Ballroom with Style - but still searching...

I am a fan of Ballrooms, there are a lot in Second Life, very good ones - but i am still searching for one that combines style with some BDSM Elements - somebody have seen that everywhere? Maybe with some Victorian, Edwardarian or 1940-60s influence? Let me know.

While searching today i stumbled across this stunning place! The Rose Theatre - surely one of the most and best designed places i have seen in Second Life - but again a empty place, at the time i was there of course. Have a look if you interested in nice designs!

Read more »

Some history and theories about Victorian Balls

As you know i have some interests in vintage, especially victorian times. Maybe there is to much of that currently on this blog. But i cant resist to give you some insight information of victorian balls. Maybe helpfull for Ladies and Gents, and all others as maids or young ladies that take part in such a festivity.

It was in the ballroom that Victorian society was on its best behavior. Everything there was regulated according to the strictest code of good-breeding, and as any departure from this code became a grave offense, it was indispensable that the etiquette of the Victorian ballroom was thoroughly mastered. The following hints on 19^th century Victorian ballroom dancing concentrate on the period from the 1840s to the mid-1860s. 







PREPARATIONS

There were various ways of organizing a Victorian ball — the most common one was for several people, interested in dancing, to meet together and choose a Committee of Arrangements or Managers, as they were sometimes called. It was their duty to procure a hall, engage a quadrille band, make arrangements for the supper, and issue invitations to those they wanted to attend the dance. It was the special duty of one or more of the committee to attend to each of the above duties for the Victorian dance. The number of the committee varied from five to twenty, according to the amount of services to be performed. If the invitations for the dance were to be sent to adjoining towns, at least one of the committee was chosen from each town, or in case there were several villages in the town, one from each village. On the evening of the Victorian ball, two or more of the committee would be chosen as ballroom dancing floor managers, to see that the sets were full, and that all persons wishing for dancing partners were supplied; and also to direct the music, as well as to decide any questions that may arise in the Victorian ballroom.

Victorian military and fire engine companies, clubs and associations often gave a single dance or perhaps a series of parties—the same committee officiating during the different evenings. Furthermore, it was the custom for teachers of ballroom dancing, in connection with their schools, to open their rooms to the public after nine o'clock in the evening.  Any proper person could, for a small sum of usually fifty cents, join in the amusements. These Victorian parties usually ended at about twelve o'clock, while Victorian dances generally continued some hours later.

Sometimes Victorian balls were organized by some speculator, who generally managed the whole matter himself. Victorian balls of this class were not always select, as the invitations were given to the public in general, and persons deemed “improper” too frequently gained admission. 

Refreshments would be provided for the guests during the evening; and, as nothing would be passed around the Victorian ballroom, a refreshment room was absolutely necessary. Provided in the refreshment room was tea and coffee, ices, biscuits, cakes, cracker-bonbons, cold tongues, and sandwiches.  If a regular supper was served it would be laid in a separate room. To order it in from a confectioner or caterer was the simplest plan, but it often proved somewhat expensive. If provided at home, it was done on a liberal, but not vulgarly profuse, scale. Substantial fare, such as fowls, ham, tongue, etc., was absolutely necessary. Jellies, blanc-mange, trifle, tipsy cake, etc., would be added at discretion. Nothing upon the table would require carving; the fowls would be cut up beforehand, and held together by ribbons. Whatever could be iced would be served in that way.



VICTORIAN DRESS FOR LADIES

A Victorian lady, in dressing for a ball, first needed to consider the delicate question of age; and next, that of her position, whether married or single. She would then reflect on the simplicity of her attire, the elegance of the design of her gown, and then the propriety of colors.
As everything about a Victorian ballroom would be light, gay, and the reverse of depressing, it was permitted for elderly ladies who did not dance to assume a lighter style of dress than would be proper at the dinner table, concert, or opera.

The gown of the married and unmarried lady, however youthful the former, would be distinctly marked. Silk dresses were, as a rule, objectionable for those who danced; but the married lady could appear in a moiré of a light tint, or even in a white silk, if properly trimmed with tulle and flowers. Flowers or small feathers were stylish for the head; jewelry would be very sparingly displayed, a single bracelet was quite sufficient for those who danced.
Young unmarried ladies would wear Victorian dresses of light materials — the lighter the better. Tarlatane, gauze, tulle, areophane, net, the finest muslin, lace, and all similar fabrics, were available; such Victorian dresses would be worn over a silk slip.
Victorian ladies in deep mourning would not dance, even if they permitted themselves to attend a Victorian ball.  For those in mourning, black and scarlet or violet was the proper attire. When the mourning permitted dancing, white with mauve, violet or black trimmings and flounces was proper. A black satin dress looked best when covered with net, tarlatan, or crape—the latter only to be worn in mourning.

