November Seasonal Accessorizing

Add a sequin collar to a basic dress.  A detachable collar is a great way to transition a daytime dress for dinner, cocktails, or the theater.

Monolithic Studios' director Miss Ivy Jordan in the knit dress from "Warmest Wishes", an FAO Schwarz 1998 Fall Exclusive designed by Tim Kennedy.  A detachable sequin collar replaces the original cowl neck scarf transforming this dress from daywear to evening sophistication.  Dress and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, fur muff, and waist corsage are from The Couture Touch.  The sequin collar was recycled from another doll.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

A pearl encrusted green velvet tie-on collar from Hattie Carnegie is the perfect addition for a late-day dress.  Photo is from the October 1, 1943 issue of Vogue magazine highlighting new ways to wear new accessories.

Unexpected Assistants

It just takes a small amount of color to assist in brightening neutral tones as well as black.  The addition of these bright assistants provides unexpected touches that lift the mood and spirit of the woman who wears it.

Bold red enlivens a striped tailored suit worn by film star Gene Marshall.  Suit, hat, scarf, and jewels are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from Ashton Drake.  Gloves are from Sandra Stillwell.  Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

In the October 15, 1941 issue of Vogue magazine, these uplifting pops of color were referred to as "Bright Assistants".

For late afternoon, a pink sweater with matching gloves uplifts a black suit.  The simple addition of a pink bow on a fur muff along with a black hat accented with pink floral trim can have the same uplifting effect.  Green gloves matched to shoe laces and jewels are another bright idea.  Illustration is by Rene Bouet-Willaumez (RBW) for Vogue.

Passionate purple provides an inspiring pop of color for director Ivy Jordan's tailored ensemble.  Jerkin, skirt, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Shirt is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Cigarette holder is from Mystyna.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Next Time:

Learn how to make Miss Marshall's Fashionably Forties Felt Tilt Topper.  After all, you just can't have too many hats!

September Seasonal Accessorizing

Transform a jacket by adding braid or cording trim.  Depending on how it is used, the effect can either be subtle or dramatic.

Ivy Jordan

Even a small touch such as black cording shaped into a cluster of medallions to form a pocket motif adds distinction to a tailored jacket.  Suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch.  Gloves are from Integrity.  Handbag from Randall Craig.  "V for Tea" Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

During WWII unrationed braid was available in a variety of colors and unique designs.  In addition, furniture departments carried fringed sofa edgings that could be creatively utilized as trim for clothing.  Here are two examples from the September 1941 issue of British Vogue magazine.

Madra Lord

Black loop braiding adds panache to Integrity's remodeled suit [Sparkling Sepia].  Following the seam line, the braiding was hand tacked to the jacket and the ends were tucked under the hem.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Scarf is from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from an unknown designer.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from Jamieshow.

This Harzfeld's department store fashion ad from the September 1942 issue of Harper's Bazaar features a Nettie Rosenstein beige and black wool suit trimmed with black passementerie.

Madra Lord

From the archives, the white crepe jacket [Par Excellence] from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection is embellished with black trim giving it that distinctive forties look.  Scarf and matching gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Hat and skirt are from Sandra Stillwell.  Booties and doggies are from Ashton Drake.  Deep Rose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

"Hollywood Director"

This 1946 fashion ad for a Rosenblum tailored suit pays homage to lady directors in this illustration titled "Hollywood Director" by artist Ben Stahl.

Wearing a casually chic ensemble, Monolithic Studios' actress turned director Miss Ivy Jordan is hard at work on the set of her new film.  Jerkin, belt, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Shirt is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Skirt is from Sandra Stillwell.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Cigarette holder is from Mystyna.

Credits:

Harper's Bazaar, October 1946.

Lady Director Ivy Jordan appears courtesy Monolithic Studios and Integrity.

A Classic Wardrobe Staple

The tailored suit featuring a longer length, fitted jacket with masculine shoulders, cuff-less sleeves, and pocket detailing.  Neutral colors are sound choices for maximum versatility.

