Giveaway: "Upstairs/Downstairs" Season 1 DVD

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://janeaustensworld.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/upstairs-downstairs-promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://janeaustensworld.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/upstairs-downstairs-promo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Happy Holidays! We have so many lovely things planned for you. Today's treat? You could win the Season 1 DVD of BBC's "Upstairs/Downstairs" (2011).  Here's how to play...<br /><br /><br /><center><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6a65892/" id="rc-6a65892" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></center><br />The contest ends December 10th, and the winner will be randomly selected on December 11th.  Good luck!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0YjkPFu-FHwJjq1R8YCEAZg69Vtrr34nXTbnGORDvl895_BNrGbqOmMDWEF9XC7QIFlwKsGXk7DlY4TD9D_ibtHEMCvcwebDLYKYL5ojFVIcQxXpocAQrLXCql935GbE6TUupxXR6mFe/s1600/UDiconic%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0YjkPFu-FHwJjq1R8YCEAZg69Vtrr34nXTbnGORDvl895_BNrGbqOmMDWEF9XC7QIFlwKsGXk7DlY4TD9D_ibtHEMCvcwebDLYKYL5ojFVIcQxXpocAQrLXCql935GbE6TUupxXR6mFe/s640/UDiconic%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />

Giveaway: "Upstairs/Downstairs" Season 1 DVD

Happy Holidays! We have so many lovely things planned for you. Today's treat? You could win the Season 1 DVD of BBC's "Upstairs...

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Glorious 1930s Vintage Shoes

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/68673715/1930s-shoes-vintage-30s-heels-art-deco?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=shoes&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_page=14&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/004/0/5756216/il_570xN.373092966_t8ej.jpg" width="636" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/68673715/1930s-shoes-vintage-30s-heels-art-deco?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=shoes&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_page=14&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage" target="_blank">from Etsy seller Simplicityisbliss</a></td></tr></tbody></table>The 1930s is one of my favorite periods for footwear.  Everything is just so darn snazzy! Perforated leather, interesting stripe decorations, oxfords, cutouts, color blocking ... ah, so much good stuff.  Here are some terribly inspirational 1930s shoes to drool over:<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/69032271/vintage-rare-1930s-burgundy-plume-rag" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/5756216/il_570xN.373097916_ssue.jpg" width="636" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/69032271/vintage-rare-1930s-burgundy-plume-rag" target="_blank">These make me twitch with excitement they're so gorgeous. Also from Etsy seller Simplicityisbliss</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/pair-of-woman-s-shoes-523808" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://zoom.mfa.org/fif=sc2/sc220635.fpx&obj=iip,1.0&wid=568&cell=568,427&cvt=jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/pair-of-woman-s-shoes-523808" target="_blank">MFA, 1930s, American - 3.5" heels!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/113484?pos=33458&rpp=60&pg=558&rndkey=20111211&ft=*&deptids=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/ci/web-large/1976.300.3ab_F.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/113484?pos=33458&rpp=60&pg=558&rndkey=20111211&ft=*&deptids=8" target="_blank">The Met, 1930s, American</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=68893&sos=13" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0230.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=68893&sos=13" target="_blank">London College of Fashion - recognize this? it's the inspo for "Claremont"</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0315.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0315.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0315.jpg" target="_blank">London College of Fashion - awesome stripe detail on the toe</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/x-large.php?uid=68999&sos=15" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0396.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/x-large.php?uid=68999&sos=15" target="_blank">London College of Fashion - beautiful color, perforated leather, and a 3 3/4" heel, yowza!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/x-large.php?uid=68938&sos=15" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0310.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/x-large.php?uid=68938&sos=15" target="_blank">London College of Fashion - another beauty similar to Claremont</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/x-large.php?uid=69041&sos=29" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0453.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/x-large.php?uid=69041&sos=29" target="_blank">London College of Fashion - a spectator oxford in brown and white. Super snazzy sauce.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuou0wqS4cgnDjpN9ki7O0hc__kkkiPj-264FRi59CzE8fbDR1A5dOdpidxa_uov8eH93CD5kQrgQCukpZaCbx_618lmn2XUXxuETHNWTEaPRr8WrkS94QAKusqy0CB-e5khKC9Js5-lwe/s1600/1930s+brown+leather+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuou0wqS4cgnDjpN9ki7O0hc__kkkiPj-264FRi59CzE8fbDR1A5dOdpidxa_uov8eH93CD5kQrgQCukpZaCbx_618lmn2XUXxuETHNWTEaPRr8WrkS94QAKusqy0CB-e5khKC9Js5-lwe/s640/1930s+brown+leather+(5).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sophisticated leather oxford with cutouts - from my collection</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgOZ5x23NSCIie-6Lm9PE_v6EnEfeKt8EetH2do48X8qGBDKejCTTBhlH-Hs3R9WiTBm6wg43KUlrNECQuydnQNWUdaSbj1bWzK2X2pg9pF2DJsygtORwKGlV_PlGu0PASFvnAwcwYlrZ/s1600/1930s+vintage+white+shoes+(4+of+5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgOZ5x23NSCIie-6Lm9PE_v6EnEfeKt8EetH2do48X8qGBDKejCTTBhlH-Hs3R9WiTBm6wg43KUlrNECQuydnQNWUdaSbj1bWzK2X2pg9pF2DJsygtORwKGlV_PlGu0PASFvnAwcwYlrZ/s640/1930s+vintage+white+shoes+(4+of+5).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perforated oxford "nurse shoes."  Best dressed nurse ever. From my own collection</td></tr></tbody></table><br />

