American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Antique Edwardian Shoe Rehab
I'm going to call it rehab instead of restoration, because these shoes were in a *state.* They were sent to me by a lovely follower who saw the potential in...
The Late 1860s Aubergine Ballgown
Me and Kristen at the ball - photo by Nevada Live Magazine I couple weekends ago I was all a-tussle finishing the evening bodice for my new purple 1860s gown....
Introducing "Belleclaire" Edwardian Pumps - Pre-Order!
Darlings, meet "Belleclaire," our second Exclusive design chosen by you! Based on a pair of 1900-1910 satin pumps in Les Arts Decoratifs, these Edwardian stunners will pair wonderfully with any...
Bellas Hess & Co. 1917-1918 Fashion Catalogue - Free Download!
Ladies, I didn't quite get through this insane project before Thanksgiving, and I am still working on the print-on-demand book, but for those of you that would like the digital...
21 Gift Ideas for the Historical Costumer
Gosh, are you ready for the holidays? If you're wondering what to get for the historical costumer in your life...or you need to gently hint to someone about what *you*...
Introducing "Victoria" Carriage Boots
Today's post is all about carriage boots. I'm maybe a little TOO excited about our new "Victoria" Carriage Boots...I'm...well...wearing them right now. They went to Starbucks with me this morning,...
Advertise in December!
Do you have a costume-related business that needs a boost over this holiday season? Why not try an advert here on the American Duchess blog? At a low cost and...
And Now...The American Duchess "Silver Belles" SALE!
Ladies, and accompanying Gentlemen, it's time to kick off the Winter festivities with a SALE! We have new styles just come in, restocked old favorites, and have put a bunch...
1860s Purple People Eater - Finished, Just Barely! and the Magic of Gored Skirts
This past Tuesday I was in a mad rush to finish the day version of my 1860s purple gown, just in time for the tree lighting ceremony downtown. This was...
Preview Pages from the Bellas Hess 1917-18 Winter Catalogue
I recently received a number of vintage and antique catalogs, from my good friend Lady Carolyn. Most of them - Delineators, McCalls, Bella Hess - are in very fragile condition,...
1860s Purple People Eater Ballgown Bodice - Musings
In my mad rush to get three pieces of 1860s attire (and let's not even think about the accessories) done in time for a bevy of upcoming Victorian Christmas events,...