American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Podcast Episode 9: Early 17th Century Women's Dress with Samantha McCarty
Hello Lovelies! Abby here! On this week's episode of Fashion History with American Duchess, I got to sit down with Samantha McCarty (Couture Courtesan) and chat with her about her...
Podcast Episode 3: All About the Louis Exclusive c. 1660-1720
Hi All! For this week's episode, Abby & Lauren sit down and chat about the newest Exclusive offering from American Duchess - The Louis (Pre-Order open until May 19th! $295)...
EXCLUSIVE! "Louis" Velveteen & Embroidered Baroque Shoes
OK, I know, it's taken us half a year to get the new Exclusives going, but now that we're here.... Meet "Louis," the new velveteen, leather, and silver embroidered shoes...
17th Century Inspiration Strikes Again!
I have only made one 17th century gown and I loved it. It was polyester satin and featured spray-painted lace, but I adored that gown. Somebody else is adoring it...
"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,...
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...
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...
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...
Ladies' Elizabethan Separates Explored
Last time, I was musing over trim styles on doublets, but towards the end of that post I realized that perhaps the design I had in mind was a "fair-ism,"...
Elizabethan Doublet Trimming Ideas
Diane d'Andouins by Etienne Dumonstier Earlier this year, when I was feverishly sewing for Colonial Williamsburg, I put together a quick test bodice in some russet velveteen. It was just...
My Annual Sewing Rut
Once again, I have absolutely no motivation to make a single stitch of anything lately. I've learned that this is quite normal, and that if I force the issue I'll...
Shoes for Jamestown, and Williamsburg, and Whoopi Goldberg
I have some exciting news to share with you all! While I was in Williamsburg, I had a couple meetings with the costume departments of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, both...