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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
2013 Costume College, Pt. 3 - The Gala

2013 Costume College, Pt. 3 - The Gala

Merja's Baroque gown OMG. This wasn't her Gala dress, but I needed to include a photo of it anyway. Ready for the last set of pics from Costume College? Well,...
American Duchess
2013 Costume College, Pt. 1

2013 Costume College, Pt. 1

I'm back! I'm alive! Costume College was splendid this year. I had SO much fun, met and chatted with so many cool people, and took so...SO...many photos. I'm breaking this...
V243: Pompadour Heels At Last

V243: Pompadour Heels At Last

I'm really excited to finally be taking delivery of the Pompadour heels tomorrow. They've cleared customs and are truckin' their way over the Sierras this evening. To celebrate, here are...
American Duchess
V232: Velvet Patches for 18th Century Dress Up, by Ruby Raven

V232: Velvet Patches for 18th Century Dress Up, by Ruby Raven

Hi Ladies! Whilst visiting Costume College, a lovely lady, The Ruby Raven, gifted me with a delightful little box of velvet patches, or "mouches," the kind ladies would stick to...
American Duchess

V223: 17th Century Infanta Inspiration

Blargh, I hate being sick. I don't want to sew or do much of anything, really, but it's just so easy to look at pretty pictures....so I'll do some of...
American Duchess
V138: Early 18th Century Shoes

V138: Early 18th Century Shoes

The met, 1700-1720 Ladies, here is a look at the shoes that inspired "Pompadour." I spend a lot of time studying extant footwear before we start development on a new...
American Duchess
V137: Pompadour Court Shoes Giveaway!

V137: Pompadour Court Shoes Giveaway!

It's that time again! It's Pre-Order time for Pompadours and ivory Kensingtons, which means it's GIVEAWAY time here on le blog. Can't wait to see if you win them? Order...
American Duchess
V135: Pompadour French Court Heels Pre-Order, and MORE

V135: Pompadour French Court Heels Pre-Order, and MORE

Back to work! It's time FINALLY for the Pompadour French Court Heels PRE-SALE! (big cheer!) I've been working on this shoe for what feels like forever, getting the toe just...
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...
V107: Where Are Your Pompadour Shoes, 1680-1740?

V107: Where Are Your Pompadour Shoes, 1680-1740?

Pompadour (1680-1740) shoes in black brocade with leather-covered, custom Louis heel, and satin ribbon tie Hi Ladies! I haven't died, promise. I'm still working on new historical shoes for you,...
American Duchess

V85: Elizabethan Pouf Hairstyles

Ha! Those Georgians thought they were being so clever and original with their pouf hairstyles, but they were just copying the late Elizabethans and early Jacobeans. Just goes to show...
American Duchess