One Tweed Suit, Two Inspired Looks

Two famous stars from Monolithic Studios choose their favorite look for a classic navy tweed suit.  The quickest way to change the look of an outfit is with accessories.  Let's see what our stars have chosen.

Actress Gene Marshall goes for drama with bold red accessories.  Hat, scarf, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Brooch is from Mattel.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake.

Jazz singer Violet Waters chooses a stylishly sophisticated look.  Hat, crochet lapel ornament, handbag, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Red knit top and gloves are from Ashton Drake's "Good-Bye New York" suit ensemble.  Luscious fur from PD Root replaces the original cape.

Credits:

Ashton Drake's Limited Edition "Travel in Tweed" suit ensemble was designed by Lynne Day for the 2004 Gene Marshall Collection.

Fashion Plot Gene Marshall and Mood Indigo Violet Waters appear courtesy Monolithic Studios and Ashton Drake.

Styling from The Couture Touch.

Fabric of the Season: Herringbone Tweed

The herringbone pattern is a distinctive V-shaped design typically found woven in wool fabric.  It is distinguished from a plain chevron by the break at reversal, which makes it resemble a broken zig-zag or the bones of a fish such as a herring.  Herringbone wool tweeds were often used for tailored suits and outerwear during the 1940's.

Film star Gene Marshall wears a bold black and white wool herringbone tweed jacket that will stand up to the first chill winds of fall.  Jacket, hat, and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Skirt is from Sandra Stillwell.  Scarf and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from Madame Alexander.  Re-designed earrings from Facets by Marcia.  Miss Marshall appears courtesy of Monolithic Studios and Ashton Drake.

From the Chicago Mail Order Company Fall-Winter 1941-42, a wool herringbone tweed coat in versatile black and white.

Between Takes

Solid black wool together with black and white wool houndstooth was used for this smart suit Gene Marshall wears in a 1940 film noir from Monolithic Studios.  Suit, a black wool jersey dickey, cigarette holder, and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Shoes from Robert Tonner,  The hat from Ashton Drake's "Doing Her Part" has been restyled by adding a white ribbon band and reshaping the brim.  Best Bet Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.  Her wig is from Monique.

September Seasonal Accessorizing

Transform a jacket by adding braid or cording trim.  Depending on how it is used, the effect can either be subtle or dramatic.

Ivy Jordan

Even a small touch such as black cording shaped into a cluster of medallions to form a pocket motif adds distinction to a tailored jacket.  Suit ensemble is from The Couture Touch.  Gloves are from Integrity.  Handbag from Randall Craig.  "V for Tea" Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

During WWII unrationed braid was available in a variety of colors and unique designs.  In addition, furniture departments carried fringed sofa edgings that could be creatively utilized as trim for clothing.  Here are two examples from the September 1941 issue of British Vogue magazine.

Madra Lord

Black loop braiding adds panache to Integrity's remodeled suit [Sparkling Sepia].  Following the seam line, the braiding was hand tacked to the jacket and the ends were tucked under the hem.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Scarf is from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from an unknown designer.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from Jamieshow.

This Harzfeld's department store fashion ad from the September 1942 issue of Harper's Bazaar features a Nettie Rosenstein beige and black wool suit trimmed with black passementerie.

Madra Lord

From the archives, the white crepe jacket [Par Excellence] from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection is embellished with black trim giving it that distinctive forties look.  Scarf and matching gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Hat and skirt are from Sandra Stillwell.  Booties and doggies are from Ashton Drake.  Deep Rose Madra Lord is from Integrity.