American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
V89: Fashion Face-Off - Hats of the 1780s and 1910s
As we all know, history repeats itself, and fashion especially. Nothing is ever "new" on the runway (well, maybe if it's a suit made out of bubble wrap, etc.), and...
V88: A Massive Merry Widow Hat
I have to run, but I have much to tell you in regards to hats, tomorrow. :-) For now, enjoy this image from Bartoscollection.com, and the many more very cool...
V87: Period Piecery - Elizabethan Cabbage
I started on a new Elizabethan ladies' doublet the other night, and to make a long story short, it didn't fit. I thought I had traced the pattern - Margo...
V86: Marie Antoinette in Prison
Being sick is like feeling close to death, sometimes. That is me, today, and I'm in a morbid mood, hence my blog post. These are depictions of Marie Antoinette in...
V85: Elizabethan Pouf Hairstyles
Ha! Those Georgians thought they were being so clever and original with their pouf hairstyles, but they were just copying the late Elizabethans and early Jacobeans. Just goes to show...
V84: Vintage 1930s Brown Oxfords
If you follow along on Facebook, you will have seen a photo of this exquisite shoe. I hunted these on eBay a little while ago and was overjoyed to have...
V83: 1912 Titanic Day Wear Complete
Finally I've finished something. It feels like it's been *weeks* since I've even picked up a pair of scissors. I decided to throw together a slim wool skirt for a...
V82: How To Decorate Pemberley Regency Shoes Like It's 1789
As of late I've been inspired by that interesting transitional period in women's dress, around the end of the 1780s and into the 1790s. Many things changed - the waistline...
V81: Vintage Early 1930s Sporty "Nurse" Shoes
I've been lurking around eBay, looking for vintage shoes. I've fed my addiction recently with 3 pairs, all former shop displays from the 1930s. These are my faves. If only...
V80: Petersham vs. Grosgrain Ribbon
What is the difference between Petersham and Grosgrain ribbon? Both ribbons are ribbed and have a matte finish, but there is one really big difference, the edge finish. Grosgrain ribbon...
V78: 1950s "Ladies Who Lunch" Outfit
I gave my presentation on hats, 1850-1960, yesterday, and wore something I thought was appropriate for an afternoon luncheon. Dress: made from vintage Butterick 8154 Hat: vintage mink "caterpillar" toque...
V79: ASTORIA Important Information - Please Read
My Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Astoria, our latest shoe style and our most successful product to date, in the largest and most important order we’ve ever placed, was delivered to...