If you’ve been following me for awhile you’ll know I have a bit of an obsession with vintage pants. Although I own and wear modern low-rise jeans, I much prefer trousers with…
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Introducing Royal Vintage Shoes – Shoes for 1920s through 1940s
For the past few years I’ve been running a historical footwear company called American Duchess. We make a lot of really old fashioned shoes, all the way back to the 16th century,…
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Pinup Girl Clothing “Jenny” Skirt Refashion
Pinup Girl Clothing “Jenny” Skirt in Orange Branch Border Print A couple weeks ago I splurged. I bought the Orange Branch Border “Jenny” Skirt from Pinup Girl Clothing. I’d been seeing it…
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Exclusive “Noire” 1940s Pumps – Pre-Order Open!
We’ve finally landed another American Duchess Exclusive, a design submitted and voted for by you! Meet “Noire,” our vampish 1940s quad-strapped heels in black or burgundy suede. If these beauties were a…
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A Basic 1920s Frock
“Frock” is exactly what I should call this dress, even though I don’t really like the word. I found this -frock- on Etsy for an excellent price, and was so pleased to…
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Early 1920s Tabard Gown – a Wonderful Gift!
Last week I received a surprise in the mail from The Lady of Portland House. I couldn’t believe what I pulled out of the box – an utterly stunning cut velvet-and-chiffon early…
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1930s Pink Easter Dress and Vintage Underpinnings
I love a holiday, a great excuse to wear something frothy, frilly, and vintage. I’ve been rather lazy the past several holidays, though, not wanting to shimmy into the underpinnings required to…
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The One-Weekend 1940s Rayon Blouse
This past weekend I felt the need to stitch together something quick, easy, and very useful, using my favorite vintage fabric, rayon. Luckily, my local Mill End fabric store has a good…
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Wearing History 1930s “Moderne” Dress – Done, Finally!
Wearing History “Moderne” dress with alterations, paired with a me-made cloche, and “Sylvia” two-tone 1930s shoes in red/white I finally finished it! YAY! It only took me – oh my goodness –…
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I. Miller & Sons – Shoes for Movie Stars, Chorus Girls, and You.
There are a few names in the history of footwear that conjure up instant praise and awe. You may know a few – Pietro Yantorny, Roger Vivier, and I. Miller. Differing from…
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Review: Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” Trousers
Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” Trousers, Pendleton Blazer, 1940s style shoes by b.a.i.t. Footwear My hunt for the perfect vintage pants has been long but not unfulfilled. I have made some of my…
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The Call of the Vintage Sweaters
I want to knit. I never….*ever*… thought I would say that, but it’s true. This came about mostly from receiving my Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” trousers last December, and wanting to wear…
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The 10-Day Tailoring Challenge – Completed in 8 Days!
Well, here it is, my 1935 jacket, on my body. I’m super proud of this project, even with all the mistakes I made. It’s wearable and looks pretty alright (please forgive my…
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My 10-Day Tailoring Challenge
About 7 days ago I decided to start a tailoring project. Years ago I received McCall 8420, a 1935 pattern with a skirt and kinda-half-Norfolk jacket. The pattern was my grandmama’s, who…
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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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Bellas Hess & Co. 1917-1918 Fashion Catalogue – Free Download!
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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My 5 Hour Wearing History “Smooth Sailing” Trousers
So last Thursday I made some trousers. Pants are completely terrifying to me, so I had actually bought the fabric for these trousers months ago, sat on it, and in the post…
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The Lake Tahoe Gatsby, 2014
It’s August, which means Gatsby. It’s one of my favorite events, a delightfully relaxed little picnic at the Pope Mansion in South Lake Tahoe. This year my dad came. He’s all into…