In the selection of colors a lady would consider her figure and her complexion. If slender and sylph-like, white or very light colors were generally suitable; but if inclined to be plump, these colors would be avoided, as they had the reputation of apparently adding to the hulk of the wearer. Moreover, the harmony of Victorian dress involved the idea of contrast and would be chosen with reference to the wearer; thus, a blonde appeared to most advantage in delicate hues, such as pink, salmon, light blue, maize, apple green, white, and so forth. The brunette would, on the contrary, select rich and brilliant colors.
The head-dress for the evening would be in unison with the Victorian gown, though ladies who had a profusion of beautiful hair required little or no artificial ornament; a simple flower was all that was necessary. To those who were less gifted in this respect, wreaths were generally thought becoming. A tall lady would avoid wearing anything across the head, as that added to her apparent height. A “chaplet” or a “drooping wreath” would, therefore, be preferable.


All the accessories for the evening — gloves, shoes, flowers, fans, and the opera cloak—would be fresh and new. Inattention in this matter spoiled the effect of the most impressive gown. White gloves were appropriate for the Victorian ballroom: in mourning they were sewn with black. The gloves would be faultless as to fit, and never be removed from the hands in the ballroom. It was proper for those who dance to be provided with a second pair to replace the others when soiled or in case they split, or if the buttons came off. White satin shoes were worn with light colored dresses; and black or bronze with dark dresses. It was also stylish for boots to be worn in the ballroom; these were of kid, satin, or silk, either white or matching the dress in color.

VICTORIAN DRESS FOR GENTLEMEN The attire in which a Victorian gentleman could present himself in a ballroom was strictly defined. He would wear a black superfine dress-coat, pair of well-fitting pants of the same color, and a black or white vest. The Victorian ball-suit would be of the very best cloth, new and glossy and of the latest style as to the cut. The waistcoat would be low, so as to disclose an ample shirt-front, fine and delicately plaited; it was not embroidered, but small gold studs were used for decoration. He would also have a black or white cravat, tie or stock—the necktie would be of a washing texture, not silk, and not set off with embroidery. In addition, included were a pair of patent leather boots with low heels; white kid gloves–not straw-color or lavender; and a white linen cambric handkerchief. The hair would be well dressed, without too many curls; the whole effect would be in perfect keeping with the general appearance. Excess of jewelry would not be worn: simple studs, gold solitaire sleeve-links, and a watch chain—massive with charms and appendages. Perfumes would be avoided as effeminate; if used at all, only for the handkerchief, they would be of the very best scent so as not to offend.
THE NIGHT OF THE VICTORIAN BALL In calling for the lady invited, the Victorian gentleman would be punctual at the hour appointed. If he ordered a carriage, he handed her in first, and sat opposite to her unless she requested him to change his position. They were not obliged to go exactly at the appointed hour; it was even fashionable to go an hour later. Victorian married ladies were accompanied by their husbands; unmarried ones by their mother or by a chaperon. In leaving the carriage, the Victorian gentleman preceded the lady and assisted her in descending, he would then conduct her to the ladies' dressing room, leaving her in the charge of the maid, while he went to the gentlemen's apartments to divest himself of overcoat, hat, and boots. The lady in the meantime, after arranging her Victorian dress, retired to the ladies' sitting-room or awaited the gentleman’s arrival at the door of the dressing-room. A cloak-room for the ladies was usually provided, with one or two maids to receive the shawls or cloaks. The maids would also render any assistance in the way of arranging hair or dress, repairing a torn dress, or any necessity of that kind.  In this room there would be several mirrors, with a supply of hair-pins, needles and thread, pins, and similar trifles. A hat room for Victorian gentlemen was also available with tickets, numbered in duplicate for the articles belonging to the ladies and gentlemen that were left in the charge of the attendants. With two tickets of each number, one of these was pinned on the coat or cloak as it was handed in, and the other given to the owner. By this means the property of each guest was identified, and confusion at the time of departure was prevented.
IN THE VICTORIAN BALLROOM

The floor-managers gave the order to the orchestra to commence, and also took the lead in entering the Victorian ballroom. The Victorian gentleman either joined in the promenade, or conducted his lady to a seat.  Upon entering the ballroom, the gentleman’s first duty was to procure a program for his partner, and to introduce his friends, who placed their names on her card for the dances engaged. The sound of a trumpet was generally the signal for the assembly to take their positions on the floor for dancing. A gentleman would, in all cases, dance the first set with the lady in company with him, after which he could exchange partners with a friend; or dance again with her, as circumstances or inclination would dictate.

