Modern Day Mad Men - Susan Credle

The fifth season of the AMC series Mad Men starts again this Sunday. To celebrate, I'll be showcasing the fabulous style of some real “mad men and women” whom I work with at the legendary advertising agency Leo Burnett.

Susan Credle, the Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett USA, seemed like the perfect place to start. She has incredible  personal style and there are striking parallels between her career and that of the show's plucky copywriter, Peggy Olson.

Like Peggy, Credle started out as a secretary at the real-life agency BBDO New York. Over the course of 24 years, she worked her way up to executive creative director. Perhaps this is how Mad Men will end with Peggy taking over and moving to Chicago?!

When I asked Susan if she had a favorite outfit or item of clothing that made her feel powerful, she said that she dresses depending on how she feels that day, or for a particular client or brand. This is really what personal style is all about: self-expression and communication.

Now can we please talk about these INSANE-O pants for a minute?! Susan got them in Japan on Harajuku street, an area of Tokyo made famous for its over-the-top street fashion. When I saw her, I initially thought they were some kind of wacky high-end couture garment, but it turns out she got them for a whopping 3000 yen (about 30 American dollars).

Fashion is all about taking risks, and this is a big one. However, I think it's well played. She looks edgy, comfortable and incredibly chic. And I'm not just saying this because she's the big boss :)