Right, here we go. I’ve spent today photographing and listing a bunch of my old creations on Etsy. Here they are. Click the photo to go to the listing. First come, first…
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Turning Over A New (Silk) Leaf
This 17th c. gown is one I’d like to re-make, in silk satin, so I’m going to sell this version on Every once in awhile there comes a time when just about…
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Green Gowns of the 18th Century
I have a house full of people here for The Wedding, so forgive me for being quite absent. It’s all a bit mad here! So in honor of the Historical Sew Fortnightly…
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The Angel Wing Bum, 1785
Save for one tiny bit of stomacher fabric, my wedding gown is DONE! *happy dance* Last week, when sorting out hems and skirt volumes, I decided I needed a new bum. The…
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Astoria! Astoria!
Somewhere along the way a rumor developed that “Astoria,” our most popular shoe, like, ever, was being discontinued. Well I’m happy to report that discontinued Astorias are NOT! It’s taken some time…
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Important Announcement from American Duchess Historical Footwear
Okay, lads and ladies, it’s time for me to put my business hat on and make a very important announcement. On Monday, October 14th, the prices on some of our shoes will…
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My October Wedding Inspiration
Via In ten days is my wedding. The dress is nearing completion. The florist, the caterer, the photographers, the decor, all of that is lined up. The leaves are turning, the mountain…
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Weddingote: The Home Stretch
I’m happy to report that my wedding gown is nearing completion. It’s to the point now where I shall tease you with detail shots and save the full “reveal” for later. The…
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Trendy Takes on 3 Classic Halloween Costumes
It’s October, which means it’s Halloweenapalooza time! To kick off the month, I thought it would be fun to put together three classic Halloween costumes, but in a modern way, yet using…
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Vintage Halloween: Pierrot the Adorably Sad Clown
I seldom make costumes for Halloween, or even ever dress up, but this year I’m going out dancing with a friend, and I need, well, something. I’ve been thinking about making a…
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Edwardian Beaded Shoes
Manchester, 1900, Austrian The pinnacle of footwear styling in the Edwardian period was The Beaded Shoe. Nothing is quite so lovely, so sparkly, so special, and so enticing. Beads could be found…
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8 Reasons to Love the New American Duchess Pompadour 18th Century French Court Shoes
Today is the day for the new Pompadours! We managed to sell clean out of the old Pomps, so we took the opportunity to make some improvements that I know you’ll love.…
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Weddingote: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Something…
The whole thing, with the skirt not yet trimmed up. Plus dog. I’ve been in a terrible sewing slump lately, but managed to get a bit done on the wedding gown, now…
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The 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball of Piper’s Opera House, 2013
Liza rockin’ her Victorian tail bodice with shorts and amazing stockings This past weekend Chris and I worked our tails off at the 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball up in Virginia City, Nevada.…
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Winner: “Claremont” 1930s Shoes Giveaway
The day has finally come to choose the winner of the 1930s “Claremont” oxford shoes. Yay! I won’t hold you in suspense any longer. The winner is… Beth Bradshaw Alas, there could…
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“Real” Late Victorian Steampunk Fashions for Women
The Met, 1897-99 (via) – an excellent start to a fabulous Steampunk ensemble. My favorites are the original gowns that unknowingly have that Steampunk flavor. I haven’t been working on my wedding…
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Glorious 1930s Vintage Shoes
from Etsy seller Simplicityisbliss The 1930s is one of my favorite periods for footwear. Everything is just so darn snazzy! Perforated leather, interesting stripe decorations, oxfords, cutouts, color blocking … ah, so…
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Giveaway: “Claremont” 1930s Oxfords!
It’s that time again, time for a GIVEAWAY! Whee! What’s up for grabs? A pair of 1930s “Claremont” Oxfords -or- a gift certificate for the equivalent amount ($135 value). How to enter?…
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Kodachrome Beauties
August 1942. Via I have a bit of an obsession with old photography, and I particularly love pretty much anything cross-processed. I’ve never chemically developed a photo myself, which is maybe sacrilege,…
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Glam Your Gams with Claremont 1930s Oxfords
After tromping around the University of Nevada, Reno, campus for several hours, I’m more in love with these shoes than ever. They’re comfy, snazzy, and totally made the ensemble. The inspiration for…