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V14: Edwardian Shoe Candy

V14: Edwardian Shoe Candy

To celebrate the Astoria coming out on Monday, I want to post some of my favorite images of Edwardian shoes. It was such a wonderful time for footwear. Ladies' shoes...
American Duchess
V13: Get Ready for "Astoria" Edwardian Shoes

V13: Get Ready for "Astoria" Edwardian Shoes

You knew this post was coming! I got the Astoria samples in the mail today and am absolutely beside myself with how awesome they look. The toes are pointed. The...
American Duchess
V12: Introduction to Hairstyles in 1912

V12: Introduction to Hairstyles in 1912

As you all know, a historical costume is more than just the dress you wear. It is the accessories - shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. - makeup (if applicable), and hair...
American Duchess
V11: Sewing Tool Binge Day - Thing You Never Knew You Needed

V11: Sewing Tool Binge Day - Thing You Never Knew You Needed

So .... I might have gone on a bit of a bender at JoAnn's yesterday ... It's Hallie Larkin's fault. Hallie wrote an article on her blog, "At the Sign...
American Duchess
V10: Designing Your Costumes Using Adobe Photoshop, Part 1

V10: Designing Your Costumes Using Adobe Photoshop, Part 1

Gettin' jiggy with Photoshop Hi all! I've had several questions lately about how I do my costume concepts, so I thought I would answer them here. Read on to learn...
American Duchess
V9: 1912 "Titanic" Edwardian Gown Design

V9: 1912 "Titanic" Edwardian Gown Design

After much deliberation, and some fiddling around with beaded net fabric, I've come up with my design. It's a combination of these two: Janet Arnold's drawing of the Laurel dress,...
American Duchess

V8: Bring On the Edwardians...

1911, the Met As much as I adore musing (or tearing my hair out) over 1770s costume ideas, fabrics, and plans, there are more pressing matters to attend to. The...
American Duchess
V7: Williamsburg Mix n' Match, and Finding Fabric

V7: Williamsburg Mix n' Match, and Finding Fabric

Before I run off in a different direction, I will post one more time about my Colonial Williamsburg plans. Since the trip is planned for October, I have quite a...
American Duchess

V6: Favorite Yellow Things of the 18th Century

I decided yesterday to make my Williamsburg jacket and petticoat in bright-ass yellow, a color that was extremely popular in the 18th century. With the boom of all-things-Chinese and far-East...
American Duchess

V5: Williamsburg Ensemble #1 Plan

Something like this...but...flouncier. Thanks to all of you who commented on my first post about my Williamsburg costume conundrum, especially Abby, Nicole, and Hallie, I have come upon a plan....
American Duchess

V4: Book Review: "Eighteenth-Century Clothing at Williamsburg" by Linda Baumgarten

Eighteenth-Century Clothing at Williamsburg Linda Baumgarten (c) 1986 by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation ISBN 978-0-87935-109-0 In preparation for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg this coming October, 2012, and because I'm...
American Duchess
V3: Reconciling Myself to the 1770s

V3: Reconciling Myself to the 1770s

My dear mother and I are planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg in October of this year. Of course, that means getting all excited about costume possibilities NOW, and planning...
American Duchess