American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...