Glorious 1930s Vintage Shoes

from Etsy seller Simplicityisbliss The 1930s is one of my favorite periods for footwear.  Everything is just so darn snazzy! Perforated leat...

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Glam Your Gams with Claremont 1930s Oxfords

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_-94CWsfMGul_6SXQTl1-Z4qVvol0HrANZz7CvNNpKgKIIsvx2yIPf9vTdISgZL1Hzs7vptxXD1ZvF43BgpQE2bax7yH9KyrZ7Aecj03h3vkDbBcZgYwNfj8cE1YGO7tRyKqE3e3ux9s/s1600/Claremont-mag-cover-poster-600.jpg" /></a></div><br />After tromping around the University of Nevada, Reno, campus for several hours, I'm more in love with these shoes than ever.  They're comfy, snazzy, and totally made the ensemble.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I4aEvwXt0gN0SdicRPIoL8iOD1MKh8Em5EZWXwzFrsdqLPpppu-JErXKk7mkZxSb5-yljIuQU7HPuH76xNhYBdNEhSrrm_oMIQQNtmD5esW3NTlrqS85KSg2pmJGMyvD0XuuCmgI6F4y/s1600/clare-comp-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />The inspiration for this shoot came from old color photos, particularly <a href="http://pinterest.com/americanduchess/kodachrome-etc/">Kodachrome images</a>, from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgIrSrDYBZuKxCyc2B-4O5FUOZwz1cuz9RGPG8-UDyEVdnon2qjMxB1jyBSKDEq5PU_4mE0bk1MiPqULWW4ba_bFz949y6CY6MytoHlXqqg5neKdGjMSHflmKt3cr9Z0pTeGD9xgKwC8w/s1600/clare-comp-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Chris was the photographer, and I was the model.<br />Shoes: <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">"Claremont" 1930s oxfords in chocolate brown suede</a><br />Stockings: <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/historic-shoe-buckles-accessories/fully-fashioned-vintage-stockings">Fully Fashioned "point" heel, in tan</a><br />Blouse: Modcloth "Fresh and Fluttery" top via <a href="http://www.vintagedancer.com/1930s/1930s-tops-and-blouses/">Vintage Dancer</a><br />Skirt is my own make, and hat is vintage.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj19jf9LPAHi09eCAQqitxe1LHqhT1mTJ_9fNX0b1iryeTz2wJS6BxTWaIj1jgSO_FPdgL0PNXXNC4UZmx8x8Ok7DTHdnSDl1wIbhe3VnnokED1LuQkPt791ShIue7U3B3-hCU4iv8ISr/s1600/clare-comp-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj19jf9LPAHi09eCAQqitxe1LHqhT1mTJ_9fNX0b1iryeTz2wJS6BxTWaIj1jgSO_FPdgL0PNXXNC4UZmx8x8Ok7DTHdnSDl1wIbhe3VnnokED1LuQkPt791ShIue7U3B3-hCU4iv8ISr/s1600/clare-comp-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><u><b>More particulars on the Claremonts:</b></u><br /><br /><ul><li>100% suede leather upper with patent leather trim</li><li>Leather lined</li><li>Lace-up closure is adjustable</li><li>Man-made, super-durable, campus-stompin' soles</li><li>Custom moulded, 2 3/8" / 6.03 cm heel</li></ul><br /><br />Pre-Ordering is open <b>September 2 - 22</b>, with a <b>$20 discount</b> over the regular retail price.  Delivery is estimated for late <b>December</b>.  Skip on over to<b> <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">AmericanDuchess.com</a></b> to reserve your pair.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CQCwrPqyviygClPmtg5xT5PicAuZ4C7c_6wSsg_z1M9qKgUZ7yGTLlBFh8oqMhHccDdYNayW2YaXFgDhGDhZT-nbqn_dXBgaA67ITOCxZAGkTSyjx-Y3dHt5FI4osw74V5ZOPuYGNBGe/s640/Claremont-pre-order-banner-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />

Glam Your Gams with Claremont 1930s Oxfords

After tromping around the University of Nevada, Reno, campus for several hours, I'm more in love with these shoes than ever.  They'r...

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Introducing "Claremont" 1930s Oxfords - Pre-Order Now Open

<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Claremont" 1930s Oxfords</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pre-Order September 2 - 22, 2013</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>$115 (<strike>$135</strike>)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.americanduchess.com/">www.AmericanDuchess.com</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6ynmI4HKzEQ2PFLCrfIJmc94Ak4z9H6_ZutDGM_6k3jDMPJVtX4DAcebo93-lBvMrpFeDzDJj-W12-6aw9yHlD62WqKRSGv1SuOuY9KpxHWq6Tw6JJMD186C3Es-BbdneqQduaXC9Fh1/s400/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-brown-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today I'm excited to present to you a new 20th century vintage repro, <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">"Claremont,"</a> a chocolate brown suede-and-patent ladies' oxford straight out of the 1930s.<br /><br /><u><b>Here are the specifics:</b></u><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">Claremont </a>oxfords are made of suede leather with patent leather stripe trim</li><li>Lined in leather, too.</li><li>The lace-up closure is adjustable</li><li>Heels are 2 3/8 inches / 6.03 cm, custom-made and balanced.</li><li>Soles are man-made and extremely durable</li><li>B width</li></ul><br /><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">Claremont's</a> original inspiration shoe is this one, from the <a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/collections/LCFSHOE.html">London College of Fashion Shoe Collection</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://www.vads.ac.uk/images/LCFSHOE/large/C0230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The original shoe was made by Rosenthal and Doucette, dated to the late '30s.  We did our version in chocolate brown (though a maroon option is possible for the future, as well as black), with additional stripes at the back, and a lower heel - the original is 3 3/4 inch; ours is 2 3/8 inch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEmoZgJ578rDWTBmOkZRDBPg3rwCH7Y3-9E8MttIfBi9nO0hJNqZXjd5w1CY5fgNtZY7EydHKb82cQmUb76uWoUSFY6z3LL-jZQKIcjbk72vgyGwsZVeT2HHzh7-Gi43VTlX2F2ZKTgQe/s400/clarement-1930s-suede-oxford-brown-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">"Claremont"</a> is named for the collection of colleges in Claremont, California, founded in the 1920s, including the ladies' college Scripps.  They have a decidedly sophisticated style that works for both historical and modern outfits.  Just imagine your Clares paired with a tweed skirt and fitted blazer, perhaps something like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/7095054/il_570xN.364843821_fq3s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/007/0/7095054/il_570xN.364843821_fq3s.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/shoes-1920s-1930s/claremont-1930s-suede-oxford-shoe-brown">Place your Order at www.AmericanDuchess.com</a></span></b></div><u><b><br /></b></u><u><b><br /></b></u><u><b>For those who are new to the Pre-Order process, here's how it works:</b></u><br /><br />New American Duchess shoe styles are 100% crowdfunded.  The success of a new style depends on how many pre-orders are placed.<br /><br />The new style will be available to order for three weeks, during which time you get a nice discount, and are able to reserve your pair(s) out of the production run, which is usually only 200 pairs spread over 11 sizes.  I highly recommend pre-ordering if you wear a smaller or larger size, such as a size 6 or a size 11. <br /><br />After the pre-order ends, the order is placed with the factory.  Manufacture takes about 10 weeks.  You can still place an order during this period, but no longer for the sale price.<br /><br />The sale of everything in our shop helps to fund a new shoe style, so a pre-order period is a great time to order those shoes, stockings, or buckles you've been eyeing, because it all helps us continue to offer more and more historical footwear and other goodies.  More information on the Pre-Order process can be found here: <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/pre-ordering-information">http://www.american-duchess.com/pre-ordering-information</a>

