Retro Gal Reviews: American Duchess & Royal Vintage Shoes

Perhaps you are new to wearing vintage, or maybe you just haven't ordered from them before, but American Duchess Historical Footwear and sister brand Royal Vintage Shoes are THE shoe shops to know about in the quest for great vintage reproduction shoes! Though I talked at length about shoes in my last video, I wanted to go into more detail about my favorite shoe brands and show you the styles I have tried from each.
And again, no this is not a sponsored video!
Want some shoes?
www.american-duchess.com/
www.royalvintageshoes.com/1930...
Music: KZbin Audio Library
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Thank you for watching!

[@gillianlee8514]

Quality never goes out of style. Love the look of those shoes!! I haven’t bought from either of those 2 brands but have a few pairs of re-mix. Worth saving up for as they will last for years.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Re-mix are definitely my other top favorite!

[@Diniecita]

I like memery shoes a lot. They are in the UK and you pay to ship from there to the US but I love both of my pairs.

[@gillianlee8514]

@@Diniecita I just bought a pair of memory shoes. Only $12 shipping as well

[@SingingSealRiana]

Yeah, and if women's shoes are more expensive, you usually just pay for the design, zero quality and if there is quality if flows in the wrong direction as in expensive material, but no comfort... With mens shoes it's a bit better. Quality of material in the right places and fit are so importent! I bought a pair of boots a bit to narrow in a sale, but because they are made from soft leather, they molded around my foot in a day's wear. I own several high heeled boots since my feet kept their size since I was 14 and hight is the least factor in how comfortable they are! My highest pair is the most high quality one and walking in those I regularly forget they are high at all and several times misstepped on a stairway. I can wear them all day walking great distances and my feet are better of than in most flats....

[@Tina06019]

BTW, the part of the shoe that covers the forefoot is called the "vamp."

[@agypsycircle]

They’re also looking at Portugal as a place making them now.

[@ellenrittgers990]

I wonder if, being all leather, these shoes can be re-soled, as used to be the case with good quality shoes in days gone by. If you can find a cobbler, that is! I tend to keep clothes and shoes for many years, so the ability to keep them in good repair is important to me.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I imagine so! They do send an extra set of heel cap/tips with every pair which I always appreciate

[@ellenrittgers990]

TheClosetHistorian Thank you! They sound like money well spent!😊

[@miriamstasker]

I‘m a shoemaker and I also do quite a few resolings for leather-soled-shoes. It is definetly possible to resole them more than twice. It dependson the wear and tear of the upper leather. And you definetly have to do your research. You don‘t want someone who is inexperienced to ruin your shoes...

[@ellenrittgers990]

@@miriamstasker Thanks for your reply! I’m so careful about these shoes that I almost hate to wear them out on abrasive sidewalks, but why have them as a “house shoe”?😄

[@miriamstasker]

@@ellenrittgers990 I know how you‘re feeling. I feel the same way about my favorite shoes☺️

[@jokerzbabe13]

I just ordered the Evelyns, my first pair of AD shoes!! I'm beyond excited

[@agelesstailoress]

I were a size 9 and I am sooooo happy to hear about the size thing!!

[@heiroot]

Same

[@katesthename]

I love both of these companies! Currently coveting the Rosie boots and Claire oxfords. So happy to hear that they fit big feet weel. As a size 11, it's super helpful to hear that!! And if anyone has concerns about the factory, you can follow both companies on Instagram and see photos. Lauren is there now or just came back, and there are photos of her in the factory and speaking with the manufacturer. So cool to see!!

[@SharonDekker]

I bought my first American Duchess shoes last year, black Londoners. They are so comfortable to wear and they look so sleek (I'm a size 10, my feet don't look huge for once). If you take good care of them, they'll last a long time. My only sort of gripe would be is that the sole is slippery. You can wear them during the winter, but it might be too slippery if there's snow or ice.

