Hi! We are currently stitching along on our most complex book project, the 1760s sacque. While we can’t show you the whole big crazy thing quite yet, we’d like to share with…
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Simplicity Pattern Catalog, August 1940
Simplicity Pattern Catalog, August 1940 About a month ago I acquired my first vintage counter book – you know, the big pattern catalogs we go and flip through at the fabric stores.…
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The “State of the Book” Address – Updates and Progress
Well it’s been a couple months now since we announced the writing of our 18th century sewing book, which now has an official title: “The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking:…
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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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What The Heck Is This 18th Century Dress?
I keep a Pinterest Board called “Historical Costuming Weirdness,” wherein I pin all the things I find that don’t match up nicely with what we think we know about historical dress *right…
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It’s Free Shipping Weekend!
Well, the title says it all: This weekend we have FREE Priority Mail shipping on all USA orders, regardless of size or weight. We’ve also added a few things to the SALE…
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Popping Up In New York
New York from the Polaski Bridge A couple weekends ago, Chris and I took a mini-vacay-partial-work-trip to New York. The mini-vacay part involved lots of delicious and varied eateries in the ultra-hip(ster)…
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Regency Foxed Slippers – Inspo
The Met, c. 1805-10 As we near the end of 2016 and look towards 2017, it’s time to think about new historic shoe styles. Yaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!! Whenever I start musing on new styles,…
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Brooklyn Royal – Our First Pop-Up Shop in NYC!
And here I thought we were done with travel for the year. Nope! Back to New York City we go (twice in one year!) for our very first, very special Pop Up…
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A Winter’s Sale
It’s that time, my dears! Welcome to the Holiday shopping season. We can’t ignore it (nor do we wish to), but we want this to be a joyous time for you rather…
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Finding Inspiration in the 1790s with Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun
Self Portrait by Vigee-Lebrun, 1791 Those of you who have been following for awhile will know I’m not a huge fan of, well, anything with an empire waist. I just can’t seem…
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What I Wore to the Election, November 1920
Day dress, c. 1920/1921. Silk with embroidery, paneled skirt, belt, and cotton underbodice. In case you hadn’t noticed….. Today is election day. And for the first time, a woman is a real…
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How to Start Wearing Vintage/Retro Every Day
Lauren here — As historic costumers, we all obviously love clothing, but many of us feel the divide between “costume” and “clothing.” Most historic costumers do not wear historic pieces every day,…
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Behind the Scenes at Simplicity Creative Group, NYC
Lauren reporting – We’re back! Last week Abby and I traveled to The East Coast to attend Rufflecon and spend a few days in New York City afterwards. While we were sipping…
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DIY Hair Powder Shaker, or, DIY Powdered Sugar Shaker (depending on your Pinterest Mood)
Hello Lovelies! Abby here – Today, I wish to speak with you about Arts & Crafts, while attempting to teach ya’ll something that will make Pinterest go crazy with excitement! …maybe….? I…
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Spotlight: New “Londoner” Edwardian Oxfords
Lauren here – This month we’re celebrating the new Fall/Winter styles we’ve opened for pre-order all at once. Each week we’re taking a closer look at each style, the inspiration and research…
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New York, New York!
Today we are in New York City! Squeeeeeeeee! Although Abby has been here three times, Lauren has never been, so it’s quite the experience. We’re not at loose ends, though. Our three…
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Rufflecon 2016!!!
Hello lovelies! Lauren and I are currently off on a new adventure together – first was China & now we’re off to Stamford, Connecticut for Rufflecon! (this is the part where I do…
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Spotlight: New “Fraser” Early 18th Century Leather Shoes
Lauren reporting – As you all know, this year we’ve opened all of our new Fall/Winter historic styles for pre-order at the same time. We’ve also made the pre-order period longer –…
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Vintage Pants Review: Vivien of Holloway Swing Trousers
Lauren reporting … As you may know, I have a bit of an obsession with vintage trousers. This comes from my love of vintage style clothing, naturally, but also my deep seething…