I’m so happy to finally *properly* introduce you to “Savoy,” the fully-beaded, multi-strapped Edwardian stunners inspired directly by antiques in collections like The Met, The V & A, and Shoe Icons. Here…
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My New Old WWI Blouse
Last month, directly after our annual Titanic Tea, I went a-hunting on eBay and found this lovely blouse. I’m sure with more research I could date this to a more specific year,…
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An Original “Astoria” Edwardian Shoe Restored
A little while ago, our wonderful customer Deb found an original “Astoria” shoe languishing in an antique shop. She asked if I’d like to have it, to which I enthusiastically responded, “absolutely!”…
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My Annual Sewing Rut
Once again, I have absolutely no motivation to make a single stitch of anything lately. I’ve learned that this is quite normal, and that if I force the issue I’ll regret it.…
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Please Vote: Newport Historical Society “Signature Shoe” Development Poll
I’m excited to announce that American Duchess and the Newport Historical Society are teaming up to re-create one of the gorgeous Edwardian shoes in their collection, a splendid satin and metallic brocade…
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A Few Snaps from Our 3rd Annual Titanic Tea
Last weekend was our local costuming club’s first event of the year – our 3rd Annual Titanic Memorial Tea – and what a nice kick-off to “the season” it was. Due to…
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Photo Shoot: Downton Abbey Glamour at the Cobb Mansion, Virginia City, Nevada
I’ve been sitting on these photos for quite some time, leaking them out little by little, but I think it’s high time now for a little photo story… With Downton Abbey fresh…
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Glorious 18th Century Mules, and some 19th Century Wanna-Be’s
Antoinette mules in French blue Today is the day to celebrate mules, those pretty little backless, heeled slippers that have been gracing the feet of ladies for hundreds of years. In honor…
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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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2013 Costume College, Pt. 1
I’m back! I’m alive! Costume College was splendid this year. I had SO much fun, met and chatted with so many cool people, and took so…SO…many photos. I’m breaking this up into…
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Edwardian Elegance – “Gibson” Summer Photoshoot
A couple weekends ago, Chris and I ventured out with our gorgeous Edwardian model Liza, to shoot the new “Gibson” Edwardian shoes that have just come into stock. Liza wore an antique…
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Victorian & Edwardian Stockings
Via – I’ll take any of these, please. Throughout history, people have worn some pretty spectacular hosiery. I’m tickled today when I see fantastic socks for sale (and I often buy them,…
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1912 “Titanic Tea” Day Dress – Complete!
Hey everyone! I made a DRESS! And then I WORE it! I’ve been seriously spazzy with completing costumes this year, so despite this “simple” 1912 frock stressing me the heck out, and…
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Tim Gunn-ing the 1912 Day Dress
Every once in awhile, a “simple” project comes along and kicks my butt. Usually it’s after I’ve just successfully completed something really complicated and I’m feeling good about my sewing skills. Does…
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Starting a “Simple” 1912 Day Dress
I’ve got a case of Costume ADD! My squirrely brain has landed on this “quick and easy” 1912 daytime tea dress. I thought I would just throw it together…ha…haha…HAHAHA. I started with…
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Upcoming 2013 Projects
I don’t quite know how this happened, but I sat down to figure out what I need to sew this year, and suddenly realized there’s…quite a lot of it!…and I keep remembering…
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“Gibson” Edwardian Shoes Now on Pre-Order
Today’s the day! “Gibsons” are now on sale! February 15 – March 8, 2013, you can order your pair and receive the discounted price. We need to sell about 50 pairs of…
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Introducing “Gibson” Edwardian Shoes
Ladies, it’s that time again, time for a new historical shoe style! I’ve been waiting ages to properly introduce you to our latest lady, “Gibson.” You may have seen hints and teases,…
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V218: Costume College 2012: Time Traveler’s Gala
The Gala at Costume College is overwhelmingly awesome. Everybody turns out with the most dazzling, stunning, out-of-this-world costumery you can imagine. Here are a few snaps I took tonight… Yay Northern Nevada!…
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V171: A Vintage Button Hook
We’ve all seen these funny little tools. What are they for, even? We no longer wear button-up shoes these days, but back in the 1920s and prior, this was an essential tool…
