Me and Abby in our bustle gowns – totally different styles but we actually used the same pattern for the apron. Do you ever pop into your Costume Closet to decide what…
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A Little History of “Eliza” Early Victorian Shoes
American Duchess “Eliza” Early Victorian Oxfords in brown Today in our “little history” post I’ll give you some background on our new split-vamp oxford “Eliza.” The idea for the “Eliza” shoes came…
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A Little History of “Amelie” Satin Pumps
Amelie Victorian & Edwardian Satin Pumps with Clip-on Bows by American Duchess It’s that exciting time of year when we here at American Duchess present all the new Spring/Summer shoe styles for…
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PRE-ORDER! Spring Historic Shoes!
Ladies, it’s time. It’s February 1st. We promised you a pre-order and a pre-order you shall have! We have four fresh new styles for you covering pretty much all of the 19th…
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Please Vote! New Victorian/Edwardian Pumps in *Colors*
Shoes from J. Ferry, 1885-1890. The Met, 2009.300.1579a,b Ladies, for the first time *ever* we are able to offer a range of colors in one of our new styles for next Spring.…
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The American Duchesses: A Tale of Two Consuelos
Hello Lovelies! Welcome to part two of our stories of real life American Duchesses, rich stateside socialites who married into the British aristocracy. Today we have the Tale of Two Consuelos. The first…
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New Cotton Striped Stockings, Oh YEAH!
Storyville portrait, New Orleans, c. 1912. Portrait by E. J. Bellocq. Who doesn’t love a good striped stocking? The Georgians, Victorians, and Edwardians sure did! Striped stockings of various colors – some…
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Episode 6 – Enslaved People’s Dress in the 18th & 19th Century with Cheyney McKnight
Hey Everyone! Cheyney McKnight (Photo: LoomHappenings) Today, we are very excited to share our newest episode for Fashion History with American Duchess! In April, Abby got a chance to sit down with…
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Podcast Episode 2: Civil War Mourning with Samantha McCarty
Hello All! We’re excited to announce our “second” episode of Fashion History with American Duchess! Today, we are chatting with the lovely Samantha McCarty of The Couture Courtesan all about mourning dress during…
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Introducing our Fall Collection of Historic Shoes – Pre-Orders Open!
It’s a big day! For the first time, we’re presenting our entire Fall collection all at once. Intense. This year we have new offerings in several of our historic categories. There’s “Fraser”…
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1830s Corset Inspiration & Research
Hello Lovelies – So I’m plugging away on my 1830s corset, and all seems to be going to plan…which is good seeing as how when I picked up my needle and thread…
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Dipping My Toe Into Uncharted Corsetry
Hello Lovelies! Abby here — Ok – so my title is not entirely true. I’ve made an 1800s corset before…hell I’ve even taught a workshop on how to pattern and make your…
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An 1830s Day Dress for Dickens Fair 2016
Three 1830s gowns in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art You may be thinking, “Dickens Fair is in December, so long away!” and you would be right, but it never…
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New Civil War Boots – Pre-Order Now Open!
It’s another pre-order day! I’ve been trying to go more towards “collections” for Summer and Fall and less all-over-the-place for introducing new shoes for you ladies. With that, I’d like to introduce…
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Review: Hand Bound 18th c. Style Book by Paul McClintock, From Common Hands Studio
Hand made sketchbook with historic marbled paper cover and tooled leather binding – From Common Hands Studio I recently received a fabulous gift: a hand-made custom blank book from Paul McClintock of…
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What It’s Like to Be an Extra on a Historical Documentary, pt.1
This time last year I was cast in a Weather Channel documentary on The Donner Party, filming right here in Northern Nevada where the ordeal took place. Casting It was an interesting…
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The Problem with “Always” and “Never” in Historical Costuming
Dress – 1864-67 – cotton – The Met < soapbox > Every once in awhile some new statements will pop up in this community that make me balk. These statements usually come…
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1880s Wool Ensemble – The Bodice and Finished Outfit
1885 Wool and Velveteen Day Dress In the last post about this outfit, I talked about apportioning rulers and how I made the overskirt/apron for this outfit. I promised you I’d follow…
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1880s Wool Ensemble – Apportioning Ruler Adventures
I’ve been slow but steady on the progress of this grey wool and black velvet mid-1880s outfit. It’s been about a month of weekends working on it, but I’m proud to say…
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Artifact: Paragon Home Shoe Button Kit
In my journey of studying and recreating old-fashioned footwear, I get to geek out on old technologies re-discovered. I just love the how and why of things: the effect an innovation in…