[@emiliegrace2567]

I absolutely loved your review. I felt like you shared things that I really wanted to know-- how these fit on regular feet, how the heels hold up . . . how they scuff. I loved the friendly, approachable (honest) review! And PS you look fabulous! Thank you so much-- ready to take the plunge on RV shoes now, thanks to you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Emilie! I love my RV shoes :)

[@SabbathaBastet]

I just pre ordered the Marylin shoe in black and I’m so excited to receive them. When I found this video I didn’t realize you’d be reviewing those. Now I’m even happier I ordered them. I needed a standable shoe for spring and you confirmed that I made the right choice. I’m new to the vintage clothing community even though I’ve been into antique furniture for years. So glad I’ve found your channel. Subscribed.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I now have the Marylins in green as well, and I love them too, so I'm sure the new black ones will be stunning!

[@tiffanytomasino335]

Ah…I mentioned American Duchess in the last video! Didn’t realize they were sister companies. Thank you for sharing

[@krystalbarnett5181]

Great review! I love royal Vintage Shoes! And they also have a layby program also!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I forgot to mention that but is is an excellent option!

[@Alex-ik1rl]

I just love the look of vintage 1900-1940 shoes. The other day I was watching a Ballroom Dancing competition and noticed that a lot of the dance shoes look very vintage and are probably very secure on the feet. Have you ever checked out the professional ballroom dancer's shoe sources?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

There are indeed many vintage styles available for dancers, however most often have suede soles for dancing and are quite slippy on floors for normal folks and would get very ruined walking outside on dirt/asphalt I fear! Sometimes they have the option for "street" soles, or one could see about getting them fixed at a shoe repair place.

[@Tina06019]

I buy ballroom dancing shoes from Tic-Tac-Toes and take them to the cobbler to have a street-appropriate sole put on them. They are made in the USA; they are expensive (although less so than American Duchess) but they last for years.

[@debayeuxchats5607]

@@Tina06019 That is _such_ a good tip, I never thought about just getting them resoled!

[@jeanieschlegel6505]

Try using an eraser and rubbing it on the scuff, it's saved me many times!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Sadly it's definitely deep enough it scratched into the leather itself, so it's like textured and truly scratched. If only I wasn't so clumsy!

[@reganschnare9036]

As much as I love American Duschess the shoes I just ordered when opened have scuffs on the bottom where the heel bit is plastic.Its superficial but deep scratches , still sad to find new this way.Besides this Astoria Is a lovely Edwardian shoe and similar to a pair of yours.

[@carmengrima1539]

Looking forward to your up and coming sewing projects. ❤️❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carmen!

[@SingingSealRiana]

Naw, the lilians look so so adorable!!!

[@FLOTSAMCRAFTSWAMI]

Thank you! I've been searching for shoe source besides Modcloth. You have a lovely collection 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Happy to help :)

[@barbaralockhart9282]

I have came across your website by accident and I love it its nice lookin at all your collections of shoes but also your clothes assessories and the rest thank you for sharing xo 😘 😘 😘 😘

[@ChristineGroome]

Ordered my first pair of American Duchess/Royal Vintage shoes last week! They came yesterday and I'm in love. They're a style from back in the Royal Vintage days when they were their old brand, but I love them so much. Have you SEEN the new Lulu style?! I feel like it'd be right up your alley!

[@elvischick76]

Thank you for sharing with us about these great vintage repro shoe company options! I had no idea they existed until watching your video. I'm a new subscriber to your channel & love everything I've seen so far! Keep up your quality posts please! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charity! You are most welcome!

[@ah-nononoo]

I got the exact same Savoys for a period inspired costume for my prom! They were sooo comfortable. I regret not picking up an ivory pair because I see originals online from time to time and they're just so ahhhh

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Beaded shoes are definitely amazing, hopefully Lauren will do another style/color one day for AD or royal vintage!

[@juliannewoody243]

Very helpful review. I'm very close to purchasing from American duchess.

