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V120: 1912 Titanic Ball, Hair Stylings

V120: 1912 Titanic Ball, Hair Stylings

I just got back from The Other Side of the Mountains (Californialand), and my trip down to Gaskells Victorian Ball. It was an amazing evening, full of beautiful 1912 gowns...
American Duchess
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
V96: The 1780s/1910s Double-Period Hat

V96: The 1780s/1910s Double-Period Hat

A few posts ago I staked lampshade style bonnets of the 1780s against similar chapeaus of the 1910s. My idea was to see if one hat could be used for...
American Duchess
V89: Fashion Face-Off - Hats of the 1780s and 1910s

V89: Fashion Face-Off - Hats of the 1780s and 1910s

As we all know, history repeats itself, and fashion especially. Nothing is ever "new" on the runway (well, maybe if it's a suit made out of bubble wrap, etc.), and...
American Duchess
V73: A Brief History of Feathers-on-Hats

V73: A Brief History of Feathers-on-Hats

via I've been researching hats lately, and came across some fascinating information concerning feathers. We all know the iconic mega-feathered hats of the Edwardian era. The Edwardians were particularly enamored...
American Duchess

V71: Hats of the 19teens - Choices, Choices

Today I am researching hats 1850 through 1960s, in preparation for a presentation next week at the Churchill County Museum. I am camped out at Starbucks, raiding all of The...
American Duchess
V67: The Red Shoes, The Pretty Red Shoes

V67: The Red Shoes, The Pretty Red Shoes

On Facebook, Pamela charged me with finding portraits, fashion plates, and extant examples of red 18th century shoes, and I went a little bonkers and hunted down all sorts of...
American Duchess

V63: Georgian Miniature Portraits

Mrs Oakeley, by John Smart, 1780s Happy Saturday! Here are a few 18th century miniatures, a lovely little (literally) art form that began life in the 16th century, and was...
American Duchess

V61: Favorite 18th Century Shoe Buckles

If you own pair of latchet shoes, eventually you will own a pair of shoe buckles to close them. Shoe buckles were the standard way of fastening one's footwear in...
American Duchess
V59: New "Kensington" 18th Century Leather Shoes in Black and Red

V59: New "Kensington" 18th Century Leather Shoes in Black and Red

Last week I asked you all for your help in deciding what color Kensingtons to release first. All three colors (black, red, and ivory) are the goal, but we just...
American Duchess
V44: Sacramento Antiques Vintage Haul

V44: Sacramento Antiques Vintage Haul

Victorian boots. I didn't buy these, but they're cool to look at. You thought I was going to miss today's post! I'm exhausted after the all-day shopping trip over-the-river-and-through-the-woods, to...
American Duchess
V43: 18th Century Experiments in Hair, and New $6 Neckerchief

V43: 18th Century Experiments in Hair, and New $6 Neckerchief

Last night I spent hours...HOURS...working on Edwardian hair styles, but I discovered that I needed more switches and hair pieces (today's work), before attempting any more of those styles. I...
American Duchess