May 1940. Marie Claire. Though the term “capsule wardrobe” wasn’t coined until the 1970s, the idea stretches much further back. The general purpose of such a collection is to have a wardrobe…
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I’m Going “Durrells” For the Summer
Or forever. Fans Addicts of British television will be familiar with the wonderful series “The Durrells” (or “The Durrells in Corfu” if you’re here in the US where for some reason we…
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Podcast Episode 15: Jazz, Dandies, and Vintage Style with Dandy Wellington
Hi All! We’re back with the first of our “second season” of Fashion History with American Duchess! Our first episode is with our talented & well dressed friend, Dandy Wellington. Lauren and…
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The Vintage Makeup Review – with Lauren & Abby
Whether you’ve gone fully down the vintage style rabbit hole of everyday dress or you need a faceplan for an impending costume party, today we’re going to share with you our discoveries…
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A Very Vintage Trip to the UK
Hi! I’m Lauren – remember me? I’ve been away for awhile on a much-needed vacation to the UK. Hooray! Vacay! It was a wonderful, restful and also stimulating trip. We did many…
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Oh Snap – A 1930s Photoshoot
A couple weeks ago we had the opportunity to shoot with a stunning woman, Rachel, who transformed from a hip, modern gal into a statuesque Joan Crawford movie star. Love these shoes.…
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Simplicity 8248 1930s Dress – Results and Review
Simplicity 8248 – 1930s Dress – made in rayon-like cotton. Ever since Simplicity released two new 1930s patterns last Fall I have been just dying to make one up. The timing seemed…
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Butterick Pattern Catalog, 1937 – A Few Faves
Butterick, 1937 Some time ago I went on a bit of a bender looking for original sewing pattern counter books. One of the counter books I had the good fortune to snag…
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Royal Vintage – Deco Darling Collection Now on Pre-Order!
Hello Darlings! We are super excited to announce that our sister company Royal Vintage has released the newest collection line for Pre-Order (Delivery in early June)! It’s named Deco Darling and it is…
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My Last Project of 2016
1930s-inspired hooded wool bomber jacket. It feels like I haven’t sewn much this year. I certainly have lapsed on the blogging, which I greatly apologize for! Everything we’ve been stitching up since…
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How to Wear Vintage Menswear Without Looking Like a Man
Marlene Dietrich – famous for many things, one of which was rocking this look For centuries, women have been working elements of masculine dress into their wardrobes. Clear back to the 16th…
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Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” Blouse Review
Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” blouse made from the excellent printed pattern, worn with the ready-to-wear “Smooth Sailing” jeans. The pattern also contains piece for these pants. Late last year I made my…
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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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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”…
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A 1930s “Bonnie & Clyde” Sweater Blouse
Another adventure in sewing knits – I’m hooked, now! I’ve got my wooly nylon thread, my ballpoint needles, and a goodly dose of foolhardiness. Sorting through my vintage sweaters board on Pinterest,…