AMC’s hit show “Mad Men” kicked off its third season recently and, from all of the reactions I’ve seen, one thing is obvious: People don’t just love the show — they want to wear the look. They’re entranced by Joan Holloway (portrayed by actress Christina Hendricks) and Betty Draper (actress January Jones) slinking across the screens in the fitted frocks of the day.

Some of the clothes are Dior’s New Look; some are ’60s slither and wiggle dress, but costumes for the women are something to envy.

Jennifer Mentzer — a local fashion blogger (http://indyfashbash.blogspot.com) and clothing dealer (eBay name: joyride6) — watches the show occasionally for the clothes and the set design. While the macho ‘60s mentality kind of irritates her, "they do such a great job with the apparel. Early on, I was attracted to that ’50s style, because it’s classic and just flattering."

She’s been vintage shopping for about 12 years, and it’s become a passion “not only because I’m a dealer but because it’s so interesting.”

The style is fairly practical, too, and it could be adopted into everyday life. Mentzer recommends Nannette Lepore and John Galliano as designers who have the sleek look of the early ’60s.

Not all of us can get our hands on Nanette Lepore, and sometimes the best dress is a vintage piece. But don’t go vintage shopping unarmed or unprepared. “You definitely have to remember that a lot of the stuff is going to run small,” Mentzer says. “People might have been smaller, but they definitely sucked it in. You need to go shopping wearing your Spanx.”

If a piece has made it this long, it’s likely to be a high-quality piece — and it’s worth having repaired. Buttons can be replaced, seams can be resewn and, if it has a musty smell, it can be aired out, steamed or dry-cleaned. Zippers, which are likely to be your biggest hindrance, can be replaced by a tailor for a fairly reasonable sum (usually about $10, Mentzer says).

If you want a piece that’s new but not at a designer price, check out sites such as Stop Staring (www.stopstaringclothing.com) or Marion, Ind.’s own DaddyOs.com.

Virtual makeover online

When every penny counts, no makeup purchase should be an uneducated one. That’s why Estee Lauder Virtual Makeover (www.esteelauder.com/LetsPlayMake... is so helpful. Download this widget to the social networking site or blog of your choice and test the shades on yourself. Buy as you go, or take your picks to your Lauder counter.

Beyond sewing

“Bend-the-Rules Sewing” is a great point of entry for new sewers who are wondering just how much they can toe the line in their craft. Author Amy Karol is back with “Bend the Rules with Fabric” (Potter Craft, $21.95), which extends her audience beyond sewers to anyone who works with textiles. Learn dyeing, silk screening, stamping, appliqu and transferring photos.

Shampoo fights acne

Actress Sienna Miller recently said she washes her face with whatever is in her shower — often shampoo. “I’ve got bad skin because of it,” she laments. But Miller might give her skin a fighting chance with Kairos Clarifying and Complexion-Clearing Shampoo. The line, developed by nurses, also contains acne-fighters. Find it at kairosclear.com; prices start at $18.