Introducing "Claremont" 1930s Oxfords - Pre-Order Now Open

"Claremont" 1930s Oxfords Pre-Order September 2 - 22, 2013 $115 ( $135 ) www.AmericanDuchess.com Today I'm excited to present ...

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New 1930s Wearing History "Moderne" in Progress

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-s0WOezsV4iucD62NRXY4M7JS6WdBKSLJXm8cDY4_L4gaL7Aw7tsov7Vgz2vdmTXhoeii_nS8VbqeY3cjwRyZQ4-HkT05mmUIWo8iL-Xx7J4ZsmU1xCd05Y9ytM76l7o_-3sdEnawmxh/s1600/130s+moderne+prog+%25282+of+2%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-s0WOezsV4iucD62NRXY4M7JS6WdBKSLJXm8cDY4_L4gaL7Aw7tsov7Vgz2vdmTXhoeii_nS8VbqeY3cjwRyZQ4-HkT05mmUIWo8iL-Xx7J4ZsmU1xCd05Y9ytM76l7o_-3sdEnawmxh/s640/130s+moderne+prog+%25282+of+2%2529.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><br />So after making that big scary list of stuff that I need/want to make this year, of course I've set to work on none of it at all.  I have a project in-progress that needs to be completed first.<br /><br />That project is <a href="http://www.wearinghistorypatterns.com/moderne-1930s-art-deco-dress-pattern/">Wearing History's 1930s pattern "Moderne."</a>  I love *all* of Lauren M's patterns, but "Moderne" caught my eye and is so...."me." (you know how that goes.)  I finally found a fabric that makes me giddy, a rayon with large strawberries printed on it, and knew it must become my version of "Moderne."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjuR0o3qOlnxcLFtdrmKbajUsRb5lV2rQWJ18bfxm3S57e32P3DcVRXLvo87vge8vi5d_y0JId7o8zBRwcmQzKBIpR32jsgZFEi56_teeVshWuXqmQIoLZW8WiZfZlw6Jr7QfbVNM23G-/s1600/735118_10200379493870370_1512810552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjuR0o3qOlnxcLFtdrmKbajUsRb5lV2rQWJ18bfxm3S57e32P3DcVRXLvo87vge8vi5d_y0JId7o8zBRwcmQzKBIpR32jsgZFEi56_teeVshWuXqmQIoLZW8WiZfZlw6Jr7QfbVNM23G-/s400/735118_10200379493870370_1512810552_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've decided to make my version sleeveless, and use bright red as the facings and accents - the ruffly collar thing, the belt (not shown/finished yet), the facing on the geometrical accent on the skirt, and the buttons on the skirt and neckline.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dqVCqpf-kPfakHLhYdrkJPwKzX_V25VH7GPL9146N_dHBDShRVGM0gHorrm8effzJx_TE0_4VWSL6eNH__XIL-WsmpmXVVLYcpNKySsJ6R_hdsxhyphenhyphenrK7gskfRXIkntaFl2X4CagmDAh9/s1600/130s+moderne+prog+%25281+of+2%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dqVCqpf-kPfakHLhYdrkJPwKzX_V25VH7GPL9146N_dHBDShRVGM0gHorrm8effzJx_TE0_4VWSL6eNH__XIL-WsmpmXVVLYcpNKySsJ6R_hdsxhyphenhyphenrK7gskfRXIkntaFl2X4CagmDAh9/s640/130s+moderne+prog+%25281+of+2%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />As you can see, it's still in progress, but I'm absolutely loving it.  I have yet to finish the facings on the armscyes, sew up the side seam and install the closure, do the hem, and make the self-fabric belt (I'm thinking with <a href="http://shop.afashionablestitch.com/category/belt-making">one of these kits</a> from the Fashionable Stitch shop.)