A Victorian lady could not refuse the invitation of a gentleman to dance, unless she had already accepted that of another, for she would be guilty of an incivility. Ladies who danced often, would be very careful not to boast of the great number of dances for which they were engaged in advance before those who danced but little or not at all. They would also, without being seen, recommend these less fortunate ladies to gentlemen of their acquaintance.  At a private ball or party, a lady would show reserve, and not show more preference for one gentleman than another; moreover, she would dance with all who asked properly.
The master of the house would see that all the ladies danced; he would take notice particularly of those who appeared to be wall-flowers, and would see that they were invited to dance.  But he would do this wholly unperceived, in order not to wound the self-esteem of the unfortunate ladies. Gentlemen, whom the master of the house requested to dance with these ladies, would be ready to accede to his wish, and even appear pleased at dancing with the lady recommended. Frequently, some young Victorian gentlemen breached the rules of proper etiquette; they were so very particular that they considered it a remarkable inconvenience to dance with a lady unless she happened to be very pretty and interesting. Those young men rarely brought ladies with them, and were constantly bothering their friends and the floor managers to be introduced to the best dancers and the prettiest young ladies that they saw in the room. If there were not as many gentlemen as ladies present; two ladies were permitted to dance together in order to fill up a set, or two gentlemen could dance if there were a shortage of ladies. But it was not proper for ladies to refuse to dance with gentlemen, and afterwards dance together, or for gentlemen to do the same after having refused to be introduced to ladies. Engaged persons would not dance together too often; it was in bad taste; furthermore, it was considered a violation of etiquette for man and wife to dance together.

When introduced to a lady, a Victorian gentleman was particular about how he asked her to dance, and the manner in which he bowed to her, and also of requesting to see her card; ladies were susceptible of first impressions, and it depended a good deal upon the manner in which the gentleman first presented himself.  In requesting a lady to dance, he stood at a proper distance, bent the body gracefully, accompanied by a slight motion of the right hand in front, he looked at her amicably, and respectfully said, “Will you do me the honor to dance with me;” or “Shall I have the pleasure of dancing with you;” or “Will you be pleased, or will you favor me with your hand for this or the next dance.” He remained in the position he had assumed until the lady signified her intention, by saying, “With pleasure sir,” or “I regret I am engaged sir.” The gentleman would then place his name on her card, and after having made the necessary arrangements, he would politely bow and withdraw. 

When a Victorian gentleman danced with a lady to whom he was a stranger, he was cautious in his conversation.  When the music ended, he bowed to his partner, presented his right arm, and led her to her seat; if the seat was occupied, he would politely ask her to what part of the hall she would like to be conducted; he would also bow as she took her seat.  The gentleman was not at liberty to sit by her side, unless he was on terms of intimacy.  Would he wish to dance with a lady with whom he was not acquainted, he applied first to his friends, who would try to procure for him the desired introduction.  If not, the Victorian gentleman would make application to one of the floor managers, who would introduce him if he was acquainted with the lady; otherwise the floor manager would not present him without first demanding the consent of the lady. The etiquette of the ballroom differed slightly in the country.  In country ballrooms, generally a gentleman would ask any lady to dance with him and, after an introduction, could enter into conversation or promenade with her through the room without being considered guilty of breeching proper etiquette.

