American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Making Vintage Jeans
My last project of 2015 was a pair of jeans. As most of you know, I mostly loathe modern low-rise pants. I've been on a vintage trouser bender for awhile...
An 1880s Wool Ensemble - Beginnings
Last week I shared with you the beautiful "Russian Seasons" coat from Armstreet.com, paired with an 1880s wool skirt I threw together for the occasion. The skirt was made from...
How to Use a Victorian Button Hook - Video!
Those of you who costume for mid-Victorian through Great War will be familiar with side-buttoning boots. They're iconic and beautiful, but can be a little tricky to get closed if...
An Early 1880s "Anna Karenina" Winter Outfit via Armstreet.com
I have a slightly inexplicable love of Slavicn-inspired Victorian and Edwardian clothing. The cold weather rolls around and I just feel compelled to make something with a lot of braidwork...
Spotlight on Tango Boots - Video!
I made a video! I know that doesn't seem like a big deal in today's hugely visual world, but I worked *all day* on this and I'm proud of it,...
American Duchess Historical Stocking Stuffers
Christmas draws nigh (squee!), and you may be thinking of some last minute gift ideas....or seeding certain folks with last minute gift ideas for *you*. I have a number of...
The Historical Costumer's Holiday Book List
I don't know about you, but about 90% of what's on my Christmas list this year is books on historical costuming. We in the community are lucky to have so...
Giveaway! $100 Gift Certificate to Dames a la Mode
Taylor Shelby, proprietrix of Dames a la Mode, in 18th century dress, modeling her gorgeous colette necklace and pearl drop earrings It's Giveaway time! The fabulous Taylor of Dames a...
My 1930s Christmas Gown - Done!
Gosh, I wasn't expecting to be done with so much time to spare. I forget that vintage sewing takes so much less time than historical sewing, even with working out...
1930s Velvet Christmas Gown Progress
There was never a better time to start something than so close to a deadline, but with just a couple days of hard graft, I'm surprised and relieved that the...
A Regency Winter's Tale
And so begins in earnest the Holiday season. For me this is a time of hard work rewarded with a peaceful Christmas day with my family, enjoying a little downtime...
#ShopSmall With These Great Indie Historical Companies Today
In the madness that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it can be quite difficult for us little gals to stand out. So today, Small Business Saturday, have a gander...