Storyville portrait, New Orleans, c. 1912. Portrait by E. J. Bellocq. Who doesn’t love a good striped stocking? The Georgians, Victorians, and Edwardians sure did! Striped stockings of various colors – some…
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Introducing Nicole Rudolph, Footwear Designer
We are beyond excited to officially announce the newest addition to the American Duchess / Royal Vintage team: Nicole Rudolph! Many of you will know Nicole from her blog Diary of a…
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Podcast Episode 11: Interview with Theatre/TV/Film Costumer Constance MacKenzie
Constance & Cathy Hay looking amazing at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath Hello Lovelies! Lauren and I had the pleasure of being introduced to Constance MacKenzie by Cathy Hay while we…
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Pattern Review: Decades of Style No. 101 The E.S.P. Dress
Hello Lovelies! Almost exactly a year ago, I finished making my first dress from Decades of Style’s ESP 101 Pattern. It’s a part of their Decades Everyday pattern collection that is meant…
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Review: Gracy Q 1950s Style “Sophia” Dress
Gracy Q “Sophia” dress in yellow Do you have a “best dress,” a frock or outfit that is your nicest, most polished look and, most importantly, you feel epic in? My “best…
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The “Jane Austen Goes to Ikea and then to Jane Austen Festival” Gown
This year was my first visit to Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, at beautiful Locust Grove historic site. I had been to Locust Grove before on a rainy November afternoon rather…
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The Robe a la Turque – Part 2 – The Gown
Italian Gown in yellow silk taffeta worn with a ruffled voile apron and cap, and fashionable black silk hat with black “Dunmore” shoes. Mid-1780s. One thing I love most in costuming is…
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Getting Ready for Gatsby
Hello Lovelies! Abby here — and let me tell you — I have 1920s on the brain! Now that Costume College has ended, the Royal Vintage travel schedule has died down just…
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The Robe a la Turque, part 1
Mademoiselle Guimard in Turkish Dress by Greuze, 1790 – LACMA (detail) Who doesn’t love the feeling of completing a project you’ve been obsessing about for *years* and getting to wear it to…
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Trends – Late 18th Century Flippy-Flappies
The Met – Robe a l’Anglaise – 1785-87 When we start out in costuming for a particular era, we think in centuries – the 18th century, the 19th century – and quickly…
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Podcast Episode 10: Corsetry Goodness with Cathy Hay of Foundations Revealed
Hello Lovelies! We’re BACK with new and exciting episodes of Fashion History with American Duchess! While at Costume College, we were able to snag a bit of time with Cathy Hay, the Founder…
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Abby’s Jane Austen Fest Dinner Dress – Done!
Hello Lovelies! Abby here and I am in full “July has been full of travel and awesome but now I need a nap nap” mode over here at American Duchess headquarters. There…
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Costume College 2017!
Wherein we share lots of photos – though not nearly enough! Costume College is a feast for the eyes. There are so many incredible costumes on hundreds and hundreds of amazing women.…
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Review: “Rock Around the Clock” Dress by Emmy Design Sweden
The Emmy “Rock Around the Clock” dress in plaid, paired with “Evelyn” oxfords in tan/brown by Royal Vintage Once upon a time a girl met a dress and fell in love. I…