Smart Styling for Victory

During the make do and mend era of the early 1940's, women were encouraged to conserve and stretch their wardrobe either by adding new accessories or restyling existing pieces.

A jerkin, which can easily be made from an old coat or suit, is an excellent way to update last year's dress.  Add a matching hat and gloves and you have a smart and stylish new ensemble.   On The Avenue Gene Marshall wears an OOAK blue wool herringbone tweed jerkin over the black crepe dress from Ashton Drake's  "Little Black Dress" costume.  Jerkin, belt, hat, and gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch, necklace from Ashton Drake's "Star Wardrobe Black Accessory Set", purse from "A Lady Knows" ensemble.

Don't throw away that old and out-of-style hat!  Why not reshape it and add some new trim detail.  Lunch at the Green Parrot Violet Waters wears a restyled brown velveteen hat that was originally a pillbox hat from Tonner's Kitty Collier "First Class" ensemble.  The new military-style shape is accented with vintage black grosgrain trim and a hat pin.  Restyled hat and OOAK jewelry from The Couture Touch, fur drape and matching purse from PD Root, black top from Ashton Drake's "A Lady Knows", belt from "Little Black Dress", skirt from Tonner's TDLM "Le Petit Ensemble Noir", gloves from Integrity.

Backdrop from http://www.raihing.com

A Spanish Influence

Here's a little cocktail number with a Spanish Influence.  Recognize any of the pieces?

Ashton Drake's "Song of Spain" halter top and bolero were layered over the strapless sheath from the "Black Ribbon" costume to create a sensational cocktail dress, circa 1943.  The original gold beads were easily removed from the top and jacket.  Accessories include the fur stole borrowed from Golden Gate Glamour's "Bandolier Morado" suit ensemble, shoes and purse from Robert Tonner, OOAK cocktail hat and gauntlet gloves from The Couture Touch.  OOAK jewelry set unknown.  My model is "Star Entrance" Gene Marshall from Integrity.

Tip:  Position the back of the halter top just above the sheath so that the top will snap securely.

Gene Marshall and Turban

Loretta Young was photographed for the November 15, 1940 issue of Vogue wearing the new cashmere turbans, this one infused with pink tulips, by Lilly Dache.

Loretta Young and Turban
Photo for Vogue by Rawlings

I was inspired to create my own version for Gene Marshall.  I have always loved the look of a turban paired with a tailored suit.  It's the ultimate in 1940's glamour!

Gene Marshall and Turban

Ashton Drake's "To Have and To Hold" Gene Marshall wears an OOAK nubby knit turban accented with vintage flowers with her "Doing Her Part" tailored suit, circa 1942.  Fur from PD Root, scarf from Ashton Drake's "Hi Fi" costume, gloves from Ashton Drake.  The OOAK hat, earrings, and pin are from The Couture Touch.