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My Last Project of 2016

My Last Project of 2016

1930s-inspired hooded wool bomber jacket. It feels like I haven't sewn much this year. I certainly have lapsed on the blogging, which I greatly apologize for! Everything we've been stitching...
Lauren Stowell
Popping Up In New York

Popping Up In New York

New York from the Polaski Bridge A couple weekends ago, Chris and I took a mini-vacay-partial-work-trip to New York. The mini-vacay part involved lots of delicious and varied eateries in...
Lauren Stowell
Brooklyn Royal - Our First Pop-Up Shop in NYC!

Brooklyn Royal - Our First Pop-Up Shop in NYC!

And here I thought we were done with travel for the year. Nope! Back to New York City we go (twice in one year!) for our very first, very special...
Lauren Stowell
What I Wore to the Election, November 1920

What I Wore to the Election, November 1920

Day dress, c. 1920/1921. Silk with embroidery, paneled skirt, belt, and cotton underbodice. In case you hadn't noticed..... Today is election day. And for the first time, a woman is...
American Duchess
How to Start Wearing Vintage/Retro Every Day

How to Start Wearing Vintage/Retro Every Day

Lauren here -- As historic costumers, we all obviously love clothing, but many of us feel the divide between "costume" and "clothing." Most historic costumers do not wear historic pieces...
American Duchess
Tagged: Vintage
Behind the Scenes at Simplicity Creative Group, NYC

Behind the Scenes at Simplicity Creative Group, NYC

Lauren reporting - We're back! Last week Abby and I traveled to The East Coast to attend Rufflecon and spend a few days in New York City afterwards. While we...
American Duchess
Spotlight: New "Londoner" Edwardian Oxfords

Spotlight: New "Londoner" Edwardian Oxfords

Lauren here - This month we're celebrating the new Fall/Winter styles we've opened for pre-order all at once. Each week we're taking a closer look at each style, the inspiration...
American Duchess
New York, New York!

New York, New York!

Today we are in New York City! Squeeeeeeeee! Although Abby has been here three times, Lauren has never been, so it's quite the experience. We're not at loose ends, though....
American Duchess
Tagged: Events Vintage
Vintage Pants Review: Vivien of Holloway Swing Trousers

Vintage Pants Review: Vivien of Holloway Swing Trousers

Lauren reporting ... As you may know, I have a bit of an obsession with vintage trousers. This comes from my love of vintage style clothing, naturally, but also my...
American Duchess
Tagged: 1940s Vintage
1960s Emma Peel - My First Cosplay Ever

1960s Emma Peel - My First Cosplay Ever

Lauren here - I've never considered myself a "cosplayer." I have trouble reproducing costume and clothing, by which I mean I don't stick to a given design very well. I...
American Duchess
Classic 1940s Shoes by Royal Vintage (That's Me!)

Classic 1940s Shoes by Royal Vintage (That's Me!)

I've been kindof quietly working on this other thing for awhile, for about a year now - it's a whole new line of historical reproduction shoes for the 20th century...
American Duchess
The Original 1916 - 1921 Party Dress

The Original 1916 - 1921 Party Dress

Well, this is a topic I can genuinely say I haven't blogged about before. It's amazing what send us down what rabbit holes. Metal thread embroidery with couched metal. These...
American Duchess