Podcast: Designing American Duchess Historical Shoes w/ Nicole Rudolph

Designing and making historical shoes is trickier than it might seem! In this episode of The American Duchess Podcast we go behind the scenes with Art Director Nicole Rudolph and CEO Lauren Stowell to talk about what all goes into a pair of historically-based shoes - from spec sheets to choosing leather, trying on samples, making adjustments, to the challenges of getting silhouette, fit, and comfort just right.
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[@kirstenpaff8946]

The more I learn about what goes into making your shoes, the more reasonable your prices seem. I just wish I could finally get a permanent job so that I could justify getting a pair, or five. Darn postdoc life.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you! we hope to get the layaway option up and running soon again, too

[@gkseeton]

Depending on your field, check out homeschooling groups. Some groups love classes because it can be fun to go to a class once a week.

[@roxiepoe9586]

As an artist/maker, I find that my most committed collectors are people who have tried their hand at my art form. ( I also remember that after making the wedding cake for my daughter's wedding I declared that only stupid people decide to do that and the baker was charging way too little for his cakes! ) So, I would not be surprised if it was shoemakers who promoted and sold the "make your own shoes" book! lol

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that's a very good point!

[@corinneqofhearts5069]

See also: anyone who tells you they have a friend who will do it cheaper. I can tell you exactly why you aren't asking your friend to do it and it's because you'll be getting exactly what you pay for. If you want my quality PAY ME. (I say this as a former seamstress and current pastry chef. Apparently I'm collecting Victorian household skills like they're Infinity Stones.)

[@saritshull3909]

@@corinneqofhearts5069 I enjoy making most food from scratch and took up embroidery again just before covid hit (thank goodness for premonitions I guess) so I feel you. As an engineer, I can add that it depends on the industry, but in the small scale "artisanal" manufacturing "you get what you pay for" is absolutely the golden rule. if it's mass-produced then it's usually expensive bc of marketing.

[@sharonredgrave873]

This was fabulous! After years of theater costume design, I knew that this was not 'simple' by any means, but to hear the exacting detail was so, so informative! Would love to see a continuation of the topic. When I get my AD shoes, I love to just sit and look and look at the detail involved. It makes me appreciate how hard you all work to make these wonderful shoes for us. We certainly are a privileged bunch.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you so much!

[@maryblaylock6545]

I have wishfully thought about having shoes made for me for years. Thank you for explaining your process. THAT is a lot of detail that goes into getting a shoe ready for market! Thank you very much. 🕊🖖👢👡👠

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margotdieu3932]

Yes to the Maes in brown!! I need a brown shoe like that in my life 😍

[@AmericanDuchess1]

[@lorib1696]

If you ever need to get rid of those size 9 samples throw them my way. Heehee.

[@FlybyStardancer]

The blue of the orignal poppy sample is also the blue of my high school! We were blue and “gold” (functionally yellow). This was such a fascinating episode, thank you!!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

A blue none of us will ever forget!

[@_Julie_Bee]

You have no idea how delighted I am to have found the American Dutchess, par hasard, on sezzle!! You are absolutely amazing!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@nicoledeloncrais5940]

Seriously Lauren you are genuinely rocking that suit. And I love what you girls and what you do! I worked with specialty shoes for years and you girls are a dream come true and I am so grateful that I discovered you all recently and can now work toward owning real shoes again. I lost my shoes collection in fire in December, so damn devastating!!!!!!!! Re the red sole shoes, Abbey... NO frecking KIDDING, like what the ........ Yes, Yes Yes

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you so much, Nicole!

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I'm so sorry or the loss of your collection. That must be difficult, especially if you had a curated one. Some things are difficult to replace, even if you have the means to do it. Would you be inclined to explain the whole red soled shoe discussion to someone who... well let's say that it went right over my head and left a whole row of question marks. I assume that the shoes in question are by the brand Lou......., but whats with the quality thing, please? Thank you. Yours, Ann

[@jessig6555]

Was that a sneaky flight of the concords reference? "That's why they're called business socks!"