[@michelleheidler983]

I have the American dutchess londoners. I wear them to work daily where I'm on my feet. I can confirm they are comfortable to stand/walk in.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I got the Parkers last winter & love them, though i havent worn them this summer. I may have gone crazy with their Basstile sale this week and gotten winter boots & the londoners while on sale. I wanted the Peggy in cream & coffee but they were soled out, hopefully they will be back soon. I am not a costumer or history bounder (yet) so i wear these beautiful shoes with contemporary clothes. As for the price, my everyday shoes from SAS are around $160 (though they have more expensive ones) so while these are a little more expensive they are high quality. I am inclined to pay more for comfortable long lasting shoes no matter the era.

[@Grace-tc6sw]

i found this video looking for review videos on American Duchess shoes because i want to buy a pair of Tissot pumps that are on sale for $80 but that it a lot of money for shoes. this video just made me more sure that i want them!

[@amberwallace2850]

For American Civil War reenacting I have a pair of N.J Sekela Balmoral boots, burgundy with a patent-leather black toe. I love love love them. I'm a shoe girl regardless of the century! They are not so much fun if you are only standing on hard ground my feet start to hurt after a while but on grass they are great. But I'm flat footed so that has something to do with it. They also aren't so much fun on gravel paths since the soles are thiner than modern shoes. I've been drooling of American Duchess's 18th century shoes for a very long time. I would love to get involved in an 18th century costuming community outside of the the American Revolution of French and Indian/ Frontier reenacting. Because the French fashion of the time be... still my heart. But I haven't had much luck. Also I don't sew so I'm relegated to wearing the art work of those who do.

[@VladimirSimone]

Could you do a video about vintage reproduction flat soled shoes? I can't wear heels (I walk with a cane) and would really like to wear something other than saddle shoes

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Hmm the only trouble is I don't have many pairs myself in order to recommend. Most ballet flats, oxfords, and penny loafers are really good as vintage style shoes, as they certainly had flat shoes of several styles back in the 1940's and 50's. Some examples from old catalogs look like this www.pinterest.com/pin/460563499387600192/ www.pinterest.com/pin/218424650656521623/ and www.pinterest.com/pin/388154061610590694/ Even simple styles of canvas sneakers like simple white keds were a thing from the 30's through now, so are technically vintage appropriate too! Bait footwear do have many flat styles as well so it may still be worth checking them out.

[@VladimirSimone]

@@TheClosetHistorian thank you so much!

[@MoonChylde0622]

I am a heavier plus sized girl, with fibromyalgia, have a wide foot, and wear a size 10. Finding shoes can be a big pain in the butt. However, I recently have discovered that Rockports are EXTREMELY comfortable. They aren't reproduction, but they do have quite a lot of heavily inspired choices that could certainly pair well with a vintage look. They have flats, short heels, boots, and a few taller heels. Even with my weight and chronic pain, I can easily wear these shoes and be perfectly comfortable. The bonus is that they're not overly expensive (depending on shoe style and retailer/sales, they're anywhere from $40-100). Hope this helps! Stay fabulous, ladies. 💖 👡👢👠🥿👞

[@LynnaKatriel]

@@TheClosetHistorian I know this comment is years old, but Memery shoes, a European (I think) brand, does reproduction shoes an they have several flat styles

[@BeverleyButterfly]

I love your knowledge and passion I adore watching you talking about vintage fashion and I always learn so much! My favourite are the brown and white heeled shoes they look so pretty and could be dressed up or down so pretty! I just won my first eBay actual real vintage piece of clothing it’s a 1950s nurse cape, I was a nurse before I got sick so to own a real cape is incredible I’ve no idea how to care for it I’m excited to research but do I clean it when I get it like you would thrifted clothes?? I need to hit the books lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Vintage nurses capes are so cute, even though they were/are a visual reminder of a very serious profession they were still so chic. I'm not very well versed in how to clean and care for vintage clothing items, as I make most of my vintage style clothing myself and can care for them in mostly modern ways. If the cape is wool I would recommend dry cleaning if anything, but I'm sure WWII reenactors know better than I would on the subject, so I would do some googling if it were me before I did anything!

