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.

A Night for Noir

It's the perfect time for a mystery thriller featuring our favorite femme fatale as a conniving spoiled rich girl.

Credits:

Rich Girl Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Dressed To Travel

Whether it's crossing the continent by train or a transatlantic crossing aboard a luxury ocean liner, the stars from Monolithic Studios will be dressed to impress.

Gene Marshall

The jacket from Sparkling Sepia is dressed up with a fur collar recycled from a 1.6 scale jacket.  The original collar now becomes detachable cuffs.  A delightful restyled hat from PD Root tops the smart new look.  Suit from Integrity.  Gloves and earrings are from Ashton Drake.  Brooch from Mattel.  Train case from Robert Tonner.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Madra Lord

A change of accessories updates the sheath and matching stadium coat from Miss Lord's Cat Walk costume.  You can't beat the power of red and black to impress the fans.  Hat and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag, gloves, and necklace are from Ashton Drake.  Willow Madra Lord is from Integrity.  Cat Walk was designed exclusively for Ashton Drake's Madra Lord premiere collection by Jose Ferrand.

Gene Marshall

The ultimate travel ensemble....Fit for a Queen.  Hat and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Brooch from Mattel.  Suit, cape, and train case are from Ashton Drake's Fit for a Queen costume set designed by Lynne Day.  The Star Wardrobe Collection's embroidered gloves and Love, Paris Gene Marshall are also from Ashton Drake.

Bon Voyage Ladies!

1940's Outerwear

Furred casuals from the Chicago Mail Order Company, Fall/Winter 1941-42.  Soundly tailored tweed coats mounted with full, fluffy furs.  Stylish yet warm, you will be yearning for chilly weather.

Only cashmere and mink will do for Monolithic Studios' star Gene Marshall.  Mink trim accents the versatile coat from Robert Tonner's Tyler Wentworth Collection.  Cashmere Noir transcends the decades with its classic design.  Hat, scarf, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  "Fur" muff and gloves are from Integrity.  Midnight Gamble Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Fur collars broaden the shoulders and make your waist appear smaller.  A flared hemline gives grace to your walk.  From The Chicago Mail Order Company, a luscious blonde lynx-dyed Guanaco fur collared coat.  Fall/Winter 1941-42.

Victoire Roux is ready for a Winter in New York with a stylishly classic black wool coat accented with contrasting blonde "fur" collar and cuffs.  Hat and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Bracelet from Joshard.  Coat and gloves are from Mattel.

Wrap it....please.  A new fur coat for '41.  Beaver coat and sash from Ritter Brothers.  Hat from Lilly Dache.   Photo by Rawlings for Vogue.

It's a wrap....The enormously chic "fur" coat from Ashton Drake's Warmest Wishes is worn wrapped and cinched at the waist with a leopard "fur" belt from Fashion Boulevard.  The toasty-warm winter coat flares voluminously below the knee.  Hat and scarf are from The Couture Touch. Gloves and Fashion Plot Gene Marshall are from Ashton Drake.

Inspirations: Accessories

The accompanying part of a costume, known as accessories, serve both a functional as well as an aesthetic need.  They are the costume completers.

Vogue magazine has long been considered the ultimate fashion authority.  Here are some inspiring ads for fashion accessories from inside the pages of vintage 1930's and 40's issues.

Sensible yet stylish walking shoes, perfect complement to a tailored suit ensemble.  Circa 1936.

This uniquely styled handbag was available in black, brown, and important new fall colors for 1938.  I'll take one in each color please!  

Belts were a popular fashion accessory in 1939....and beyond.  

Wonderful stitching detail highlights these sueded cotton gloves.  Circa 1941.

Smart and comfortable shoes for 1943.  Love those oxford styles.

There are many ways to tie a scarf.  Here's a stylish solution for a bad hair day, circa 1943.

High fashion has moved down from the shoulder to the arm, yet still hands free.  New proportions for 1947.  Handles designed to take your arm.

Now you might be asking yourself, where are the hats!?!  Click HERE for more inspiring vintage ads.

Vogue is a Conde Nast Publication.