Repurposing Household Items for a Chic New Look for Madra Lord

Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord

An old pillowcase transformed into a sleek sheath. A fashionable topper made by using a vinegar bottle as a hat block. Sometimes what's in your kitchen cabinet or linen closet can yield unexpected, hidden treasure. It's just a matter of looking at items in a new way.

Credits:
OOAK ensemble is from The Couture Touch. Handbag is from Integrity. Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Click HERE to see how Miss Lord's hat was made.

Miss Marshall Makes Fall Fashion News

Film star Gene Marshall is a veritable "Lady in Red" in the tailored crepe suit borrowed from reporter and friend Brenda Starr. Her lampshade style chapeau is oh so chic!

Miss Gene Marshall

Credits:
Reporter in Red suit and Par Excellence hatbox are from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.
Hat, gloves, and jewelry are from The Couture Touch.
Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Don't cry Brenda, you'll get your suit back....eventually!

Monolithic Studios Stars Raid WHOSE Closet?

Why 007 of course.....

Zita Charles

Somewhere along my travels across the web, I read where someone successfully used a Ken sewing pattern for Gene Marshall. Mattel's 2002 "James Bond 007 Ken & Barbie Gift Set" provided the costume department at Monolithic Studios a classic black gabardine jacket to add to their wardrobe. The fit was remarkably good. The sleeve length was a little short, but easily remedied with gloves. The back seam was tapered to the waist for a nipped in 1950's silhouette. The overlap at the jacket front was reversed and new buttons added. Paired with a black rayon faille slim skirt and a white satin top, the look is pure Hollywood daytime glamour.

Miss Zita Charles

Credits:
Skirt & gloves are from The Couture Touch.
Top is from Sandra Stillwell's Zoe suit ensemble.
Fur is from miniature furrier PD Root.
Hat & purse are from Ashton Drake.
Brooch is from Mattel's Barbie Fashion Model Collection.
Azalea Ice Zita Charles is from Integrity.

Gene Marshall

Miss Gene Marshall

The versatile black suit goes from boardroom to cocktails with a change of accessories. The pink & black houndstooth hat/purse set and earrings are from Ashton Drake. Gloves and brooch are from Integrity. Scarf and fur stole are from Sandra Stillwell. Black suede hat is from The Couture Touch. Phoenix Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

So if you are looking for a basic black jacket to add to your wardrobe, look no further than....
Bond.... James Bond.

Styled for Fall

With help from her personal wardrobe stylist, Miss Gene Marshall updates some favorite wardrobe pieces just in time for Fall.

Monolithic Studios' star Gene Marshall

"White Orchid" Gene Marshall

By simply removing the teal chiffon neck scarf, this rust-colored knit sheath from the FAO Schwartz Exclusive "Warmest Wishes" (1998) becomes a versatile yet chic daytime look. Accessories include the fur drape from miniature furrier PD Root, gloves from Ashton Drake, handbag from Integrity, sunglasses from Retros, brooch from Robert Tonner, and hat from The Couture Touch. "Warmest Wishes" was designed by Tim Kennedy, circa 1948.

"Phoenix" Gene Marshall

The sheath from Ashton Drake's "Stormy Weather" (2001) comes out of hiding to reveal a figure hugging, classic style based on a 1950's home sewing pattern. A black grosgrain bow was added to the bodice to accent the contrasting fabric detailing. Accessories include a velveteen pillbox with dramatic feather, brooch, and earrings from The Couture Touch. Cigarette holder is from Mystyna. "Stormy Weather" was designed by Tim Kennedy.

"Symphony in G" Gene Marshall

Every fall wardrobe needs a new suit! A sophisticated jacket with an unusual shaped peplum that mirrors the hemline of the skirt borrowed from Ashton Drake's "Fashion Plot". It's the ultimate restyle of D.A.E. Originals' "Tour d'Argent". The wing-collared dickey and dramatic hat are from The Couture Touch.

"Blue Belle" Gene Marshall

An elegant cocktail ensemble features the black tulle overskirt from "El Morocco" layered over the satin sheath from "Black Ribbon", both from Ashton Drake. The fur stole is from Madame Alexander, jewels from Ashton Drake, and gloves from PD Root. The "diamond" encrusted evening bag and wine suede hat are from The Couture Touch.

Additional Credits:

Gene Marshall Collection costume source: Gene 3rd Edition by Carolyn E. Cook.

The Models:
White Orchid and Phoenix Gene Marshall are from JamieShow.
Symphony in G and Blue Bell Gene Marshall (both enhanced with Integrity articulated bodies) are from Ashton Drake.

Madra Loves Barbie

Yes, even Monolithic Studios' diva extraordinaire Madra Lord has a soft spot for Barbie. After all, those Wisconsin gals have to stick together!

"Spotted in Manhattan" Madra Lord

Miss Lord pays homage to her diminutive friend by carrying a delightful miniature replica of Barbie's 1962 hatbox case from Hallmark's Keepsake Ornament series. Suit is from D.A.E. Originals. Additional accessories include gloves from Ashton Drake, hat and earrings from The Couture Touch, and necklace/bracelet set from StrayCat.

Vogue Special Design #S-4567

This vintage 1954 Vogue home sewing pattern was no doubt the inspiration behind D.A.E. Originals' luscious suit.

"Postcards from Cannes" Madra Lord

For the 2003 Paris Fashion Doll Festival, Madame Alexander created this divine gown similar to Barbie's iconic "Enchanted Evening" (1960-63). Gloves, fur, and waist corsage are from Ashton Drake, shoes are from Integrity, and purse is from Dressmaker Details. Miss Lord is coiffed in a "Johnny" wig from Monique.

Illustration from a vintage Barbie booklet.

Inspired by.....Chanel

In Paris, Gabrielle Chanel designed a deceptively simple, collarless jacket that has become a fashion icon. Executed in jersey or tweed, the jacket often featured braid trim, metallic buttons, and pocket detailing. It was modern, chic, and comfortable. Paired with a slim, well-fitting skirt, the suit epitomized the classic look of the late 1950's and early 1960's.

Vintage McCalls sewing pattern.

Included in Barbie's 1959 wardrobe, was a nod to the Chanel jacket. Commuter Set (1959-60) featured a two-piece navy cotton jersey suit, and a white satin sleeveless body blouse for elegant dinners. A casual blue and white mini-checked blouse was also included along with a delightful three-flower silk hat, gloves, jewelry, shoes, and hatbox.

Illustration from a vintage Barbie booklet.

Mattel's Dusk To Dawn Gift Set from the 2001 Barbie Fashion Model Collection included a similar Chanel-style suit re-interpreted in timeless black. A legendary classic look perfect for a legendary diva's wardrobe.

Dusk to Dawn Barbie styled by The Couture Touch.

From Smart to Sizzle

First came the cool sophistication of City Smart....then the refined elegance of Sunday Best.  Now get ready for some sizzle!

Inspired by Mattel's 2003 "City Smart/Sunday Best" fashion, Barbie wears a chic daytime ensemble guaranteed to turn heads. Sheath and hat are from The Couture Touch. Purse, gloves, and necklace are from Mattel. Chinoiserie Red Sunset Barbie Doll was a 2004 Barbie Bazaar Special Offer.

City Smart

Sunday Best

City Smart and Sunday Best are from Mattel's Barbie Fashion Model Collection.