tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79533196073267647632012-01-30T06:02:34.554-08:00Articles, dress diaries, research, and tutorials about costume of the 18th century, as well as projects and information on costuming of other centuries.Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.comBlogger4341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-5739551664301426022012-01-29T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-29T13:24:10.929-08:00

Oh, the best laid plans of seamstresses.... I went shopping for fabrics today and came across the perfect stripe silk for my future Colonial Williamsburg polonaise.  It looked at me and just screamed "MAKE ME INTO A POLONAISE!"  This is it: So, of course, the CW "Mix-n-Match" plan has again changed, again: Two patterned linen/cotton jackets, one striped polonaised gown, two solid colored silk

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-6762332722851360832012-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-28T09:00:03.330-08:00

Cloche hats on display at the Churchill County Museum I'm quite excited to tell you that I have been asked to give a talk on historical hats at the Churchill County Museum in Fallon, NV, in March.  Time to study up on my hat history, 1850-1960!  A good place to start will be with Vintage Hats & Bonnets 1770-1970, by Susan Langley, a very useful book I picked up last year, and, well, any other

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-28538903201180134492012-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:00:04.108-08:00

I pinned this great shoe illustration on Pinterest, via Athena.  It is from the NYPL Digital Gallery. What I love about this image is that it illustrates three very distinct periods of footwear history.  Can you identify the correct chronological order? Post in the comments with your answer :-)

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-415765484396792042012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-26T09:00:03.386-08:00

Trouvais.com I've been thinking about panniers lately.  Pocket hoops.  Hip padding. For an upper class impression, it looks like a little side hoop action was still en vogue for the 1770s, so I plan to experiment with travel-able (read: small, pack down easily) options. In the meantime, here are some examples I found: Articulated side hoops, from Te Met Also articulated, and very

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-86538973544929557702012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T09:00:06.840-08:00

Hi Ladies and Laddies,   After posting about the fabric stamps yesterday, they arrived in the mail, and I immediately played with them to see how they looked.  I'm so very thrilled!  Here is my test sheet of paper, my "sampler" if you will: The two stamps intended to be applied in lines will take some practice to be seamless.  Measuring out and marking the lines on the fabric will help.  The

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-14689926197912752832012-01-24T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-24T09:00:00.630-08:00

After much deliberation and many very helpful comments, I revised my Colonial Williamsburg mix n' match plans: Now the two jackets will be in prints, and the two skirts and gown will be solid colors.  I'm still bent on blue and yellow, so I've collected some iDye packets to that end, ready for the linen/cotton blend and silk I'm almost decided to go with. :-) Somewhere in the past couple

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-17460307549037911242012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:00:02.824-08:00

Lewis Walpole Library Despite working on a 1912 Titanic gown currently, and having several other projects lined up before I need to start on the Colonial Williamsburg stuff, I just can't stay away from the 18th century. I've been thinking about accessories, primarily the pretty, sheer, white, embroidered type - caps, apron, and neckerchiefs.  I want to make a variety of these to take to

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-13351785462326722202012-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-22T09:00:00.129-08:00

I've been talking a lot about hair lately.  It seems to be the thing we have the most trouble with.  In the first post,  "Introduction to Hairstyles in 1912," I showed contemporary photos of ladies' coiffures, and a few "how to" images from the time as well, but the problem with these is that we ladies today still have little or no idea how to achieve them. Luckily, there are some original

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-47847588653834302392012-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-21T09:00:05.550-08:00

A belt, but also a headband, perhaps. I was thinking just the other night about where to find heavily beaded bandeau materials for my 1912 (and also 1920s) hair styles, and lo and behold, on yesterday's thrifty shopping trip, I found two 1980s/90s belts that fit the bill perfectly. They are SO obnoxious, I had to get them both.  They're quite thick and heavy, but perfect for some monstrous

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-42724594957810543872012-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T22:00:09.583-08:00

Hi!  Last week I posted about 1912 hairstyles, showing a handful of reference images to inspire some hair adventures. Then it was time to experiment.  I have pretty short hair - not even chin length, and all choppy and layered all over - so this tutorial is geared towards ladies with short hair, but these techniques can also be used for ladies of long locks, or on wigs. What You Will Need: A

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-13598429803257381242012-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-19T09:00:08.405-08:00

Staging Fashion, 1880–1920: Jane Hading, Lily Elsie, Billie Burke from Bard Graduate Center on Vimeo. I'm rather enthralled with Lily Elsie.  Who isn't?  Here are some more images of her: My favorite image of Lily Elsie.  The buttons on the suit, the braid, the Merry Widow hat she made famous, all of it - HER FACE - gorgeous.

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-50137630197540185062012-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T09:00:04.592-08:00

It's time for a little "focus group" research, to see what you ladies think about Victorian Button Boots. I've had a lot of requests for these, so I'm looking in to the possibility.  If you would like to participate in the development of our future button boots, please take the survey and let me know how you feel about color, shape, details, prices, and so on : Click Here to Take The Survey!

