mad men inspired

Eric and I are huge fans of Mad Men. We streamed all of the previous seasons within months, sometimes watching four episodes at a time. We typically would sit and stare at the screen for a couple of minutes after the episode was over and think about what just happened? really? what will happen next? what do you think about Don? And that would lead into, "Want to watch the next one?" To which we would unanimously answer "yes!"

I have always felt that my marketing background has allowed me to be aware of the ad-wizards ploys. But folks, I've been taken. Yesterday I was at Target trying to identify my next facial moisturizer purchase. I sized up the Oil of Olay, looked at the Yes to Carrots, and took a step back to take in all of my various options: anti-wrinkle! moisturize! serums! Then I saw it sitting there in its lone self. Pond's. If you watch/ed Mad Men, you'll probably remember that Pond's cold cream was one of Peggy's first campaigns she was assigned to at Sterling Cooper. Well, I picked up the cream and stared at it fully recognizing why I was even considering it:  Peggy's words about a woman doing something for herself rang through my head. Hmph. Meanwhile, a woman in her 60s or so swooped in front of me and picked her own Pond's. I examined her face. It looked youthful. Sold. I put the Pond's in the cart. Now, I don't mean to say that I've been "taken" because I purchased a poor product. I just feel fooled for falling to the ads that I always say I can avoid...even it was clearly product-pushed to me via a TV show.

On that note, I realized that this was not the first time. No, dear reader, it wasn't! *gasp* In a recent online glasses purchase, I ultimately chose a pair that touted they were Don Draper-esque. Sure, he's a man. But hell, I'll take 'em!

I know I'm not the only one to fall victim to such advertising. It's normal. It's pop culture. I just never thought I would be *that* person. I like to pride myself on buying things because I like them, not because present day activities say "it's cool".

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find a vintage cigarette case for my bubble gum smokes....