Ideas for Recycling a Man's Tie

Illustration from the Chicago Mail Order Company, 1940 catalog.

The classic gift for Father's Day, a man's tie can easily be re-purposed for accessories such as scarves, hats, gloves, belts, and purses in order to update a favorite fashion doll diva's wardrobe.  Because ties are usually cut on the bias, raveling is not a problem, which makes them perfect to use for a variety of details such as bows, piping, and even contrast collar and cuffs.  Look for better silk ties with smaller scale prints or stripes.

An off-the-face hat with matching gloves made from a silk tie complement Gene Marshall's OOAK WWII era suit ensemble from The Couture Touch.

Best buddies Gene Marshall and Madra Lord show a few more ways to utilize a man's tie.  On the left, Miss Marshall refreshes the ensemble from Moss Rose Ivy Jordan by replacing the original pink satin neck scarf with an elegant silk paisley one.  Hat, fur muff, scarf, earrings, and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Gloves from Robert Tonner.  Bracelet from Facets by Marcia.  Miss Lord wears a 1940's suit ensemble from The Couture Touch.  The shell worn under the jacket and hat trim were made from the same tie as Miss Marshall's scarf.

The Models:  Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.  A Lady Knows Gene Marshall enhanced with an Integrity articulated body and Dark Desire Madra Lord are both from Ashton Drake.

Click HERE for more "madcap" ideas for transforming a man's tie.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Miss Gene Marshall appears courtesy Monolithic Studios.

Color Me a Fashionable Autumn

The news from Paris.....Colorful, whimsical hats are all the rage and were prominently featured on the runways of the top fashion houses.

Join us as the original, iconic fashion model and her sophisticated Parisian counterpart add their own colorful twist to a fashionable fall wardrobe.

A Model Life Barbie

Barbie pairs black with contrasting bright colors that spell drama.  Dress and fur are from Dressmaker Details.  Purse from Madame Alexander.  Jewels and gloves are from Mattel.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux

Victoire makes a strong fashion statement by mixing red with black and white houndstooth.  Jacket and gloves are from Mattel.  Necklace is from Randall Craig.  Bracelet from Joshard.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.  Skirt is from The Couture Touch.

Black and White Bathing Suit Barbie

Beige is ever so chic when paired with vivid touches.  Suit, handbag, and brooch are from Mattel.  Fur from PD Root.  Earrings from Integrity.  Gloves and bracelet are from The Couture Touch.

Credits:

Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

All hats and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Click HERE for instructions on making these Captivating Chenille Hats.

Captivating Chenille Hats

A new DIY project for fashion dolls.

Warning.....These delightfully whimsical hats are highly addictive.  Simple shaping of a chenille pipe cleaner and a little imaginative trimming can yield spectacular results.  Who knew a pipe cleaner could be so chic!

J'Adore Gene Marshall.  Suit from The Couture Touch.

"Haute Luxuries" Veronique Perrin.  Dress from Bogues Vogues.
 Purse from Mattel.

Black & White Bathing Suit Silkstone Barbie.  Fur from Integrity.

Click HERE for the tutorial which includes instructions for both 1:4 and 1:6 scale fashion dolls.

Miss Lord: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Madra Lord

The black and lilac tulle underskirt from the Gene Marshall costume "Creme de Cassis" comes out of hiding to be paired with the black teddy from "Pin-Up" for a lavish vintage-inspired party dress. The waist is accented with a floral corsage recycled from another outfit and a vintage black velveteen ribbon. Even her stand gets dressed up for the Holiday festivities. Leftover wallpaper and black trim were used to cover the stand. You could also use scrapbook paper, gift wrap, felt, or fabric.

Miss Lord's whimsical cocktail hat is very easy to make and oh so chic. Click HERE for the instructions.

Credits:

• Black Widow Madra Lord [enhanced with an Integrity body], Creme de Cassis, and Pin-Up are from Ashton Drake.
• Doll stand is from Integrity.
• Shoes are from Joe Tai.
• Jewels are from an unknown designer.
• Hat is from The Couture Touch.

Repurposing Household Items for a Chic New Look for Madra Lord

Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord

An old pillowcase transformed into a sleek sheath. A fashionable topper made by using a vinegar bottle as a hat block. Sometimes what's in your kitchen cabinet or linen closet can yield unexpected, hidden treasure. It's just a matter of looking at items in a new way.

Credits:
OOAK ensemble is from The Couture Touch. Handbag is from Integrity. Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Click HERE to see how Miss Lord's hat was made.

Can We Talk?

Screen shot from The Women, 1939.
Photo courtesy annazeitlin.blogspot.com

"Did you see Joan's new hat?  And that fabulous suit she is wearing? To Die For!  Just hop on over to the Chapeaux à la Mode blog darlings for a head start on Fall."

A New DIY Hat Project for Gene Marshall

It's that time of the year when all eyes are on the new hats for Fall. Here's a delightful 1940's Style Sculptural Wool Felt Hat to make for your favorite Monolithic Studios' star.

The tutorial also includes this whimsical, yet chic cocktail hat variation. Click HERE for the instructions.

Felts with Flair

Gene Marshall

"The lady definitely has flair!" Naturally she's wearing a chic little winter white, draped, wool felt hat accented with a dramatic feather from The Couture Touch. It's the perfect topper for her smart, fur-trimmed, travel suit.

Credits:
Goodbye New York suit, designed by Doug James, is from Ashton Drake.
Suede color-blocked gauntlet gloves, hat, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.
A re-styled "Blue Belle" Gene Marshall, enhanced with an articulated body from Integrity, is from Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord

A divine unusual-shaped, wool felt hat from The Couture Touch adds flair to the ultimate IT girl's sophisticated daytime ensemble.

Credits:
Dress from Madame Alexander, cape from The Couture Touch.
Fur muff from D.A.E. Originals, gloves from Ashton Drake, and necklace from Michael Scott.
C'est Moi Madra Lord is from Integrity.

For more on imaginative and whimsical felt hats from the late 1930's, early 1940's, visit my blog Chapeaux à la Mode

Happy Memorial Day!

Gene Marshall

Want to know the secret to Miss Marshall's chic straw topper?  Click HERE to see how it was made.

Fashionably Pink

The perfect transition to warm weather dressing: a pink wool crepe suit with luscious matching fur cuffs. Pops of black and white accent this smart suit worn by Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall. Accessories include black gloves and a pearl-handled walking stick from Ashton Drake, hatbox from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection, and a fabulously dramatic tilt hat from The Couture Touch. Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity. Click HERE for instructions on making a variation of Miss Marshall's hat.

Lilli Ann ad featured in California Bride magazine.
Photo courtesy pintuckstyle.blogspot.com

"Paradise in Pink" costume was created for the 2004 Annual Gene Hollywood Convention by Ashton Drake. It was based on this 1946 Lilli Ann suit worn by actress Marsha Hunt for her wedding.

Miss Marshall is Heady for Hats

Gene Marshall

Welcome to a New Year and a new blog from The Couture Touch dedicated to my passion for hats. There is nothing quite like a new hat to uplift the spirit and inspire the soul. Chapeaux à la Mode (French for fashionable hats) will feature vintage photos, advertisements, illustrations, articles, and DIY projects for your favorite miniature diva. The stars from Monolithic Studios plan to be there. How about you?

Photo Credits:

OOAK suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch, circa 1940.
White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.