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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

V88: A Massive Merry Widow Hat

I have to run, but I have much to tell you in regards to hats, tomorrow. :-) For now, enjoy this image from Bartoscollection.com, and the many more very cool...
American Duchess
V80: Petersham vs. Grosgrain Ribbon

V80: Petersham vs. Grosgrain Ribbon

What is the difference between Petersham and Grosgrain ribbon? Both ribbons are ribbed and have a matte finish, but there is one really big difference, the edge finish. Grosgrain ribbon...
American Duchess
V78: 1950s "Ladies Who Lunch" Outfit

V78: 1950s "Ladies Who Lunch" Outfit

I gave my presentation on hats, 1850-1960, yesterday, and wore something I thought was appropriate for an afternoon luncheon. Dress: made from vintage Butterick 8154 Hat: vintage mink "caterpillar" toque...
American Duchess

V75: The True Origin of "Mad as a Hatter"

Here's a random bit of trivia for you to pull out at your next Mad Men cocktail party... The Mad Hatter, illustration by John Tenniel , 1865 Where Does the...
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

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
V17: What Real Women Wore in 1912

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....
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
Three New Old Hats for Vintage Fun and Hattitude

Three New Old Hats for Vintage Fun and Hattitude

I've listed three "new" hats in the American Duchess Boutique on Etsy, for your consideration. These are three of my favorites, especially the grey fur felt one, with the recently...
American Duchess