[@BeverleyButterfly]

TheClosetHistorian ooh that’s an excellent tip thank you I will hit google! I posted a picture of the cape on my Instagram missadventurexx I cannot wait for it to arrive it’s had only one owner the woman’s mother passed away and she had the cape from when she nursed in the 40s the seller said she is thankful I was a nurse and will appreciate it. I’m so excited

[@estelledesigns]

Just found your channel and have been binge watching! You mention you were into costuming.. would you consider doing a video of the costumes you have made? If any :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alicia! I haven't been costuming at all for the past 2-3 years or so, mostly due to time and money, since the yardage of fabric required for costumes is so high I just can't really afford to do it currently. Any of the costumes I made back in the day can be seen on my blog though! theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/search/label/costuming

[@viktoriabalensiefen8911]

I do own Kensington from AD and being really picky with shoes and perfect fit, I LOVE THEM great Qualität, perfect fitting, ideal Balance on the heel.. they are really worth the money!

[@shirleydrake1602]

Absence of respiration is never really a good thing! I love looking at the Royal Vintage line. I’m getting the Marylyn style this fall.

[@knitkate]

I’ve been on the fence about splurging on shoes from these brands for awhile! I also wear a size 10, so reproduction shoes are the best option for me. Now I just need to decide which pair I want first! Also, I mostly sew clothes from the 1910s-1960s, but my local costuming guild is focusing on the 18th century this year. I’ve preordered the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, and I’m in the research phase for that project. I’d love to see you make a dress to go with your Kensington shoes!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I just pre-ordered the book today myself! I think costuming is something I need to jump back into, for some reason I let myself start thinking I was too old to continue on with the hobby, but that is such nonsense! I need to make a bustle gown too someday, I have all the corsetry and under-structure but I never got to making a gown!

[@knitkate]

TheClosetHistorian I’m a few years older than you! But I live in a town with a pretty active costuming group, where lots of types of people participate. This month, we are working on bustles or panniers!

[@Diniecita]

@@knitkate I wish there were other people around me that likes costuming. And I don’t think that you have to give this hobby up if you love it.

[@raquelseydewitz203]

Great finds! I’ll post my recent thrift store finds on my Instagram and tag you! I usually can’t find things that fit me here in Taipei, so I buy things to refashion. But this week I was very lucky. You hit the jackpot!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Raquel!

[@briannaboyer5146]

Yay the Vintage community in Colorado is growing! Have you been to Spencer House Antiques yet in Denver?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm not sure actually, as usually when I'm down on Broadway I just pop in and out of places without taking a huge notice of what they are called! I'm due for another trip over there as I haven't been to antique row since the summer :)

[@axeliaahlstrom8767]

I always love coming back to this vidio! Are you planning to get some shoes from RV? I know you are disappointed that the “Marilyn” did not get made in blue. Maybe the will produce them in time for the next release.🙏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I would love to pick up the Marilyn in the green color, though I am disappointed about the navy and no dark brown! I hope they release them someday. I just can't afford to invest in any more pairs at this time sadly.

[@KatyAdelson]

I love their shoe styles, but I wish they would have smaller shoe sizes... I wear a 5 - 5.5, but it seems they start at size 6... =( It's so hard to find smaller shoe sizes nowadays -- it seems companies now only make small shoes for children, and start adult sizes at size 6 (an adult size 6 has always been way too big on me).

[@sandyaledor]

Breathe Girl! We wanna see more of you 😅👍

[@eleanor7]

I have wanted a pair or two from them for a long time. The price doesn't bother me because it's clear they are quality pair of shoes that will last. (Sometimes a cheaper shoe cost more anyways cause your always replacing them because they fall apart.) The thing that worries me, is sometimes shoes with real leather, I can vary in size, so I'm concerned with fitting and return policy. Plus big girl klutz with bad knees, I can't really do heels, I'm always in flats or a really small wide heel.

[@HeyCuteEarrings]

Did you ever fix the Lilians?

