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V18: Take the Victorian Button Boot Survey

V18: Take the Victorian Button Boot Survey

It's time for a little "focus group" research, to see what you ladies think about Victorian Button Boots. I've had a lot of requests for these, so I'm looking in...
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
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

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...
American Duchess

V6: Favorite Yellow Things of the 18th Century

I decided yesterday to make my Williamsburg jacket and petticoat in bright-ass yellow, a color that was extremely popular in the 18th century. With the boom of all-things-Chinese and far-East...
American Duchess

V5: Williamsburg Ensemble #1 Plan

Something like this...but...flouncier. Thanks to all of you who commented on my first post about my Williamsburg costume conundrum, especially Abby, Nicole, and Hallie, I have come upon a plan....
American Duchess
V3: Reconciling Myself to the 1770s

V3: Reconciling Myself to the 1770s

My dear mother and I are planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg in October of this year. Of course, that means getting all excited about costume possibilities NOW, and planning...
American Duchess
The Snakes of the American Revolution

The Snakes of the American Revolution

Betsy Ross and company, how pastoral they all look, sewing the stars and stripes.... While we enjoy watermelon and baby back ribs, fireworks and parades this 4th of July, let's...
American Duchess
Costume Analytics: 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise, from The Met

Costume Analytics: 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise, from The Met

1784 Robe a l'Anglaise, from the Met It's about time for a new Costume Analytics! I've been so tied up with shoes, and museums, and sewing stuff, that I've neglected...
American Duchess
Regency Wardrobe Planning for the Jane Austen Festival, July 2011

Regency Wardrobe Planning for the Jane Austen Festival, July 2011

My but don't I have a lot of work to do. My best friend Maggie moved to Tennessee this past December, and has already been enjoying the wonderful Regency era...
American Duchess
Tagged: Regency Research
Extant 18th c. Stays from the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Museum, Nevada

Extant 18th c. Stays from the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Museum, Nevada

A little while ago I attended a fascinating lecture on underwear through the ages, presented by Jan the Costume Anthropologist at the Marjorie Russell Clothing and Textile Research Center. While...
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