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-82258974864465478302012-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:00:01.700-08:00

I get so starry-eyed when I look at evening gowns and haute couture of the 19teens.  It's easy to forget that most women didn't wear anything even remotely like this. There is a great series of books called "Everyday Fashions" of the {insert date range here}.  They are compilations of a decade's worth of selected Sear's Catalog pages, and are an invaluable resource when researching clothing.  

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-7770981487006385952012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T04:00:07.509-08:00

Okay, everything is ready.  You can now go and order your Astoria Edwardian Shoes: Order Astoria Edwardian Shoes Most of you know the deal - we need a certain number of pre-orders to run this style.  We're doing two colors - ebony and ivory - so the minimum for us this time is 120 pre-orders. Please use all the pictures you need and help support Astoria.  Blog, tweet, facebook, tumble, pin,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-33844111700340971802012-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:00:03.526-08:00

I've been on an Edwardian binge lately, and working ever so diligently on my 1912 gown. I know it's only January, but why not go on and get something done early, for once? One net panel on the front, so far. Normally nothing I sew goes together easily, but this dress seems to be working out pretty nicely.  I haven't had any major "uh oh" problems (yet), although working the straight beaded

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-73952545913969985462012-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-14T09:00:07.737-08:00

To celebrate the Astoria coming out on Monday, I want to post some of my favorite images of Edwardian shoes. It was such a wonderful time for footwear.  Ladies' shoes were styled to give the foot an elegant look - narrow, pointed, and beautifully decorated. The hallmarks of Edwardian shoes are:narrow, elongated, and pointed toe various strap styles and cutwork French heels button closures There

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-17794226569483475852012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-13T09:00:05.342-08:00

You knew this post was coming!  I got the Astoria samples in the mail today and am absolutely beside myself with how awesome they look. The toes are pointed.  The straps are strappy.  They fit perfectly, the way dress shoes should fit, and they look stunning on, from all angles. Ebony looks just as great as ivory, too.  You Titanic Centennial seamstresses, and Downton Abbey addicts, here you

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-33575914027245735612012-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-12T09:00:01.762-08:00

As you all know, a historical costume is more than just the dress you wear.  It is the accessories - shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. - makeup (if applicable), and hair you pair with your gown that makes for a complete look. Accessories are fun.  Makeup is usually pretty simple. But then there's hair. HAIR!!! It's always my problem, and probably yours too, especially if you have short hair.  I've

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-35840137365522614282012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:00:04.398-08:00

So ....  I might have gone on a bit of a bender at JoAnn's yesterday ... It's Hallie Larkin's fault. Hallie wrote an article on her blog, "At the Sign of the Golden Scissors," about all the useful treasures to behold hidden away in the quilter's tools aisle.  On yesterday's trip to JoAnn's, I was fully in search of the chalk pencils and the clear ruler: This was a little expensive, but just

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-88984416295521272902012-01-10T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-10T09:00:11.503-08:00

Gettin' jiggy with Photoshop Hi all!  I've had several questions lately about how I do my costume concepts, so I thought I would answer them here. Read on to learn some techniques and secrets ... (p.s. all of the tips n' tricks I'm writing about are done using Adobe Photoshop CS5.  Earlier versions of Photoshop have the same tools but may be found in different places, or be called something

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-24908644876205685452012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:00:08.460-08:00

After much deliberation, and some fiddling around with beaded net fabric, I've come up with my design. It's a combination of these two: Janet Arnold's drawing of the Laurel dress, on the left, and an illustration from a 1912 Vogue, on the right. Click "Read More" to see my design sketch, fabric, and shoes... Here is my design sketch: Here is a terrible photo of my fabric.  This is a lovely,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-48575623227847536562012-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-08T09:00:02.689-08:00

1911, the Met As much as I adore musing (or tearing my hair out) over 1770s costume ideas, fabrics, and plans, there are more pressing matters to attend to. The first "big" costume of 2012 for me, as for many  of you, is the 1912 Titanic Centennial gown.  If you are a member of the Facebook group "The Unsinkables," you know we've been posting images likes crazy. (Join The Unsinkables if you

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-86270325241612032202012-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-07T09:00:07.241-08:00

Before I run off in a different direction, I will post one more time about my Colonial Williamsburg plans.  Since the trip is planned for October, I have quite a long time to work on these pieces, but also several other costumes scheduled in the meantime, which I will be blogging about soon. :-) But first... I've settled on a plan...y'know, one of those tentative things that usually gets blown

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-14062261242910830432012-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:00:05.264-08:00

I decided yesterday to make my Williamsburg jacket and petticoat in bright-ass yellow, a color that was extremely popular in the 18th century. With the boom of all-things-Chinese and far-East in 18th century Europe, painted silks and Chinese textiles became incredibly popular for clothing.  Yellow was a color associated with Imperial China, and represented royal palaces, temples, and emperors. (

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-73563759087173694632012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-05T09:00:09.564-08:00

Something like this...but...flouncier. Thanks to all of you who commented on my first post about my Williamsburg costume conundrum, especially Abby, Nicole, and Hallie, I have come upon a plan. Well, really it's Hallie's plan. 1 English gown (to wear either polonaise'd or down) + matching petticoat 1 jacket + matching petticoat all pieces will coordinate for a mix n' match look various