Victorian gentlemen would attempt to entertain the ladies who danced with them with a little conversation, hopefully more novel than the weather and the heat of the room; and in round dances they would be particularly careful to guard them from collisions, and to see that their dresses were not torn. A gentleman would not engage a lady for more than four dances during the evening, as it could deprive her of the pleasure of dancing with those of her friends who may arrive at a later hour; besides much familiarity was out of place in a ballroom. At the end of the dance, the gentleman conducted the lady to her place, bowed and thanked her for the honor which she had presented. She also bowed in silence, smiling with a gracious air. Nevertheless, no Victorian gentleman could take advantage of a ballroom introduction because it was given with a view to one dance only, and would certainly not warrant a gentleman in going any further than asking a lady to dance the second time. Out of the ballroom such an introduction had no meaning whatsoever.  If those who had danced together met the next day in the street, the gentleman would not venture to bow, unless the lady chose to recognize him—if he did bow, he would not expect any acknowledgment of his greeting nor take offense if it was withheld. In a private Victorian ball or party, it was proper for a lady to show reserve, and not manifest more preference for one gentleman than another— she would dance with all who asked properly. Ladies would avoid talking too much during the dance; it was also in bad taste to whisper continually in the ear of her partner. Ladies would avoid affectation, frowning, quizzing, or the slightest indication of ill-temper.  No loud laughter, loud talking, or staring would be seen in a lady's behavior.  It was recommended that every lady stop dancing the moment she felt fatigued, or had any difficulty in breathing.  Married or young ladies could not leave a ballroom, or any other party, alone. The former would be accompanied by one or two other married ladies, and the latter by their mother, or by a lady to represent her.

AT THE END OF THE BALL Assemblies, such as Victorian balls, would be left quietly in order not to disturb the master and mistress of the house. If the party was small, it was permissible to bow to the hostess; but if the company was large, this was not necessary.  After a private ball it was proper etiquette to call at the house within a week to discuss the pleasure of the ball, and the good selection of the company; but it was also sufficient to leave a card.

Read more »

A Maids live....

This week RL was a bit more in focus, but enough time to think about of a bit of victorian times...

...especially about maids in the 19th century - here is some RL background for thinking about maids live at that times:

"A large majority of working-class girls in Victorian England entered domestic service at a young age.  Many began searching for placement by the time they had reached the age of twelve or thirteen, and by mid-century, the age when girls began searching for placement dropped to even younger ages, some girls were as young as eight years old when they first hired on! Most domestic servants were from a rural background because country boys and girls were considered more manageable and adaptable, as well as harder working than urban children.

The young servant’s first position was usually in a local country household before being placed into service in an urban household some 20-30 miles away because most employers did not wish to take into employment domestics from their own immediate area. They feared the young girls would take gossip about the family back to the local community; or they might have suitors following after them; or they might, at the first opportunity, run away back to their own homes.  It would be in this first position where a young girl could gain a little experience by helping with household chores, cooking, or taking care of children.

As noted in the 1871 census, almost 20% of all “nurses” in full-time domestic service were under the age of 15.  In fact, on the 1871 census, there were 710 girls listed that were employed as nurses, who were under the age of ten!

For most of these very young girls, life away from their own homes would be very different for them.   These first insignificant positions taught the girls some of the strict household standards they could expect in their future placements.  Even in the most unpretentious middle-class home, life was apt to be undeniably more demanding than they had experienced in their own cramped and impecunious living situation.  Many of these children would be placed in homes without even knowing the proper names of and uses for the common kitchen utensils and pieces of furniture that they would be expected to clean.  For most, this lack of knowledge was simply due to having never seen or used these items in their own lives, and this particular difficulty was most evident when children who came from orphanages and workhouses were placed into services. Although these youngsters were no strangers to hard work (having been expected to scrub floors, walls, and clean heavy rough wooden furniture in the orphanage), they had not a clue about the handling of expensive and delicate china pieces, or how to balance a tea tray, etc.  Sometimes the girls were just considered “stupid” because they were unfamiliar with the precious items found in even the humblest of middle-class homes.  Because of this, it was not uncommon for “better” families to avoid hiring workhouse girls. Typically, it was among artisans, small shopkeepers, and other employers where these young girls were most likely to find work.

As soon as a servant had received his or her placement, the daily rounds of hard work immediately began.  Hard work was, of course, the only way in which to accomplish the cleaning of a Victorian home.

Specific tasks were carried out, as defined by the strict , yet necessary daily routines of each staff member.

Each individual position carried its own list of expectations, which the servant was required to meet."

Here is an example of some of the rules that the servants had to follow

1 - When being spoken to, stand still, keeping your hands quiet, and always look at the person speaking.

2 - Never let your voice be heard by the ladies and gentlemen of the household, unless they have spoken directly to you a question or statement which requires a response, at which time, speak as little as possible.

3 - In the presence of your mistress, never speak to another servant or person of your own rank, or to a child, unless only for necessity, and then as little as possible and as quietly as possible.

