American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
V347: Shoes of the 1860s-1880s
I'm still plugging away on my 2012 "Vintage 365" project, ha! I want to share my new costume-related New Years Resolution with you, but I can't until I'm done with...
V337: Bustle Decoration Inspiration
I've been so bad about blogging recently. So much for 365 straight days of blogging! I will make it to 365, but it won't be by January 1st, haha! Anywho,...
V333: Precious Things: Early 19th Century Slippers
I've been spending way too much time on eBay, building the American Duchess Historical Footwear collection ... out of real historic footwear! My latest acquisitions ... This single shoe is...
V330: Shoes to Get Excited About in 2013
Two thousand and twelve is drawing to a close, but that brings excitement for the coming year! I have already been designing and planning my little heart out, and researching...
V326: Elastic Goring in Victorian Footwear
Hello Lovelies! Today I'm going to tell you about the magical world of elastic, as used in Victorian footwear, one because it's fascinating, but also because there have been some...
V316: Riding Habit Trim Inspirations
While I scramble around making the my version of the Snowshill riding habit somewhat wearable, here are some trimming inspirations... 1750-59 VandA - gorgeous, but not the kind of trim...
V300: Vintage Stockings, 20th Century
from Wearing History - 1939-40 - novelty stockings The other night at the Bomber Girl's Pageant, I was asked if we carried vintage style seamed stockings in the A-D shop....
V295: Victorian Plastic - Yes, Victorian; Yes, Plastic
Ever since learning about plastic injection molding of the 1870s, I've been gnawing on the idea of Victorian plastics. It seems like an oxymoron - we all know plastic is...
V263:How To Find Original Image Sources on Google
Last week there was some talk about citing sources, particularly image sources, in blog posts, and how it's not being done enough. On of the reasons is because it's so...
V252: Midnight Vintage Shoe Finds on Etsy
Nothing teaches one the construction and detailing of a vintage or antique shoes as, well, an actual vintage or antique shoe. I was thrilled to find quite a few shoes...
V249: Georgian Beauty Myths BUSTED!, by Elisa of Isis' Wardrobe
Glenn Close in "Dangerous Liaisons" Hi all! Today I'd like to turn the floor over to the wonderful Elisa of Madame Isis' Toilette, and Isis' Wardrobe, who has been studying...
V245: Floral Gowns of the 1770s (and a little 1780s too)
Met - 1770s-80s gown, remodeled from c. 1740s silk Happy Saturday! Chris and I have been working overtime packing up Pompadours and white Kensingtons to ship out, so I'm a...