[@fables4564]

I love vintage shoes but always had difficulties finding them! Are the shoes that you purchased have cushioning for your feet? Because typically I've found that most vintage shoes don't have any padding for your feet.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Royal Vintage shoes definitely have a layer of padding built in, but nothing extra cushioning I suppose. I haven't come across any shoes/heels with what I woulds consider extra padding or cushioning, but it is always possible to cut down an insert to fit the shoe if that helps! I find Bait, Royal Vintage Shoes, and Remix perfectly comfortable without having to add anything additional personally.

[@klcampy]

I wear size 10- 10 1/2, and hate how difficult it is to find shoes that fit.

[@annikaberggren1189]

Hi! Do the Gibson's run tight in the toe box for you at all?

[@verasilva7660]

They called vamp of the shoes.

[@nvaranavage]

I have pre-ordered the Bernadette......I'm having trouble waiting for them to be made, and being shipped, and arriving at my door. With you being the same size shoe as me, do they fit tight around the toes (I have a rather wide toe box)?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It's just so hard to say with each style and foot being different, I have never had an American Duchess shoe hurt my toes, if that's at all helpful. The Bernadette's may be an entirely new last though, and are from the new Portugal factory, so I just can't say I'm afraid!

[@kimberlyadoble6642]

I wear a size 11 high heel shoe. I'm five foot seven inches and a half a inch tall. Big feet problems😌😫

[@maureentuohy9423]

Those spectators are gorgeous. Wow I'm hyperventilating! ❤️

[@alexandriadent8884]

I've been wanting to find reproduction shoes for a while but I wear a US size 4 so its been incredibly difficult finding shoes, period. Do you have any site recommendations that could possibly accommodate smaller feet?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm sorry to say I really don't know any, being on the opposite side of the size spectrum myself. Sorry I can't be of any help!

[@mumblesandwool1243]

Are you a ladies 4 or a kids 4? Im a ladies size 6 and a half, but i fit in kids 4's. Which means ive been able to get cute tstraps and some maryjanes in the style i like that they only make in kids, for less the price. You may be able to wear kids costumes shoes and check out some dance sites as well.

[@tiffanyr9975]

could these comfortably be worn without socks or tights/hose? You mentioned theyre entirely leather, so I’m curious how they wouldn’t rub and cause blisters if the inside is leather as well

[@22mendonca]

I agree with supporting small business....Do these brands stock in the UK? You look amazing as ever doll. Xxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I know some Royal Vintage and Remix styles are available through Revival Retro Boutique which is based out of London! They seems like an amazing shop, I'd love to visit it next time I am in London :)

[@22mendonca]

TheClosetHistorian Oh yes, of course...totally forgot about Revival Retro...I too would love to visit, not sure my bank balance would like it so much tho😜 If you ever come visit us over the pond, be sure to let me know if want a shopping buddy 😁👜👠👚👛👓💄Xxx

[@RavenClaw-js1mt]

The Evelyn oxford, if I may ask, do you find the back of the shoe to rub on the ankle? I'm in love with royal vintage and their team... I've got the Marilyn and spectators and LOVE... and am thinking of getting the oxford shoes. Thank you

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I haven't worn the Evelyns too much yet, but on the occasions I have I don't remember them rubbing at all! I find them very comfortable and bought my regular size (the 10s). I do usually wear vintage style back-seam nylons or fishnets with my shoes though, so that may help in this regard a bit too!

[@RavenClaw-js1mt]

TheClosetHistorian thank you. I'm a size 10 as well, so I'm always worried a shoe won't fit if I order online; but thus far with royal vintage the sizes are on point. Regarding back seam stockings, would you have a place to recommend in finding them? I've tried Nordstrom to no avail. Not much vintage where I am in N.Va.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I get my backseam stockings from two sources, the nice ones are from retro brand What Katie Did, and are quite pricey so I have to be super careful with them. When I don't want to be careful I just wear cheaper backseam fishnets from Amazon!

