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…
-
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
#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…
-
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,…
-
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”…
-
A Real 1920s Lady…Woman…Nun?
Can’t call this a flapper dress! Remember that part in “Chicago” where Roxy doesn’t want to wear the demure dress to court because it’s so frumpy? Yup, that’s this dress in blue.…
-
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,…
-
All About the New 16th c. “Tudor” Exclusives
It’s been *ages* in prototyping the new Tudor shoes, but they’re finally done! This has been an interesting project, one with many challenges. The first was sorting out the design. After discussion…
-
Retro-cycling Modern Sweaters to Make Vintage Sweaters
Rocket Originals UK – reproduction patterned sweater in claret. I’m sweater obsessed at the moment. It might be that it’s November and snowing outside (yay!), but it’s also because ready-made vintage style…
-
So You Think You Can’t Sew Vintage Knitwear….
Well I’m here to tell you you can! To sound a bit cheesy I’ll say “if I can do it, you can too,” but that is absolutely true – I lack patience,…
-
My New Victorian Corset by Anachronism in Action
Over my years of historical costuming, I’ve learned enough about corsetry to know I know nothing. This is engineering to a T, with bust-to-waist ratios, shaping, materials knowledge and use, construction techniques,…
-
Oxblood Stratford Elizabethan Shoes ON SALE
I know many of you have been patiently waiting, so here’s the official announcement: Oxblood Stratford Elizabethan Shoes are on SALE at www.AmericanDuchess.com We have a new shipment of oxblood Stratfords arriving…
-
How to Add Shaped Pockets to Pants and Skirts
Pockets. We need them. We put things in them. They keep our hands warm. They’re conspicuous in their absence on pants, and a pleasure when included in skirts. Quite a lot of…
-
An Easy Thrifted and Me-Made 1930s Fall Outfit
With so many fanciful gowns from various centuries lingering in my closet, 20th century items just feel like normal clothes now. Which is great! Sure, I wear my share of skinny jeans,…
-
8 Easy Historical Halloween Costume Ideas
It’s nearly Halloween time, and I’m sure you’re all thinking about (or working feverishly on) your costumes! Halloween can be a weird time for historical costumers. We costume all year long, and…
-
Enter the Royal Vintage Halloween Photo Contest!
It’s October! Enter all things pumpkin, the spreading of polyester spider web on *everything*, and the sudden sprouting of Spirit Halloween Stores all over the country. In 31 days it shall be…
-
Miss Fisher Chinoiserie Jacket Refashion
The Miss Fisher Fashion quest continues! So far I’ve made some trousers, a skirt, a blouse, a couple hats, and I’ve purchased a few things as well. I’ve also caught the “refashion”…
-
The 1940s in Shoes – Black Platforms (With Studs!?)
In my new endeavor to provide the costuming and vintage fashion world with the best of 1920s, 30s, and 40s footwear, I am constantly studying style trends of those decades. Sometimes I’m…