Here Comes Fall

There's a cool crispness in the air that signals it's time to pull out those fabulous fall wardrobe must-have pieces, circa 1940's.

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Capes have long been a favorite for style and warmth.  Ashton Drake's "Secret Sleuth" costume, designed by Tim Kennedy, was based on an authentic 1940's design from Valentino's in Hollywood.  The chrome yellow scarf brings a splash of color to this wonderfully delightful black and white ensemble.  I replaced the original yellow gloves with black ones.  Hatbox and shoes are from Tonner.  A restyled "Siren of the Night" Madra Lord is my model/muse.

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An impeccably cut, notched-collar jacket is a fall wardrobe staple in any era.  This versatile plaid jacket from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection pant suit ensemble is paired with the blouse from "Hello Hollywood Hello", and a velveteen skirt borrowed from an early convention ensemble.  A change of buttons provide an update to this classic jacket.  OOAK hat from The Couture Touch, fur drape and purse from PD Root, shoes from Parfait Zita Charles, jewelry and gloves from Ashton Drake.  A restyled To Have and To Hold Gene Marshall is my model/muse.

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When the temperatures plunge, what better way to stay warm and cozy is in Robert Tonner's "Cashmere Noir" coat from the Tyler Wentworth Collection.  OOAK hat and pin from The Couture Touch, shoes from D.A.E. Originals, jewelry and gloves from Ashton Drake.  Integrity's "Cocoa Crisp" Gene Marshall is my model/muse.

Tutti-Frutti Girls

Carmen Miranda, popular Brazilian singer and actress during the 1930's and throughout the 1940's, popularized the fruit and floral adorned turban that she wore when she performed "The Lady in the Tutti-Frutti Hat" routine in Busby Berkeley's 1943 musical "The Gang's All Here".  Exotic millinery became her trademark and even as early as 1939, Saks Fifth Avenue developed a line of turbans and jewelry inspired by her fabulous costumes.  In 1943, Macy's featured Carmen Miranda themed windows. 

Film star Gene Marshall [Caribbean Kiss] shows her exotic flair by adding miniature fruit and floral accents to her Rio Rumba turban.  This fabulous 40's inspired costume was designed by Tim Kennedy for Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall Collection.  Circa 1956.  I added the opera-length gloves and restyled Gene's hair.

Usherette Barbie from Mattel's Silkstone Fashion Model Collection gives my original Sheath Sensation [1961-1964] 40's flair with a turban fashioned from a scarf and accented with miniature fruit.  The red platform shoes were a lucky find from a doll show.