Dressed To Kill

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One of my favorite Sherlock Holmes film is "Dressed To Kill" (Universal, 1946) that featured Patricia Morison as the last villain encountered by Holmes (Basil Rathbone).  Because of her exotic looks, she was often cast as the femme fatale and sadly either starred in "B" movies or had smaller supporting roles.  However, she achieved her greatest success on the Broadway stage in Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate" (1948).  The following photos of Patricia Morison are courtesy of FanPix.net.

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I just love this photo of Patricia and her mini me!   And that gets me to thinking, who is the greatest miniature femme fatale at Monolithic Studios?  Well, Miss Madra Lord, of course!



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 Ashton Drake's "Siren of the Night" Madra Lord (with a new hairstyle) is the ultimate femme fatale dressed to kill in "Le Petit Ensemble Noir" from Robert Tonner's Theatre de la Mode Collection.  The fabulous fur is borrowed from Greene and Lam's "A Woman of Means" Adrian-inspired suit.  OOAK hat, earrings, and cigarette holder are from The Couture Touch.

Weekend Noir

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This week's Femme Fatale is a seductive Lingerie Silkstone Barbie from Mattel's BFMC on loan to Monolithic Studios to star in "Bothwell Street".  For this scene, her black crepe sheath and fur stole are from the design studio of Dressmaker Details, hat borrowed from Mattel's Cruella de Vil's "Power in Pinstripes" ensemble, purse from Madame Alexander, and jewelry from Mattel. 

Recipe for Glamour

For a vintage cocktail mixer:

Take 1 vintage reproduction Barbie doll
Add 1 vintage jacket
1 cocktail sheath
1  belt
1 pair gloves
1 purse
1 pair shoes
and a pinch of jewelry

Top with a cocktail hat......




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If you are like me, you probably have accumulated bits and pieces of vintage clothing with every intention of eventually completing an outfit.  Well why not mix some of those great vintage pieces with newer ones to create one of a kind ensembles.  Case in point, this fabulous mint Theatre Date (1963) emerald green satin jacket is layered over an early Integrity Candy doll black satin cocktail sheath.  The belt, gloves, shoes, and bracelet are all from Mattel.  The purse is from Integrity.  The OOAK necklace and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  The cocktail hat is from Dressmaker Details.  My stunning model is the vintage reproduction Barbie doll, Friday Night Date by Mattel. 

Couture Barbie

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Blush definitely becomes her.  This striking African American Silkstone Barbie looks haute so couture in Mattel's Dior inspired cocktail dress "Blush Becomes Her" from the BFMC.  The marvelous marabou feather hat is from The Couture Touch.

Barbie by Joshard

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I just adore Joshard's interpretation of a vintage bubble-cut Barbie.  She has such attitude!  Here is a blond version in Mattel's Vera Wang.

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Joshard's sultry brunette bubble is stunning in Integrity's Midnight in Monaco Veronique Perrin beaded gown.  Genuine fur drape.

Click HERE for Joshard Original's website.

Retro Chic Barbie

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Lingerie Silkstone Barbie from Mattel's BFMC looks dreamy in this vintage-inspired afternoon ensemble from Bogue's Vogues.  Throw pillows from Liz Cole/Retros.  Wall decor is actually a Christmas ornament from Hobby Lobby.  Click HERE for Bogue's Vogues Etsy shop.

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Enchanted Evening vintage reproduction Barbie wears a black and white retro-print sheath from Diane Carino of DLC Creations.  The OOAK hat is from The Couture Touch.  Gloves, jewelry, and shoes are from Mattel.  Purse from Randall Craig.  Mel Odom's miniature artwork is from Ashton Drake's Gene Marshall Collection.

Fashion Queen Barbie

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Barbie proves she's the Queen of High Fashion in this elegant suit ensemble from Integrity's FAO Exclusive Set, Final Cut Isha.  The delightful OOAK hat and matching purse are from an unknown artist, the fur stole from PD Root. Scarf, gloves, and bracelet are from Mattel.  Earrings are from Ashton Drake and the pin from Madame Alexander.  The luggage set is from Integrity.

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This is Mattel's vintage reproduction of Fashion Queen Barbie.  Isn't she stunning!  I think her molded hair gives her a sophisticated look.