More pictars! I don’t really like to model – I much prefer to be behind the camera – but sometimes it’s easiest to put on all the stuff and just go. For…
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FlapperHacks: Re-blocking Wool Hats
On today’s edition of FlapperHacks, I’ll share a couple of wool hats I’ve created for my Autumn Miss Fisher wardrobe. These hats were formerly in one shape, and have become another –…
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A Summer Straw Cloche for Mom
I’ve been on a hatmaking binge, ever since I refashioned my black straw Gatsby hat. No hat in my house is safe now. Even the moth-eaten hat husks waiting to go out…
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Orientalism in 1920s Fashion
Orientalism was a big trend in 1920s Western fashion, taking design for textiles, silhouette, even makeup, from Japan, China, Russia, India, and the Middle East. I noticed that Miss Fisher wears a…
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My First Miss Fisher Outfit
Last month I wrote about my love obsession with Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and of course Miss Fisher’s fashion. While the show is set in 1929, most of what Miss Fisher wears…
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FlapperHacks: Retro-cycling a Hat and Dress for Gatsby 2015
As all you modern Flappers will know, original 1920s clothing can be hard to find and scary to wear (don’t sweat on it!), so it behooves us to collect our retro style…
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Miss Fisher’s Fabulous Fashion
I’m *deep* in Costume College prep fog, but I have been winding down my nights watching Season 2 of “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries,” an Australian series that is everything you would ever…
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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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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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Early 1920s Tabard Gown – a Wonderful Gift!
Last week I received a surprise in the mail from The Lady of Portland House. I couldn’t believe what I pulled out of the box – an utterly stunning cut velvet-and-chiffon early…
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I. Miller & Sons – Shoes for Movie Stars, Chorus Girls, and You.
There are a few names in the history of footwear that conjure up instant praise and awe. You may know a few – Pietro Yantorny, Roger Vivier, and I. Miller. Differing from…
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1920s Flashy Dancing Shoes
Shiny shiny was big in the 1920s. Legs and shoes were on display more than ever, with flashy footwear being all the rage for an evening of vigorous dancing. Style influences as…
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PRE-ORDER Exclusive #3 – “Cicero” 1920s Pumps
These days we modernes can be pretty reserved with our shoes, but back in the 1920s, the flashier the better. Legs were on show and dancing was all the rage, with bugle…
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Cycle 3 Exclusive – Vote for Colors!
We’ve gotten a bit bogged down with the various holidays worldwide, but we’re gearing up for production to start again, so it’s time for another Exclusive! The winner of the Cycle 3…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Red Russian Doll Coat, Now Looking Like A Coat
Wow this project is kicking my buns … but in a good way! With the help of many books, not least of all Vogue Sewing, I’ve been trying some tailoring techniques, some…
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New Project! Russian-Inspired Late Edwardian Suit
It feels like it’s been ages since I embarked on a complex historical project, but with Winter coming, and photo shoots needing shooting, it’s time to start (yes, already!) on a project…
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The Lake Tahoe Gatsby, 2014
It’s August, which means Gatsby. It’s one of my favorite events, a delightfully relaxed little picnic at the Pope Mansion in South Lake Tahoe. This year my dad came. He’s all into…