Some project updates and new things....

I managed to finish another regency drawstring dress that I've had in mind for a while. I always like this dress, which dates to 1800 from the Museo del Traje.

I found a black sari on ebay, so I used this as inspiration. I had to applique some extra trim on the train - and as per usual I made it slightly too long in front.  But it's pretty and perhaps I'll wear it for the annual Pumpkin tea.  Forgive me chopping off my head, I didn't do my hair. These are just quick snaps.

I also managed to snag a pair of one of a kind Robert Land shoes - they have some beautiful stuff up right now,  practially none of it in my size.  But these stripey ones were and they're really gorgeous!

Next up, this Edwardian dress I got from my friend Julia before she moved.  I had to tailor it, but now it fits great! yay! Here are some quick mirror pics.

Last, but not least, my friend Gloria helped me out with a silk fan I had gotten from Spoonflower - the fabric was really thin and I did not have the patience or expertise to make it work. Gloria is awesome and turned this out of my mess.  She is awesome.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/inthelongrun

New buckles

I bought a pair of the new American Duchess buckles and I love them! I like how the lachets fit into the buckle.  You can get them here: http://www.american-duchess.com/historic-shoe-buckles-accessories/valois-18th-century-white-brass-shoe-buckle

Moar Shoes!!

American Duchess is coming out with these gorgeous brocade court shoes and the pre-order is on right now!

I'm really hoping she'll be able to get 100 pre-orders so we can get these shoes made!

Order yours here: http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-18th-century

New American Duchess Kensingtons!

If you're in the market for repro 18th century shoes in black or red leather, try the new American Duchess Kensingtons! They are a different cut than the leather Devonshires, with a narrower toe.  You can check out all the 18th century shoes here.

The pre-order period is March 5-19, and they are $99. They'll be $120 after that.

I've been really happy with the quality on all the American Duchess shoes I have, so definitely check them out!

American Duchess Pemberlies

The American Duchess Pemberlies are super comfortable (but ran 1/2 size bigger than the 18th century shoes, so I had to exchange my 8 for a 7.5) and fit great.

I really wanted to make these Sense & Sensibility shoes:

I bought champagne colored leather paint - it didn't go on quite as light as I would have liked - I think next time I will dilute whatever color I get with the neutral I also bought.  I also bought some silk grossgrain ribbon on etsy. As Lauren suggestion, I used glue to edge the shoes and the side seam. I used her clips and made some rosettes.  I also used two covered buttons (I happened to have blanks on hand).  They're not exact because they're a little darker in color, but they're close!

Shoes!

I put my American Duchess repro buckles on my silk shoes today!   I really like them!

American Duchess shoe buckles!

I got these a week or two ago, but I haven't had a chance to post a pic yet!  The American Duchess 18th century paste shoe buckles are so pretty! I need to try them on some shoes now!

Gorgeous Edwardian shoes...

American Duchess does it again! Aren't these shoes gorgeous? They come in black or white, and are available for pre-order Monday.

More info here: http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2012/01/v13-get-ready-for-astoria-edwardian.html

I think I have more costume shoes than regular ones!  These are so pretty - definitely a must-have!

Repro paste buckles from American Duchess

I'm really excited about these! So pretty!

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, and lightweight. Add that extra sparkle to your outfit and keep your shoes fastened in the most historically accurate and beautiful way.  Read more about the Fleur buckles here.

"Fleur" buckles come in pairs, and are available to buy  here.

Here is a link to  the other style, Dauphine.

American Duchess Regency Shoes

The "Pemberley" Regency shoes are closely based on extant footwear from the 1790s through 1810.  The smooth, dyable, hand-sewn leather upper is designed to be lovely enough for formal occasions, and durable enough for walking in the countryside.  Particular attention was paid to the point of the toe, as well as the other hallmarks of Regency historical footwear, with the main goals being both historical accuracy and all-day comfort!

I've decided I want a pair to make a version of Marianne's shoes from Sense & Sensibility! (I'll use this technique: http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2011/10/shoe-how-to-of-week-pretty-pretty-pink.html)

American Duchess leather shoes

I tried my hand at painting up some American Duchess leather shoes.  I used Lauren's directions here:
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2011/10/shoe-how-to-of-week-pretty-pretty-pink.html

Despite using the leather preparer, the crimson leather paint went on really streaky. I'm not 100% happy but it's better after many many coats.  They look ok in pics - and I think they'll work! 

American Duchess 18th century shoes

Here are my American Duchess shoes! I splurged and got two pair. I have a lot of pink and gold in my 18th century wardrobe, so that's what I went for. I used swatches from my gold sash and the pink from my KCI dress.

They are a little wide; as you know, the factory in China decided all Americans have wide feet. Fortunately, mine are a little on the wide side, so they fit pretty well. :-)

 

I also wanted to mention that there are lots of shoes available at American Duchess.  You can pre-order silk ones in regular width, you an buy wide-width, and you can also now pre-order dyeable leather ones in regular width.  She needs a hundred orders to do the leather ones, so if you're interested go, order!

http://www.american-duchess.com/category/shoe-shop/costume-shoes

Shoes shoes shoes!

The silk repro 18th century shoes are now on sale! Pre-order is April 1-22nd with a late May delivery.  I really hope we get 100 pairs ordered so that we get shoes!!

More details on Lauren's site:

http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/

Link to buy the shoes:
http://www.american-duchess.com/shoe-shop/costume-shoes-costume-shoes/georgiana-18th-century-shoe

Who wants pretty shoes?

I know I do!

American Duchess has been working on getting silk 18th century repro shoes made.  Our group order has to be 100 pairs though. So if you're interested, now is the time! The pre-sale starts on Friday.

The shoes all come in dyeable white silk.

Here is her blog post that has all the relevant info:
http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2011/03/introducing-georgiana-18th-century.html

SO pretty! I definitely want one! (Or maybe two!) The pre-order price is great AND she's going to have sizes from 6-12 including 1/2 sizes!


Spread the news around so everyone who is interested knows! (She said to feel free to use her images to spread the word!)