Happy Bastille Day! For me, Bastille Day marks the middle of the year. It says, “you’ve come this far, and now it’s time to look towards the Fall” (may favorite time of year). Phew!
It’s also the time for our big 18th century sale! There are some great Ba-steals and Ba-deals to be had (har har har) over in the SALE section at www.AmericanDuchess.com – free buckles or stockings on 18th c. shoes, Antoinettes, Nankeens, and Highburies on sale, 25% off Cavendish buckles, major reductions on Imperfects, and even a few deadstock Exclusives. Go check it out.
And now for the pretties. Sales are a good excuse for photo shoots, and I’ve been itching to show you “proper” pictures of the Midnight Chemise a la Reine. I bribed Abby, a historically-inclined young lady, to model (it was her first time!), and trussed her up in the full complement – chemise, stays, bum pad, ugly puffer, petticoat, neckerchief, gown, sash, beret, and of course….that hair!
What a good sport. It took 2 hours to do hair, makeup, and dressing. With the exception of the little curls down the back, all of this is her own hair! For makeup she’s wearing a pale foundation (Ben Nye “Clown White”), with Heirloom Haircare’s 18th century rouge on the cheeks and lips.
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| Abby is wearing “Kensington” 18th century leather shoes in “Oxblood,” arriving in stock very soon |
Two hours to dress, 30 minutes to shoot, and 30 seconds to disrobe. That’s how it goes!
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| Vive La France! |
6 Comments
Miss Eliza
July 15, 2015 at 2:32 AMAs always, utterly beautiful Lauren!
Lauren Stowell
July 18, 2015 at 12:17 AMThank you!
The Lady Victoria
July 15, 2015 at 6:49 AMI love the little cockade on her hat, the accessories are so striking against the plain white chemise. I want my own Chemise a la Reine now, but it's the depths of winter here!
Lauren Stowell
July 18, 2015 at 12:17 AMStart now, finish for Summer! (though it won't take you that long). It's a wonderfully versatile gown – just change the hat, the sash, the bow, and it's a whole new look 🙂
Sanna K
July 15, 2015 at 7:34 AMThose accessories take this dress to another level! Black looked great with it but this is even better! 🙂
Lauren Stowell
July 18, 2015 at 12:18 AMThank you! Any color would work for a totally different look. I love the red white and blue too – very striking 🙂