[@RavenClaw-js1mt]

TheClosetHistorian thank u🤗

[@elisehodge2520]

How well do these hold up? Like could you wear a pair every day and expect them to last years?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

They have leather soles now, so they may have to be resoled every so often if you wear them on harsher surfaces like asphalt. I have never worn the same shoe like that day in and out, so I have no idea really, but in general AD shoes are all leather and very well made!

[@louise-yo7kz]

The Savoy is Bam!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I need more places/events to wear them. I could just sit and look at them though :)

[@Diniecita]

Love the peggy spectators but, Im not keen on the height of the shoe.

[@queenoffabulous2156]

Do you have to wear socks with the Evelyn shoes

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I usually just wear them with stockings/hosiery!

[@thecatxx]

I forget to breathe when im carrying heavy things so when i carried an old cast iron sewing machine into the repair shop i was out of breath the whole time i was explaining whats wrong with it and it was embarrassing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Probably such a good workout though! ;)

[@FLOTSAMCRAFTSWAMI]

I'm very interested in historically accurate 1940's casual daywear for the ladies struggling finacially, affected by the war. what absolute minimal shoes and garments would you recommend? Can you please touch on dressing for wartime girls/ladies? Thanks in advance!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It really depends on the country whether or not it was actual poverty or just rationing that caused people to buy less clothing and accessories. Since the US joined the war effort later than say England, fashion continued to flourish more in the US in the early 1940s. Rationing too was introduced later in the US, but I do have Montgomery Wards catalogs from the time that instructing customers to include necessary ration coupons in with their check and order form. I myself have never really focused on war time fashion for regular folks, but there are good resources out there for rationing and alternative fashions of the time, especially within the WWII reenacting community. A good book to start with for learning about 1940s fashion is Liz Tregenza's Style Me Vintage: 1940s. I would want to do a lot more research before I really felt comfortable talking about wartime fashion!

[@FLOTSAMCRAFTSWAMI]

TheClosetHistorian I will definitely look that book up, thank you so much.

[@Tatya05]

Ummm, I still didn't understand from your review if those shoes are true to size or you have to up or downsize them.Do they run narrow or wide or normal? And have you ever had to return the shoes and how do they deal with returns? To me, if I have to save up to buy an expensive shoes and then also have to pay to return or exchange, that kind of makes them too expensive for what they are...

[@kirstenpaff8946]

I love the way American Duchess and Royal Vintage shoes look, but I can't help thinking that I would either wreck them within a week or never wear them, because they are not comfortable enough. I know people keep on saying how comfortable the shoes are, but I my standard shoes are hiking shoes and sneakers. I find heels incredibly uncomfortable, so I wonder if the comfort claims surrounding American Duchess shoes should come with a "for heels" caveat.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Well of course all shoes that are not sneakers are going to be a different feel, full stop. Royal Vintage shoes have lower, thicker, and more balanced heels, which means for heeled shoes they are the most comfortable I have ever owned. They also offer some styles with quite low heels or that are even flat, so they aren't selling 4 inch plus stilettos like most modern shoe brands. Their shoes are leather which means they will break in and conform to your foot as well which is usually more comfortable than a plastic based material which is more rigid. Simple sneakers like white keds are still very vintage appropriate and were worn in the 1940's for "sport" occasions, and flat loafers and saddle shoes are also mid-century accurate, so one need not wear heels to have "accurate" vintage style, but I just prefer heels personally myself and don't mind a certain level of pain too even for the look I am after!

[@kirstenpaff8946]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thank you for the detailed clarification.

