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…
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“Kensington” 18th Century Shoes in Red are Back!
And it’s about time! It’s been several years since we’ve had red Kensingtons available in the shop, but they’re finally on their way now, and you can pre-order them to reserve your…
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“Is This The Real Life? Is This Just Fantasy?” – The Myth of Perfection
This past Saturday, Lauren M. of Wearing History posted a fantastic, soul-bearing article on Social Media and the Myth of Perfection. She urged us all to consider the real lives behind the…
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17th Century Inspiration Strikes Again!
I have only made one 17th century gown and I loved it. It was polyester satin and featured spray-painted lace, but I adored that gown. Somebody else is adoring it now, and…
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1770s Polonaise – Progress, but Slowly!
1770s Polonaise – the skirts are drawn up with cords, to create the three partition effect the gown is named for Work on this crazy froofy dress comes in spurts, but now…
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Review: Heirloom Haircare 18th Century Rouge
I’ve wanted to share this epic 18th century rouge with you for ages, but I haven’t played Georgian dress-up in such a long time! However, last week’s photo shoot presented the perfect…
