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V30: An Embroidered Apron - My First Williamsburg Piece

V30: An Embroidered Apron - My First Williamsburg Piece

I was pleased to receive my vintage embroidered panel in the mail the other day, but it needed some tweaks. Firstly, it was dirty and smelled of vintage. (You know...
American Duchess

V28: Preparing for Presentations on Historical Accessories

I'm quite excited to tell you that I have been asked to give a talk on historical hats at the Churchill County Museum in Fallon, NV, in March. Time to...
American Duchess

V23: 18th Century Accessories - Embroidered Aprons

Lewis Walpole Library Despite working on a 1912 Titanic gown currently, and having several other projects lined up before I need to start on the Colonial Williamsburg stuff, I just...
American Duchess
V21: Vintage Bead Binge

V21: Vintage Bead Binge

A belt, but also a headband, perhaps. I was thinking just the other night about where to find heavily beaded bandeau materials for my 1912 (and also 1920s) hair styles,...
American Duchess
V14: Edwardian Shoe Candy

V14: Edwardian Shoe Candy

To celebrate the Astoria coming out on Monday, I want to post some of my favorite images of Edwardian shoes. It was such a wonderful time for footwear. Ladies' shoes...
American Duchess
V13: Get Ready for "Astoria" Edwardian Shoes

V13: Get Ready for "Astoria" Edwardian Shoes

You knew this post was coming! I got the Astoria samples in the mail today and am absolutely beside myself with how awesome they look. The toes are pointed. The...
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
Shoe Clips - Endless Possibilities for Historical Shoes

Shoe Clips - Endless Possibilities for Historical Shoes

Shoe clips are the best things ever. I'll just come right out and say it. Shoe clips allow you to drastically change the look of a single pair of shoes,...
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
Edwardian Footwear - Thrift Score!

Edwardian Footwear - Thrift Score!

It seems like every time I go in a thrift store lately (all two times in the past two weeks), I come away with some really great stuff. Both the...
American Duchess
New Vintage Hat Finds

New Vintage Hat Finds

I love hats, didn't you know? I picked up three gorgeous vintage hats last weekend, for the Boutique on Etsy. The hardest thing about this "job," this acquiring of vintage...
American Duchess