[@AmericanDuchess1]

it so was... ;-)

[@saritshull3909]

and here was me looking at me the blue one the whole time thinking how much i loved it

[@lucashuseth9097]

It's so interesting to hear about our misconceptions about historical footwear. It makes me less scared of venturing into it... I need a pair of hessian boots lol.. On a side note though: In regards to calamanco: I know that you have said in the past that you've looked for reproduction fabric, but I wanted to direct your attention to the 'Kalemank' wool quality made by Krivi Vev in Norway (if you haven't already tried it). It is the most similar to the historical thing, at least that I have been able to find. Their website is in Norwegian but it's worth a try, and it looks and feels nice :-) It's mostly used for traditional Norwegian folk dress, so the manufacturing process is supposed to be quite authentic.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you for the tip!

[@catherinerw1]

I find your business podcasts fascinating, as I also work in a small, inventory-based business!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@agypsycircle]

I just splurged and bought my first pair of American Duchess Shoes!, the 18th century dress book and the maintenance stuff for my new shoes...this should be interesting!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you so much!

[@ashleejones1690]

Came back to rewatch this and realized the Bernadette in the thumbnail! Aaaahhh my heart

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I discovered AD today after watching one of Nicole's videos and am in love with at least 2 of them lol. I just started investing in quality shoes from SAS and I ADORE the quality and comfort. The males in my family think I'm crazy for paying so much for shoes but they just don't understand. I can not wait till I can invest in a pair of ADs, I am hoping they will work since I usually have to wear wide and AD only sells normal.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad you like them! Thank you! Which styles have you fallen for? Some work better for wide feet than others, and almost all can be stretched. Depending on the design of the shoe, that can be quite a lot.

[@KirileeCosplay]

So interesting. This solidified my want to buy an American duchess shoe. Xoxo

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@trojanette8345]

37:53 -- Very classy shoe!! One 'question' I was waiting to hear the answer for was, "Compared to people of today how much smaller or narrower were the feet of people from the past"? Along with that question am I also given to understand that the 'average' person from 200 yrs ago would have, also been infinitely shorter than most people today? Separate Question / Separate Thought: Have you / AD ever had the chance to work w/ any museums, curators, or historical shoe purveyors over in Britain?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

you might be surprised! Many 18th century shoes from the first half of the century are actually quite large - a modern size 6-7 (US womens). I was pretty shocked when I found that out. That being said, in the Victorian era it is well-documented that American women in particular were wearing too-tight shoes in an effort to make their feet look smaller. Wearing very tight shoes over a long period or time (say, from childhood) does keep feet small. Even today rock climbers, who wear very very tight rock climbing shoes, experience foot shrinkage. As Nicole says, "feet are like cats - they fill the available space." One of the reasons our feet are getting larger and wider, as a society, is because we no longer wear snug-fitting dress shoes on a daily basis.

[@gkseeton]

My geeky little heart says you three are some of the coolest people on the planet! What you do with history is glorious! When a sole needs to be replaced, do you take them to a regular repair place or do you have a particular repair company?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Thanks! Any shoe repair shop worth its salt should be able to replace and repair the soles. There's also an online shoe repair shop called My Shoe Hospital

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

Thank you for the detailed information.

[@Diniecita]

Love the talk about color. And I am sad I missed the lavender shoes!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we have Lavender Dunmores in the shop now, restocking in August - www.americanduchess.com/collections/18th-century-shoes-and-boots/products/dunmore-18th-century-shoes-lavender-white?variant=37773306527894

[@marthabenner6528]

I think those little french blue shoes are perfect for weddings. because it's something blue, and they're adorable.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We agree!

[@T.H.Andersdotter]

The Mae's in brown look wonderful!!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we may have to do Mae in more colors in the future

[@cmycamellroze8218]

Those blue shoes are fabulous, also!!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you, ladies, for such interesting information on one of my very favorite subjects. Love, light, and good health to you all.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@charlottegury1243]

Will there ever be "londoner" edwardian oxfords in a different colour than cherry?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

quite probably!

[@Diniecita]

I love the blue color. Now to order some.

[@cincocats320]

Really great discussion. Makes me appreciate your brand even more. Gotta say...I'm really digging those green shoes, and even the weird blue has a certain appeal. Im kinda a sucker for the more oddball colors.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@Diniecita]

Same. I think we need more colors.

