via I’ve been researching hats lately, and came across some fascinating information concerning feathers. We all know the iconic mega-feathered hats of the Edwardian era. The Edwardians were particularly enamored with plumage,…
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V71: Hats of the 19teens – Choices, Choices
Today I am researching hats 1850 through 1960s, in preparation for a presentation next week at the Churchill County Museum. I am camped out at Starbucks, raiding all of The Dreamstress’ pinboards,…
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V67: The Red Shoes, The Pretty Red Shoes
On Facebook, Pamela charged me with finding portraits, fashion plates, and extant examples of red 18th century shoes, and I went a little bonkers and hunted down all sorts of images, so…
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V63: Georgian Miniature Portraits
Mrs Oakeley, by John Smart, 1780s Happy Saturday! Here are a few 18th century miniatures, a lovely little (literally) art form that began life in the 16th century, and was known as…
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V61: Favorite 18th Century Shoe Buckles
If you own pair of latchet shoes, eventually you will own a pair of shoe buckles to close them. Shoe buckles were the standard way of fastening one’s footwear in the 18th…
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V59: New “Kensington” 18th Century Leather Shoes in Black and Red
Last week I asked you all for your help in deciding what color Kensingtons to release first. All three colors (black, red, and ivory) are the goal, but we just can’t run…
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V44: Sacramento Antiques Vintage Haul
Victorian boots. I didn’t buy these, but they’re cool to look at. You thought I was going to miss today’s post! I’m exhausted after the all-day shopping trip over-the-river-and-through-the-woods, to Sacramento yesterday.…
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V43: 18th Century Experiments in Hair, and New $6 Neckerchief
Last night I spent hours…HOURS…working on Edwardian hair styles, but I discovered that I needed more switches and hair pieces (today’s work), before attempting any more of those styles. I also tried…
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V30: An Embroidered Apron – My First Williamsburg Piece
I was pleased to receive my vintage embroidered panel in the mail the other day, but it needed some tweaks. Firstly, it was dirty and smelled of vintage. (You know that smell…that…
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V28: Preparing for Presentations on Historical Accessories
I’m quite excited to tell you that I have been asked to give a talk on historical hats at the Churchill County Museum in Fallon, NV, in March. Time to study up…
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V23: 18th Century Accessories – Embroidered Aprons
Lewis Walpole Library Despite working on a 1912 Titanic gown currently, and having several other projects lined up before I need to start on the Colonial Williamsburg stuff, I just can’t stay…
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V21: Vintage Bead Binge
A belt, but also a headband, perhaps. I was thinking just the other night about where to find heavily beaded bandeau materials for my 1912 (and also 1920s) hair styles, and lo…
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V14: Edwardian Shoe Candy
To celebrate the Astoria coming out on Monday, I want to post some of my favorite images of Edwardian shoes. It was such a wonderful time for footwear. Ladies’ shoes were styled…
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V13: Get Ready for “Astoria” Edwardian Shoes
You knew this post was coming! I got the Astoria samples in the mail today and am absolutely beside myself with how awesome they look. The toes are pointed. The straps are…
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Georgian Shoe Buckles – GIVEAWAY!
As you know, we just released two styles of reproduction 18th century shoe buckles in the American Duchess Shop, so that means it’s time for a giveaway! again! Here’s the prize: Closely…
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Reproduction 18th Century Shoe Buckles – NEW in the shop!
“Fleur” from American Duchess – available now How the heck do you keep 18th century latchet shoes closed? Why, buckles, of course! …but not just any buckles, as I learned. Shoe buckles…
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Shoe Clips – Endless Possibilities for Historical Shoes
Shoe clips are the best things ever. I’ll just come right out and say it. Shoe clips allow you to drastically change the look of a single pair of shoes, just by…
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Shoe-How-To of the Week: Pretty Pretty Pink Princess Shoes
One of the coolest things about the Devonshire leather 18th century shoes is that you can paint them and decorate them easily, using leather paints, rhinestones, bias binding, trims, lace, anything really.…
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Edwardian Footwear – Thrift Score!
It seems like every time I go in a thrift store lately (all two times in the past two weeks), I come away with some really great stuff. Both the Salvation Army…
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New Vintage Hat Finds
I love hats, didn’t you know? I picked up three gorgeous vintage hats last weekend, for the Boutique on Etsy. The hardest thing about this “job,” this acquiring of vintage hats for…