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Back From the 16th Century, with 18th Century Shoes...

Back From the 16th Century, with 18th Century Shoes...

My mother and me in our Elizabethans. This past weekend we attended Valhalla Renaissance Faire, as I posted about earlier. It was wet, muddy, chilly, but the wool cloaks, fox...
American Duchess
The Victorian Steampunk Ball ... (If You're In The Reno Area)

The Victorian Steampunk Ball ... (If You're In The Reno Area)

If you happen to be in the Northern California or Northern Nevada areas, check out this event. It's going to be *awesome,* and I know that, because I'm part of...
American Duchess
The Pet at the "Winter Whites" Exhibition, Nevada Historical Society

The Pet at the "Winter Whites" Exhibition, Nevada Historical Society

This past Friday a contingent of costumed ladies and one whole gentleman attended the Nevada Historical Society's "Winter Whites" exhibition, a small display of gowns ranging from the 1890s through...
American Duchess
Magazine Treasures of 1916

Magazine Treasures of 1916

Recently I lucked into the acquisition of real honest-to-goodness primary source material, courtesy of an old friend of mine from high school, Corinne. Her dear mother was getting rid of...
American Duchess
Regency Christmas at Daughter's Cafe, Reno

Regency Christmas at Daughter's Cafe, Reno

First course - mushroom and leek soup, a cheese scone to accompany, and currant juice. This past Saturday evening members of the Great Basin Costume Society, and several new additions,...
American Duchess

Happy Autumn from American Duchess

In honor of the turn of seasons, enjoy this autumnal new background from ShabbyBlogs.com. And just for extra Autumy celebratory entertainment, here's a poll: What is your favorite period for...
American Duchess
Tagged: Events
SideCar: The Gatsby Picnic at Lake Tahoe

SideCar: The Gatsby Picnic at Lake Tahoe

1931 Buick, in front of the Pope Mansion What a lovely Sunday it was, at Tallac, on the lawn of the Pope Mansion, surrounded by 1920s and 30s automobiles, listening...
American Duchess
Tagged: 1920s Events Vintage
A Day in Virginia City, Nevada - The Girls of 1879

A Day in Virginia City, Nevada - The Girls of 1879

On the back stairs of the extremely haunted Old Washoe Club. These stairs were used to usher prostitutes into the upper levels of this building, known as The Millionaire's Club....
American Duchess
Tagged: Events Victorian
Time Travel: The Baroque Gown at June Gaskells Ball

Time Travel: The Baroque Gown at June Gaskells Ball

So what if Gaskell's Ball in Oakland, CA, has a Victorian theme! I wore the Baroque, and loved every minute of it. I'm continually surprised at how comfortable this costume...
American Duchess
My Victorian Summer Bonnet by Maggie

My Victorian Summer Bonnet by Maggie

As promised, here is an informational post with lots of pictures, all about my Victorian Summer Bonnet. This bonnet was made for me by Maggie Waterman, a fabulous costumier and...
American Duchess
Time Travel: Mark Twain at Lake Tahoe, and Rendezvous in Carson City

Time Travel: Mark Twain at Lake Tahoe, and Rendezvous in Carson City

So for all my complaining, I love this dress (now). It wore really quite well! The events of the day included a trip up to Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe, to...
American Duchess
Evidence of Time Travelled and Costume Worn

Evidence of Time Travelled and Costume Worn

Here are some photos from Saturday, our trip up to Valhalla Renaissance Faire at South Lake Tahoe. I'm ever so pleased with this 1570s Elizabethan jacket. I've wanted to make...
American Duchess