[@saritshull3909]

you could probably but the white ones and dye them? I was thinking of doing that

[@nickyclarer]

As a knitter (and amature sewist) the wool thing is real! Firstly, the demand for wool is so much lower so sheep aren't being farmed for their fleece in the same way and the machinery to spin and weave the coarser fleeces hasn't survived. Secondly, for those that do want wool, they only want really soft merino.... which is fine but its not durable at all (seriously never make socks out of 100% merino).

[@AmericanDuchess1]

very true!

[@daniellewhiteley7756]

Watching this almost a year later, and I just have to say; I love listening to you talk about the leathers. I work in shoe retail, and often I have customers complain about how the leather from one pair of shoes to another are different/don't look the same. I always explain to them that it comes down to the hides of the animals, that it's no different if you were to skin and tan our own skin. Each skin/hide is different and therefore the leather is different. They then completely ignore what I say, but that's another discussion altogether...

[@AmericanDuchess1]

absolutely!

[@susanpolastaples9688]

Thank you for such interesting information. I enjoyed it immensely. Please do a sequel with Nicole. Keep safe and kudos. Dandy is amaze balls. Thanks Abby for recommending the follow. Hug Gryffy

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindabloom6666]

This was a great video. I didn't think I would be as interested as I was. I would love to see a follow-up and learn more about shoes.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad you enjoyed it! We'll be sure to do more behind-the-scenes shoemaking stuff :-)

[@joannasmith4793]

Definitely interesting . I did not realize how much went into shoe making

[@AmericanDuchess1]

it's quite complex!

[@InFondRemembrance]

I study the clothing worn by prisoners of war in the Napoleonic wars, and starting out I didn't have much hope of finding original examples of anything. But, I thought if anything, there might be shoes. Nope. Shoes from that period are so, so hard to find. The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich has like one pair of shoes worn by regular sailors in that period, and the uppers are completely gone. Prisoners were constantly complaining about how quickly their shoes wore out, particularly sailors, because they didn't normally have to do much marching, and suddenly they needed their shoes to hold up for weeks long marches to the prison depots from the coasts. It's great to know that it wasn't just that sailors had really poor quality shoes, but that people looked at their shoes as more disposable, and that they were just generally less sturdy than today.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that's fascinating! thank you for sharing that tidbit - never thought about prisoners during the Napoleonic War, but that makes perfect sense, indeed!

[@ericawright411]

As an interior designer, I completely understand the white question. I tend to drop the white paint book in front of clients and watch their eyes become huge in shock. That aside, when do we get new designs for the year and are there any 18th century options?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yes! We're working on new designs now - we kindof got thrown for a loop with Covid-19, and we were working towards diversifying our factories, so it's...lagged a bit.

[@ericawright411]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Understandable. I'm working on a new gown and waiting to see what you come up with or if I will by dying a pair of Pompadour shoes. Is the white Kensington coming back?

[@sophuzzy]

I look at your website, and I think of my G-ma's closet (b. 1893). Not a bad thing!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

excellent! we take that as a compliment :-)

[@guineverecassidy4855]

Really fascinating episode! Love hearing about the nuts and bolts of your shoe process.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ketrakrelek2347]

...so i actually really like those green alligator harriets :D

[@AmericanDuchess1]

there are a few who do, lol.

[@gkseeton]

You all make these marvelous shoes. I want one pair of each!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@debbiewakeland1353]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@marthabenner6528]

If you ever get a boot that's like The Londoner was a boot, that goes all the way up to the knee, lace-up, no zipper, and maybe those things Work Boots have to make lacing it up easier and faster (if I was being generous and broad I would liken them the hook part of hooks & eye). I would definitely buy at least one pair. And if you made some for winter time with wool interlining, I would definitely buy a pair of those as well.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We're working on just such a design for 2022 :-)

[@autumn7143]

I have a size ten wide foot. It’s hard to fit in shoes.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Check out our "Feet are Weird" video - may help!

