A Few Favorites

Whether updating an outfit with new accessories or layering pieces to completely change the look, here are a few of my favorites from the costume vault.

Bold accessorizing punctuated by the striped cummerbund and dramatic high crown hat complement the jacket and skirt from Integrity's Gilt-y Girl ensemble.  Hat, gloves, top, earrings, and cummerbund are from The Couture Touch.  Umbrella from Fashion Boulevard.  On the Avenue Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Miss Marshall's little black dress is spiced up with a tweed plastron inspired by the leopard one from D.A.E. Originals' Charmed Traveler set.  In the 1943 version of The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot, the plastron was defined as a vest-like yoke worn on the outside of a garment and tied around the waist with a sash, tie, or belt.  I define it as highly versatile.  Plastron, hat, gloves, belt, and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Dress, handbag, and shoes are from Ashton Drake.  Eyewear from Horsman.  Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

A change of accessories gives the jacket from Integrity's Cherry Smash ensemble a decidedly 1940's feel.  Can't you just imagine Miss Lord as a World War II era spy.  Hat, purse, gloves, and skirt are from The Couture Touch.  Black Widow Madra Lord is from Ashton Drake.

Accessory pieces from Ashton Drake's Little Black Dress set dramatically changes the look of Tim Kennedy's Love After Hours.  It was inspired by a little fashion drawing in the March 1949 issue of French Elle magazine.  On the Avenue Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

So what is my all-time favorite look?  Drum roll please.....

This 1940's cocktail ensemble was achieved by layering the halter top [sans the beads] and matching bolero from Song of Spain over the strapless satin sheath from Black Ribbon, both Ashton Drake.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from Sandra Stillwell.  Handbag and shoes are from Robert Tonner.  Jewels from an unknown designer.  Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.