4 - Never begin to talk to the ladies or gentlemen, unless to deliver a message or to ask a necessary question, and then, do it in as few words as possible.

5 - Whenever possible, items that have been dropped, such as spectacles or handkerchiefs, and other small items, should be returned to their owners on a salver.

6 - Always respond when you have received an order, and always use the proper address:  “Sir”, “Ma’am”, “Miss” or “Mrs,” as the case may be.

7 - Never offer your opinion to your employer.
8 - Always “give room”:  that is, if you encounter one of your betters in the house or on the stairs, you are to make yourself as invisible as possible, turning yourself toward the wall and averting your eyes.

9 - Except in reply to a salutation offered, never say “good morning” or “good night” to your employer.

10 - If you are required to walk with a lady or gentleman in order to carry packages, or for any other reason, always keep a few paces back.

11 - You are expected to be punctual to your place at mealtime

12 - You shall not receive any Relative, Visitor or Friend into the house, nor shall you introduce any person into the Servant’s Hall, without the consent of the Butler or Housekeeper.

13 - Followers are strictly forbidden.  Any member of the female staff who is found to be fraternizing shall be immediately dismissed.

14 - Expect that any breakages or damages in the house shall be deducted from your wages.   



Here is a list of the average wages of female servants - These figures were collected by the Board of Trade in the 1890's.


          Age         Annual Wage
Between Maid     19         £10 - 7s
Scullery Maid     19         £13
Kitchen Maid     20         £15
Housemaid     21 - 25     £16 - 2s
Parlour Maid     25 - 30     £20 - 6s
Cook         25 - 30     £20 - 2s
Lady's Maid     30 - 36     £24 - 7s
Housekeeper     40         £35 - 6s
Housekeeper     40         £52 - 5s


In 1888 Butlers earned £45 per annum and had no expenses except clothes. They would make up their income from such perks as tradesman offering discounts to receive continued orders. Butlers would also collect the end of candles and one bottle of wine for every six opened.

Read more »

More era dresses

One more website that offers a nice view to dresses from the past. Inspring Dresses covers Victorian back to Rococo-Times with stunning creations of dresses. So when you are interested in style have a look there.

Read more »

Steam the Hunt 5

There is so much ongoing currently, that i nearly missed the steampunk, and therefore in some areas also victorian inspired Hunt: Steam - the Hunt 5. The second time this year this hunt is running. If you want to take part you have to hurry, last day will be the 30th of September. Some friends sent me some informations about a few cute things to get there for free, mostly furnitures.

There official homepage for this hunt, with all necessary informations: http://steamthehunt.blogspot.com/

A quite good looking 30s inspired dress is this from Curious Seamstress @ The Carrington in Seraph City. I will have later (when Lindens return) a look in some other creations from them, especially the edwardian ones look nice. Picture taken at my place: Beauty-Parade.

And of course a victorian dress. Did i reach the amount of 40 different now? This one comes from ezura. Pictue taken at: City of Pain -  a BDSM friendly residential sim in victorian style.

Read more »

Webfind: Stunning Edwardian

While traveling the web today i stumbled over this stunning picture. It has such a quality nearly looks like for nowadays. Besides the dress is stunning itself of course.

Read more »

Uniforms at Victiorian Discipline

From what i have learned, there are a lot that like uniforms. I do by myself...mostly the short skirted ... smiles so we had today some uniform event at Victorian Discipline that was not so strict on holding the rules
for the dress for that period of time. But there were a lot still looking around quite fashionable in victorian inspired uniforms. Many thanks to everybody that takes part!

Victorian Discipline in SL!

Read more »

New victorian/edwardian Fashion

Today some new dresses i get recently into my closet. The first attire is a afternoon dress for wearing throughout the week, mostly used when lessons to our students are done.

Dress : Montagne Noire - La Vie en Ville - ruby 
Gloves: CKD Chantilly Lace Gloves Rose Pink
Shoes (hardly seen :) ): VvB 6inch COURT Shoe BLACK
Jewelery: Lazuri Classic Pearl Necklace
Makeup: [Curves]Vamp Make up 

 
The summer is near, but the next winter will follow also, that is for sure. So i get this new winter outfit. For a complete mesh Outfit it looks good, as i am often not satisfied with the qualtiy of mesh outfits.

Mesh Outfit: ~LP~ Tattersall Suit (only available on the Marketplace)

And yes even in victorian or edwardian Times it sometime up to, to show a bit more, especially when going out in the evening.

