Gibson Shoes

America Duchess astorias

Hola,

So after sending off that last post I was settling down to read one of my favorite fashion history blogs, American Duchess. I am obsessed with clothing. I love modern fashion but I also really dig historical fashion. I have been obsessed since I was a little kid with what folks wore throughout history and what folks wore throughout the world. I love costume and playing dress-up. I adore vintage. I prefer living in modern times but would love to dress up in the past. If I could afford the clothes or knew how to sew, I would be game for attending living history events or re-enactments just so I could dress up. So it should come as no surprise that many of the clothing blogs I read are historical fashion or historical costumers blogs. This is like crack to me. Seriously, I could spend hours drooling over 19th century bustle gowns and 18th century Polonaise. I have spent the last few years trying to learn historical hairstyles. These blogs are usually done by women who sew thier own historical clothes ( I hate using the word costume. it makes me think of cheap nylon halloween costumes when what these ladies make is actual garments that can be worn).


American Duchess Shoe Buckles

 First, I really enjoy looking at the things they make and as someone who deosn't sew yet, I am seriously in awe of the talent involved.


American Duchess Gibsons

 Second, I have to take my hat off to these seamstresses. In addition to all the physical work of making the garments, they spend mucho hours on research because 95% of the time they are striving for historical accuracy. They not only research the actual style of the item but what materials were used in that era, what colors would have been worn, what type of trim to use, how the garment would of been fastened back in the day. They frequently design thier own patterns.


American Duchess Kensingtons

Third, I have learned so much about clothing history from reading these blogs.


American Duchess Pemberly

Fouth, I have found a lot of really tight hair tutorials on thier blogs.


American Duchess Pompadours

And last, if I ever do learn to sew and want to make some of this stuff, I will learn a lot about construction and problem solving from following the posts. Many times the start to finish is shown for the stuff they make.


American duchess Tavistock

So I got hooked on American Duchess' blog because in addition to making beautiful garments was that she also has her own company designing and selling historically accurate footwear. My friends will tell you that I am a shoe fanatic. So it goes without saying if I am obsessed with historical fashion that has to include shoes. I haven't had the spare cash to buy a pair, I just click over to her online shoe store and drool. But from what I hear, not only are the shoes beautiful they are easy to walk in, very comfy, and easy to dance in. She designs her shoes with dancing in mind. I also like the fact that the shoes are all dyeable. If you buy a pair, you can dye or paint them to match your dress. I have seen on other folks blogs how they have customized thier American Duchess shoes. The Duchess herself has some tutorials on her blog on coloring your shoes.


American Duchess 23 skidoo

In addition to the shoes, she sells shoe buckles (her 18th century shoes can be customized by changing the buckles), decorative shoe clips, 18th century style clocked stockings, a button hook for fastening tiny boot buttons, and even shoe painting supplies.


American Duchess Button Hook

Even though I don't actually own any 18th, 19th, or early 20th century clothing I would rock all these shoes with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt. I can see myself wearing some black skinny capris with a peplum top and a pair of American Duchess Pompadours.


American Duchess stockings

American Duchess is getting to release thier newest shoe, The Gibson Edwardians. They come in black, ivory, and tan and like all her shoes, you can custom paint these. They have a low french "Louis" heel and are made with fine calf leather . They are taking pre-orders now. To celebrate the launch of the newest shoe American Duchess is holding a giveaway for a free pair of Gibsons. To enter the giveaway or learn more about these gorgeous shoes click here.......

 

 

 

Lynn