Ladies, I didn’t quite get through this insane project before Thanksgiving, and I am still working on the print-on-demand book, but for those of you that would like the digital copy, you…
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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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Preview Pages from the Bellas Hess 1917-18 Winter Catalogue
I recently received a number of vintage and antique catalogs, from my good friend Lady Carolyn. Most of them – Delineators, McCalls, Bella Hess – are in very fragile condition, but appear…
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“Seabury” Edwardian Shoes – Pre-Order Now Open
Thank you to everyone who participated in the “Seabury” Flash Sale on Facebook. That’s over now, and it’s time for our regular website pre-order. So without further ado, “Seabury” in black and…
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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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1919 “Red Russian Doll” Coat Progress
It’s looking like a coat! The belt around the middle is just there for mocking up, and is tighter than the final belt will be. Things are going together really quite well…
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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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Introducing “Savoy” Edwardian Shoes – Pre-Order Now Open!
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,…


