[@lorib1696]

I love love love this episode. I am one of the unfortunate individuals that highly values learning by doing. Since I couldn't find historically accurate medieval shoes that weren't over-priced and boring I decided to teach myself basic cordwaining aka shoe-making. That was an adventure! Turn shoes aren't that bad to make as long as you don't try to sew them like clothing. That will kill your fingers. Leather stitching is totally different. Later shoes like in the 16th century were often made similar to modern welt shoes but not quite. Only the most fashionable people could afford them. For those you really need a last. As I found out lasts aren't shaped like feet--they're shaped like the space inside a shoe. It's really hard to make lasts. Making molds of my feet was a disaster. After a couple tries I got something that looks sorta like my feet so I thought I won the battle. Wrong! The "shoes" were awful and a waste of leather because shoes have to have different amounts of empty space in different places and molding my feet didn't account for that. Then I bought vintage wooden lasts but still that wasn't the best choice either. Shoes from 1950 aren't the same shape as those from 1550. I wound up altering my lasts using a giant file and some wood putty. Finally, I got something that was close enough to use. I can make historically accurate shoes but guess what? I have modern feet. After a short while I have to take them off and rest my feet. Long story short, buy shoes from American Duchess. Your feet (fingers, pride, etc.,) will thank you.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Indeed! I once tried to make shoes myself - plaster of paris poured into some ballet flats, LOL. You got much further than I did.

[@clairebonnstetter5722]

This was so fascinating to see everything that goes into shoe making! I'd love to see you guys come out with flat (1" or less) oxfords!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we're working on 'em :-)

[@cherylwright3917]

Oh yes please, my feet really won't take to a heel anymore at all anymore. The more I learn about the process of proper shoe construction the more I'm convinced that a pair of AD is a worthwhile investment in foot health.

[@SarahBent]

All of this is so interesting. I love my Ruth's. I'm still working on loving my Vienna - the arch in a weird place for me.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks! have you tried some inserts for different arch support placement?

[@SarahBent]

@@AmericanDuchess1 I haven't - are they on the website?

[@Elizabeth-wv3jr]

Sarah Bent yes, they are under the accessory tab

[@bobbiehart8618]

I LOVE THE BLUE

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you!

[@wthinwthout2786]

Size 9, 9 1/2 are monster feet? 🙃 Only slightly reverting to the trauma of childhood regarding my shoe size. But, more important and less personal, I'm interested in the research done on vanity sizing in shoes. Yes, feet spread as shoes become more relaxed like any other garment...but I do notice that I was once a 9, 9 1/2, but can occasionally wear even a size 8 in contemporary new shoes. 🧐

[@LaDivinaLover]

LOLs Mine are size 13 🙃 I guess if 9s are monster feet I have Godzilla feet or maybe Titan feet??

[@AmericanDuchess1]

There is a *general-ish-kindof* shoe size standard for shoes within a given country, and for the most part shoes made for that market will try to stick that standard. BUT...every shoe company develops its own lasts, and lasts for dress shoes, tennis shoes, boots, etc. are all different. I don't know if brands are purposefully doing vanity sizing...that seems like a quick way to a very high return rate. I can tell you that when we get shoes in that run a little big or a little small against the standard it is *very* costly and causes lots of problems, so we always try to stick to the US women's standard chart.

[@vivianc.c.3379]

You guys could open a mini museum or exibtion (even a temporary one) of your antique shoes and also put the modern version of them side by side! It would be amazing 🥰💕💕💕

[@AmericanDuchess1]

That's a great idea!

[@CarolineDAmbrosioDesigns]

So cool 😄

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@ah5721]

I didn't know the geekery and passion that went behind every shoe! I will have to save up for a stout pair of boots and 40's-50"s era pumps! However as I am a USA womens 10.5-11 It is hard to find shoes in my size ! :(

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We make US women's 11 :-D

[@Diniecita]

I also would love to have a 10.5. Im nervous that a 10 wont fit me.

[@aliciamartin5359]

The ivory mae shoes are glorious.😍😍😍

[@AmericanDuchess1]

mae is such a lovely designs - we hope to do more colors in the future :-)

[@Istarbel]

currently saving for shoes because I love you all

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thank you so much!

[@bajubner]

I am honestly obsessed with the green alligator shoe. It's so ugly in the exact right way that I would wear in a heartbeat

[@AmericanDuchess1]

haha, thank you!

[@SwitchelSweets]

American Duchess what size is that prototype? If it’s in any way wearable y’all should charity raffle it off, I’m seriously vibing on these Godzilla shoes 😁💕

[@autumn7143]

Just proving I need more of your shoes.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

[@Diniecita]

Is there a way to see a back catalog or maybe a poll of what shoes we could reorder??

