Click the image to go to the SALE! I have a gift for you all. It’s the gift of shoes. We’re having a really….REALLY big sale. Like a huge sale. An enormous…
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1880s Wool Ensemble – Apportioning Ruler Adventures
I’ve been slow but steady on the progress of this grey wool and black velvet mid-1880s outfit. It’s been about a month of weekends working on it, but I’m proud to say…
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Exciting Things in Store for Vintage Shoe Lovers
2016 is already off to a roaring start. The beginning of the year always comes with lots of planning for the next 12 months, and this year is more intense than ever.…
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Artifact: Paragon Home Shoe Button Kit
In my journey of studying and recreating old-fashioned footwear, I get to geek out on old technologies re-discovered. I just love the how and why of things: the effect an innovation in…
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Musing on A Natural Form Spring – 1870s Photoshoot at The Lake Mansion
Sometimes I get so busy I forget to share things, like this lovely photo shoot we did last Spring with a wonderful girl, Siera, at a wonderful local historic home known as…
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2015 Costuming Year in Review
I’m pretty late on getting my 2015 costuming year in review up, but here goes: In January I talked a lot about making a Robe a la Turque, but never did. Instead,…
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Making Vintage Jeans
My last project of 2015 was a pair of jeans. As most of you know, I mostly loathe modern low-rise pants. I’ve been on a vintage trouser bender for awhile now, but…
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An 1880s Wool Ensemble – Beginnings
Last week I shared with you the beautiful “Russian Seasons” coat from Armstreet.com, paired with an 1880s wool skirt I threw together for the occasion. The skirt was made from my favorite…
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How to Use a Victorian Button Hook – Video!
Those of you who costume for mid-Victorian through Great War will be familiar with side-buttoning boots. They’re iconic and beautiful, but can be a little tricky to get closed if you don’t…
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An Early 1880s “Anna Karenina” Winter Outfit via Armstreet.com
I have a slightly inexplicable love of Slavicn-inspired Victorian and Edwardian clothing. The cold weather rolls around and I just feel compelled to make something with a lot of braidwork or trim,…
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Spotlight on Tango Boots – Video!
I made a video! I know that doesn’t seem like a big deal in today’s hugely visual world, but I worked *all day* on this and I’m proud of it, even if…
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American Duchess Historical Stocking Stuffers
Christmas draws nigh (squee!), and you may be thinking of some last minute gift ideas….or seeding certain folks with last minute gift ideas for *you*. I have a number of small items…
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The Historical Costumer’s Holiday Book List
I don’t know about you, but about 90% of what’s on my Christmas list this year is books on historical costuming. We in the community are lucky to have so many excellent…
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Giveaway! $100 Gift Certificate to Dames a la Mode
Taylor Shelby, proprietrix of Dames a la Mode, in 18th century dress, modeling her gorgeous colette necklace and pearl drop earrings It’s Giveaway time! The fabulous Taylor of Dames a la Mode…
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My 1930s Christmas Gown – Done!
Gosh, I wasn’t expecting to be done with so much time to spare. I forget that vintage sewing takes so much less time than historical sewing, even with working out the pattern…
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1930s Velvet Christmas Gown Progress
There was never a better time to start something than so close to a deadline, but with just a couple days of hard graft, I’m surprised and relieved that the gown is…
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A Regency Winter’s Tale
And so begins in earnest the Holiday season. For me this is a time of hard work rewarded with a peaceful Christmas day with my family, enjoying a little downtime and a…
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#ShopSmall With These Great Indie Historical Companies Today
In the madness that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it can be quite difficult for us little gals to stand out. So today, Small Business Saturday, have a gander at the…
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American Duchess & Royal Vintage Winter Sales!
Here’s the official announcement: All sorts of things are on sale: Lots of our regular line marked down, such as Virginia, Antoinette, Tissot, and more Imperfects, while they last Dead Stock Exclusives,…
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1930s Velvet Evening Gown Inspiration
To get right to it, I have about two weeks to make my Christmas Party dress. This year it’s green and it’s velvet, and it’s all the fault of these shoes… “Gabrielle”…