Traveling 1940's Style

Whether by train, boat, or plane...the women of the 1940's traveled in high style. Hats and gloves accessorized the impeccably tailored suits and dresses of the well-dressed traveler. So leave those jeans and sweats behind and join two of the stars of Monolithic Studios on a journey of style.

A smart suit ensemble worn by film star Gene Marshall.

The re-styled jacket, borrowed from J'Adore Gene Marshall, is paired with a black skirt from Sandra Stillwell. Her uniquely shaped, off-the-face, tweed hat from The Couture Touch is in the mood of the moment and complements her fabulous pompadour hairstyle. Scarf is from Mattel. Gloves are from Ashton Drake. Handbag is from Robert Tonner. Earrings and bracelet are from an unknown designer. Brooch is from Facets by Marcia

Director Ivy Jordan 

A sharply tailored suit shows it's soft side with touches of white and taupe. Hat and muff are from Mattel. Scarf and earrings are from The Couture Touch. Gloves and brooch are from Integrity. Suit is from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.

A quartet of fabulous 1940's travel suits.
Photo courtesy Jelena Zivkovic @ Belgrade Photo History

Credits:
Gene Marshall appears courtesy Ashton Drake.
Moss Rose Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.
J'Adore Gene Marshall is a FDQ Exclusive from JamieShow.

Utility Chic

From war-time London, 1940's.....

Autumn 1944

The interplay of seams, pockets, and pleats were the hallmark of the British utility suit during WWII. Wartime shortages and rationing gave rise to this functional yet stylish, well-cut, and well-made design. The tailored silhouette featured a longer length jacket with boxy square, padded shoulders and a slightly nipped-in waist paired with a shorter, just below-the-knee skirt.

A model checks out the new utility suit.
Photo by James Jarche for The Daily Herald. Courtesy Granny Chic Gal

Miss Gene Marshall

American film star Gene Marshall shows off her utility chic by pairing a striped linen skirt with the smartly tailored, fur-trimmed jacket from D.A.E. Originals' "Business Class" ensemble. Felt tilt topper and skirt are from The Couture Touch. Scarf is from Mattel. Purse is from PD Root. Shoes and gloves are from Integrity.

Gene Marshall

Spring suits in soft boucle wool, Spring 1942.

For the home seamstress, a sewing pattern for the new longer length tailored jacket and an alternative version with short sleeves, perfect for Spring.

A trio of war-time suits featured in the September 1941 issue of Vogue Pattern Book.

London, 1940's. Understated elegance against a backdrop of ruins.
Lee Miller photo courtesy Vintage Everyday

"Fashion is Indestructible"
Digby Morton suit. Cecil Beaton photo. London, 1941.

Credits:
Fashion in the Forties by Julian Robinson.
British Vogue, Autumn Forecast and Fabrics with Vogue Pattern Book supplement, September 1941.

Gene Marshall is the incomparable "Symphony in G" by Ashton Drake. Body by Integrity.

Happy Easter!

Ann Miller in her Easter bonnet, circa 1947.
Photo courtesy theeternalheadonist.com

Step into Spring....

with a stylish trio of daytime fashions.

White Orchid Gene Marshall

Monolithic Studios' star Miss Gene Marshall wears a reproduction of a Theatre de la Mode Paquin design by Robert Tonner, circa 1946.  "Portland" is a rich brown linen dress accented with a white collar and banding detailing. A marvelous, matching, off-the-face breton hat highlights Miss Marshall's lovely features. The embroidered gloves, train case, and chair are from Ashton Drake.

Paquin, 1946
Photo by David Seidner.

Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall chooses a sleek dress style, based on a 1945 Vogue sewing pattern, in a delightful abstract print. OOAK dress, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch. Shoes are from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Fur muff and jewels are from PD Root.

Buenos Aires Victoire Roux

Victoire Roux

With a nod to Barbie's original "Career Girl" (1963-64), Joshard creates a smart suit ensemble worn by fashion diva Victoire Roux. Topping the ensemble is a divine hat from The Couture Touch. Poodle is from Randall Craig. Chair is from Retros by Liz Cole.

The Models:
White Orchid Gene Marshall, wearing the Hutton auburn wigcap, is from JamieShow.
Caribbean Kiss Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake. Hair restyled by The Couture Touch.
Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

A Ride in the Park....Jacket Required

Victoire Roux

A vintage find....the classic, fitted, checked jacket from Barbie's "Riding in the Park" #1668 (1966-67) ensemble. A must-have for any era. Victoire Roux pulls this smart 1940's look together with the addition of a dramatic topper borrowed from Miss Gene Marshall. Jacket and scarf  are from Mattel. Fur is from P.D.Root. Hat, skirt, and jewelry are from The Couture Touch. Buenos Aires Victoire Roux is from Integrity.

A Ride in the Park