It’s really quite tragic that I don’t have any Halloween parties invites floating my way. As cliche a cultural reference (so 2008?) as it may be, Mad Men would make my annual costume search so much more streamlined. I already have Betty in the bag.

Vintage cinched-waisted dresses in pastel, petit four colors (courtesy of my step-grandmother, who wore them on the Queen Mary traveling from New York to London). CHECK

Trusty silver dancing shoes that are very Penny in “Dirty Dancing”; time period is unknown, but I’d estimate 1960s. CHECK

Delicate Whiting & Davis purse (pictured above) appropriate only for my wedding (check) and Halloween. CHECK

Suitable Don Draper to accompany me. A little pomade, a shave and a slim tie, and my husband could definitely be transformed. CHECK

Gobs of retro costume jewelry (perhaps more Joan than Betty?), from brooches to clip-on earrings, and a classic string of pearls.  CHECK

Props! I’d happily tote one of my old fashion magazines for a touch of realism. And, had I been really clever and decided to host a party myself, I’d be drinking exclusively from these champagne coups. Some are crystal clear, demure; the rest of the set are splashy, etched with gold. All were kindly passed down to be my grandmother and are among my most cherished objects. Every once in a while, I’ll sip from one of these. They are incredibly impractical, holding a scant couple ounces of fluid, but their dainty elegance more than compensates.

I broke them out once for a legendary “old-fashioned” cocktail party. (That evening I also learned that serving only hard alcohol–not a beer or bottle of wine in sight–makes for an interesting party. Not recommended for those who don’t enjoy picking people off the floor. That said, the Moscow Mules were fab!)

And sneaking glimpses of similar champagne coupes (or cups, if you prefer) on MM makes me smile a bit, dork that I am, even if this salacious mythology was proven untrue.

So this Halloween, I may be all dressed up with no place to go. But if I’m at home drinking a vodka gimlet out of one of these, that will be just fine by me.

I did something unusual last night: I watched the Emmys. You see, my heart has always belonged to Oscar; I don’t bother with those other award shows. But I was pleasantly surprised last night. The Emmys were kind of fun. Neil Patrick Harris was adorable. And I laughed a LOT.

As a bonus, there was a sea of celebrities parading the red carpet (and one very annoying Ryan Seacrest) to judge. Is it just me, or do celebrities play it too safe? If I had a perfectly toned body, tons of money and access to designers, I think I might go out on a limb a bit more. Black strapless again? Snore. Some of my favorite gowns from the evening did have a pop of color. I loved Ginnifer Goodwin’s raspberry YSL. Debra Messing looked radiant in vermilion-meets-orange. And while this dress definitely falls into the safe category, we can all agree that this peacock shade flattered Julia Louis-Dreyfus beautifully.

Given my penchant for bright color, you might be surprised that my best dressed ladies of the night all wore white.

1) January Jones: When January Jones appeared in Elle with dark raccoon eyes, wet hair and head-to-toe Versace, she looked decidedly unlike her Mad Men character, Betty Draper. As her star rises, Jones continues to prove that she has serious fashion savvy. She’s not just another blonde ingénue, and she’s certainly not a Betty.

This Atelier Versace dress is remarkable because it takes a bit of a risk–with skin-revealing cut-outs and a touch of sparkle–and maintains its mass appeal. It’s fashion-forward and elegant, and it works perfectly on her figure (love that sweetheart neckline), but its most arresting quality is its Art Deco-inspired motif. Part 1930s screen siren, part Wonder Woman, part modern style leader, Jones hits the mark in this winner.

2) Perrey Reeves: Since I don’t regularly watch Entourage, I found myself wondering out loud about the perfectly styled actress sauntering down the red carpet. Of course, now that I have consulted imdb.com, I realize I have seen her many times before–in Old School and Doogie Howser, M.D. (See how it all comes full circle there? I wonder if she and Neil Patrick Harris shared a post-ceremony cocktail.)

Reeves’ Naeem Khan gown is a lesson in fit and proportion. Like me, Reeves has narrow shoulders. (Unlike me, Reeves is narrow, well, everywhere.) This neckline, as I know well, is very flattering to her body type. The sleeves and the deep V-neck widen the shoulders. As for the rest of the gown, it is slinky and body conscious in the best way and has the right amount of sparkle to render it it red-carpet-ready. Few could pull off this dress in revealing white, but Reeves seems born to wear it.

3) Leighton Meester: I suspect that Blake Lively, in her show-stopping, plunging-neckline-boasting red number, will get more ink this morning. (My husband would concur: When I asked which look he preferred–Blake’s or Leighton’s–he answered with a resounding endorsement for the sassy red number.)

That said, I prefer Meester’s drapey, Grecian Bottega Veneta gown. I’m a sucker for chiffon. And I’m also a sucker for Meester: I think she’s one of the few starlets whose off-camera style rivals that of her Gossip Girl character. (If anything, while Blair is always perfectly put together, Meester’s less polished but more realistic style is more appealing.)

This dress is dreamy, romantic and accessorized with two of my favorites: red lipstick and bold earrings. So what if this might be an example of a dress only a woman could love? I still think Chuck would approve.

So who was your best dressed at the Emmys? Chime in below!

Seeing as my travel budget for 2009 has all but evaporated, it’s nice to fantasize about the jet set life. It’s even better if the fantasy has a retro-glam spin.

I spent much of Sunday with my treasured stack of old magazines from the 50s and 60s. It had been awhile, and it was nice be get re-acquainted. Among the highlights (aside from a particularly hilarious advertorial in Bazaar about 30-year-old women being, essentially, ancient)? The ads.

Mad Men-era print advertisements were stellar at selling an idealized vision of the world, and this one (found in one of my old Vogues) is no different. The techniques of today’s mad men vary little: Glamour, sex, wealth and aspirational ideals (even if that’s just making dinner in under 20 minutes) are all part of the arsenal. But somehow, this ad is just prettier.

Just a little something for your summer viewing pleasure. Back to your regularly scheduled activities.