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we don't have a back catalog all in one place, but we do re-release shoes fairly often

[@cmycamellroze8218]

I love those green shoes!!! Color and the toe shape!! Are these shoes hand sewn or machine?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@dianavoermans]

That was absolutely interesting! 🤩 💃🏻

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jeanneclark99]

VERY interesting! (BTW, I would buy lavender in a heartbeat!) But very painful to watch once it was mentioned (10:17) that the podcast was taped on Valentine's Day--knowing now that COVID-19 was poised to strike. Hang in there and take care!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Yeah, in the "before times" when things were....rosy...and not diseased :-\

[@corriebethmakes]

Hello. Love your shoes. Let me know if you ever make a vegan version!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@dieEule3]

I’d buy a vegan one immediately!

[@soileilkkala8831]

I am always ending up turning towards Blues so these Blue shoes are my favorite in video

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Blues are a great neutral :-)

[@BTMmarineLM]

Will there ever be size 5 for the shoes? I’ve always wanted to buy but there’s nothing in my size.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

We're working on extending the size range, yes :-)

[@LaDivinaLover]

Same for me but the opposite end of the size pool. My feet are huge 😣😔

[@rebeccafoust2963]

@@LaDivinaLover same here.

[@BTMmarineLM]

American Duchess Yay!!! Can’t wait!!!

[@elitabaldridge6967]

I wonder if you had video of people putting on the shoes with the odd historical silhouettes if that would give people more confidence in ordering those types of shoes. I know that would help me.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

most of the original antique shoes we have are too small or too fragile for any of us to wear.

[@yalissa73]

Very interesting. Also I liked the green alligator shoes, but then I tend to like greens over reds.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we may do some cool faux alligator stuff in the future yet :-)

[@rexystuff]

God bless you for making size 11 shoes

[@AmericanDuchess1]

[@amydelorimier1646]

Where was that three piece suit from?

[@reneestephens1463]

I love watching the show.. would it be possible to perhaps have chairs and no table ? It’s weird seeing the sides of your faces .. the shoes are to die for .. hopefully at some point I will be able to buy a pair .. I love the vintage designs and appreciate the modern necessary adjustments you have made… and the quality of your choice in leathers

[@ghidorahs1fan209]

I have made Viking era shoes and they are pretty much as simple as you can get and they are hard enough to make and make them actually fit. I refuse to make them now unless it's for my kids for a event as I am yet to find anyone else who makes kids sizes. Mind you I still dye and embroider the shoes I buy if I'm doing a higher class outfit as I need my full outfit to be HA for the class of person I am reenacting. Because I'm crazy lol

[@VickyDIncecco]

Ahhh the struggles of trying to find thin kid!! I hear ya!

[@AmericanDuchess1]

impossible!! lol - and you would know as well as anybody, indeed!

[@susanrobertson984]

I am about to make a pair of iron age slippers and have just started watching shoe maker videos. How does one go about learning shoe making?

[@SwitchelSweets]

Idk about Iron Age but Morgan Donner has a video about making medieval turnshoes, and Vicky D’Incecco has a dedicated shoemaking channel that does beautiful work and is very informative :)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

typically, for in-depth shoemaking you'll want to apprentice yourself to a master shoemaker. Nicole learned at Colonial Williamsburg

[@susanrobertson984]

@@AmericanDuchess1 Thanks for the answer. I did a rabbit hole dive into options in Canada and didn't find much. I watched enough videos of people making shoes to be very impressed at the skill it takes!

[@KotaMakes]

Looking for scratchy wool. Try Herdick a heritage rare breed here in the UK

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@katiearcher4475]

People dont wear their American Duchess shoes outside?? I live in mine. XD I get the most compliments whenever Im wearing one of my AD pumps.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yes, if you can believe it! We've had questions over the years asking if our shoes are real shoes. So funny!

[@adriangeary9628]

When will the mens hamiltons be restocked.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

we're not going to restock Hamiltons right now, but we have new designs on the way

[@larissalimarova2307]

I dream of light shoes, I seek 'weird', real historical shapes.... I can buy 'normal' modern shoes anywhere... and much cheaper... The 'weirdness' and un-modern is American Duchess differentiator... If AD would tell me that shape will fit, I would trust you....

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks!

