Stars In Their Easter Bonnet

A parade of not your traditional bonnets, from smart toppers to floral fancies, the stars choose their favorite styles just in time for Easter.

Ashton Drake's luscious "Paradise in Pink" suit from the Gene Marshall Collection is the perfect fit for Ms. Crawford.  Hat and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from PD Root.  Earrings are from Bogue's Vogues.  Gloves from Sandra Stillwell.  Fur from Mattel.  Awards Night Joan Crawford is from Robert Tonner.

Monolithic Studios' lady director Ivy Jordan pairs the delightful floral hat from Madra Lord's "Jeweled Cat" costume with Miss Lord's "Rich Girl" ensemble, both Integrity.  Brooch is from Facets by Marcia.  Glammed Up Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Chic Carole Landis is a veritable "Lady in Blue" in a stylish turban accented with florals.  A perfect pairing with a simple, tailored dress.  Photo courtesy anthropoetics.ucla.edu.

A whimsical felt tops Gene Marshall's tailored yet sophisticated look.  Jacket and cigarette holder are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, brooch, gloves, scarf, and skirt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Diva Madra Lord chooses the jacket from Gene Marshall's "J'Adore" costume and pairs it with black and white for a sophisticated look.  Hat, skirt, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Handbag, gloves, and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Happy Easter!

Happy Birthday Miss Marshall

Gene Marshall

1940's Swing Style

Recently found in the Monolithic Studios' costume vault, a wardrobe test shot of Gene Marshall in a swing style dress inspired by Tim Kennedy's Rio Rumba gown.

Miss Gene Marshall

A silver and black chevron striped flared skirt with contrast bodice detailing highlight this oh so forties look.  Accessories include a coordinating snood, black suede gauntlet gloves, and earrings; all from The Couture Touch.  "Diamond" necklace is from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from D.A.E. Originals.  Purse and bracelet are from Robert Tonner.  Belle of the Ball Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Inspiration

Vintage sewing patterns are a wonderful source of inspiration for costume designers and wardrobe stylists.  The pattern illustrations are an invaluable resource for period detail including combining colors and accessorizing.

Two fashionable styles from Simplicity, circa 1941.  A simply chic dress with a two-piece look and a stylish peplum suit.

4 fabulous looks from 1940's McCall Patterns.  Clockwise from left:  A suit with a fly-front jacket, a contrast Redingote, a unique cape style, and a classic collarless jacket.  [Love that hat!]

A smart grey suit from McCalls, circa 1952.  Note the use of brown and pale yellow in the accessories that gives this suit a look of elegance and refinement.

A classic 1950's three-piece swing style ensemble from McCalls.  Love the tweed with contrast lapel and cuffs.

Green + Brown = Sophistication

The color green symbolizes the bountiful gardens and trees found in nature.   Green, particularly the darker shades, is calming and restful.   When combined with the timeless elegance of a neutral such as brown, green becomes classically chic and sophisticated.

The green top and coordinating cardigan from Ashton Drake's Hi-Fi costume is paired with the brown skirt from Press Conference for a smart look perfect for an active day of errands.  Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Brooch is from Robert Tonner's Tiny Kitty Collection.  Handbag from D.A.E. Originals.  Necklace and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

The form-fitting sheath from Ashton Drake's Stormy Weather costume set comes out of hiding to reveal a delightful brown and green print.  Accessories include a brown velveteen pillbox accented with a dramatic feather, brooch, and earrings, all from The Couture Touch.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Phoenix Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

A brown afternoon frock with soft draping details is accented with green suede embroidered gauntlet gloves and a matching fur-trimmed hat, all from The Couture Touch.  A simply elegant look just right for dinner and cocktails.  Fur stole is from miniature furrier to the stars PD Root.  Handbag from an unknown designer.  Creme de Cassis Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Source:

Fashion and Color by Mary Garthe.

1940's Spring Wardrobe Essentials

A Trio of Must-Haves for the New Season.

Off with your winter coat.  It's time for something lightweight in a soft color.  The pale rose tailored coat from Ashton Drake's Rain Song costume, sans the original hood, is paired with the straw hat and fur muff from D.A.E. Originals' Business Class suit ensemble.  Additional accessories include dark brown gloves and pearl jewelry.  Cocoa Rose Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Front page news for spring is the two-piece fitted day ensemble.  Chic Gene Marshall accessorizes the two-piece outfit from Ashton Drake's Press Conference with the gloves from Winged Inspiration.  The stylish tilt topper, luscious fur muff, and butterfly brooch are all from The Couture Touch.  Who says a two-piece look can't be high style fashion.  Train case from D.A.E. Originals.  Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Fascinating Violet Waters wears the blouse from Doing Her Part with the royal blue skirt from The Star Wardrobe Collection, both from Ashton Drake.  Over it all, a silk tweed plastron accessorized with a matching off-the-face chapeau and coordinating suede gauntlet gloves from The Couture Touch.  Separates never looked so chic.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Fascination Violet Waters, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

It's St. Patrick's Day

Madra and I wish you all the luck of the Irish!

Madra Lord