New 1930s Wearing History "Moderne" in Progress

So after making that big scary list of stuff that I need/want to make this year, of course I've set to work on none of it at all.  I hav...

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V342: 1930s Christmas Dress, Decades of Style #3007

Happy Holidays! For those of you who celebrated Christmas, I hope you had a wonderful one! We had a family-and-friend-packed day, full traditions old and new.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLod8a9kzaM_nr39ZUy6ComA4alorvp9n6UouGkZrmU8UIl9QssERxO-88D7kM95atbC9QmJofodtbBDotkqvbnIo7EecFGK2rHG4VOh06FTOnwgF0LMXbArFzJFnfb0ELs9PuSTtH7rH/s1600/christmas+2012+%25281+of+11%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLod8a9kzaM_nr39ZUy6ComA4alorvp9n6UouGkZrmU8UIl9QssERxO-88D7kM95atbC9QmJofodtbBDotkqvbnIo7EecFGK2rHG4VOh06FTOnwgF0LMXbArFzJFnfb0ELs9PuSTtH7rH/s640/christmas+2012+%25281+of+11%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />One of my new traditions is to make and wear a vintage style dress for Christmas Day.  Two years ago I made a <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-mad-mad-mad-mad-christmas.html">1960s gold brocade</a>, but last year I wore just jeans and a t-shirt, and felt like a scrub all day, so I decided to revive the Christmas Dress this year (and ever after), and make an effort to look nice at our family gathering.  I decided on this '30s frock because I thought it would look great in a strong plaid, but also because I didn't want too much tightness around the waist - always regrettable after a big Christmas feast.  I wore my Christmas Dress complete with hair and hat, though I was skipping around the decades a bit - the dress was '30s, the hair and shoes '40s, and the hat '50s.  Here it is:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TtycIr4j7X5oUJGC0iDD24omE_YKEzCP4ihS2TgEKRCKgTvadMDOcKz0X9cRHR8BymLSL_tLdCvAerCcrR3_zG0o_dArudsQjzmxUk77HEjh8_y0O7h8KneMzZ8Q99DqjqRBcd_fzwmV/s1600/1930s-xmas-dress-12-25-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TtycIr4j7X5oUJGC0iDD24omE_YKEzCP4ihS2TgEKRCKgTvadMDOcKz0X9cRHR8BymLSL_tLdCvAerCcrR3_zG0o_dArudsQjzmxUk77HEjh8_y0O7h8KneMzZ8Q99DqjqRBcd_fzwmV/s640/1930s-xmas-dress-12-25-12.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn0RfKGfR19EveDQVS4BU7L2izwL0EZX3c4myyzOGPDK98uMj9tFIuujQ2DREVYz1kptCHHtPpsMptgK3SbJxNUuBpuO2av1Up7v67Y64P51foQL1avsJuhmhDfEJlx_Fo35UgBhyphenhyphenP28y/s1600/christmas+2012+%252810+of+11%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn0RfKGfR19EveDQVS4BU7L2izwL0EZX3c4myyzOGPDK98uMj9tFIuujQ2DREVYz1kptCHHtPpsMptgK3SbJxNUuBpuO2av1Up7v67Y64P51foQL1avsJuhmhDfEJlx_Fo35UgBhyphenhyphenP28y/s640/christmas+2012+%252810+of+11%2529.