[@johnparochelli9202]

Charles Thomas Davis book "The Manufacture of Leather" 1897 details makeing Russian leather. I don't think it's a lost technique, just to expensive and time consuming. Even in the 1820s people were making imitations because of cost.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

that makes a lot of sense and is the case for many textiles as well

[@johnparochelli9202]

@@AmericanDuchess1 do you make your shoes in the U.S.? It would be interesting to see your plant, but I'm not going abroad.

[@Ro-islefthanded]

Damn monster feet are a 9 1/2………*slinks away back under my troll bridge* lol

[@AmericanDuchess1]

But we've got your size!

[@Ro-islefthanded]

@@AmericanDuchess1 oh trust me, I already have my eye on the Camille an Colette. But I’m wondering…..are we gonna get anything like the Savoy’s anytime soon? So I can live my gothic Edwardian fantasy!!!!!!

[@guldenaydin9918]

🌺.

[@DAYBROK3]

i like shoes, im not nuts about them as i have a wide toe narrow heel. i now wear a leg brace (when its not in the shop) so heels are totally out of the question. finding winter boots has proven impossible. sigh. i look and sigh.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

[@b0bbespoke]

So were people feet really narrower in history or were shoes just so expensive and special they just “wore” them until they fit?

[@AmericanDuchess1]

People's feet really were narrower because they wore narrow dress shoes from a young age, and feet are kindof elastic/plastic. They grow to the size allowed by one's footwear.

[@dismurrart6648]

The fact shoes are really complicated to make is heartbreaking to me. Specifically because I'm a size 12 double wide in women's with very sensitive feet and am relegated to ugly shoes most of the time since not a soul has found my size to be a viable market

[@AmericanDuchess1]

Hopefully I have some good news for you - if you're into historical designs, we have a collection coming out that will come in both men's and women's sizes. A US women's 12 wide is about a US men's 10.5 regular. We'll be introducing the collection, which has an Elizabethan shoe, a 17th century pump, the Pompadour style, a side-button ankle boot, and a vintage spectator oxford, this Fall, 2021

[@dismurrart6648]

@@AmericanDuchess1 that is genuinely amazing

[@ER-vx3ev]

would love to see some (historically inaccurate) vegan leather/non-silk options for us vegetarian gals??

[@deboraharmstrong3002]

Abby, if your foot is 'monstrous' at size 9 1/2 ..... My feet are size 13! Hey, if there weren't so much turned under, I'd fall over a LOT more often.

[@catherinerw1]

It's slightly Rangers blue too (this is either a very good thing or a very bad thing in the part of Scotland I live in... a soccer team which attracts very vociferously anti-Catholic supporters!)

[@AmericanDuchess1]

oh my goodness!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Hmm. So maybe you make something to fit my wide collapsing arches and flexible tendons?

[@aliloucreations1817]

Ohhhh myyyy god ! New shoes on a table , noooo 😱😱😱

[@AmericanDuchess1]

some of those have been released, some are still in development, and some will never see the light of day like that alligator oxford, lol!

[@VangoghsDoggo]

1940's shoes were cheap because of WWII, quality leather went for military use. People at home like women, did without to supply the military. Learn how history ties in with supply and demand during wartime. Look up rationing.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

yup, you're absolutely right.

[@mmcgartland2095]

Irregular folk are so much more interesting

[@AmericanDuchess1]

indeed

[@DAYBROK3]

ooohhh wow, the trouble with getting proper hides, just wow. someone hasnt seen, too wong foo, thanks for everything, julie newmar, again just wow. thats another movie, kinky boots, its sooooo funny.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

on the "must watch list"

[@argusfleibeit1165]

I don't mind y'all talking to each other with your backs to the camera, but if you do that, don't be turning around and breaking the "4th wall" over and over. You look like you're suddenly aware people are overhearing your conversation, then you turn around again like a stuck-up girl in a restaurant. Very distracting from your conversation. Maybe try a different set-up, all three around the table but facing out. It will look much better and include the audience, plus we get to see your faces.

[@AmericanDuchess1]

thanks for your detailed critique of how we shoot our videos.

[@Diniecita]

I felt that way to when Abby turns around. We arent here. Keep talking!!

[@jjez61]

@@Diniecita she was likely checking to make sure it was still recording. At one point she saw the battery was dying, which is why the promo for the music.