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Introducing "Stratford" Elizabethan Shoes for Men and Women

I'm so happy to present to you "Stratford" Elizabethan Shoes, the product of blood, sweat, tears, and a great collaboration with Francis C. Classe, an excellent historical cordwainer (shoemaker) and...
American Duchess

Chopines - Platforms of the Past

Chopines are so cool, especially when you compare them to the oh-so-modern heel-less shoes that are currently in fashion. I guess they're not as modern as they think. :-) Via...
American Duchess
A Trip to Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2013

A Trip to Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2013

This past weekend was one of many festivities, one of which was the annual visit to Valhalla, our most local Renfaire. Oh Renfaire, how I love thee. A day of...
American Duchess
In Progress: Late 16th Century Doublet

In Progress: Late 16th Century Doublet

Every once in awhile I go meandering off into other centuries. My love of costuming started with Elizabethan, and it is still a period I adore, though I seldom costume...
American Duchess

V187: Those Catty Elizabethans

I just love this illustration, don't you? Gennady Spirin. Illustration from ‘The White Cat” So I've been reading Jean Hunnisett's Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women's Dress...
American Duchess

V182: The Lovely Bones: Reliquary Busts of Female Saints

Last night a beautiful image popped up on my Pinterest feed ... this one. Her name is not known - a companion of, or a saint herself? What do you...
American Duchess
V155: Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2012

V155: Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2012

Lovely courtesans, cute gig I'm back from Valhalla Renaissance Faire, at South Lake Tahoe. Yesterday was lovely, not too hot, and not snowing, lol. Here are some photos from our...
American Duchess

V154: Off to The Faire!

I'm away at Valhalla Renaissance Faire, in South Lake Tahoe, CA, to day, so I've left you with Ole Bess herself, until I can get back to post pictures from...
American Duchess
V150: A "Tudor Tailor" Kirtle in Progress

V150: A "Tudor Tailor" Kirtle in Progress

So it became apparent that a glorious new Elizabethan noble ensemble just wasn't going to happen this year, so it's back to my good ole trusty red jacket I've worn...
American Duchess

V119: Are Sequins Period Accurate?

The Met: toque (hat), 1915 The short answer is YES! I've heard this question come up a couple of times, in regard to using sequins on our Titanic gowns. Sequins...
V101: How to Make Miniature Portraits

V101: How to Make Miniature Portraits

Awhile ago I posted about lovely little 18th century miniature portraits, and what a nice addition to one's costume they can be. Well here's how to make them! What You'll...
American Duchess
V97: New Elizabethan Doublet Progress

V97: New Elizabethan Doublet Progress

Remember Franken-Doublet? What was supposed to be a quick project has turned into the long-and-tedious- project, full of difficult hand sewing and problem solving, yay. It's time like these that...
American Duchess