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-47636022677573331092012-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T09:00:03.783-08:00

Eighteenth-Century Clothing at Williamsburg Linda Baumgarten (c) 1986 by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation ISBN 978-0-87935-109-0 In preparation for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg this coming October, 2012, and because I'm obsessive, I've been collecting books on the subject of 18th century clothing, their details, construction, and general history.  My most recent acquisition is "

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-29131646722015914922012-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-03T09:00:06.836-08:00

My dear mother and I are planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg in October of this year. Of course, that means getting all excited about costume possibilities NOW, and planning all the mix-and-match combinations that will make travelling with and dressing in the whole Georgian shebang as easy as possible. But there's a wrench thrown in my costuming monkey-works... The weekend we are

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-92181124822933481342012-01-02T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:00:13.371-08:00

Why do "vintage bodies" differ so much from our modern bodies? It seems like most sources (like this one) will have us believe that what we eat and how much is primarily to blame for the increased size (height, weight, measurements) in modern women, and while I agree, I think we're missing something else. Most women of the past didn't just naturally have wasp waists, just like none of us

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-11772641639096369802012-01-01T17:26:00.000-08:002012-01-01T17:27:53.756-08:00

What better way to kick off the New Year than with a giveaway?  Last week I posted a giveaway for a retro Shabby Apple dress called "Boogie Woogie," and the winner of this lovely frock is... Nicole Nicole, please e-mail me renreeser@gmail.com to claim your prize. And in the spirit of the prize, enjoy these vintage "LBDs" AKA - Little Black Dresses. The "Little Black Dress" was introduce by

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-67709534623426472112011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-30T09:00:08.987-08:00

Some time ago I acquired a large number of vintage patterns, and slowly but surely have been making my way through them. This pattern is fantastic.  Both pieces are incredibly simple, and take only one yard each. The jacket is a dolman sleeve, so typical of the 50s, made from a funky plaid wool I snagged from Miss Laura Rubin many years ago.  I needed to add a waistband extension for my

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-26512766689760183852011-12-29T11:44:00.000-08:002011-12-29T11:44:50.992-08:00

As we all know, petticoats were a big thing in the 1950s.  Large, puffy skirts had to be supported by various methods of pooferry, pufftasmicness, and even occasional hoop-lah. Here are some various kinds of 50s petticoats, from Vixen Vintage: Vixen Vintage (click image to go forth) Vixen Vintage did a whole post on the appropriate use of various kinds of petticoats.  Very informative - you

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-70004419477256187992011-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:002011-12-28T12:01:46.813-08:00

I interrupt "50s week" to bring you this very important post.  I just received the first photos of Astoria, the Edwardian shoe that has been in development. Here is your chance to be a footwear designer, and get an inside look at how things are done.  Please understand that these photos are from the manufacturer and are of the prototype only.  The leather, color, and buttons are placeholders,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-40349290513917350162011-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:16:59.707-08:00

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques Lauren Rennells 2nd ed. (c) 2009 Lauren Rennells ISBN 978-0-9816639-1-3 If you are like me, you have pretty much no knowledge of how to create vintage hairstyles .... and also no hair. I bought "Vintage Hairstyling" hoping it would teach me some basic techniques for how to create hairstyles from the 1920s through the 60s, and that

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-89478339195267129262011-12-25T13:00:00.000-08:002011-12-25T13:00:02.734-08:00

Via My New Years Resolution this coming 2012 is to "do" something vintage every day of the year. I'm calling this "Vintage365," after the "365" self-portrait photo project many have done.  I tried my own 365 portrait project last year but didn't succeed, didn't make it the whole three hundred and sixty-five days, so this year I am determined to complete one year's worth of dedication to my

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-73492118043959329382011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T08:00:16.408-08:00

A couple nights ago, we went to Liz and Warren's Christmas party.  All costumes were welcome, so there was an array of periods, from Regency to Civil War to Steampunk.  There was also an array of delicious foods, and plenty of Liz and Warren's amazing artifacts, garments, furniture, sculptures, paintings, weird bone purses, 600 pound clay soldiers, from their world travels, to look at, study,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-57987560974033925102011-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:002011-12-22T15:27:21.675-08:00

I was never a fan of Kitty on X-Factor UK, but there was one performance that rocked my world - her rendition of Queen's song "Don't Stop Me Now," in which she was surrounded by dancers dressed as punk-rock-Roman Leather Ponies. Yes, Leather Ponies. How cool was that! Lol, I laugh every time I watch it. Then I remember this famous image: Some day .... some Halloween .... some October

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-2761121359771512562011-12-21T12:02:00.000-08:002011-12-21T12:02:46.956-08:00

I like fixing things, although you'd think I'd just do them right the first time, lol. Last year I made an emerald green open robe, from the infamous Janet Arnold pattern.  It was a mess - the back was too wide, the bodice straps too high, the shoulders pulled, the sleeves were too tight and the sleeve heads too shallow.  UGH.  I also thought I'd be Christmassy and face the thing in red bias

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-60630349586748269612011-12-19T17:53:00.000-08:002011-12-28T23:02:50.159-08:00

...my True Love Gave to Me... Even though the 12 days of Christmas actually start *after* Christmas, I wanted to post these before so they could be enjoyed :-).

