American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Tavistock Button Boots: Re-Pre-Order!
Hi Ladies! I've gone and ordered another run of Tavistock button boots in black leather, and would like to give you the opportunity to reserve your pair between now and...
2013 Costume College, Pt. 3 - The Gala
Merja's Baroque gown OMG. This wasn't her Gala dress, but I needed to include a photo of it anyway. Ready for the last set of pics from Costume College? Well,...
2013 Costume College, Pt. 1
I'm back! I'm alive! Costume College was splendid this year. I had SO much fun, met and chatted with so many cool people, and took so...SO...many photos. I'm breaking this...
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...
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...
Mme Demorest's Illustrated Portfolio of the Fashions for 1880
Last weekend a dear friend, Jenny, gave me an incredible gift - a complete pattern catalog from 1880. I've been studying it with great interest and costume lust, careful to...
Tavistock Button Boots Steampunk Photoshoot at the Sparks Museum
It's been *ages* since Chris, Angie, and I did this Victorian / Steampunk photo shoot for Tavistock, featuring the "Green Acres" gown, and, of course, our new black button boots....
Victorian Boots & Accessories Survey - Please Help!
Hi Ladies! As always, I am working on improving our historical footwear and accessories, and am in need of some information about your shapely gams. The most difficult part of...
1880s Green Acres Gown: Steampunkin' Photo Shoot Preview
Happy Easter! Yesterday was photo shoot day with one of my favorite girls, Angie, wearing one of my favorite gowns, the 1880s giant green bustle dress. I can't wait to...
Restoring Antique Shoes - How to Polish Leather Shoes
Ever since I started collecting antique shoes, I've been a little obsessive about restoration, primarily bringing leather shoes back from the dead. I look for the *worst* leather shoes on...
Beautiful Historical Fans - Please Vote!
Hello Lovelies! Today I'd like to share with you a number of gorgeous historical fans, and ask your opinion on which you like the most... Fan #1 - The Met,...
V364: Corset Training - Week 2 Report
It's been about two weeks now that I've been consistently wearing a Victorian corset for about 7+ hours per day. I've already learned so much about my body, the effects...