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V4: Book Review: "Eighteenth-Century Clothing at Williamsburg" by Linda Baumgarten

Eighteenth-Century Clothing at Williamsburg Linda Baumgarten (c) 1986 by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation ISBN 978-0-87935-109-0 In preparation for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg this coming October, 2012, and because I'm...
American Duchess
V3: Reconciling Myself to the 1770s

V3: Reconciling Myself to the 1770s

My dear mother and I are planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg in October of this year. Of course, that means getting all excited about costume possibilities NOW, and planning...
American Duchess
Georgian Shoe Buckles - GIVEAWAY!

Georgian Shoe Buckles - GIVEAWAY!

As you know, we just released two styles of reproduction 18th century shoe buckles in the American Duchess Shop, so that means it's time for a giveaway! again! Here's the...
American Duchess
Reproduction 18th Century Shoe Buckles - NEW in the shop!

Reproduction 18th Century Shoe Buckles - NEW in the shop!

"Fleur" from American Duchess - available now How the heck do you keep 18th century latchet shoes closed? Why, buckles, of course! ...but not just any buckles, as I learned....
American Duchess
1790s Wrap-Front Gown, Complete and with Shoes

1790s Wrap-Front Gown, Complete and with Shoes

I finally finished the 1790s wrap-front gown I've been working on foreeeeever. I will be wearing this gown, plus its accompanying accessories - pashmina, pineapple reticule, and Pemberley 1790s Regency...
American Duchess
Shoe-To-Do of the Week: Blue and White Flowery Bits

Shoe-To-Do of the Week: Blue and White Flowery Bits

This week I painted up a pair of Devonshires inspired by an extant pair held in Manchester City Galleries. I used Angelus Leather paints to color the latchets and heel...
American Duchess
Shoe-How-To of the Week: Pretty Pretty Pink Princess Shoes

Shoe-How-To of the Week: Pretty Pretty Pink Princess Shoes

One of the coolest things about the Devonshire leather 18th century shoes is that you can paint them and decorate them easily, using leather paints, rhinestones, bias binding, trims, lace,...
American Duchess
What Makes a Historically Accurate Regency Shoe?

What Makes a Historically Accurate Regency Shoe?

The Met: 1790-1810. Before I got into making historical shoes for costumers and reenactors, I spent a lot of time looking for modern shoes that would "make do." I did...
American Duchess
1790s Wrap-Front Gown ... Finally Again

1790s Wrap-Front Gown ... Finally Again

You know those projects that get postponed, only to pop back into your life and demand to be finished? This 1790s voile gown is one of them. I originally intended...
American Duchess
A Revolutionary Ice Cream Social

A Revolutionary Ice Cream Social

This past Sunday a small group of Great Basin Costumers got together to play dress up and eat ice cream. The theme was 18th century, roughly the time between the...
American Duchess
The Snakes of the American Revolution

The Snakes of the American Revolution

Betsy Ross and company, how pastoral they all look, sewing the stars and stripes.... While we enjoy watermelon and baby back ribs, fireworks and parades this 4th of July, let's...
American Duchess
Gaskells Victorian Ball, Norcal Pirate Festival, Red Polonaise

Gaskells Victorian Ball, Norcal Pirate Festival, Red Polonaise

Lady Rebecca and me on the schooner. It was a lovely sail. I was out for a lovely afternoon, but Rebecca was being transported to Barbados to be tried for...
American Duchess