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-86819203077024863442011-12-18T19:37:00.000-08:002011-12-18T19:37:46.708-08:00

My True Love Gave to Me ... Six late geese, but I got them up before midnight, so it's technically still 7...well, more like 6 now ... days until Christmas!

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-40592693724412650302011-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-17T09:00:01.864-08:00

My True Love Gave to Me... A different take on "Five Golden Rings."  I hope you like him. :-) Just 8 full days until Christmas, yikes! Remember, USA folks, you have 'til December 21st to order historical shoes and glittery bits for stocking stuffers.  Use Priority Mail to get your last-minute gifts in time for the big day.

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-84902873298611366122011-12-16T13:25:00.000-08:002011-12-16T13:25:39.110-08:00

On this day in 1775, Jane Austen was born. Why So Serious? To celebrate, everything in the American Duchess store ships free. Everything. In-stock items like 18th century Georgiana and Devonshire shoes, and glittery bling, will arrive by Christmas Eve*.  You even get free shipping on in-production items like Pemberley Regency shoes and the 18th century shoe buckles.* Jane Austen's Free

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-12987601516922377572011-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:00:11.463-08:00

My True Love Gave to Me.... I hope you like these little doodles I've been doing.  I've been enjoying painting them, although I'm getting a little worried for the 8 maids and 10 lords and 12 drummers, eek! So now there are only 10 days until Christmas!  There is still time to order Devonshires, and Georgianas (10% off) and have them arrive by December 25th. You can also still order Pemberlies

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-27481353036779432062011-12-14T13:37:00.000-08:002011-12-14T13:37:24.226-08:00

My True Love Gave to Me ... Only 11 days now until Christmas!

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-6807601473226099222011-12-13T15:46:00.000-08:002011-12-13T15:46:18.365-08:00

...my True Love Gave to Me... Just 12 days until Christmas! USA - order your in-stock Historical Shoes and Accessories gifts by December 21st to have them before Christmas! www.American-Duchess.com

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-38144498670933483392011-12-11T15:57:00.000-08:002011-12-11T16:07:55.650-08:00

A photo of the original Boardwalk - older then the 1920s, but you get the idea I love Sunday.  Sunday is the day of period dramas ... Pan Am, Downton Abbey, and Boardwalk Empire. Despite last week's episode of "Boardwalk" being completely disturbing, I'm willing to forgive HBO for its freaky-deaky-ness.  Just no more please. Since it's only 4 pm here, and Boardwalk doesn't come on for me

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-20976407650802763082011-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-10T08:00:02.790-08:00

Who here is obsessed with the 1920s? /raises hand I don't even know why, but over the years I've become more and more enchanted with the Jazz Age.  My initial reaction to it was "blagh!" when perusing the 1920-29 Sears Catalog compilations...GAH, what horrible clothes! Yet over time my perception of the 20s has changed, thanks in no small part to Callot Soeurs and Jeanne Lanvin, documentaries

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-24690058539452178422011-12-09T15:09:00.000-08:002011-12-09T15:09:37.556-08:00

Out of 43 entries, the winner of the 18th century Shoe Buckles IS..... Lucinda Brant! Lucinda, please contact me at lauren@american-duchess.com to claim your pretty, sparkly prize! Congratulations! Didn't win the buckles? :-( You can buy them or add them to your holiday wishlist here :-) yay!

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-77307929225450701962011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-09T06:00:00.560-08:00

Hi All, I'm writing to you with a couple announcements: Today is the last day to pre-order Pemberley Regency Shoes, for the special $80 price.  We've sold enough to make the order, so we *will* have Pemberlies coming in January. After today, the stock becomes limited and the price goes to the regular retail price of $95, so if you want to save your pennies and ensure we have your size in stock

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-567947391803743192011-12-08T14:45:00.000-08:002011-12-08T14:45:04.166-08:00

When I was in Tennessee, Maggie gave me one of her Regency gowns, to wear to tea...and then gave me the gown altogether.  *bliss!* Maggie and me at Tea.  This is the gown as original, with those beautiful long sleeves that were unfortunately too tight. I adore this dress, but it needed a little tweak - the sleeves, the bane of every seamstress, were too tight.  It's a super-common problem -

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-31159075893590312972011-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-06T09:00:06.710-08:00

Do you wish for a pair of American Duchess shoes for the holidays?  Print one of these lovely "Holiday Wish" cards to deliver to your holiday honey: Download the Pemberley Holiday Wish card (right click > save link as)Download the Georgiana Holiday Wish card (right click > save link as)Download the Devonshire Holiday Wish card (right click > save link as)

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-42290011024976238312011-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:002011-12-05T13:26:50.212-08:00

As you know, we just released two styles of reproduction 18th century shoe buckles in the American Duchess Shop, so that means it's time for a giveaway! again! Here's the prize: Closely based on antique 18th century shoe buckles, the "Fleur" silver rhinestone buckles are the perfect accessory to keep the latchets on your 18th century shoes closed. Our "Fleur" buckles are delicate, feminine,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-44620478434541977632011-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-03T09:00:00.035-08:00

