On Memorial Day.....

Monolithic Studios' film star Miss Gene Marshall

Let this be a day to remember our heroes who served to protect our country and our freedom.

A Simply Chic Corded Hat for Fashion Dolls

An Easy DIY Project

Actress/Director Ivy Jordan wears a stylish tilted hat of her own creation.  This versatile hat features a corded base that can be trimmed in a variety of ways.

Here's what you will need to make this smart hat:

• Lightweight cardboard.  
• 1/8" wide Butcher's String.  You could also use yarn.
• Circle template.  
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• Glue.  I used Elmer's Multi-Purpose Glue for this project.  
• Fabric for lining (Optional).
• Assorted trims.

Fig.1

Step 1:  Trace a circle onto cardboard and cut out.  A 2-1/2" diameter circle was used for Ivy's hat.  However you can make it any size you wish.  Cut a slit to the center of the circle as shown in Fig. 1 above.  Overlap 1/4" and glue in place.  Let it dry thoroughly.

Fig. 2

Step 2:  Apply a thin coat of glue to the top of the cardboard hat base.  I used a small paintbrush to apply the glue working a small section at a time.  Wind the string slowly into a spiral shape tucking the end under as shown on the right in Fig. 2 above.  Tip:  I found it easier to begin winding the string a couple rounds in my hand first, then center it on the base as shown above and continue winding until the base is covered.  To finish, glue the end underneath the base as shown on the left in Fig 2.  Let your hat dry thoroughly.

Fig.3

Step 3:  To line your hat, cut the same size circle out of cotton fabric and glue to the underside, darting it to fit as shown above in Fig 3.  I used Beacon's Fabri-Tac adhesive to attach the lining.  You are now ready to trim your hat as desired.

This stylish hat is also suitable for 1:6 scale size dolls such as Barbie.  A 2" diameter circle was used to make Barbie's chic tilt.  Jacket and scarf were borrowed from Buenos Aires Victoire Roux.  Gloves from Mattel.  Skirt and fur are from The Couture Touch.  Lingerie Silkstone Barbie is from Mattel.

Additional Credits:

Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.  Her "Smart Set" ensemble [Ashton Drake] is borrowed from her dear friend Miss Gene Marshall.

Hostess with the Mostest

At last, the always glamorous Barbie takes a moment to relax wearing a classic 1950's style hostess ensemble. 

Costume is from the I Love Lucy episode "LA at Last" by Mattel.
 Barbie's hair and makeup were customized by Kert Hoogstraat of Kertkraft.
 Barbie is from Mattel.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother.....Zookeeper

Have a purr...fect day!

May Seasonal Accessorizing

Add a fresh touch of white to a conservative costume with a jabot.  The traditional jabot is fashioned from white lace and either gathered or pleated into straight ruffles.  However, as you will see, a jabot does not have to be made of lace to give the same effect.

Madra Lord accents her tailored two piece ensemble with the lace jabot borrowed from Gene Marshall's Little Black Dress costume.  It has been updated with a new black bow and tiny black beads.  Top and jabot are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gauntlet gloves, skirt, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag is from Randall Craig.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

A unique pearl encrusted "jabot" dresses up Gene Marshall's Little Black Dress.  The "jabot" is actually a beaded applique with tiny magnets attached to the back.  A festive belt, white gloves, pearl jewelry, and detachable lace cuffs complete the look.  Dress, cuffs, and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag is from Robert Tonner.  Styling from The Couture Touch.  Creme de Cassis Gene Marshall (restyled) is from Ashton Drake.

And from the archives:

The original lace jabot from Miss Marshall's Little Black Dress is paired with the dress from Madra Lord's Dark Desire.  Both from Ashton Drake.  Wool herringbone jerkin and coordinating gauntlet gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Shoes and belt are from Integrity.  Hat is from Robert Tonner.  J'Adore Gene Marshall, wearing a restyled wig cap from Phoenix Gene Marshall, is from Jamieshow.

Dangerous Curves

Miss Gene Marshall

What every 1940's femme fatale needs in her wardrobe is a little black dress with fabulous black and white striped sleeves.  An optional purchase outfit from the 2007 Gene Marshall Rare Deal convention, Dangerous Curves is a surprisingly versatile fashion.  With just a simple change in accessories, this stylish dress can go from a film noir look to chic sophistication.

Ivy Jordan

Miss Jordan shows a delightfully flirty side of Dangerous Curves punctuated with pops of color.  Accessories include the belt from Embassy Luncheon [Ashton Drake] and lace gauntlet gloves [Integrity].  Hat, cigarette holder, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Color Deal Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.  

Gene Marshall

From the Monolithic Studios' costume vault, a still from a 1940's film noir starring Gene Marshall.  For her femme fatale look, the dress is accessorized with sumptuous fur and a pearl brooch [both from Integrity].  Shoes and handbag are from Robert Tonner.  Tilt topper, gauntlet gloves, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Spring in Central Park, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.


Header Photo Credits:  A Lady Knows Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.  Her original bangs have been removed.  Dress and fur from Integrity.  Hat from Greene & Lam.  Jewels, gloves, cigarette holder, and styling are from The Couture Touch.

A Bright Forecast

The Fashion News for 1941:  Bright, stimulating colors to lift the spirit.  

You can easily boost the morale of a plain dress by simply introducing accessories in vivid colors.

Monolithic Studios' film star Gene Marshall revitalizes a basic black dress with bold color accents.  The multi-colored, wool boucle, belted plastron accented with a silk bow at the neckline is paired with a dramatic suede topper, color-blocked purse, and embroidered suede gauntlet gloves.  All from The Couture Touch.  Dress is from Ashton Drake.  Custom cigarette holder is from Mystyna.  "Symphony in G" Gene Marshall, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

From the 1941 issue of British Vogue, this Wolsey fashion ad highlights the bold color trend for apparel as well as accessories.

Miss Marshall makes a bold fashion statement with a royal blue jersey turban and matching suede gauntlet gloves.  Her own Little Black Dress is punctuated with felt confetti dots.  The 1/4" and 1/8" circles were cut from wool felt scraps using a classic 1-hole punch available in a variety of sizes.  The circles were then just finger pressed to the bodice in a random fashion.  Dress, necklace, and purse are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gloves, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Scottie is from PD Root.  Love, Paris Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.