Gene wears Poppy

When I saw the 16" Poppy Parker outfit, "Magic Moment," I immediately thought "Valley of the Dolls." With its 1960's sense of style, I thought it would make a beautiful addition to Gene's wardrobe...if it would fit. When I put the question out to the Universe whether Poppy's 16" outfits would fit Gene, I got a variety of answers. I decided to throw caution to the wind and purchased it...and was greatly rewarded! The entire ensemble fit like a glove; sure, the waist was a bit tight, but as you can see from the photos, even the gloves worked well with Miss Marshall's figure.



The shoes fit, but I decided to swap them out for a pair of Jamieshow J'Adore heels. The Integrity shoes made it almost impossible for Gene to stand up on her own, and my patience was wearing thin!



The earrings are GORGEOUS, going into Gene's ears without any problem at all.



I can almost hear Neely O'Hara...

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Betrayal: So Many Choices!

I first spotted Madame Alexander's "Betrayal" outfit on one of my favorite blogs, Melissa's Couture Touch. It was a case of instant enablement. I decided to add a cocktail and black-gloved hands from Jamieshow to liven things up a bit.



In color or glorious black and white, I dig this ensemble which is so reminiscent of something 30's screen legend Jean Harlow would have worn.



Gene is a knockout in her wig cap, restyled by Kathy Johnson of Oregon.



With the addition of a black fur wrap and cigarette holder (not lit of course, because our gal Gene would never inhale!):



Switching out the black gloves and black wrap for white ones, I don't think I care for them as much.



Still, either way, Gene is a beauty!



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Sandra Stillwell Tribute

Even though I missed Sandra Stillwell's "Every Day's A Holiday" convention, I was able to snag a few of my favorite outfits that she made available when it was over. First up is Independent Miss. The tailoring is perfect and so is the scale.

Next, White Orchid Gene wears a wig cap styled by Kathy Johnson and the Beau Monde outfit from the same convention.



The hat is to die for, and so are the shoes (which fit perfectly) and have a cute little bow on the back.



In this oldie but goodie, Gene models "A Woman of Means" outfit from a past Sandra Stillwell convention that featured a number of designs by Hollywood designer supreme, Adrian.



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Gene Goes To New York City, 1958

It took awhile, but I was finally able to obtain the Creme Suit from the 2005 Star Wardrobe separates collection. J'Adore is today's model, wearing the hat and holding the purse from the White and Floral Accessories set. She is standing in Times Square, circa 1958.



Gene changes her hairdo with a blonde Havana Nights wig cap from Jamieshow.



See more Gene Marshall doll Star Wardrobe separates photos on my regular website.

Gene does Gene

This 1995 (aka "Year One") release by Doug James is a very close replica of one of Gene Tierney's Oleg Cassini designed costumes from "The Ghost & Mrs Muir." Cassini was also married to the ethereal beauty at the time of the film's 1947 release. The story card for "Love's Ghost" lists this as a circa 1946 design, which puts it within the proper timeframe of the film's production.



From the Story Card:

In Gene Marshall's most unique film romance, "Love's Ghost," she plays a lovely guardian of two children in a Victorian setting. Set in a brooding period mansion, the film allows Miss Marshall to explore the question: "Can a beautiful Victorian governess find eternal happiness with a restless spirit?" Many filmgoers are debating the true meaning of the film's conclusion. See it yourself and be the judge…but be warned: take along a hanky!

Love's Ghost is the essence of Victorian elegance. Blouse is of white lawn with deeply-ruffled neckline and lace edging, and fastens with hooks and eyes down the front. Matching skirt has a separate net slip. A flowered cummerbund and matching straw hat add color. With hose, white shoes, "pearl" earrings, and hair ribbon. Circa 1946.



Imagine yourself in a "period" film set in the Victorian era. You assume the demeanor of a quiet young woman of the late nineteenth century. You learn to walk differently, to seat yourself differently in a chair when you are wearing a Victorian-era costume that sweeps around your ankles. It is an acting challenge that surely broadens your scope as a film star.

In the film titled Love's Ghost, Gene plays a governess of two lonely children. The film takes place in a spacious mansion filled with the sweetness of the children and the joyous care of their lovely teacher. And there is something else there, too: the mysterious spirit of the mystical Count, the children's father.



In this role, Gene looks ethereal in a dress reminiscent of fine Victorian fashion. It is made of simple, soft cotton. The bodice has a deep ruffled collar and billowing, elbow-length sleeves edged with lace. The only ornamentation is a pleated cummerbund trimmed with a nosegay of flowers, as if tucked there on a walk through the mansion's garden. The natural straw hat is bedecked with the same sweet flowers.

As the story unfolds, we ask: "Will the handsome Count ever appear? Will the young governess find her true love?" This costume seems to answer: "Yes!"

I tried the hat on Gene, but it just didn't look right. My model, White Hyacinth, balked, so I acquiesced and left it off!

See more Gene Marshall doll photos on my Gene web page.