Head First for a Stylish Wardrobe

A wardrobe rejuvenation is often most impactful when you start at the top. A new hat can breathe new life to a weary outfit. Whether for a film role or a star's personal wardrobe, the costume designers at Monolithic Studios frequently remodel hats from their massive collection.

For Monolithic Studios' 1930's film Riviera Romp, star Madra Lord wears her own "Golden Riviera" dress and shoes with the sequin jacket borrowed from Zita Charles' "Wrap Party" costume, all Integrity. Handbag and gloves are from Ashton Drake. Jewelry from StrayCat.

Cruella De Vil's hat from the Disney film 101 Dalmations provides the drama achieved by simply re-shaping the brim and applying new trim. A coverlet of black straw hides the original glitter crown.

Cruella De Vil from Mattel's Great Villians Collection.

Madra Lord wears a smart suit ensemble for a 1940's publicity tour. The restyled jacket borrowed from J'Adore Gene Marshall is paired with a black and white pinstriped skirt from The Couture Touch. Fur is from miniature furrier to the stars PD Root. Gloves, handbag, and jewels are from Ashton Drake. The hat from Barbie's "Sunday Best" is transformed into a black and white charmer. The original lilac trim was removed to reveal a classic cartwheel buckram style. The brim was re-shaped and trimmed with black fold-over bias tape accented with buttons and bows for a distinctive look.

Grace Kelly wearing Mattel's "Sunday Best" fashion.

Photo by Jurrie de Vries.

Additional Credits:

Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord and J'Adore Gene Marshall are from JamieShow.

Resort Wear

It's that time of the year again....The Holidays are over and the weather outside is frightful.....Time to relax and get away to a tropical destination.....Ah, Summer!

Photo from Life magazine, 1947
Courtesy piroskawolf.blogspot.com
 

Resort wear (sometimes referred to as "cruise wear") was a specialized clothing style originally marketed by upscale boutiques, department stores, and designers to their affluent clientele who would spend the post-Christmas/New Year's weeks in a warm-weather locale. Resort collections included beach/swim wear and accessories, as well as day and evening dresses.

Photo courtesy violetsvintagevault.wordpress.com

Photo courtesy stylebubble.co.uk

1930's beach pajamas were first created by Coco Chanel to be worn at chic seaside resorts. They were available in an array of delightful patterns and bright colors.

Film diva Madra Lord does a little sightseeing on the Riviera, 1930's style!  For a chic daytime ensemble, the dotted top from Integrity's Stepping High Collection is worn over Miss Lord's white dress from Golden Riviera. Topping it off is an OOAK beaded, knit cap (artist unknown).

5 bathing beauties from the 1940's
Courtesy glossi.com

Gene Marshall relaxes in a black and white play suit designed by Joan Greene for Ashton Drake. This late 1940's, early 1950's style was based on an actual bathing suit from Valentino's of Hollywood. Handbag, bracelet, and floral hair comb are from Ashton Drake, sunglasses from Madame Alexander, earrings & shoes are from Robert Tonner. Queen of Hearts Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake and has been enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity.

1940's Lawson of California ad
Courtesy glossi.com

Tropical prints and side-draped skirts, or sarongs added a touch of glamour to 1940's resort wear.

Café Society, circa 1945
In a private collection

Madra Lord is ready for those glamorous warm nights in a simple yet stunning black and white gown. The white satin cowl top from Miss Lord's Golden Riviera set is layered over the black strapless, satin under-dress from Dream Sequence. Belt is from Madame Alexander's Betrayal gown. Jewelry from Ashton Drake, cigarette holder from The Couture Touch.



1930's Golden Riviera

Dateline New York:  A reliable source told me that film star Madra Lord is relaxing on the Riviera and will be returning home in style by way of a luxury ocean liner.

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Madra is looking tanned and relaxed for a day of sightseeing on the Riviera.  A white, quilted, satin coat is layered over pink satin capri pants and a white blouse with a cowl drape neckline.  These pieces are from the 2008 Golden Riviera Madra Lord Dressed Doll Gift Set from Integrity.  I wasn't a fan of the original hat so I made this little white hat from one of those sailor style hats available at craft stores.  The purse and bracelet are from other outfits.

Click photo to enlarge

For those chilly nights aboard ship, the white satin coat does double duty over a black velvet bias gown.  The gown is from Tonner's Award Night convention ensemble and the hat is from Joan Crawford's Cinema Siren.  The lace gloves are from Integrity's Ooh La La Gene Marshall and the earrings are from Integrity's Heat Wave Violet Waters.  Cig holder from The Couture Touch.

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Here is a closer view of the beautifully detailed coat right down to the delicate covered buttons and fabulous wing collar.