Accessories, Part 2: More Reticules

Are you writing a Regency-set story or a reenactor thinking about whipping up the perfect costume for an 1815-set ball? Following up on the first post in our new series on women’s fashion accessories in the Regency era, here are more reticules for your viewing pleasure.

Once again, all images are from my Ackermann’s Repository collection, with a few contributions from the Lady’s Magazine, noted below. Lots more cute little drawstring closure-type bags, but some surprisingly modern looking ones as well. Happy accessorizing!

Walking Dress, March 1815:

Carriage Dress, December 1816:

Carriage Dress, January 1818 (from a mourning dress, incidentally--the full image is here:

Walking Dress, November 1819:

Walking Dress November 1820:

Evening Dress, February 1821:

Walking Dress, December 1821:

Walking Dress, March 1822:

Promenade Dress, January 1824--I love the shell shape!:

Evening Dress, March 1824 (Lady’s Magazine):

Promenade Dress, July 1824:

Morning Dress, May 1826:

Carriage Costume, September 1826--though I think this is more a change purse than a reticule, don't you think?

Walking Dress, December 1827 (Lady’s Magazine):

Dinner Dress, March 1828:

Carriage Costume, April 1828:

Accessories: Part 1, Reticules

Welcome to the start of a new fashion series on NineteenTeen that will focus not on dresses and gowns (gorgeous as they are) but on the little things that complete a fashionable ensemble—hats, shoes, gloves, purses, and other accessories.

Look for lots of images rather than commentary, though I’ll try to supply original text if I have it—the point is to be able to examine multiple examples of each item. Images will be drawn from my collection of prints from British publications including Ackermann’s Repository, La Belle Assemblée, The Lady’s Magazine, Phillips’ Fashions of London and Paris, and others.

So let’s begin with reticules or, as it is sometimes spelled, "ridicules." Interestingly, I found very few images of them except in Ackermann’s plates, so all of the following are from that publication.  I'll note the plate title to give you an idea of what each reticule was being worn with; unsurprisingly, most are depicted with walking or promenade dresses, which would have been worn when shopping or doing other daytime, public occupations when it might be necessary to carry money, a notepad, and other necessities. These date from 1810 to 1814.  Enjoy!

Walking dress, May 1810:

Walking dress, June 1810:

Promenade dress, July 1810:

Walking dress, January 1811:

Promenade dress, June 1811:

Walking dress, August 1811:

 Walking dress, October 1811:

Walking dress, November 1811:

Polish Walking dress, January 1812:

Half dress, January 1812:

Walking dress, February 1812:

Walking dress, May 1812:

Morning costume, October 1812:

Morning walking dress, January 1813:

Opera dress, January 1813:

Carriage dress, April 1813:

Walking dress, June 1814:

Walking dress, October 1814:

What Nineteenth Century Book Readers Want for Christmas

And the shopping season is upon us!  In case you have yet to make your list for your family and friends or yourself, I thought it might behoove us to look at some of the lovely things out there for aficionados of the early nineteenth century.

No writer epitomizes early nineteenth century England more than Jane Austen, so it’s no surprise to find a plethora of Austen-themed items in the offing.  Take this cute tote bag from Café Press.  And yes, I do on occasion randomly (mis)quote the great Jane. 

The Jane Austen Gift Shop in the UK is also offering a number of lovely pieces, including a tea towel that says “Keep calm and read Jane Austen.”  Watch for timing of overseas purchases to make sure they will arrive in time for your gift-giving.

Then again, if you simply want to live like Jane, you can find modern merchandise recreating the era, such as these reticules on Etsy.  

Then there are gifts for those of us who write, whether our thoughts on the day or the great American novel.  Try this fountain pen-inspired necklace, also on Etsy. 

Or perhaps a journal with that old-fashioned feel.  

Finally, for the geek in all of us, I give you the perfect glasses, with lenses that angle 90 degrees so you can read in comfort from any direction.  

Please add to the list, my dears!  What are you hoping for this Christmas?  What else should savvy readers of stories set in the nineteenth century long to receive?