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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...
American Duchess
V337: Bustle Decoration Inspiration

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,...
American Duchess
V333: Precious Things: Early 19th Century Slippers

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...
American Duchess
V330: Shoes to Get Excited About in 2013

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...
American Duchess
V326: Elastic Goring in Victorian Footwear

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...
American Duchess

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...
American Duchess

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....
American Duchess
V295: Victorian Plastic - Yes, Victorian; Yes, Plastic

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...
American Duchess
V263:How To Find Original Image Sources on Google

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...
American Duchess

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...
American Duchess
V249: Georgian Beauty Myths BUSTED!, by Elisa of Isis' Wardrobe

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...
American Duchess

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...
American Duchess