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The 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball of Piper's Opera House, 2013

The 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball of Piper's Opera House, 2013

Liza rockin' her Victorian tail bodice with shorts and amazing stockings This past weekend Chris and I worked our tails off at the 3rd Annual Steampunk Ball up in Virginia...
American Duchess
Winner: "Claremont" 1930s Shoes Giveaway

Winner: "Claremont" 1930s Shoes Giveaway

The day has finally come to choose the winner of the 1930s "Claremont" oxford shoes. Yay! I won't hold you in suspense any longer. The winner is... Beth Bradshaw Alas,...
American Duchess
Tagged: Shoes

"Real" Late Victorian Steampunk Fashions for Women

The Met, 1897-99 (via) - an excellent start to a fabulous Steampunk ensemble. My favorites are the original gowns that unknowingly have that Steampunk flavor. I haven't been working on...
American Duchess
Glorious 1930s Vintage Shoes

Glorious 1930s Vintage Shoes

from Etsy seller Simplicityisbliss The 1930s is one of my favorite periods for footwear. Everything is just so darn snazzy! Perforated leather, interesting stripe decorations, oxfords, cutouts, color blocking ......
American Duchess
Tagged: 1930s Shoes Vintage
Giveaway: "Claremont" 1930s Oxfords!

Giveaway: "Claremont" 1930s Oxfords!

It's that time again, time for a GIVEAWAY! Whee! What's up for grabs? A pair of 1930s "Claremont" Oxfords -or- a gift certificate for the equivalent amount ($135 value). How...
American Duchess
Tagged: Miscellany

Kodachrome Beauties

August 1942. Via I have a bit of an obsession with old photography, and I particularly love pretty much anything cross-processed. I've never chemically developed a photo myself, which is...
American Duchess
Glam Your Gams with Claremont 1930s Oxfords

Glam Your Gams with Claremont 1930s Oxfords

After tromping around the University of Nevada, Reno, campus for several hours, I'm more in love with these shoes than ever. They're comfy, snazzy, and totally made the ensemble. The...
American Duchess
1860s Button Boots with Scalloped Fly

1860s Button Boots with Scalloped Fly

The boots, once stuffed and supported, were in surprisingly good condition. Every once in awhile something particularly smashing comes up on eBay and I get all giddy about it. These...
American Duchess
Tagged: Shoes Victorian
Introducing "Claremont" 1930s Oxfords - Pre-Order Now Open

Introducing "Claremont" 1930s Oxfords - Pre-Order Now Open

"Claremont" 1930s Oxfords Pre-Order September 2 - 22, 2013 $115 ($135) www.AmericanDuchess.com Today I'm excited to present to you a new 20th century vintage repro, "Claremont," a chocolate brown suede-and-patent...
American Duchess
Tagged: 1930s Shoes Vintage
Community Pride: Historical Sewing Online

Community Pride: Historical Sewing Online

Costume bloggers at Costume College 2012 I just want to take this moment to say how proud I am of the online historical sewing community. This is a truly amazing...
American Duchess
Tagged: Miscellany
Introducing New "Cavendish" 18th Century Shoe Buckles

Introducing New "Cavendish" 18th Century Shoe Buckles

I have a new shiny thing to share with you! I've been working on a new style of buckle for a bit, fashioned after an original pair I found on...
American Duchess
Weddingote: Starting and Progress

Weddingote: Starting and Progress

Pad stitching on the lapels. After finding all the little flaws and tweaks in my test garment, I decided to not finish it (primarily because of the alarmingly short waist),...
American Duchess