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Practical Footwear, 1860-1880

Practical Footwear, 1860-1880

AuntieNan asks: What did they wear in the way of practicality, on a railway journey, say, or going to town? Why, boots! Delicious, delightful boots! Just like the re-emergence of...
American Duchess
V364: Corset Training - Week 2 Report

V364: Corset Training - Week 2 Report

It's been about two weeks now that I've been consistently wearing a Victorian corset for about 7+ hours per day. I've already learned so much about my body, the effects...
American Duchess
V365: Costumed Ladies in Genoa, NV

V365: Costumed Ladies in Genoa, NV

This past weekend, a group of Great Basin Costumers attended an absolutely delightful play in Genoa, NV, one of the oldest settlements in Northern Nevada, and a delightful little town...
American Duchess
V363: Semi-Finished Project: The "Green Acres" Bustle Gown

V363: Semi-Finished Project: The "Green Acres" Bustle Gown

I've been a bad blogger, but only because I've been *really* busy trying to get the Green Acres gown done for a local Victorian ball, this past Saturday. I suppose...
American Duchess
V362: Corset Training - Week 1 Report

V362: Corset Training - Week 1 Report

It's been a week of daily corset wearing, and it's time to report on all my findings! Here goes... Simplicity 9769 Is Not Your Friend I started the week with...
American Duchess
V361: Corset Training - Facing Questions and Issues

V361: Corset Training - Facing Questions and Issues

Hi! I've been wearing my corset now for 7 days, and within even this short amount of time, I have learned quite a lot about corseting, and also been asking...
American Duchess
V360: New Shoe Goo to Play With (And You Can Too!)

V360: New Shoe Goo to Play With (And You Can Too!)

...and by "Shoe Goo" I just mean cool stuff like leather paints, creams, and polishes. Good stuff. I've finally been able to get some Angelus products in the shoe shop,...
American Duchess
V359: "Green Acres" Bustle - Progressing on the Bodice

V359: "Green Acres" Bustle - Progressing on the Bodice

I haven't been sewing consistently, but I have made more progress on the bodice for this giant green bustle dress. It's beginning to look like the end - needs finishing...
American Duchess
V358: Rudolf Nureyev Exhibition at the de Young, San Francisco

V358: Rudolf Nureyev Exhibition at the de Young, San Francisco

Chris and I popped over The Hill for a photo shoot this past week, and while we were there, we visited the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. On...
American Duchess
V357: Beginning Corset Training - Day 1

V357: Beginning Corset Training - Day 1

My New Years Resolution for 2013 is to experiment with corset training. Nothing crazy. Nothing extreme. I'm just curious about the effect consistent pressure on the natural waist will have...
American Duchess
V356: A Few More Antique and Vintage Shoes

V356: A Few More Antique and Vintage Shoes

Well, here I am again to show you more historic shoes from my rapidly growing collection.... Wedding Slippers, 1870s. These are a perfect example of an 1870s slipper. They have...
American Duchess
V355: Green Acres Bustle Gown Progress

V355: Green Acres Bustle Gown Progress

Little by little this gown is coming together. It's complicated! Please forgive my lack of backdrop - working on a better system! I have all the trims on the skirt...
American Duchess