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More On Nankeen Fabric and Boots in the Regency

More On Nankeen Fabric and Boots in the Regency

Dames a la Mode, Lady's Museum, 1804 There have been a few questions about Nankeen fabric and its uses in the Regency, so here's a bit more information about it....
American Duchess
18th Century Riding Habit Waistcoats for Women

18th Century Riding Habit Waistcoats for Women

Lately I've been working on a waistcoat to go under my Snowshill riding habit. I really love the look of this menswear inspired style, but before jumping in, I needed...
American Duchess
Extant Victorian Side-Lacing Gaiters

Extant Victorian Side-Lacing Gaiters

Darlings, I realize I've been going on and on about "Gettysburg" boots without showing you the real deal! So here are lots of examples of pretty gaiters from the 1830s...
American Duchess
Are "Gettysburg" Boots Appropriate For Civil War Costuming?

Are "Gettysburg" Boots Appropriate For Civil War Costuming?

Litchfield Historical Society - 1860 There's quite a lot of quibbling on Facebook about the dating on the new "Gettysburg" boots, so I'm here to give some insight into how...
American Duchess
Practical Footwear, 1860-1880

Practical Footwear, 1860-1880

AuntieNan asks: What did they wear in the way of practicality, on a railway journey, say, or going to town? Why, boots! Delicious, delightful boots! Just like the re-emergence of...
American Duchess

Seeking Adventure in 1879, But 1880 Will Do, Too

I'm having that...that feeling. It's an exciting but terrible feeling, the one that comes with being in the middle of one complex project, but wanting to start another complex project...
American Duchess
Glorious 18th Century Mules, and some 19th Century Wanna-Be's

Glorious 18th Century Mules, and some 19th Century Wanna-Be's

Antoinette mules in French blue Today is the day to celebrate mules, those pretty little backless, heeled slippers that have been gracing the feet of ladies for hundreds of years....
American Duchess

Non-Matching Trim Options for Robes a la Francaise

So as I bimble along on this LACMA-Sacque-ma, diligently cutting out all the many pieces, and saving every little scrap, I'm getting the feeling that I'm not going to have...
American Duchess
Romantic Era Gowns - c. 1820s-1830s

Romantic Era Gowns - c. 1820s-1830s

I have a bit of an itch to make something late 1820s, 1830s. Crazy, I know. Crazy GIGOT SLEEVES! Crazy! But...but...some are quite pretty. And it's a most unloved era....
American Duchess
Madame Demorest's Illustration Portfolio of the Fashions for 1880 - Full Catalog - FREE!

Madame Demorest's Illustration Portfolio of the Fashions for 1880 - Full Catalog - FREE!

It's taken me a little while to work it all out, but I've finally fully digitized this wonderful catalog given to me by a dear friend, so that all may...
American Duchess

Chopines - Platforms of the Past

Chopines are so cool, especially when you compare them to the oh-so-modern heel-less shoes that are currently in fashion. I guess they're not as modern as they think. :-) Via...
American Duchess

Victorian & Edwardian Stockings

Via - I'll take any of these, please. Throughout history, people have worn some pretty spectacular hosiery. I'm tickled today when I see fantastic socks for sale (and I often...
American Duchess