About 7 days ago I decided to start a tailoring project. Years ago I received McCall 8420, a 1935 pattern with a skirt and kinda-half-Norfolk jacket. The pattern was my grandmama’s, who…
-
-
Antique Edwardian Shoe Rehab
I’m going to call it rehab instead of restoration, because these shoes were in a *state.* They were sent to me by a lovely follower who saw the potential in a pair…
-
The Late 1860s Aubergine Ballgown
Me and Kristen at the ball – photo by Nevada Live Magazine I couple weekends ago I was all a-tussle finishing the evening bodice for my new purple 1860s gown. I intended…
-
Introducing “Belleclaire” Edwardian Pumps – Pre-Order!
Darlings, meet “Belleclaire,” our second Exclusive design chosen by you! Based on a pair of 1900-1910 satin pumps in Les Arts Decoratifs, these Edwardian stunners will pair wonderfully with any formal attire,…
-
Bellas Hess & Co. 1917-1918 Fashion Catalogue – Free Download!
Ladies, I didn’t quite get through this insane project before Thanksgiving, and I am still working on the print-on-demand book, but for those of you that would like the digital copy, you…
-
21 Gift Ideas for the Historical Costumer
Gosh, are you ready for the holidays? If you’re wondering what to get for the historical costumer in your life…or you need to gently hint to someone about what *you* would like……
-
Introducing “Victoria” Carriage Boots
Today’s post is all about carriage boots. I’m maybe a little TOO excited about our new “Victoria” Carriage Boots…I’m…well…wearing them right now. They went to Starbucks with me this morning, and now…
-
Advertise in December!
Do you have a costume-related business that needs a boost over this holiday season? Why not try an advert here on the American Duchess blog? At a low cost and large banner…
-
#ShopSmall Today and Support Small Business
Click the Banner to Shop Small
-
And Now…The American Duchess “Silver Belles” SALE!
Ladies, and accompanying Gentlemen, it’s time to kick off the Winter festivities with a SALE! We have new styles just come in, restocked old favorites, and have put a bunch of other…
-
1860s Purple People Eater – Finished, Just Barely! and the Magic of Gored Skirts
This past Tuesday I was in a mad rush to finish the day version of my 1860s purple gown, just in time for the tree lighting ceremony downtown. This was about 2:00…
-
Preview Pages from the Bellas Hess 1917-18 Winter Catalogue
I recently received a number of vintage and antique catalogs, from my good friend Lady Carolyn. Most of them – Delineators, McCalls, Bella Hess – are in very fragile condition, but appear…
-
1860s Purple People Eater Ballgown Bodice – Musings
In my mad rush to get three pieces of 1860s attire (and let’s not even think about the accessories) done in time for a bevy of upcoming Victorian Christmas events, I’ve been…
-
Progress on the 1860s “Purple People Eater” Gown
I have a million things going at the moment, and two major projects on the table, with all their various bits and bobs and parts and bodices and trims and underpinnings –…
-
First Exclusive 1920s Shoes “Harlow” Coming Friday!
Ladies, it’s time to announce the winners of the first “Exclusives” cycle. We’ve affectionately named them “Harlow” after the glam goddess of the 1920s and 30s, and we’re proud to present three…
-
Introducing American Duchess “Exclusives”
I’ve been a bit quiet lately, but it’s because we’ve been planning some really…*really*… cool stuff for you guys, and working on a video to explain it all. I’ll let you watch…
-
“Seabury” Edwardian Shoes – Pre-Order Now Open
Thank you to everyone who participated in the “Seabury” Flash Sale on Facebook. That’s over now, and it’s time for our regular website pre-order. So without further ado, “Seabury” in black and…
-
Introducing “Seabury” Edwardian Shoes by The Newport Historical Society
Newport Historical Society “Seabury” Edwardian shoes, by American Duchess Today we’re excited to finally introduce “Seabury,” a gorgeous new reproduction Edwardian from the Newport Historical Society, Rhode Island. Back in April, Elizabeth…
-
Behind the Scenes Tour of American Duchess, Inc.
Many of you have asked to see “behind the scenes” of our little shoe company, so I made a video to show you ….. you’ve been warned! I hope you enjoy it.…
-
WINNER! “Virginia” Shoes Giveaway
Thank you all so much for participating in the “Virginia” Renaissance Shoes giveaway! There were gobs and gobs of entries, but alas there can only be one winner. And the winner is……