"Fleur" from American Duchess - available now How the heck do you keep 18th century latchet shoes closed? Why, buckles, of course! ...but not just any buckles, as I learned.  Shoe buckles are a special kind of buckle that has both a tongue and a chape, both with spikey bits that secure them to the two straps on your shoes. You can't buy these today, probably because people realized that

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-11965376294547583942011-12-02T12:58:00.000-08:002011-12-02T12:58:27.723-08:00

Out of a whopping 85 entries, the winner is...... DebsAttic ! If you are the lady known as "DebsAttic" please e-mail me: lauren@american-duchess.com Thank you all for playing your chances in this giveaway.  Your reblogging, reposting, tweeting, facebooking, pinning, tumbling, and all that have really helped spread the word about the Pemberlies! You can still pre-order Pembs for the

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-66410417564834290372011-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-02T08:00:00.378-08:00

Please share if you like, and help us reach enough orders to run this cute style of historical shoe!

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-3909711477928465912011-12-01T10:55:00.000-08:002011-12-01T10:55:33.162-08:00

Shoe clips are the best things ever. I'll just come right out and say it.  Shoe clips allow you to drastically change the look of a single pair of shoes, just by clipping on a feather, a flower, a bow, a gem. I went looking for various historical-looking shoe clippery to add to the American Duchess store, but in the end I realized that making your own would be easier, cheaper, and look loads

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-43621339636483727032011-11-29T13:07:00.000-08:002011-11-29T13:07:31.236-08:00

Miss Sharon asked me the other night about tea staining her silk Georgiana 18th century shoes.  She was reluctant to do it, so I embarked on that journey on her behalf, and learned some very important and cool things you all ought to know.  Ready? Click "Read More" for the tutorials... How to Tea Stain Your Georgianas - recommended for very light ivory/cream colors only What You Will Need:

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-18314913481503639642011-11-28T11:35:00.000-08:002011-11-28T11:35:55.987-08:00

(click the banner, or click here)

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-16316913324064850722011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T13:20:02.510-08:00

Go forth, merry historical holiday shoppers, and order a pair of Pemberlies, the perfect Regency shoe, for your Jane Austen-obsessed love one, or treat yourself! Pre-Order Now November 25 - December 9 $80 ($95) Click Here Ordering is UNLIMITED, on all women's USA sizes 6 through 12, including half sizes. Orders of 5 + receive the special pre-order price, plus quantity and shipping

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-90602423267506564922011-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:002011-11-24T09:00:00.779-08:00

For those of you stateside, Happy Thanksgiving!  Since I know the lot of you are nomming turkey and accompanying side dishes, I will be short and provide you with some more Regency shoes to look at. Oh, also, if you want to receive updates and news and special stuff in your e-mail, sign up for my new newsletter.  Not spammy, I promise; if anything, inconsistent, as only the newsworthy stuff

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-6826491772647307712011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T15:09:15.490-08:00

There have been some questions lately concerning how to dye Georgiana silk 18th century shoes.  Well here's the skinny on getting your shoe colored, what to do, and what NOT to do. I've spent weeks testing various types of dyes, fixers, and methods, in order to bring you a definitive guide to dyeing the Georgies.  So without further ado... The Best Dyes The best method of coloring your shoes,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-1051777604449795472011-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:002011-11-22T12:45:50.703-08:00

It was raining this day, but the house was no less beautiful.  This is actually the rear of the house, with a reconstructed porch. The last day of my Tennessee trip, Mr. Ramsey, myself, Albert, and Maggie and I traveled up to Louisville to see Locust Grove, a home built in 1790 by William and Lucy Clark Croghan.  Mr. Cushing gave us the full tour and weathered by interrogative questions like a

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-26487875766331850892011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:002011-11-21T09:00:06.985-08:00

During my visit to Tennessee, Maggie and I visited The Hermitage, the stately home of President Andrew Jackson. Via I was overwhelmed with awesome, and my only regret is not visiting in costume.  The mansion was built between 1819 and 1821, and boasts almost complete original furnishings, wallpapers, and layouts....which is most definitely why the rooms are only visible through thick

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-30699231567363959662011-11-18T19:08:00.000-08:002011-11-18T19:08:28.288-08:00

You know those mysterious costuming mysteries that sometimes plague us?  How to tie a turban is one of them. If you are practically hair-less like me, a quick and easy head-wrap is the perfect way to finish off a Regency gown, day or evening, and hide your lack-of-hair. Here's a quick video showing how to do it.  This can be done with any standard-sized scarf.  The one in the video was done

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-46810080806992590692011-11-17T11:25:00.000-08:002011-11-17T11:26:49.517-08:00

Burdett's Tea Shop was a delightful, old-fashioned place in Springfield, TN.  It was absolutely packed with lil'-ole-ladies who took great delight in our party when we arrived. I've been in Tennessee this past week, meeting wonderful people, playing dress up, and drooling all over historic sites.  I went to visit my best friend Maggie, who you may know as Miss Emily Waterman, and her beau, The

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-17417717900275797222011-11-09T16:59:00.000-08:002011-11-09T16:59:11.272-08:00

