Monday, January 31, 2011

Victorian MacGyver







Earlier this week, I came across these images of Victorian Chatelaines in an issue of Country Living Magazine. I have seen certain pieces like the scissors and measuring tape, eye-glass holders and ketchalls but I had no idea of the range of cool gadgets these Victorian women carried around on their necks or hips. It seems they could be ready for anything like say...

~ Crossing a muddy street in an unseemly part of town when a kind gentlemen accidentally steps on your petticoat and rips the lace. Embarrassed he offers to pay you for the damage, but only has half of what he deems as a necessary payment, so he gives you the name and address of his tailor and bids you farewell~

No problem! Here are a few things you might need~
Acorn perfume vial- Acorns were a symbol of fertility during the Victorian era
Retractable lead pencil~ Pretty much the same design used today
Celluloid and Silver Notebook~ Pages could actually be wiped clean and used again
Umbrella Needle case~sewing notions were often kept at the ready
Nail file~ We all still carry these!
Matchbook case~ because you never know and MacGyver would be proud
Shoe hook~ have you seen all of the buttons on those boots!
Dress clip~ I really like this one and if ever really long skirts come back into vogue...
Compact Mirror case~ with amethyst glass dial

Other popular chatelaine accessories are the change purse, magnifying glass, thimble and thread holders, vinaigrette, glove clamps and whatever else may have been of use to your station or profession. Needless to say is that I will be on the hunt for a few chatelaine pieces from my favorites above. Which are your favorites?





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