The dress is vintage, from about 1928, found at a vintage clothing sale. This photo doesn't do it justice. It's multiple layers of black chiffon over a peach silk lining; the middle layer of chiffon is embroidered, and the top layer is crinkled. It has cap sleeves, straight shoulders, and the classic dropped waist with hip-band; in the back are floating chiffon panels, slightly longer than the skirt.

Sheer pearl-finish "silk" stockings (they're actually Hanes Silk Reflection), and vintage-look black pumps with an instep strap and louis heels, from Payless, complement the dress. The beaded black choker was a gift from my dear friend Erin Hand Shoemate; the Art Deco rope, drop earrings and bracelets are my own creations, made of three sizes of black and clear Czech crystal beads spaced with black and clear rhinestone rondelles. I found the wide silver "slave" cuff at Goodwill. (Always check the thriftstores for goodies, kids.) The stole is black deep-pile velvet with fringed ends; it's a full eight feet long, and was made by my boyfriend.

For makeup I did my face pale and very matte. Matte black Revlon shadow around the eyes, with pearly Garden Botanika shadow on the browbone. M Professional dark cherry lipstick, worn over black to give it added depth, and a little gloss. Dots of blush, lots of black mascara and shimmery black-plum nail polish finish the look. And, of course, the sharp, sleek bob.