Small Business Saturday 2015

First off, thank you so much for your support this year! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people through the blog and Facebook page, and I love your excitement about what I’m doing.

We’re coming up fast on the holidays, and it seems like everyone has a sale going on. I’ve never been a Black Friday shopper, but I love the Small Business Saturday trend, because I try to buy small and/or local whenever I can. I hope you don’t mind the departure from embroidery, but I want to highlight some of the fantastic small businesses in the costuming community that are offering online sales this weekend.

American Duchess Shoes: I love every pair of American Duchess shoes in my closet, but have to admit I have favorites among them. The Bronte slippers* in kid leather are so buttery soft, you really have to touch them (or pet, fondle, snuggle…) to really believe it. I gasped when I tried on the Dunmore 18th c. shoes* because they felt like a comfy pair of slippers, not shoes, and I really didn’t want to take them off. I’ve had the good luck to try on most of the styles that have been released, and can honestly say Lauren’s work is astounding, and every release is better than the last. The Bronte slippers will be one of the styles on sale this weekend, along with discounts on imperfects and returned Exclusives.

Dames a la Mode: Dames a la Mode has a brand new website, and is offering 20% off this weekend. Taylor’s reproduction collet necklaces are absolutely gorgeous, and she puts such care into the smallest details. I treated myself to a necklace and earring set in olive green for my birthday, and she was so helpful about the custom order process and getting it to me in time for Costume College.

Old Petticoat Shop: You may already know Jennifer from Historical Sewing, where she shares her wealth of knowledge about Victorian era clothing through her blog and online classes.  Old Petticoat Shop is where she brings together books, patterns, and other resources to help you create lovely undergarments, accessories, and more.

Wearing History: I had the pleasure of collaborating with Lauren this year, and am very impressed with the quality of her patterns and how thoroughly she tests them. Her attention to detail takes vintage patterns from a confusing mess of lines and dots to a beautiful, easy to use pattern with clean lines and great sizing. She offers them in both print and e-pattern formats, and has beautifully sewn and styled samples to inspire you.  She is offering 25% off site wide on Wearing History patterns and ready-to-wear clothing this weekend.

And yes, Romantic Recollections also has a Small Business Saturday sale running – 15% off custom orders and 25% off all embroidery designs through Tuesday, December 1st.

Even if you don’t plan to do any holiday shopping, I hope you take some time to check out these great businesses and see what they are all about. Historical costuming has come a long way since I started almost 20 years ago, mostly due to the amazing women and entrepreneurs out there who have found a way to share their passion and knowledge with the rest of us.

Do you have any favorite shops I missed? Let me know in the comments so I can check them out!

*Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. If you want to see a full list of the products I use, check out the Products I Love page.