Monolithic Studios' film star Gene Marshall wears a tailored jacket with the matching slim, straight skirt.  A tilt topper, color-blocked gauntlet gloves, a bold black and white dotted scarf, and jeweled lapel ornament gives this costume a smartly sophisticated look.  OOAK ensemble is from The Couture Touch.

In a dashing manner, Miss Marshall pairs the jacket with a black, A-line skirt.  Dramatic accessories complete this chic ensemble.  Suit, hat, gloves, scarf, and jewels are from The Couture Touch.  Fur and matching fur-trimmed handbag are from PD Root.  Cigarette holder is from Ashton Drake.

Director Ivy Jordan borrows the jacket from Miss Marshall and teams it with a pleated skirt [Doing Her Part], blouse [Star Wardrobe Collection], and jewels; all from Ashton Drake.  Gloves are from Sandra Stillwell.  Jacket, hat, and fur muff are from The Couture Touch.


Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall and Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan appear courtesy Monolithic Studios and Integrity.

July Seasonal Accessorizing

Anne Adams #4881 Pattern

Doll up a basic dress by adding flowers at the neckline and for extra flattery repeat the flowers on your hat.

Ivy Jordan

Embroidered flower motifs, recycled from vintage veiling, were applied in an asymmetric fashion on the bodice of Miss Jordan's two-piece navy dress as well as on the hat trim.  Dress [Ladies Who Launch] is from Integrity.  Handbag is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Earrings from Mattel.  Cigarette holder from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gloves, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Dangerous Curves

Miss Gene Marshall

What every 1940's femme fatale needs in her wardrobe is a little black dress with fabulous black and white striped sleeves.  An optional purchase outfit from the 2007 Gene Marshall Rare Deal convention, Dangerous Curves is a surprisingly versatile fashion.  With just a simple change in accessories, this stylish dress can go from a film noir look to chic sophistication.

Ivy Jordan

Miss Jordan shows a delightfully flirty side of Dangerous Curves punctuated with pops of color.  Accessories include the belt from Embassy Luncheon [Ashton Drake] and lace gauntlet gloves [Integrity].  Hat, cigarette holder, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Color Deal Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.  

Gene Marshall

From the Monolithic Studios' costume vault, a still from a 1940's film noir starring Gene Marshall.  For her femme fatale look, the dress is accessorized with sumptuous fur and a pearl brooch [both from Integrity].  Shoes and handbag are from Robert Tonner.  Tilt topper, gauntlet gloves, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Spring in Central Park, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.


Header Photo Credits:  A Lady Knows Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.  Her original bangs have been removed.  Dress and fur from Integrity.  Hat from Greene & Lam.  Jewels, gloves, cigarette holder, and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Top of the Morning to You!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

May the luck of the Irish by with you.

A Felt with Forties Flair

Monolithic Studios' star Gene Marshall along with pal Ivy Jordan debut a stylish new topper that is actually a 2 inch felt craft hat available in black and ready for custom trimming.  The hat's vintage shaping makes it the perfect accessory for 1940's tailored suits.

Gene Marshall

The hat trimmed simply with a narrow black suede band and a dramatic feather.  Jacket from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection.  Scarf, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Fab Lab craft felt hat is from Jo-Ann Fabrics.

Ivy Jordan

A similar style craft hat is accented with a grosgrain band and floral trim.  Jacket from D.A.E. Originals.  Scarf, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Marigold Market black felt top hat is from Hobby Lobby.


"Symphony in G" Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

"V for Tea" Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

February Seasonal Accessorizing

Add a fabric turban in a print or rich jewel-tone solid and match to gloves or scarves.

Monolithic Studios' director Ivy Jordan tops her coat with an animal print turban that coordinates with her embroidered gloves.  In addition she keeps the floral trend, adding a corsage to the bow at her neckline and repeating the flowers on her muff.  Coat and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Fur muff is from Integrity.  Hat and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Bright flowers and a matching satin bow accent film star Gene Marshall's solid colored turban.  The pink gloves as well as the scarf print match the floral detailing on the hat.  Coat, gloves, and newspaper are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, scarf, belt, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Miss Marshall's belt bag was made using a Barbie-sized handbag.  The original chain link handle was tucked inside the bag and a new faux leather handle was tacked to the back of the purse.  The belt simply slides through the new handle.

