab wintry wardrobe the men are exhibiting currently on the show. The red and white scarf plus his bold blue tie is really a nice statement.

Don's scarf, on the other hand, is a little boring. It's an okay pattern, and standard fare for Mr. Draper, but I'd like to see more color on him every now and then.

Be still my heart! Was he listening to me? Is that a GREEN sweater? It looks a little young for him, style-wise, but it's a clear sign that Megan has been involved in the choosing of Don's wardrobe, especially on his days off. He looks like a real person! A DAD even!

While Bets may be losing weight slowly but surely, you darn well can't tell in this lump of a sweater she's donned for the ski trip. I mean, I understand the appeal of a cable-knit to stay toasty whilst traversing the wintry mountainsides, but Betty? Do yourself a favor, honey and don't buy another one of these. It's too much.

Glen Bishop, you look worse than you did when you were a little kid. How is this possible? I understand you're being bullied at school. I understand how frustrating that is. But you also look like a schmuck. And you're mentally unbalanced. School uniform or awkward attempt at looking grown up? Not sure, but the parka doesn't help.

Now that our girl Joanie is a big time partner with SCDP, she has replaced herself in Secretary Land with Scarlet, the least incapable of the currently employed. Scarlet shows promise in both the secretarial and the sartorial sense: like Joan, she  loves bold colors, trendy silhouettes, and artful brooches. I look forward to seeing more from this young upstart.

Although these are not the most flabbergasting items of Ms. Harris' wardrobe, the first outfit is quite lovely. The dark blue with red dots is charming and I love the continual presence of her pen necklace; it's a power symbol. And she looks the part of a partner at SCDP, so good for her.

The second dress is fine but just kinda meh compared to the stuff we've seen her in lately. But it becomes a mourning dress pretty quickly, so I guess that's alright...?

Fashion champ Megan keeps it casual in a snug, green cable-knit (Betty, take notes!) and slim pants. This green looks dazzling with her pale skin and dark hair, by the by.

I LURVE this outfit. The black and white shift is so cute on her leggy bod, and the cutout-ish-detail on the chest is a neat touch.

More House of Holland...

Also, perfectly paired shoes and a perfect coat? I would totally wear this.

To go out to lunch with Sally and her Sassy Redhead Friend (whose name I have yet to commit to memory), Megan chooses shades of brown and camel, paired with a white scarf over what later appears to be brown corduroy and black, blue, and red stripes? It sounds confusing but like most of her clothes, Megan pulls it off with aplomb.

Saaaally, what is this? Is it a carpet bag? Is it just carpet? No, wait, is that velveteen? I'm not sure. I'm also not sure what it has to do with the dark green turtleneck you've got on underneath it. Yes to dark green, no to strange paisley jacket.

Oh, that's right. You're still a kid, pretty much, right? I keep forgetting, because you talk like you're thirty and you are smarter than people think you are. My bad. Fuzzy pink slippers, a nightgown and a shrunken crazy-colored sweater is acceptable for a young person.

This outfit is also pretty young compared to some of the things she has been wearing of late, but the blue is works and the brown jumper is quite cute. Again, kudos to Megan for giving her tips on how to break conventional fashion choices and explore the full possibility of her wardrobe.

This dress didn't do much for me at first, but later when Sally gets purdy for Glen's visit and a secret excursion to the museum, I was a little more impressed. Even though the collar is huge, the pattern is strange and it's drop-waisted, this looks pretty good on her and she pairs it with the white go-go boots, so she's making it work.

Bottom line: Honestly, I'm terrified for what lies ahead for our intrepid 1960's crew of New Yorkers. Everything seems to be falling apart... except Joan's fabulous curves and Megan's fashion-forward minis.