Dress: CP Victoria from CRAZY PASTRY DESIGNS

Read more »

Real-Life Historic Corsets

While vistiting the web i have found another worth to visit webpage, that gives a good overview of different fashion and corset styles from the 19th and early 20th century: www.corsetsandcrinolines.com

Especially, the so called S-Bend Corsets, one of my favourite corsetform, on the page are worth to look at. And if you are rich you are even able to buy an orginial period cosume or corset.

Have a look and fun!

Read more »

Shopping again...

I am definitly a shopahaloic :) - even there will be never the time to wear all dresses, stunnings designs have to wander to my wardrobe. In SL thats even a bit a easier as in Real Live.

First dress is a corset dress, i know it looks a bit like the other mermaid, dresses but this has a nice lacing on the backside. Maybe a bit tight for the unexperienced tightlacer :) ... i still feel my breath very shortened when wearing this dress. Therefore this time also a second picture with a view to my back. The dress comes from a shop
called Schadenfreude - also availabe in three other colors. Price L$500. Every dress has several options you can wear it, as long mermaid style dress, knee-length dress, overbust or underbust corset.

Pictures were taken at the Rose Theatre.




Second new outfit i get for my self is a bit more vintage 1950's styled. All parts of the Dress come from Artilleri a shop specialiasied in Retro and Rockabilly clothes.

Shirt: Darla top in red (also available in seven other colors): L$120L.

As i like pencil skirts the most i added the Gina Highwaist Pencil Skirt also for L$120 also seven other colors are available.

And it was time for again some new hair. Also in 50s style with a nice drapery with up to 60 different colors called Trixie for L$200 from Artilleri also.

The pictures were taken at a Vintage 1950s styled BDSM sim, yes finally found one called Dom/meberry.

Last but not least it was also time for one more victorian dress. From a new shopping discovery i made called Steambound which covers  clothing, corsetry, gowns, ensembles, mostly Victorian, Steampunk, and Gothic styles, but you can also find some leather, BDSM, and contemporary styles. The dress you see on the picture is called Elizabeth and available for L$350 (without the parasol that i get longer time ago from some other place).

Read more »

Long Isand Staylace Association is always worth a visit!

There is one website that is always worth a vistit: Long Island Staylace Associtation - it will suprise you always with some stunning informations on really get laced in corsets...as i am not so much in pictures, it will give you some stunning interesting things to discover...

Besides some pictures you will find there if you look a little bit deeper on that website everything you know how to achive a stunning waist:

Excerpt from a corset-related newspaper posting, proffered by Stephen K.:

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 5th of November 1907

“If you want to get on, lace tightly.” This is the advice to girls in business given by a “lady secretary.” Writing to a London morning paper, she says:— “I was in an office with about twenty girls for three or four years—just one of the crowd. One winter, on the advice of a friend, I commenced tight lacing. My slack twenty-four-inch waist I laced into nineteen inches at once, and found the sensation delightful. More than this,
I soon saw my figure was attracting attention. I was called in by the manager to do some special work. That was the beginning. Now I am
receiving many compliments, and £4 a week and a bonus at Christmas. So my advice is: Don’t spend your money on fancy blouses and cheap jewellery, but on really good corsets and plain, well-fitting bodices and skirts.”

Look at Staylace!

Read more »

Punishment for smoking? Yes possible at Victorian Discipline

Redath (green dress - most right) at Victorian Discipline

Yes thats possible at one of my favourite places in Second Life: Victorian Discipline. That helpless girl in the corner was catched as she was smoking. Surely not a good behaviour for a young lady - and that requires some immediate action. Victorian Discipline is a place where good mannors are still important, where girls and of course boys could be educated to be a good member of the victorian community in every way. It's a light roleplay place, where it is apreciated if you are dressed in some kind of fashion from the 19th century - but not necessary a requirement to join it. Some beginning or progressed behaviour in the normal way of that times is also apreciated, Me personally love the most people that are hanging around there or doing some things. The manor house itself is currently in some reconstruction but offers all necessary thing for a strict, spanking, well behaved or corsetted evening. Have a look around.

Victorian Discpline in Second Life - give it a try! And have fun!

Read more »

More about Mrs. Enver

Mrs. Enver at her nearly daily lessons about manners and behaviour

You all read a bit about Christine Enver and her stay in the academy. I would like to give you some insight into her biography over the next weeks. She was so nice to write a bit of her story down, with some help of course, as her glasses make it difficult to read and write. Together with that you will see some pictures of her daily life currently at the academy for sophisticated ladyship.

