American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
V205: Nearing Completion for the Parisian Gown
I've been working holes into my fingers over the past week, trying to complete shiny new costumes for Costume College, the first weekend in August. I have her on my...
V204: Repro Vintage Butterick Pattern Haul
Okay, so maybe Butterick patterns were on sale for 99 cents at JoAnn's the other day, and...and maybe I bought a whole bunch of Vintage Butterick reproduction patterns. I have...
V203: New Dress Design: Robe Royaliste
I don't have enough 18th century gowns. I have jackets and things, and I do love jackets, but when it comes to full gowns, I have, like, one (soon to...
V202: Small Biz Betties: Starting and Maintaining a Blog
Hello again, and welcome to Small Biz Betties, where I share my experience in setting up a small, online costuming/crafting business. This week let's talk about setting up and maintaining...
V200: Redingote Portraits of Win
I love the 1780s and 90s, particularly the mannish styles, like the Redingote. Something about those big collars and buttons, paired with big-ass Gainsborough hats - YUM! Lady in Light...
V201: How To Make a Hedgehog Hairstyle With Your Own Hair
The late 18th century "hedgehog" hairstyle is one of the easiest coifs to create, though is can seem daunting at first. You can create this style on wigs or hairpiece,...
V199: Georgian Man Candy
Oh, I know you're disappointed this post isn't about sexy, be-wigged gentlemen on the 18th century. It's about the kind of bling a man would have worn on his shoes...
V197: Summer Tea at Carolyn's
Today I attended a delightful Summer Tea, hosted by Carolyn and Debbie of the Great Basin Costume Society. There were lots of lovely things to eat, and lovely people with...
V195: Red Dress in The Garden
Here is preview of a shoot Chris and I did yesterday, for this weekend's Bastille Day Sale. More on that tomorrow, along with more photos...
V196: Bastille Day Sale, July 14-15 - Vive La France!
Today and tomorrow, all 18th century items in the American-Duchess.com shop are on sale for 25% off. That includes Pompadours, Kensingtons, and Pemberlies, as well as Fleur and Dauphine shoe...
V194: More Robe a l'Anglaise Problem Solving
Just getting any idea of final look, with one panel of skirt pinned on, and some trim pinned to the CF - the trim will go around the neckline and...
V193: Interview With Lauren Maringola, "Wearing History" Patterns
Today's interview is with a fantastic, successful, lady entrepreneur and seamstress, Lauren Maringola, of Wearing History, a wonderful company producing authentic, reproduction vintage patterns for a wide range of sizes....