American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Have a Flip Through the Summer Shoe Catalog...
After last week's photo shoot with our beautiful Gibson Girl, Liza, I thought it would be cool to share some of the photos in an interactive catalog, which took me...
1790s Chintz Gown - In Progress
A few days back I got the bee in my bonnet to start sewing on this 1790s chintz gown, inspired by the Museum of London gown everyone loves so much:...
Chopines - Platforms of the Past
Chopines are so cool, especially when you compare them to the oh-so-modern heel-less shoes that are currently in fashion. I guess they're not as modern as they think. :-) Via...
Victorian & Edwardian Stockings
Via - I'll take any of these, please. Throughout history, people have worn some pretty spectacular hosiery. I'm tickled today when I see fantastic socks for sale (and I often...
Rat Rods & Rockabillies - Reno Rockabilly Riot
....that was a lot of 'R's, lol. This past weekend, my friend Stephanie and I visiting Reno Rockabilly Riot, a cute little event with a few vendors and a lot...
Your Opinions Please - Fully Fashioned Stockings
Hi Ladies! Today I need your votes to help decide some things about the future line of vintage-style seamed stockings I'm working for the shop. Before you vote, here are...
Curtain-Along Dress #2: 1790s
Last year, I joined Festive Attyre's "Curtain-Along" sewing event, when I fell in love with the Waverly "Felicite" curtains from Lowes, and made my favorite dress ever, the 1780 Indienne...
Spring Sale - Pompadours & Imperfects on Sale
It's the magical time of year when we make space in the garage-turned-warehouse, and have a big crackin' sale! Pompadours are on clearance, to make room for the new version....
Mme Demorest's Illustrated Portfolio of the Fashions for 1880
Last weekend a dear friend, Jenny, gave me an incredible gift - a complete pattern catalog from 1880. I've been studying it with great interest and costume lust, careful to...
A Trip to Valhalla Renaissance Faire, 2013
This past weekend was one of many festivities, one of which was the annual visit to Valhalla, our most local Renfaire. Oh Renfaire, how I love thee. A day of...
In Progress: Late 16th Century Doublet
Every once in awhile I go meandering off into other centuries. My love of costuming started with Elizabethan, and it is still a period I adore, though I seldom costume...
1790s Musings and Inspirations
I'm back to square one with what to wear to Maggie's wedding in October. (Nevermind my own wedding, I've got that one figured out, haha) My ORANGE! sari dress just...no,...