Carnet de bal

The Carnet de bal, the programme du bal or the Dance card, is a little booklet, usually with a decorative cover, which lists dance titles, and provides a place for a lady to write in the name of the gentleman who promises to partner her for each specific dance.

Crinoline

A Crinoline is a stiff or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman’s skirt, popular in the mid-19th century. Originally, crinoline was described as a stiff fabric made of horsehair (“crin”) and cotton or linen which was used to make underskirts and as a dress lining.

Tea gown

The Tea gown (also Tea dress) is type of lady’s home dress, loose-fitting dress, but sometimes belted. The lady wore a Tea gown at home, with her family and closest friends, but not for special occasions, for example, receiving guests or a dinner party.

Chantilly lace

The Chantilly lace (fr. La dentelle de Chantilly) is a handmade bobbin lace named after the city of Chantilly (France). In the 17th century, the Duchesse de Longueville organised the manufacture of lace at Chantilly.

Glasses

Types of glasses. The first eyeglasses were made in Northern Italy, most likely in Pisa, by about 1290 (or 1284). Initially, glasses were worn on the nose or held in the hand.

Swiss waist

The Swiss waist is fashionable accessory; bodice (corselet; corsage) or belt. The accessory was inspired by traditional Swiss women’s clothing. The Swiss waist was popular in the mid-19th century and returned for a second time as a belt at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Spencer jacket

The Spencer is a short fitted jacket, without basque, only going down to mid-back, with long sleeves. It’s origin is attributed to an English lord, George Spencer, who allegedly burned his coat by warming himself too close to the fireplace.

Sleeve puffs

The Sleeve puffs is sleeve supports, special pads on the sleeves to keep in shape. They gained popularity in 1820’s-1840’s. The pads were made of cotton or linen, stuffed with cotton wool, goose feathers or down.

Turban

The Turban has come into Western fashion from the East, since the time of the Crusades. But it was especially popular in fashion in the second half of the 15th century –

Choker

A choker is a close-fitting necklace worn around the neck. Chokers can be made of a variety of materials, including velvet, plastic, beads, leather, metal, such as silver, gold or platinum, etc.

Fashion accessory

Fashion accessory is a wardrobe detail, without which it is impossible to imagine of the era. Some accessories were practical, others covered up the flaws or simply made the outfit “decent”, and still others were just beautiful knick-knacks.

Chatelaine

Chatelaine (from the French term châtelaine) A chatelaine is a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it.