Say It with Pearls

Who wouldn't love a gift of an elegant strand of genuine cultured pearls.  However faux pearls have long been popular as an affordable alternative.  One of the premier manufacturers of faux pearls during the early part of the Twentieth Century was Richelieu.

From the October 1942 issue of Harper's Bazaar, this Richelieu ad shows three chic choker styles referred to as a duchess collar.  And by the way....LOVE the hats!

Film star Gene Marshall endorses the look with a twist on the stylish duchess collar.  Two separate pearl necklaces are combined to create her 4-strand choker perfect for the jewel neckline of the top from A Lady Knows, all from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gloves, cabochon pearl earrings, and fur muff are from The Couture Touch.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Let's Talk Turkey

Photo courtesy Paint The Gown Red

Happy Thanksgiving!

1940's Make Do Style

Despite wartime shortages and rationing, the inventive women of the 1940's made do with what they had.  Not only did this creativity boost morale but became a banner of individuality.  Ashton Drake's "Little Black Dress" set, designed by Tim Kennedy exclusively for the Gene Marshall Collection, brilliantly addressed this intriguing period in our history.

Miss Marshall refreshes her "Little Black Dress" by narrowing the skirt slightly which gives a slimmer silhouette.  The original butterfly decoration from the vest is replaced with a delightful bow pin recycled from a dangle earring.  A beret from another outfit is updated with vintage veiling and assortment of trims.  Hats during this era were often decorated with unrationed fabric flowers, bows, ribbon, and braiding.  Handbag and embroidered gloves are from Ashton Drake.

Madra Lord does her part to make do in style.  A silk tweed vest and suede color-blocked gauntlet gloves gives the "Little Black Dress" a smartly sophisticated look.  The hat from Ashton Drake's "Doing Her Part" takes a dramatic turn achieved with simple re-shaping and a touch of marabou.  Vest, gloves, and necklace are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from an unknown designer.

It's good fashion sense and smart dollars and cents to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your wardrobe with a versatile collection of accessories.  After all...."Variety is the Spice of Life"

Additional Credits:

Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.
Azure Elegance Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Styling from The Couture Touch.