American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
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...
V25: More Fabric Stamp News, and Astoria Pre-Sale Update
Hi Ladies and Laddies, After posting about the fabric stamps yesterday, they arrived in the mail, and I immediately played with them to see how they looked. I'm so very...
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,...
V20: A 1912 Hairstyle Tutorial - Gibson Tuck a la Hair Piece
Hi! Last week I posted about 1912 hairstyles, showing a handful of reference images to inspire some hair adventures. Then it was time to experiment. I have pretty short hair...
V17: What Real Women Wore in 1912
I get so starry-eyed when I look at evening gowns and haute couture of the 19teens. It's easy to forget that most women didn't wear anything even remotely like this....
V15: "Astoria" Shoe Pre-Order Now Open
Okay, everything is ready. You can now go and order your Astoria Edwardian Shoes: Order Astoria Edwardian Shoes Most of you know the deal - we need a certain number...
V15: 1912 Titanic Abbey Dress Progress
I've been on an Edwardian binge lately, and working ever so diligently on my 1912 gown. I know it's only January, but why not go on and get something done...
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...
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...
V12: Introduction to Hairstyles in 1912
As you all know, a historical costume is more than just the dress you wear. It is the accessories - shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. - makeup (if applicable), and hair...
V9: 1912 "Titanic" Edwardian Gown Design
After much deliberation, and some fiddling around with beaded net fabric, I've come up with my design. It's a combination of these two: Janet Arnold's drawing of the Laurel dress,...
V8: Bring On the Edwardians...
1911, the Met As much as I adore musing (or tearing my hair out) over 1770s costume ideas, fabrics, and plans, there are more pressing matters to attend to. The...