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><br /><i>Pattern:</i> <a href="http://www.decadesofstyle.com/vintage-patterns-1930s/3007-1930s-button-dress">Decades of Style #3007, "1930s Button Dress"</a><br /><i>Fabrics:</i> Medium weight cotton plaid stuff, and light weight white cotton<br /><br /><i>Alterations:</i> I gathered the butterfly sleeves into puffed sleeves, and set the waist ties at an angle instead of straight.  I hemmed the skirt at 3 inches.<br /><br /><i>Overall Impressions:</i> I liked this pattern a lot, and was impressed with how nicely the pattern pieces matched up.  I noticed quite a difference between the pattern envelope illustration, and how the dress looks when complete, namely that the curved "waist" seam isn't up under the bust, but more somewhere between the empire and natural waists.  The pattern schematic is much more accurate.<br /><br />The instructions were clear and easy to follow, especially with the wonky way in which the sleeves attach to the bodice, and also create the tie at the back.  The pattern markings were present, relevant, and helpful.<br /><br />I took in the bodice considerably at the sides - about 4-6 inches total - but not the skirt.  In a softer, drapier fabric this dress would look, fit, and hang completely differently.  I like that it is versatile enough to make both a Summer dress and a Winter dress, and I wouldn't feel weird making this up again and having two of the same pattern in my closet, because you can customize the overall appearance in your choice of fabrics and trims.<br /><br />Overall, I recommend this pattern. It's easy to sew, looks nice when complete, and was created by an independent company.  The $20.00 price tag can be off-putting, but this is one that you can sew again and again.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ__G1O39io2Iwrec-Uv9B_RllR7aGEgmAmmVYmBDBMxQRviE89Mo6GlHHsEPQtp2m_YZtInYlo1oQSAPJoAFa4dnX1-2P54N6coOn4J99FiLeGYfs3W-GYiZg_L9WT2Sm0rxLnKtqAlX/s1600/DOS-3007-F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ__G1O39io2Iwrec-Uv9B_RllR7aGEgmAmmVYmBDBMxQRviE89Mo6GlHHsEPQtp2m_YZtInYlo1oQSAPJoAFa4dnX1-2P54N6coOn4J99FiLeGYfs3W-GYiZg_L9WT2Sm0rxLnKtqAlX/s640/DOS-3007-F.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pattern envelope, but with my own color applied to the drawing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />

