To Belt or Not to Belt

That was the question posed by the editors of Vogue in the August 1, 1948 issue.  The box suit that could be worn two ways:  Belted or not.

Photo by Rawlings

Photo by Rawlings

Left: A black and beige wool tweed jacket over a slim black skirt.  Right: A red wool jacket over a black, long-sleeved dress.  Both by Adele Simpson and both included a belt.

The Couture Touch version of the box suit worn by Miss Gene Marshall.  The taupe tweed jacket is paired with my favorite black skirt from Ashton Drake's "Fashion Plot".  Walking stick from "Blonde Lace", gloves from Integrity, shoes from Jennifer Sue, bracelet from Ashton Drake, earrings and brooch from The Couture Touch.  The hat, labeled Nouvcau Nouveau Hats by Sharon, was a doll show find a few years ago and has been reworked.

The coat pattern from the 2000 Gene Convention Special by Perfect Patterns was shortened to jacket length for this version of the box jacket with flare at the hemline.  The neckline was reshaped and cuffs were added.  The pattern includes the delightful working welt pockets.

My model/muse is Ashton Drake's "Cascade in Blue" Gene Marshall enhanced with an Integrity articulated body.

Belted brown wool topcoat by Davidow, hat by Mr. John.  Photo by Rawlings for Vogue, September 1, 1949.

Miss Marshall wears The Couture Touch version of the belted jacket over a slim black linen skirt. Underneath is the black and white checked blouse from Integrity's "Gilty Girl" ensemble.   Accessories include a black and white boucle shawl, OOAK hat from Bogue's Vogues, bracelet and purse from Integrity, and gloves from Ashton Drake.

The covered buttons on the front of the jacket were made from a red/green/cream checked companion fabric.  I love how they turned out.  The belt buckle is from a vintage bracelet.  Jacket, skirt, belt, shawl, and earrings are all from The Couture Touch.  OOAK cigarette holder from Mystyna.  My model/muse is "Star Entrance" Gene Marshall from Integrity.