It was a good hair day Posting from the future – 2020. I realize I never completed the project link for the Silver Ghost Francaise. To be honest, I have very few…
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The Silver Ghost Francaise – Progress
After posting about where to find patterns for Robes a la Francaise, I thought it time to share the one I’m working on. This is “The Silver Ghost,” and it’s huge. I…
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Happy Bastille Day! (And Happy SALE!)
Happy Bastille Day! For me, Bastille Day marks the middle of the year. It says, “you’ve come this far, and now it’s time to look towards the Fall” (may favorite time of…
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Where to Find Patterns for 18th c. Robes a la Francaise
LACMA – via Those of you who follow me on Facebook will know I’m working on an enormous Robe a la Francaise for the Costume College Gala. I’m calling her The Silver…
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Double Vintage 1970s-does-1930s Wide Legged Pants
If you’ve been following me for awhile you’ll know I have a bit of an obsession with vintage pants. Although I own and wear modern low-rise jeans, I much prefer trousers with…
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Introducing Royal Vintage Shoes – Shoes for 1920s through 1940s
For the past few years I’ve been running a historical footwear company called American Duchess. We make a lot of really old fashioned shoes, all the way back to the 16th century,…
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How to Make Your Own “Mistress Firebrand” 18th Century Shoes
Last week I shared with you our “Mistress Firebrand” shoes, a pair of “Georgiana” dyeable sateen 18th century shoes that I had decorated with fabric dye, fabric paint, silver lace, and petersham…
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Pinup Girl Clothing “Jenny” Skirt Refashion
Pinup Girl Clothing “Jenny” Skirt in Orange Branch Border Print A couple weeks ago I splurged. I bought the Orange Branch Border “Jenny” Skirt from Pinup Girl Clothing. I’d been seeing it…
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Exclusive “Noire” 1940s Pumps – Pre-Order Open!
We’ve finally landed another American Duchess Exclusive, a design submitted and voted for by you! Meet “Noire,” our vampish 1940s quad-strapped heels in black or burgundy suede. If these beauties were a…
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“Mistress Firebrand” 18th Century Shoes GIVEAWAY!
My hasn’t it been a long time since we’ve done a giveaway! This time we’ve teamed up with Donna Thorland, esteemed author of Mistress Firebrand, a tale of an American actress caught…
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Playing With Sailors at l’Hermione, and more Williamsburg Shenanigans
Lauren M, Adam the Sailor, and me at l’Hermione a second day After our initial visit to The Hermione, we returned a second day at Adam’s request, to pose for a few…
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A Visit to l’Hermione at Yorktown
The third day in Williamsburg we actually spent in Yorktown, on account of the tall ship l’Hermione having put in there the night before, and it being an event not to be…
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In Defense of Faux Silk – The Revolution Dress in Colonial Williamsburg
Day two in Colonial Williamsburg – it was pouring down rain all day. This post will probably ruffle some feathers, but I feel compelled to report on my experience concerning faux silk…
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The Midnight Chemise a la Reine in Colonial Williamsburg
I have gobs and gobs of photos to show you, and stories to tell, from my recent trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Where do I start? How shall I structure these posts!? Eeek! How…
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The Versatile 18th Century Market Hat
On my trip to Colonial Williamsburg this week, I decided to be bold and attempt to underpack. The idea of wearing a different or new dress every day is a modern one,…
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The Midnight Chemise a la Reine – Done!
Well that was quick. This gown definitely holds the title of quickest full dress project I’ve ever completed. And I’m *so glad* I undertook it! To recap, the gown is one huge…
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The Midnight Chemise a la Reine
As happens with all big costume events or trips, it gets to be about a week out and I decide I *NEED* such-and-such new gown, and that surely it will be quick…
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18th Century BigAss Caps
…one final push for Williamsburg! With The Creature wrapping up (and boy does that feel good!), I have just enough time and plenty of organza left to make a BigAss Cap. And…
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Progress on Le Polonaise AKA The Creature
Trimming the bodice – the left side was done with the roll hem foot and it really “ate” the fabric – the right with a different method. I will need to remove…
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A Basic 1920s Frock
“Frock” is exactly what I should call this dress, even though I don’t really like the word. I found this -frock- on Etsy for an excellent price, and was so pleased to…