A Few Favorites

Whether updating an outfit with new accessories or layering pieces to completely change the look, here are a few of my favorites from the costume vault.

Bold accessorizing punctuated by the striped cummerbund and dramatic high crown hat complement the jacket and skirt from Integrity's Gilt-y Girl ensemble.  Hat, gloves, top, earrings, and cummerbund are from The Couture Touch.  Umbrella from Fashion Boulevard.  On the Avenue Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Miss Marshall's little black dress is spiced up with a tweed plastron inspired by the leopard one from D.A.E. Originals' Charmed Traveler set.  In the 1943 version of The Complete Book of Sewing by Constance Talbot, the plastron was defined as a vest-like yoke worn on the outside of a garment and tied around the waist with a sash, tie, or belt.  I define it as highly versatile.  Plastron, hat, gloves, belt, and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Dress, handbag, and shoes are from Ashton Drake.  Eyewear from Horsman.  Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

A change of accessories gives the jacket from Integrity's Cherry Smash ensemble a decidedly 1940's feel.  Can't you just imagine Miss Lord as a World War II era spy.  Hat, purse, gloves, and skirt are from The Couture Touch.  Black Widow Madra Lord is from Ashton Drake.

Accessory pieces from Ashton Drake's Little Black Dress set dramatically changes the look of Tim Kennedy's Love After Hours.  It was inspired by a little fashion drawing in the March 1949 issue of French Elle magazine.  On the Avenue Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

So what is my all-time favorite look?  Drum roll please.....

This 1940's cocktail ensemble was achieved by layering the halter top [sans the beads] and matching bolero from Song of Spain over the strapless satin sheath from Black Ribbon, both Ashton Drake.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from Sandra Stillwell.  Handbag and shoes are from Robert Tonner.  Jewels from an unknown designer.  Star Entrance Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Happy Birthday Barbie!

Barbara Millicent Roberts

You look Mahvelous darling!  Here's to many more years of glamour and fun.

Doll Head Decor Fit For Royalty

Fashion Royalty's Veronique Perrin lends her head to the game of chess as the powerful queen.  Whether for a decorative game piece, and unusual hat stand, or just a whimsical accent for a display, a doll head offers many unique possibilities.

Haute Luxuries Veronique Perrin is from Integrity.

OOAK hats are from The Couture Touch.

Click HERE for additional ideas for using doll heads as hat stands inspired by vintage window displays.

Jump Ahead To Spring

Begin with a classic suit that can be worn now as well as later.

Film star Gene Marshall updates her smart traveling suit from Diane on Whidbey Island with a hunter green suede tilt topper, leopard suede gauntlet gloves, and her favorite scarf from The Couture Touch.  Train case is from D.A.E. Originals.

As the weather warms, Miss Marshall will turn to a dramatic straw topper inspired by a 1939 Schiaparelli hat.  Hat, scarf, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag is from D.A.E. Originals.  Jewels from Ashton Drake.  Click HERE for more on this striking hat.

White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

And the Oscar Goes To

Here are the nominees for outstanding performance by an actress in a leading role:

Madra Lord for "Larcenous Lady"

Gene Marshall for "Moon Over Rio"

Violet Waters for "A Night in Capri"

Ivy Jordan for "Murder on Bothwell Street"

Zita Charles for "The Witness"

And the winner is......

Madra Lord for "Larcenous Lady"

"Thank you to all my fans!  
Oh Trent darling, I'll expect you within the hour with my statue."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Miss Gene Marshall appears courtesy Monolithic Studios.

Gene Marshall in New York City

Monolithic Studios' star extraordinaire Gene Marshall makes a triumphant return to the Big Apple.

Miss Marshall updates the stylish suit she wore when departing Grand Central Station for her Hollywood adventure with a change of accessories.  Scarf, train case, and the restyled hat borrowed from Madra Lord's "Top This" costume are from Ashton Drake.  Gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Purse from PD Root.  The original "Good-Bye New York" suit ensemble was designed by Doug James exclusively for Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall Collection.

For sightseeing..... for shopping..... for a casual stroll in Central Park..... Miss Marshall will turn to a chic suit ensemble from The Couture Touch.  Brooch is from Robert Tonner's Tiny Kitty Collection.  Shoulder bag and shoes are from Ashton Drake.

Miss Marshall pulls out all the stops for New York's nightlife.  The top from D.A.E. Originals' "Star Maker" costume is paired with a velvet skirt for an elegant look perfect for cocktails, dinner, or the theater.  Skirt, evening bag, and bracelet are from Ashton Drake.  Fur and gloves are from PD Root.  A custom hair ornament designed to complement her fabulous rolled hairstyle and earrings are from The Couture Touch.

We hope Miss Marshall enjoyed her stay in New York City.