Credits:

Turbans were fashioned from scrunchie ponytail holders.

Lady Director Ivy Jordan (re-coiffed) is from Integrity.

Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

January Seasonal Accessorizing

Brighten a winter coat or jacket by adding a flower corsage in a rich, vivid color.  Carry a muff and repeat the flowers on the muff, or match your gloves or handbag to the flowers.

Monolithic Studios' grande dame Miss Madra Lord accents her tweed car coat with dramatic roses matched to the piping on her handbag.  The corsage is actually the hair ornament from Ashton Drake's Pinque Passion evening ensemble.  Hat, jacket, skirt, and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag and gloves are from Sandra Stillwell.  Top This Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Director Ivy Jordan wears a tweed wool suit ensemble updated with rich florals that were salvaged from Ashton Drake's The Perfect Gift.  The fur collar from Sandra Stillwell's Lotta Moola costume was fashioned into the dramatic muff.  Suit is from Ashton Drake.  Gloves from Sandra Stillwell.  Suede, detachable, wrist gauntlets were added to the gloves.  Hat, ascot, belt, bar pin, and gauntlets are from The Couture Touch.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Changing accessories with the season is one of the easiest ways to look fresh and up-to-the-minute.  Join us each month as we highlight ideas for updating a wardrobe with seasonal accessorizing.

A Hollywood Christmas

It's Christmas time and the stars from Monolithic Studios are celebrating in style.

A restyled White Hyacinth coat keeps diva extraordinaire Madra Lord cozy and stylish while Christmas shopping.  Hat and coat are from Ashton Drake.  Gloves, belt, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

The always glamorous Zita Charles wears a simply chic black jersey gown from Sandra Stillwell.  Fur wrap is from Mattel.  Jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Parfait Zita Charles is from Integrity.

Everybody's favorite star Gene Marshall relaxes at home in the restyled peignoir from her film "Red-dy for Love" (Ashton Drake).  Bracelet is from Integrity.  Destiny Gene Marshall, re-coiffed and enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Director Ivy Jordan all set for the holidays in a gray wool suit accented with mauve and brown tones.  A striking hat tops her smart ensemble.  Suit from Integrity.  Embroidered gloves and earrings are from Ashton Drake.  Hat is from The Couture Touch.  Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Jazz great Violet Waters poses for a wardrobe test for a scene in her new holiday musical "Winter Baby".  Hat, skirt, and fur "collar" are from A Woman for all Seasons.  Top and shoes are from A Lady Knows.  Fur-trimmed gloves are from Blues in the Night.  All Ashton Drake.  Fur muff is from Integrity.  Belt and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Sunset Serenade Violet Waters is from Integrity.

The Classic Forties Chubby Fur

It's what every woman wants.  The wear-with-everything chubby fur jacket.  It was the most popular fur fashion trend of the 1940s.

A beautiful silver-dyed imported fox from the Chicago Mail Order Company.  You could purchase it for $49.95 cash or buy it on credit.  It also included a matching fur strip, to trim your own hat!

Two more from the Chicago Mail Order catalog.  On the left a silky, fluffy Guanaco fur.  A rich, mink-dyed Coney fur on the right.  These jackets easily go from daytime to evening with a simple change of accessories.

Monolithic Studios' director Ivy Jordan wears a Donna Salyers' Fabulous Furs coat originally designed for Barbara Millicent Roberts aka Barbie.  The faux fur coat was altered exclusively for Miss Jordan.  Hat, skirt, corsage, jewels, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Color Deal Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Credits:

Donna Salyers is known for her faux fur women's clothing and home furnishings.

Catalog images are from the Chicago Mail Order Company, Fall/Winter 1941-42.