[@HotChickenLady]

Can you expand a bit on your experience with sizing? I also have bigger feet (10-11... mostly 11 nowadays). I bought the Marilyn and Peggy in an 11. They are gorgeous and comfy but I've found them a bit big (Marilyn's particularly wide). On the Royal Vintage site it says both styles do run large. I want to buy them in the other colours now and debating on getting size 10 instead. Did you size down at all? If not, did you find that the size 10 stretched to a bigger size? Thanks

[@TheClosetHistorian]

When I first got my Marilyn's (from the pre-order batch) the size 10s were indeed too large on me too, and that entire first run of that style was a 1/2 size off, which I know was noted by Royal Vintage and since corrected in their second batch of black Marilyn's. Unfortunately it seems like they didn't end up doing a second run (or at least not yet) of the red color way so they still run large. I did get my brown and white Peggy's in a size 10 and those have always fit me just fine. I would say that since they are all leather uppers they will stretch, so perhaps it could be safer to go with the 10s and then stretch them a bit to get a spot on perfect fit if needed. I have reached out to Royal Vintage for specific size guidance before and they got back to me quickly and helped me choose the right size in that instance so I know you could consult with them as well! Happy shoe shopping!

[@HotChickenLady]

TheClosetHistorian Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, very helpful. I got the size 10 in the peggy. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a 10 in the red Marilyn's so I went for the 11 again... Hoping some padding or heel grips be sufficient to help with fit.

[@_ZeroQueen_]

How tricky is it to learn to use the button hooks for the shoes?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I actually don't have one of the hooks and therefore just go into battle when doing up the buttons. It isn't so bad doing it without the hook, but I don't think I'd want to try doing up their books that way!

[@SingingSealRiana]

Not much at all ^^

[@dal842]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful 🌸🌺💐

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dalilah!

[@cocoamourrr]

Could these shoes be unisex ?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I imagine so, best to consult the brand as they are always great about customer service and I'm sure they could provide guidance!

[@gloriannadesign]

Please send me the shoes source in Nevada. Thank You......

[@TheClosetHistorian]

While Royal Vintage and American Duchess shoe brands are based out of Nevada, they do not have a retail location as far as I'm aware. I believe they are all online and are carried in a few select shops which I'm sure are listed on their website!

[@sandrabarbosa6859]

they are so expensive, its really sad

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It makes me sad too because it means I can't collect even more of them! They are extremely good quality, and from a small business who can't produce thousands of pairs like many lower priced brands do, which I'm sure keeps their prices high from the manufacturers. The prices may seem steep, but at least with Royal Vintage the investment results in a really good pair of shoes that will last years and the knowledge that you're helping a really great repro company grow :)

[@louise-yo7kz]

@@TheClosetHistorian Truth. You get what you pay for

[@SingingSealRiana]

Totally with you at the point of leather vs faux leather shoes. I hate the term vegan leather for it implies good qualities the material simply does not have. It is plastic, a very fancy name for plastic and it is a terrible material in comparison. If they later do invent a material, that actually comes close to leather in anything other than looks I would be very glad and open to it, but what gets sold right now.... It might be vegan, but it is very harmful to the inviroment and overall has a worse impact on animals on the long run, then buying one pair of leather shoes and keep those for 10 years. If someone feels really icky about leather, I get that but in that case one should avoid faux leather still, it just does not keep up...

[@Elemiriel]

Awesome video, but ummm... you really do need to slow down a bit... you give a slight vibe of trying to get the video over with rather than enjoying it. Otherwise, stellar!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm sorry it comes off that way, I am a really fast talker in most regards and perhaps it doesn't translate well!

[@jodieroundtree488]

TheClosetHistorian you're fine. You don't seem fast talking to me! But I'm from Seattle and I hear we really sling it. Lol. I really enjoyed this review. I had checked out their website a couple weeks ago from another vlogger and I wasn't sure about the comfort. You have put me at ease. Another 10 also :) so I'm grateful for the information. Have a great day.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jodie! I love their shoes, my black pumps from them are my "comfy" heels ;)

[@TheNYCndn]

It’s not fast

[@sheamonieux3409]

Katherine Hamar, if you go to setting on the video (it looks like a little cog wheel) you can slow down her video so you can keep up. She actually speaks much like the dialogue in many 1940s movies - no suggestion needed you can pretty much choose any comedy. Do you not think it a bit self-important to ask a stranger to change an aspect of their personality to suit your whims?