I’m so pleased to introduce to you our first 1920s/30s style shoe, the “23Skidoo” t-strap spectators, available in two colorways. It’s everything Deco Era Gatsby shoes should be – a d’orsay pump,…
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V303: How To Create Flapper “Doll Eye” Makeup
Today’s tutorial is inspired by several things – primarily Bette Davis and Clara Bow, and their ridiculously huge eyeballs, but also a blending of original flapper smokey eye makeup, and 21st century…
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V300: Vintage Stockings, 20th Century
from Wearing History – 1939-40 – novelty stockings The other night at the Bomber Girl’s Pageant, I was asked if we carried vintage style seamed stockings in the A-D shop. I had…
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V299: Real WWII Bomber Girls
Today is the Battle Born Day’s Bomber Girl Pageant. I’m getting my ’40s on right now, and will be dancing the night away, and hopefully impressing the pageant judges with my authenticity,…
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V298: Costumes For Sale
I’m clearing out some space-takers in my Costume Closet, available in my Etsy shop. Here’s what’s on offer today… 1790s Gaulle. Drop-Front, made 2012 as a mock-up for another gown. Polyester taffeta, bodice…
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V297: Review: Litttle Bits 18th Century Makeup Products
For those of your interested in 18th century makeup – recipes, application, general wear – you’ll be pleased with Litttle Bits Clothing Company’s line of Georgian beauty products for the face. I…
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V296: Victorian Christmas…Stuff
With the holidays looming, it’s time to think about what the heck to wear for all the fun Victorian Christmas events. I’ve been spending 2012 building up my 18th century wardrobe, but…
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V295: Victorian Plastic – Yes, Victorian; Yes, Plastic
Ever since learning about plastic injection molding of the 1870s, I’ve been gnawing on the idea of Victorian plastics. It seems like an oxymoron – we all know plastic is a 20th…
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V294: LACMA Sacque-Ma Fabric on the Way!
So I was able to order the silk brocade fabric for my new obsessive project, the LACMA Sacque-ma. I feel like…like…I’m now part of a special club of historical costumers who sew…
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V293: Finished Project: Indienne Print “Curtain-Along” Gown, 1780
I finished my “Curtain-Along” dress in time to wear to Colonial Williamsburg, but it rained the day I had planned to wear it, and only donned it for a couple hours, so…
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V292: American Duchess Autumn Sale! 10% Off Historical Shoes n’ Accessories
Celebrate this most lovely of seasons with us – gear up for Halloween, or even get a jump on your Holiday gift shopping. Visit www.american-duchess.com or click the image above to see…
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V291: New Project: LACMA Sacque-ma
Well, it’s happened again. You will know what I speak of. I’ve bumped into a dress that I simply *must make.* It’s this one, from LACMA: LACMA Collections Online – Robe a…
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V290: Hello, Baby
Probably 1850-1855Attributed to: William W. Kennedy (1818-1885) Acc. No. 1931.100.7 Well, today my niece London was born. Happy literal day of birth to her. 🙂 I have maniacal plans to be London’s “Auntie Maime”,…
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V289: Where to Wear – How To Throw Your Own Costume Events
Ladies attending the 2012 Titanic Memorial Tea, at a local tea shoppe called The Isles Hi All! Today I’m going to answer another question I get often – where to wear the…
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V288: How I “Found My Era” – Question n’ Answer
Hi All! I received a question from Rachel and KittyKatt, asking how I found the era of history that was my favorite to start making clothes for, so I thought I would…
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V287: My 18th Century Pocket
So…I did make a pocket. It only took me 7 months to complete because of my intrepid laziness when it comes to hand embroidery. Luckily, flying on airplanes is a perfect time…
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V284: A Visit To Montpelier, Home of James and Dolley Madison
Today we visited the gorgeous home of James and Dolley Madison, Montpelier. It differed greatly from Monticello, in grounds as well as architecture, though Jefferson had a hand in the final Madison…
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V283: Visiting Monticello
Today we took a little trip up to Monticello, the gorgeous, stunning, incredible home of Thomas Jefferson. No photos were allowed inside the house, which means you shall all have to go…
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V282: The DeWitt Museum at Colonial Williamsburg
Today was another rainy, soggy, cold day in Colonial Williamsburg, so we checked out of our hotel and went for an inside-activity, touring the fascinating displays of 18th century furniture, arms, ceramics,…
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V281: Rainy Sunday in Colonial Williamsburg
Today, our second day in Colonial Williamsburg, is rainy and cold. On top of that, I’ve got a cold myself, so getting up and out in costume was a little more delayed…