V342: 1930s Christmas Dress, Decades of Style #3007

Happy Holidays! For those of you who celebrated Christmas, I hope you had a wonderful one! We had a family-and-friend-packed day, full tradi...

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V340: 1930s Christmas Dress, "Green Acres" Gown Progress, and a Flippin' Button Hook

It's Christmas Eve!  Yeeeeeeee!  Aside from running around buying last minute gifts and groceries, it's a great day off to get a little sewing in.<br /><br />I finished my 1930s Christmas dress, and can't wait to wear it tomorrow.  It looks TERRIB on the hanger (as do all my other '30s frocks), but really cute worn - I'll take pictures to share.  I was really pleased with the pattern - <a href="http://www.decadesofstyle.com/vintage-patterns-1930s/3007-1930s-button-dress">Decades of Style 3007 "Button Dress,"</a> - although I did have to take it in quite a bit at the side seams (better than having to let it out, right?).  I'll do a pattern review later...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk99iy_QPvNz7cy7EE396jSx-hgewhKfIwxwO8MLuB2NfLVhUXpdUWbp960NqB4xxwzJL5PxM07Damp_GvzNMWye3GVe28DhBtGxvTo7iOPv3zaDdQuMZAZcv5zLn68SfYu76Hp_RinP1/s1600/1930s+xmas+2012+(1+of+4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk99iy_QPvNz7cy7EE396jSx-hgewhKfIwxwO8MLuB2NfLVhUXpdUWbp960NqB4xxwzJL5PxM07Damp_GvzNMWye3GVe28DhBtGxvTo7iOPv3zaDdQuMZAZcv5zLn68SfYu76Hp_RinP1/s640/1930s+xmas+2012+(1+of+4).jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'30s dresses seem to have so little hanger appeal...</td></tr></tbody></table>I've also been applying trims to the <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/search/label/1880%20Green%20Acres%20Gown">Green Acres Bustle Gown</a> underskirt foundation.  I've still not sewn up the side seam of the skirt, thank goodness - makes it much easier to put the trims on, of which there are many.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXgQNN2jIiE1yV3RfZ-mrdBlHqeQ7MqiIXRaA7m7oGpw9yQ0nswMxu5XKkJj6lEL2nw591Ef0Y7G17FRfazJmdFRGOUocTyDryTii1AoKS8mq0vUiKA-NBXzV3a299bvB4bhBxp06nX3o/s1600/green+bustle+12-24-12+(1+of+2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXgQNN2jIiE1yV3RfZ-mrdBlHqeQ7MqiIXRaA7m7oGpw9yQ0nswMxu5XKkJj6lEL2nw591Ef0Y7G17FRfazJmdFRGOUocTyDryTii1AoKS8mq0vUiKA-NBXzV3a299bvB4bhBxp06nX3o/s640/green+bustle+12-24-12+(1+of+2).jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim Trimminy Trim Trimminy Trim Trim Taroo...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Currently I've got two applied and one pinned (the flutes).  I have a horizontal swag to go on top of the flutes, and I'm also thinking there needs to be another pleat or ruffle-somethin' between the deep pleats and the second tier ruffle-puff, just at the back.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDqoT10cwzKLhS0EsSMJ6ypwugt_IbvMTLRP0v2hNxbExCc3ofZKLn39ZVIkkN4zbL-By6Avu66_fwpqX2vfZmLcyZ0rDFJc1DG7GXe2dtOwsqV-wWJd_8N_Ukb7qROdx84lcSwUjwrMj/s1600/green+bustle+12-24-12+%25282+of+2%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDqoT10cwzKLhS0EsSMJ6ypwugt_IbvMTLRP0v2hNxbExCc3ofZKLn39ZVIkkN4zbL-By6Avu66_fwpqX2vfZmLcyZ0rDFJc1DG7GXe2dtOwsqV-wWJd_8N_Ukb7qROdx84lcSwUjwrMj/s640/green+bustle+12-24-12+%25282+of+2%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planning an expansion...</td></tr></tbody></table>Once the skirt is complete, it's on to the overskirt, yay!<br /><br />And finally....FINALLY...I've put in an order for button hooks.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPcIq93wJmmazf0poxsqAqU8C9tyFjg98DqCIE54SZAr5jVP3FwSCZfUNmvS3253xJGbHYzdwKbXJRD-sZsqYuTzMZ6FfmexIhoFMSLnKIjubVgo0b_mMQgY_S318akEzLytBTqpAiLiW/s1600/AD+buttonhook+sample+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPcIq93wJmmazf0poxsqAqU8C9tyFjg98DqCIE54SZAr5jVP3FwSCZfUNmvS3253xJGbHYzdwKbXJRD-sZsqYuTzMZ6FfmexIhoFMSLnKIjubVgo0b_mMQgY_S318akEzLytBTqpAiLiW/s640/AD+buttonhook+sample+(1+of+1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don'tcha want me, baby? Don'tcha want me, ooooh?</td></tr></tbody></table>I had these made from an original, and have had the darndest time finding a manufacturer to create them, primarily because of the stainless steel + cast handle construction, and also because we're not ordering, like, 10,000 of them.  If you've purchased <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/edwardian-victorian-shoes-boots/tavistock-victorian-button-boot">Tavistock Button Boots</a>, and you don't already have a button hook, you'll want one of these.  They're not in the shop yet, but I'll make a big flap when they are...<br /><br /><br />

V340: 1930s Christmas Dress, "Green Acres" Gown Progress, and a Flippin' Button Hook

It's Christmas Eve!  Yeeeeeeee!  Aside from running around buying last minute gifts and groceries, it's a great day off to get a lit...

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