American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
1760s Robe a la Bon Bon - The Petticoat
Finished sacque petticoat over pocket hoops I've been steadily progressing on my new sacque, using the Simplicity 8578 Robe a la Francaise pattern we released December 2017. Since I already...
Book Review: Torn by Rowenna Miller
Hi All! Abby here with something a bit different for you today. A few weeks ago we were contacted by a publisher regarding fellow blogger, historic costumer, and reenactor -...
Podcast Episode 16 - Corsets, Broadway, and Owning Your Own Costuming Business with Cynthia Settje of RedThreaded
Hi All! We're so excited about today's episode of Fashion History with American Duchess, because we finally got to sit down with Cynthia of RedThreaded to pick her brain about...
A *New* 1760s Robe a la Bon Bon (or Sacque-a-Macarons?)
I have a confession to make. I admit to feeling quite jealous whenever I see Abby dressed in the pink and white 1768 sacque from The American Duchess Guide. To...
A Little History of "Mansfield" Regency Riding Boots
Howdy! Today on our "little history" posts, I'll be giving you some background on our wonderfully exciting new late 18th century and Regency era riding boots. Oh yes, I said...
A Little History of "Eliza" Early Victorian Shoes
American Duchess "Eliza" Early Victorian Oxfords in brown Today in our "little history" post I'll give you some background on our new split-vamp oxford "Eliza." The idea for the "Eliza"...
Podcast Episode 15: Jazz, Dandies, and Vintage Style with Dandy Wellington
Hi All! We're back with the first of our "second season" of Fashion History with American Duchess! Our first episode is with our talented & well dressed friend, Dandy Wellington....
A Little History of "Amelie" Satin Pumps
Amelie Victorian & Edwardian Satin Pumps with Clip-on Bows by American Duchess It's that exciting time of year when we here at American Duchess present all the new Spring/Summer shoe...
PRE-ORDER! Spring Historic Shoes!
Ladies, it's time. It's February 1st. We promised you a pre-order and a pre-order you shall have! We have four fresh new styles for you covering pretty much all of...
How to Lengthen/Shorten 18th Century Stays
The #1 question we receive about Simplicity 8162 (and will with Simplicity 8579 as well) is how to lengthen or shorten the stays. Particularly with Simplicity 8162, the body block...
Patterns and Books for 18th Century Stays
Simplicity 8579 Stays, 1700 - 1770. With the release of our book, The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, we've given you patterns and instructions for a great many...
What is an 18th Century Milliner / Marchande de Modes?
La Marchande des Modes (The Modiste) - Studio of Francois Boucher - c. 1746. Wallace Collection When you're just starting off in the world of 18th century dress, terminology can...