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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Early Victorian Slippers (to Get Excited About)
Women’s slippers, c. 1850 – LACMA Today’s post is all about slippers worn c. 1820s – 1850s (so a little pre-Victorian). Surprisingly ladies shoes remained fairly unchanged during this time. Shoes were…
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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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American Duchess In The News!
I was interviewed by a local news network last week, and here’s the little video! It’s another behind-the-scenes look at our home business. I have a tendency to say stupid things on…
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Behind the Scenes of our 2014 Winter Photo Shoot
Last November Chris and I set up a photo shoot with first-time model Anna McIlwee, who was to be our Siberian Snow Princess in a beautiful winter landscape. Trouble was, no winter…
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“Renoir” Civil War Photo Shoot with Eras of Enchantment
Last October I had the opportunity to shoot with one of my regular, gorgeous models, Liza. You might remember her from our Gibson and Astoria shoots last year. This shoot was special,…
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Antique Edwardian Shoe Rehab
I’m going to call it rehab instead of restoration, because these shoes were in a *state.* They were sent to me by a lovely follower who saw the potential in a pair…
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The Late 1860s Aubergine Ballgown
Me and Kristen at the ball – photo by Nevada Live Magazine I couple weekends ago I was all a-tussle finishing the evening bodice for my new purple 1860s gown. I intended…
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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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And Now…The American Duchess “Silver Belles” SALE!
Ladies, and accompanying Gentlemen, it’s time to kick off the Winter festivities with a SALE! We have new styles just come in, restocked old favorites, and have put a bunch of other…
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1860s Purple People Eater – Finished, Just Barely! and the Magic of Gored Skirts
This past Tuesday I was in a mad rush to finish the day version of my 1860s purple gown, just in time for the tree lighting ceremony downtown. This was about 2:00…
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First Exclusive 1920s Shoes “Harlow” Coming Friday!
Ladies, it’s time to announce the winners of the first “Exclusives” cycle. We’ve affectionately named them “Harlow” after the glam goddess of the 1920s and 30s, and we’re proud to present three…
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Introducing American Duchess “Exclusives”
I’ve been a bit quiet lately, but it’s because we’ve been planning some really…*really*… cool stuff for you guys, and working on a video to explain it all. I’ll let you watch…
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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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Behind the Scenes Tour of American Duchess, Inc.
Many of you have asked to see “behind the scenes” of our little shoe company, so I made a video to show you ….. you’ve been warned! I hope you enjoy it.…
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How and Why I Make Historical Shoes
“Stratford” Elizabethan Shoes – a collaboration by historical cordwainer Francis Classe and American Duchess I realize lately that many of you may not know my story of how I got into making…
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“Virginia” Renaissance Shoes GIVEAWAY!
Today’s the day, my darling dears – “Virginia,” our new Renaissance shoe, has opened for pre-order, which also means it’s giveaway time! Here’s the lo-down on Virginia: All-leather construction: upper, lining, sole…
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How One Fugly Loafer Became the Gorgeous “Virginia” Renaissance Shoe
The development story of our new “Virginia” Renaissance shoes is rather a long one (but I’ll keep it short, with lots of pictures, promise!). We’ve been working on the design since March,…