I finally finished the 1790s wrap-front gown I've been working on foreeeeever.  I will be wearing this gown, plus its accompanying accessories - pashmina, pineapple reticule, and Pemberley 1790s Regency shoes - to the Masquerade Ball put on by the Regency Society of Tennessee, this coming Saturday, November 12. If you are going to be at this ball, come say "howdy" and see the Pemberley 1790s

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-27008941291631171322011-11-08T15:17:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:17:46.311-08:00

This week I painted up a pair of Devonshires inspired by an extant pair held in Manchester City Galleries. I used Angelus Leather paints to color the latchets and heel blue, and also mixed colors to paint the floral sprig on the toe.  Blue bias binding completed the shoe, along with the round rhinestone slide buckle, for a little bling. Devonshire Leather 18th c. Shoes:

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-29832953272254548222011-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:002011-11-07T10:00:00.062-08:00

I've been waiting so long to show you all the new Regency shoe!  The "Pemberley" has been in development since Summer, and I am pleased to present her to you now: The Pemberley is a transitional shoe closely based on extant examples from the 1790s to the 1810s. The hand-sewn upper features a pointed toe engineered *not* to squeeze your foot to death. The small, 1 inch high heel is delicately

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-83213239001900399742011-11-02T09:00:00.000-07:002011-11-02T11:05:54.591-07:00

This past weekend we attended a speakeasy/housewarming party for friends who have just bought a 1920s home.  This presented the perfect opportunity to practice more vintage hairstyling techniques, which I will share with you right now in this, my very first video ever: Here are some more snaps from the night: Mom, in a tunic dress she put together in an afternoon Mary the SugarSkull and

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-25015935183868144492011-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:002011-11-01T09:00:10.986-07:00

This past weekend in Alameda, I couldn't resist visiting one of my favorite antiques shops, where I found this Kodak Brownie camera for $25. It's a Brownie Target Six-20, made in 1946.  I didn't know if it was operational when I bought it, although the shutter fired, so it was a delight to get it open when I got home (because Chris and I both had to find the manual online to see how to get the

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-71007545362570438122011-10-31T14:59:00.000-07:002011-10-31T15:00:32.453-07:00

This weekend I went to visit friends and dance the night away at Gaskells, one of the most epic Victorian dance events in the West.  I took Madame X with me, and also "the big camera" (for lack of a better name), and snapped photos all night long, danced until my dress came apart, and followed the whole thing up with chili fries and laughs at Au Coquelet Cafe in Berkeley. Loads of Photos Under

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-58876699084828826982011-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T11:55:07.565-07:00

One of the coolest things about the Devonshire leather 18th century shoes is that you can paint them and decorate them easily, using leather paints, rhinestones, bias binding, trims, lace, anything really. I thought I'd try my hand at creating a version of one of my favorite pairs of extant shoes, found in the Manchester City Galleries: The original shoe, from Manchester City Galleries, made

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-26351688788782860122011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T08:00:04.858-07:00

I love coupons, discounts, sales, and promotion, don't you?  We here at the Shoe Shop HQ are trying to decide which you would prefer.  Please give us your opinion.... <a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/5612065/">Which Awesome Shoe Shop Discount Would You Prefer...?</a>

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-26259497325148940642011-10-24T15:22:00.000-07:002011-10-24T15:26:56.433-07:00

A little while ago I decided to try a gown from a period I love but have never sewn for, the Edwardian Era.  I flipped through my "Costume in Detail" book, admiring the ridiculously complicated-looking gowns of the first decade of the 20th century, and landed on a dinner dress I thought could be converted to an evening gown by just removing the sleeves. The book's description, page 315: "Soft

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-51132424647114145532011-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T12:02:54.895-07:00

The Met:  1790-1810. Before I got into making historical shoes for costumers and reenactors, I spent a lot of time looking for modern shoes that would "make do."  I did things like tie bows around my mary janes, to try to make them look like 18th century shoes with latchets; I wore sequined slippers made in India with my Elizabethan gowns; I sported round-toed, metallic pleather, rubber-soled

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-70351398618255925952011-10-14T15:36:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:36:41.613-07:00

To celebrate the American Duchess facebook fan page collecting 2,000 followers, we're offering FREE Domestic Shipping on, well, EVERYTHING! Get free domestic shipping on shoe and buckle orders at www.american-duchess.com .  Also, international shipping is $25 anywhere in the world! Also get free domestic shipping on any Etsy shop item, including vintage patterns, t-shirts, and shoes, at http:/

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-85721582014310765222011-10-13T14:49:00.000-07:002011-10-13T14:49:32.557-07:00

Extant Regency shoes, used as reference for the Pemberlies. I have a very important question to ask you, or rather a very important choice for you to make. I want the "Pemberley" Regency shoes to be durable, comfortable, beautiful...but also affordable.  Your vote in this poll will help us decide if it is appropriate to substitute a man-made sole for the leather one, to achieve a more

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-39967447471481215042011-10-12T13:54:00.000-07:002011-10-12T13:54:02.813-07:00

