My super-woman blogging abilities have been lacking lately, no? So here’s a bit to let you know what’s been going on in the Wild World of Duchess… 1. I got another dog. …
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Happy Birthday, American Duchess
Yay, this blog is a year old! (well, belated 2 days, but close enough!). Once upon a time it was “The Barn Owl Gown,” a blog dedicated to nothing more than chronicling…
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Hatting: My New Obsession
Sometimes there are things so beautiful that we cannot help, as craftspeople, to want to make them ourselves. We become afflicted with this syndrome, and run off to learn how to do…
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Extra Foxy Thursday
This has nothing to do with anything, but I was so inspired by my “inspirations” this week that I went off and drew it (for a certain Mr. C, it was a…
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Inspirations {March 2. 2010}
What’s inspiring me this week – warm tones, peaches, auburns, siennas, creams – but in a desaturated, antique, faded sort of way. I have a strong desire to make floaty voile dresses…
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:Ubersexlich Breeches – James’ 18th c. Suit
Do you know how uninteresting and even weird pictures of pants are? You can’t put them on a dress form…they look odd on the hanger…the best I could do was to put…
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Inspirations {February 22,2010}
My inspirations today come from a juxtaposition of Spring and Winter. It’s been very odd weather lately: a sunny Springy day followed by a heavy snowfall, followed by another sunny day. I…
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:Ubersexlich – James’ 18th c. Suit – Progress
Photos at last of progress on “The Suit.” I’ve been working on the waistcoat, which to be honest is not at all interesting to look at right now. It wants for buttons…
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The 18th Century Dog
I watched a fascinating show last night, BBC ‘Horizon: The Secret Life of the Dog,’ and got to thinking about dogs of the past, and what is a “period correct” dog. I…
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Inspirations {February 16, 2010}
I have no couch in my apartment. I want one that resembles THIS one, oh it’s SO beautiful! I know I have been fairly remiss in posting on a regular basis, so…
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18th c. Smackdown, Timbaland Style…
This one had me laughing so hard I nearly broke the boning in my stays. Thanks to Miss Abby at Stay-ing Alive for posting this and totally making my night! Make sure…
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Her Grace, The Duchess of Cupcakes – How and Why I Love Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day. Two words that strike joy, fear, hatred, giddiness, bitterness, or joviality into the heart-shaped-hearts of people everywhere. It seems like there are always two camps: those that like Valentine’s Day,…
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Rockin’ The Rococo
Today we’ve got reason to celebrate! Paper Moon, a local shop in Reno (where yours truly resides) has placed an order for American Duchess t-shirts! Now shabby-rococo-victoriana goodness will be available in…
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Monster Head: Dealing With Problem Wigs
Once upon a time I cut my hair short. Really short. As a costumer, this presents certain challenges, which I decided could and would be solved by embarking on a journey into…
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American Duchess on Etsy
I haven’t yet posted about the new American Duchess shop on Etsy. This is a combination of yummy things readers of this blog may be interested in, and the online shop for…
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Great Basin Costume Society – Events Plug
What: GBCS Chit-Chat Tea and CakesWhen: Sunday, February 28, 2010 – 11am to 2pm (or later)Where: Josef’s Vienna Bakery & Cafe – 933 W Moana Lane – Reno, NV Interested in joining…
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Why We Costume, Part 3: A Dream of The Past
There seems to be a fading of memories, after about thirty years, that turns otherwise horrible decades of fashion into inspiring vintage goodness, causing the fashion industry to launch revivals and thrift…
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1770s Hair Help From the Interwebs
The Dreamstress is seeking advice for big 1770s style hair. I haven’t done a wig in this style yet, but I did find this video tutorial not only extremely well-done, but very…
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Lookin’ Spiffy
To celebrate 99 followers, I’ve revised the layout to the blog. I’ve added another side bar, hopefully to keep relevant information from getting lost “down below,” and also to keep it more…
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Why We Costume, Part 2: Because We Don’t Have To.
When I was in college, I got into dressing up in vintage and retro clothing. I tried to “live the lifestyle” that was Rockabilly – polka dot dresses, high heeled shoes, red…