American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Three Vintage Hats and the American Duchess Boutique
Hello historically inspired ladies! I thought you might be interested in three vintage hats I've listed in the new and improved American Duchess Boutique on Etsy. Here they are (click...
Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing = Tailoring Magic for the 18th c. Costumer
Do you guys know about Gertie's? I don't remember how I found this blog, but it's absolutely fantastic. She is doing a "sew along" on a retro-style winter coat, and...
What's All This About Casaquins?
Half a casaquin, the lovely and somewhat strange pleats in back. You may have noticed I've been talking a lot about 18th c. jackets, particularly the casaquin, lately. There's a...
Costume Analytics: The American Redingote, 1791
This week on Costume Analytics we will take a trip across the Pond and look at a snazzy American fashion, depicted in Ralph Earl's 1791 portrait of Mrs. William Moseley....
Design Sundays: "Raindrops" Raincoat on Garmz.com
"Raindrops" coat design, by yours truly. Give it a vote (click the picture) This week on Design Sunday: a new jacket sketch inspired by an absolutely darling 18th c. pink,...
What Exactly IS a Tea Gown?
Pretty new teacup from Sacramento. There is a tea coming up, to which my Lady Mother and I have been invited, and we're quibbling over what to wear. In our...
What Is the Difference Between a Caraco and a Casaquin? and Other 18th c. Jackets...
Countess Olympe asked the question, "what is the difference between a caraco and a casaquin?" And what about those other jackets-with-mysterious-French-names too? Well here we go... Disclaimer: The information in...
Costume Analytics: 1780s Casaquin Jacket
This week on Costume Analytics we are taking a look at an extant garment from the 1780s. This little jacket is known as a "casaquin," a short jacket usually pleated...
1940s Evening Gown in Progress
I have mucho to update you all on, and I'm having difficultly deciding where and which project to start with! See, it's one of *those* months, in which way too...
American Duchess Designs on Garmz.com
Special thanks to Lady Carolyn Runnells, who sent me a link to this snazzy new website, called Garmz.com, I think you should *all* take a look at. It's a website...
Costume Analytics: 1770-80 Chintz Caraco & Petticoat
This week on Costume Analytics, we'll be looking at everyone's favorite caraco-petticoat ensemble, from the V&A. A beautiful example of a matching jacket and skirt, this English ensemble is made...
Pattern Grading, Not For the Faint of Heart
The dining table in all its glory I just finished a bit of an assignment that is quite literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my...