You know those projects that get postponed, only to pop back into your life and demand to be finished?  This 1790s voile gown is one of them. I originally intended to wear it to the Jane Austen Festival in Kentucky, back in July, but I had to cancel my trip on account of the 18th century shoes being delivered, so the gown got buried on my couch, under other projects and occasionally a dog. The

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-42098924070335160432011-10-10T10:37:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:37:40.848-07:00

A gown by Hallie, on display with the Southcoast Historical Associates Today's interview, and indeed our first interview here at American Duchess, is with Hallie Larkin, a dedicated and highly awesome historical costumer specializing in 18th century attire.  Hallie is the president of the Costume Society of America, Northeastern Region, as well as president of the Southcoast Historical

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-62570330423329387422011-10-08T20:48:00.000-07:002011-10-09T01:18:35.927-07:00

I would like to give an award to my favorite three costume blogs right now, which is actually a really hard thing to do because I follow at least a hundred of you guys. These blogs exhibit particularly awesome content, with thorough articles and regular updates on their costuming adventures, events attended, and research done. When you receive a Duchie Award, post on your blog (in any order):

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-32456495181147879662011-10-05T20:02:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:02:58.001-07:00

We all know history (and fashion) repeats itself, and designers of the past were as inspired to borrow from previous decades and centuries just as much as fashion labels are today.  This sartorial thievery extended to shoes too: check out the 1960s versus The Regency:  I'm showing you these cool comparisons to get you excited about the upcoming release of the "Pemberley," a leather pump

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-32170365566540222512011-09-29T13:13:00.000-07:002011-09-29T13:42:29.716-07:00

October draws near, and the new shipment of Devonshire leather, and Georgiana silk 18th century shoes is due in next week. If you missed out on the pre-sale back in August, never fear, for you will be able to order your pairs starting this coming Friday, September 30th. Quantities *are* limited.  We only ordered a few extra in each size, and size US 7 through 9 tend to go quite quickly. This

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-34524969676407697622011-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:002011-09-26T15:40:14.144-07:00

This past Saturday, Oscar and Debbie Sessions, plus myself, volunteered to appear in a couple historic Reno homes, included in the Reno Historic Preservation Society's second annual "Harvest of Homes" tour. Oscar and Debbie Session, who just bought a 1920s historic home themselves, and hope to be included in the tour next year. Debbie and I both wore 1930s, while Oscar wore his "Nucky" suit, a

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-63053080578106664202011-09-22T12:10:00.000-07:002011-09-22T12:10:37.925-07:00

Hi Filles and Fops,    It's time for a sale. If you've been eyeballing a pair of wide-width silk Georgiana 18th century shoes, now is the perfect time to get them. Purchase through Etsy or on the American-Duchess.com website. The sale is for a limited time only, so don't wait.  Wide-footed ladies, this is your chance! --Lauren R

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-52637507375270985392011-09-21T16:51:00.000-07:002011-09-21T16:51:49.367-07:00

Gah, I'm so knackered still from this past weekend I just wan to post a few photos. V&T Engine, pulling into the depot in Virginia City, from Carson City. It was the second annual Steampunk Steam Engine ride from Carson City to Virginia City and back, but the first annual Victorian Steampunk Ball, an evening of music, dancing, and cookies, at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City, put on by

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-62345035544284457942011-09-15T20:58:00.000-07:002011-09-15T20:59:16.021-07:00

Holy Fritatas, I've been been busy.  The Victorian Steampunk Ball is this Saturday and I kinda went off the deep end and decided to make new costume pieces for it...with two days in which to do it.  Madness. I have some cool things to show you, though.  I purchased two Victorian images in their original frames, from Etsy, and they arrived yesterday.  Such exquisite little souls... The first is

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-47189770252290051292011-09-12T14:01:00.000-07:002011-09-12T14:05:51.779-07:00

Lots of photography, but not much costuming lately.  I'm going through a sewing funk, but still need an outlet for history-related geekery, so photography is it. So far in the "What If I Were" project, I've done 1850, 1900, 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950.  I still have 1860s through 1890s to figure out, as well as the 19teens, and 1960s.  All along the way there's been and shall be much fun and

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-91596663521832472592011-09-08T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-08T09:00:00.179-07:00

"What If I Were...sitting with Hurrell in 1930?" Yesterday I received Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques in the mail, and read it cover-to-cover last night.  That meant hair adventures today, so I tried out a 30s style from the book, and despite it turning out to look quite "meh" in the back, with the step-by-step instructions I was able to make my first Successful

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-6810712361684435352011-09-06T11:43:00.000-07:002011-09-06T11:43:07.165-07:00

Lol. Of course, a Daguerreotype of a dog is completely impractical.  Avi here couldn't sit still for 10 seconds, let alone 10 minutes or 20 minutes. I'm having so much fun with these digital recreations, trying to get them to look the part of an original photo...but while they are amusing, they're not ... real. They're not pure. Chris brought up the idea of doing these photos for real, which

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-62968954141783089172011-09-05T11:43:00.000-07:002011-09-07T21:59:59.104-07:00

