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,…
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A Quick Look At Late Elizabethan/Early Jacobean Shoes
Today we kick off a series on European footwear at the end of Elizabeth I’s reign, and beginning of James I’s, culminating on Friday with the pre-order release of our latest early-period…
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Fall/Winter Shoes Sneak Peek
Or… “A Monday in the Life of American Duchess.” Here’s a quick snap of my sewing worktable today. Not much sewing going on, as you can see! These are the samples for…
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F/W Shoes: Re-Pre-Orders Now Open
It’s that time of year, when we here at ADHQ are already getting ready for the big holiday rush. No, I’m not playing Christmas music or slurping down eggnog lattes quite yet,…
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How To Move the Buttons on Your American Duchess Button Boots and Shoes
It’s a question that’s been asked many a time, so here’s a handy tutorial to show you how to do it yourself. Luckily, moving the buttons on your button boots or button…
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More On The New “Pemberley” Regency Shoes…
Though I gave a short introduction to the new Pemberley Regency Shoes last Friday, I thought they could use a little more “show and tell,” to update you all on what’s new…
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How To Make Your Own Pair of Couture Pompadour 18th Century Shoes
Last week, I showed you several pairs of custom-made shoes I designed for Whoopi Goldberg. I was so flattered by the comments – thank you! – and also a little frustrated that…
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About Whoopi Goldberg’s Custom Made Shoes
A few months ago, I was asked by Whoopi Goldberg to design some custom shoes. She asked me to make “four pair as rich looking and feeling as you can with your…
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Opinions Please: Fur, Plastic, and Sheepskin
Albany Institute, 1875-85 Darlings, how do we feel about fur? How do we feel about faux fur? And how do we feel about sheepskin? The reason I ask is because I’ve been…
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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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Introducing the New “Georgiana” 18th Century Shoes, And How to Dye Them Perfectly
Today, after years of re-development, I’m happy to announce that “Georgiana” 18th century shoes have returned! “Georgiana” was the first American Duchess shoe style ever, but after we sold out of our…
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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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On Location at Bacon’s Castle – Journey to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries
The Lady of Portland House shines in “Antoinette” Mules in blue While I was in Virginia this past March, I had the opportunity to work with some truly wonderful ladies at a…
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Shoe News from American Duchess
I’ve been deep in the Caverns of Business, carefully setting up lots of exciting new things for you guys – new collaborations, bunches of new styles for Summer and Fall, and re-ordering…
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Spring Fever: Floral Shoes!
Okay, so maybe it blew a gale and was a bit nippy today, but on the whole it’s been quite lovely here in Nevada, which has put me in mind of gardening.…
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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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American Duchess “Spring Cleaning” Sale
It’s time for a bit of a clear out, my dears. How about a sale? Gibsons in ivory, butterscotch, and black: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s 23Skidoos in brown/white or white/white paintable spectators: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s Black Pompadours: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-18th-century/pompadour-french-court-shoe-black Imperfects –…