Creative Hat Designs

The stars from Monolithic Studios display their individual style with fashionable forties hats just in time for the new season.  By reshaping and trimming an old hat or making a new one from an unexpected source, a clever lady can easily have a wardrobe of new hats.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord tops a 40's tailored suit with a sophisticated asymmetric tilt hat fashioned from the 1930's cloche worn by Greta Garbo in Madame Alexander's Grand Hotel costume.  OOAK suit is from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Scarf from Mattel.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Black Widow Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Gene Marshall

A pillbox from a Robert Tonner Kitty Collier costume gets a repeat performance as the perfect WWII era hat for Miss Marshall's traveling ensemble.  Jacket, scarf, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Skirt from Sandra Stillwell.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Ivy Jordan

A ponytail scrunchie is transformed into a chic turban for Miss Jordan.  The new fabric hats do remarkable things in the way of softening a woman's features, freshening her outlook!  Dress and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, fur muff, and waist corsage are from The Couture Touch.  The detachable collar was recycled from another doll.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Madra Lord

The original trim from Violet Water's My Sunday Chapeau hat was replaced with new feather detailing to complement Miss Lord's tailored ensemble.  OOAK suit, gloves, and fur muff are from The Couture Touch.  Hat and blouse are from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from Integrity.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Twosomes - Color Matched Hats & Gloves

Distinctive styles personally chosen by famous Hollywood stars.  Matchy-matchy never looked so chic.

Miss Gene Marshall*

During the 1930s and 40s, it was not unusual for manufacturers of quality women's accessories to partner in the dyeing of exact matching colors.

This delightful illustration from the editorial pages of the 1939 Spring Forecast issue of Vogue highlights a pair of Tiger-lily gloves from Kislav along with a Koret striped linen handbag featuring dyed to match handles.

Black is the perfect backdrop for accent color.  Madra Lord chooses a pair of suede gauntlet gloves in a rich brick color and matching chapeau inspired by a 1937 hat pattern designed by Ruth Wyeth Spears.  Suit, hat, gloves, belt, and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from Integrity.  Hat box from Robert Tonner.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.

Director Ivy Jordan selects a striking tilt topper with matching gloves to complement her classic tailored suit - 1940 edition.  Suit, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Blouse from Ashton Drake.  Fur from PD Root.

Sears assembled beautifully matched accessories in striking colors for their catalog, circa 1940's.  I want them all.

Gene Marshall dares to flaunt her colors with a bold pair of suede gauntlet gloves matched to the feather in her hat.  Shoulder cape, skirt, gloves, brooch, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Top from Ashton Drake.  Portfolio from Mattel.  The updated hat is from Robert Tonner's Arrival at Port costume.

The following stars appear courtesy Monolithic Studios and Integrity:

C'est Moi Madra Lord
Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan
Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall

*White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.  Costume Credits:  Hat, gloves, scarf, and crochet pin are from The Couture Touch.  Train case and restyled suit are from Ashton Drake.

Stars In Their Easter Bonnet

A parade of not your traditional bonnets, from smart toppers to floral fancies, the stars choose their favorite styles just in time for Easter.

Ashton Drake's luscious "Paradise in Pink" suit from the Gene Marshall Collection is the perfect fit for Ms. Crawford.  Hat and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from PD Root.  Earrings are from Bogue's Vogues.  Gloves from Sandra Stillwell.  Fur from Mattel.  Awards Night Joan Crawford is from Robert Tonner.

Monolithic Studios' lady director Ivy Jordan pairs the delightful floral hat from Madra Lord's "Jeweled Cat" costume with Miss Lord's "Rich Girl" ensemble, both Integrity.  Brooch is from Facets by Marcia.  Glammed Up Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Chic Carole Landis is a veritable "Lady in Blue" in a stylish turban accented with florals.  A perfect pairing with a simple, tailored dress.  Photo courtesy anthropoetics.ucla.edu.

A whimsical felt tops Gene Marshall's tailored yet sophisticated look.  Jacket and cigarette holder are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, brooch, gloves, scarf, and skirt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Diva Madra Lord chooses the jacket from Gene Marshall's "J'Adore" costume and pairs it with black and white for a sophisticated look.  Hat, skirt, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Handbag, gloves, and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Happy Easter!