"What If I Were in California in 1850?" I've been wanting to try  a digital recreation of a Daguerreotype for awhile now.  They've always fascinated and creeped me out, and as I sit here on the other side of several hours of working on this photo, I can now safely say getting this look is HARD. But first, some real Daguerreotypes, and some brief history... The Daguerreotype was named after

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-14897954300040453152011-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:002011-08-31T15:11:58.522-07:00

It seems like every time I go in a thrift store lately (all two times in the past two weeks), I come away with some really great stuff. Both the Salvation Army Thrift Store and Savers, here in Reno, yielded some fantastic footwear befitting the Edwardian period.  Don't underestimate the power of early '90s Victoriana, for it produced some really charming pieces that are perfect for costuming,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-91480239348570529582011-08-30T18:04:00.000-07:002011-08-30T18:04:56.100-07:00

Last week I met a friend of mine at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, and we proceeded to giggle like idiots whilst scavenging for *really cool stuff*, which this particular Thrift Store seemed to have plenty of. By far the coolest thing found was a vintage hair dryer, the kind with a motor in a box, a cap on the head, a hose, even the original booklet.  I'd seen a photo or two of one of these

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-17171009413445220782011-08-28T23:11:00.000-07:002011-08-28T23:11:44.299-07:00

This coming weekend I will be wreaking havoc and eating candy at Gold Rush Days, one of my favorite events of the year, in Old Sacramento.  The original plan was to wear a plaid gown I refashioned, but still needs a little work, complete with corset, hoops, bonnet, boots, fluff, stuff, things. But then... It's hot.  I mean it's HOT in Sacramento, and I will be bumming around with the Irish

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-4435759100769644072011-08-25T19:42:00.000-07:002011-09-07T21:59:59.106-07:00

Continuing on with the historical photo project I talked about last time, I've played around with some 1950s style photos. The 1950s are an interesting time, because *everything* is stylized: models, makeup, clothes, photography. Learn More under the Cut... The 1950s photos can be broken down into two categories: color, and black and white. Black and White photography in the 50s was all

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-2451146688505532912011-08-18T19:20:00.000-07:002011-09-07T21:59:59.107-07:00

As most of you know, I love photography.  It's not only a very important aspect of presenting our work on our blogs, but it's also something we can have a lot of fun with, especially as historical costumers. Often I find myself thinking I don't look historical enough, but I realize that it is because all the photos of me in the dress are, well, modern.  Despite knowing that clothing was

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-72062374481056654522011-08-15T14:26:00.000-07:002011-08-15T14:27:39.281-07:00

Sunday - picnic at the Pope Mansion, replete with vintage cars, great music, and wonderful costumes to oggle. The Lake Tahoe Gatsby is a lovely, miniature-version of the Oakland Gatsby.  It's a free wander-in sort of affair right on the beach at the Pope Mansion, an old historic residence now belonging to the State of California, but once the Summer destination of the well-to-do Pope family and

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-2821883132359669952011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-10T06:00:15.247-07:00

Out of an incredible 283 entries, only one winner could be selected. And the winner is... !!!  Laughing Girl (http://laughing-all-the-way.tumblr.com/)  !!! My dear Laughing Girl, please e-mail me at lauren@american-duchess.com to claim your prize, a sweet new pair of shoes!  Congratulations! --------------------I would like to thank each and every one of you for posting, sharing, re-blogging,

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-42657425941033540992011-08-09T12:01:00.000-07:002011-08-09T12:02:41.619-07:00

In honor of the delightful 1920s events we've had this Summer, including the Lake Tahoe Gatsby coming up this weekend, I want to share with you a fun little project you can do in an afternoon. First, though, I'd like to say that Debbie, of VintageDancer, challenged me to make a 1920s swimsuit for this weekend, so we can both go to the Gatsby as bathing beauties.  I was scared to death of

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-35639191206783137932011-08-08T19:07:00.001-07:002011-08-08T19:09:21.307-07:00

The original, made last year. So you all think I haven't been sewing...and you would be sortof right.  Little bits at a time, little projects (that turn into massive projects), and here's one of them. See the results under the cut .... My pseudo-1840s-whatever dress I made last year had some major problemos. The bodice overall was too long, so it pushed up and rumbled in the back. The

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-88634607840025474892011-08-02T23:59:00.000-07:002011-08-02T23:59:00.403-07:00

Want to *win* your very own pair of leather Devonshire 18th century shoes?  Then help us spread the word about the pre-order going on right now! About the Prize: The Devonshires are a leather 18th century shoe based on museum examples from the 1760s through 1780s.  They're made of top-grade dyable leather, with a beautiful, smooth Italian leather sole for dancing, and are hard-wearing, water-

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com289tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7953319607326764763.post-60045399224323445422011-08-02T11:48:00.000-07:002011-08-02T11:48:15.367-07:00

Are white shoes just not your thing?  Fancy green, black, blue, red, gold, any other color?  Want to match your new leather Devonshires to your dress?  Well this tutorial is for you! You Will Need: a pair of Devonshire 18th century shoes (buy them here) a medium-sized flat paintbrush a small cup of water Angelus Leather Preparer Angelus Leather Paint Angelus Acrylic Finisher - matte or satin

Lauren Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03547111610954587797noreply@blogger.com1