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…
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Autumn Beauties – Pre-Order Now Open!
How long has it been since we’ve done a pre-order for NEW historic styles?! We’re happy to finally be introducing some gorgeous new shoes for Fall this year. Shop Gleeful for $20…
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Abby’s Jane Austen Fest Dinner Dress – a Lesson in Plan B…or…C?
Hey Lovelies — So the last time I blogged about my Jane Austen Fest Dinner Dress I was totally jiving on this idea of making a tunic and turbany/chiffonettey thing to wear…
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The Robe a la Turque – Progress!
Hi, it’s Lauren… I promise, I HAVE been sewing. Promise! It’s just been sllooowwwwwww. It’s time to light a fire under my split bum, though – Costume College is in a few…
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Who’s That Girl? Meet Tina Vines
Who is that gorgeous new face on RoyalVintageShoes.com, our Facebook, and Instagram? Meet Tina Vines, vintage fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur. Tina modeled a beautiful original vintage western outfit for our mid-Summer photo…
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It’s a Revolutionary SALE!
Ladies, it’s that magical time of year when we put a bunch of stuff on sale. This year we’ve got quite a bit to go: Pemberley Regency Shoes Gettysburg Victorian Side-Lace Booties…
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Podcast Episode 9: Early 17th Century Women’s Dress with Samantha McCarty
Hello Lovelies! Abby here! On this week’s episode of Fashion History with American Duchess, I got to sit down with Samantha McCarty (Couture Courtesan) and chat with her about her other topic…
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A Trip to England and Wales
Lauren here…. ….here in Reno, and not in the UK where I have been and would like to still be. 😉 For the first time in years (and for the first time…
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Podcast Episode 8: It’s not just One Direction: The Many Hairy Styles of 18th Century Women
Hi All! Abby here with Episode 8 of Fashion History with American Duchess! This is Part 2 of our 18th Century Hair convo. Last week we talked about hygiene, hair care, and…
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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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Podcast Episode 7: Did They Have BUGS in Their Hair?! 18th Century Hair & Hygiene
Hi All – Abby here and I am very pleased to release this weeks episode of Fashion History with American Duchess – “Hair, Hygiene, and the 18th Century Woman” – as it is…
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Episode 6 – Enslaved People’s Dress in the 18th & 19th Century with Cheyney McKnight
Hey Everyone! Cheyney McKnight (Photo: LoomHappenings) Today, we are very excited to share our newest episode for Fashion History with American Duchess! In April, Abby got a chance to sit down with…
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Podcast Episode 5: Hot Town, Summer is Sh*tty (For Costuming)
Hey All! Our 5th Episode of Fashion History with American Duchess is now live! This week Abby & Lauren sit down and talk about how to beat the summer heat while wearing…