American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
V160: Progress on My 18th c. Pocket...and Then More Pockets!
I've been embroidering on and off since early May, on my first Georgian pocket. I originally used a pattern from Costume Close-Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790, but decided not...
V159: 18th Century Bow Jewelry - What to Look For and Where to Get It Today
1780 In the 18th century, bows were a very popular motif found in just about everything aesthetic - architecture and interior design, textile and clothing, and jewelry. For today's topic,...
V158: Pocket Trash
What is Pocket Trash? I first heard this term used by the lovely Miss Emily Waterman and her Doctor, in regards to items carried on your person, while re-enacting, or...
V156: A Start to The Billinghurst Stays, 17??
Rather awhile ago I shared with you some photos of a very interesting, atypical pair of 18th century stays held in our local costume and textile collection. There was much...
V152: Costume Analytics: Pehr Hilleström, Kitchen Maid
This week on Costume Analytics, we'll be looking at a wonderful painting by Pehr Hillestrom, entitled "En piga höser såppa utur en kiettel - i en skål," or something along...
V149: Taking Stock of Stockings
Those of you who follow me on Facebook will know I've been asking around about stockings. What material, what color you like, etc. Some more questions are to come, but...
V147: Gowns a la Pompadour - 1740s - 1750s
Madame de Pompadour by Boucher, 1759 The 1740s and 1750s in France was the time of large, beautiful Robe a la Francaise gowns, made from stunning textiles, and decorated in...
V146: Red 18th Century Petticoat with Vandyked Hem
Okay, nothing brilliant today, just wanted to share a finished mini-project with you. Last weekend I made a petticoat to go with The Revolution Dress. I found the same red...
V145: Costume Analytics: Madame de Pompadour, c. 1750
It's been a long time since I've done a "Costume Analytics," but now is a good time to bring it back! This time we'll be looking at the famous Madame...
V143: Madame de Pompadour in "Dr. Who"
As some of you know, Madame de Pompadour made an appearance in 2006's "Doctor Who," Season 2, Episode 4, "The Girl in the Fireplace." Is it just me, or were...
V142: Enter the Pompadour "Historical Hottie" Contest on Polyvore
Are you a Polyvore addict? How about a contest? Show off your rococo style using the new American Duchess "Pompadour" shoes, your choice of black, white, or both. Winners will...
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...