32 years ago I was born. My childhood was very nice. I'm safely grown, with total love of my parents. When I got older, I noticed that I was different than the others. I was not as pretty as most major other. And as I got older and become a woman was, I become aware of the differences even more. I
got a big bust, but not the way it is most major girl wished, it began to hang out at an early stage. My belly was bigger, and he was not nice to look at. My legs were not as slim as at other girls. All I started at school laugh. I was the ugly duck.

Going shopping - did she like to be dressed so old fashioned?

 I become older and was nearly an adult. No boy around me looked at me - and the reason was obvious. Over becoming a woman i get for some reasons, maybe genetic reasons, nice breasts as men like that, large but sadly not firm. I was 17 when i discoverd that sagging breasts like mine, some like but not the most.




My parents come from a rich family, both. But unfortunately had my father was not so lucky in business, and we had financial Problems. By the time I get to know Sandra, she was a good friend and admit we were a little more than friends. We began to love us, I do not know why, but maybe because I'm not a boy, as ugly as I was looked at. But then, my parents came up with the idea myself with a man to marry. No, I did not even know. Somehow, this famil related to us, and her son was very successful. Therefore met our üarents well, and two months later I was married. Rather old-fashioned, but I did not know I should do about it wass. Now I was his wife, against my
Will.

Mrs. Enver at the pool - always well dressed.

More to come of her life ...soon on this blog. 

 .

Read more »

The edwardian party

Sadly there were not a lot of people around to visit our little costume party at the sanatorium, but still enough to have some fun. You see me dancing here with a former debutant of the sanatorium. We will keep on with our parties...the next will follow soon...Best in Edwardian Dress was: Chymira Rose.

Read more »

The world of pictures

If you want ever know what style of dressing interests me in RL on me or on you have a look on my new tumblr account, a collection of styles that i like - even when they would be available in SL....

Read more »

Corset Fiction: Alison

Staylace.com has a new corsetting story on their page. Its quite short but still worth to have a look at. You find the experiences of Alison with Tightlacing here.

Read more »

Victorian Beach Party with Discipline

Today was the day of the striped bathingsuits at Victorian Discipline. Another event for some come together with some fun at the beach. Mostly the crowd was dresses in fashion of the 19th century, besides while events VicD is not so strict at the rules of dressing. Was a funny afternoon at the beach. Visit VicD today for some more fun :)

Read more »

Victorian SEA-SIDE ETIQUETTE

And today something on victorian behaviour for the beach.

The bathing machine, or van, was a necessary component of sea-side etiquette in the 19th century. Bathing machines were most common at the sea-side resorts of Great Britain but were also used at beaches in the United States, France and Germany. The use of this device was more strictly enforced for women who had to endure a variety of discomforts which far outweighed any possible compensation of a day at the sea.  The men had the best of it; they were allowed to bathe in drawers, and could plunge off one of the small boats that often patrolled along the front of the beach. Meanwhile, the vans and bathing-places for women were set far apart from those reserved for men, to guarantee that the modest woman in her bathing costume would not be seen by the opposite sex.  Nevertheless, they often were still open to the gaze of spectators on the beach, who were usually not fenced off from the female bathers.

The bathing machine was like a sentry-box on wheels; it was about six feet in length and width, and about eight feet high, with a peaked roof.  Some had solid wooden walls; others had canvas walls over a wooden frame. Sometimes the windowless box was colored with the fantastic lavishness of a canal-boat, and sometimes the whole of the superficial space was covered with advertisements. The bathing machine had a door behind and in front, and as the floor was four feet above the ground, it had to be reached by a step-ladder.  The contents of the bathing machine consisted of a bench, a damp flannel gown, and two towels. The only light was from an unglazed opening in the roof; there was no mirror, and no fresh-water. The bathing machine was wheeled or slid down into the water; some were pulled in and out of the surf by a pair of horses with a driver and others by human power.

Having left her "valuables" in the hands of the bathing-woman whose office was in a small wooden box, the female bather would closet herself and, in the privacy of the machine, would change into her bathing dress, placing her street garments into a raised compartment where the clothing would remain dry.  When (in the opinion of the bathing machine operator) she had ample time to disrobe, the van was lowered to the edge of the water, and generally shaking the occupant violently as it rolled over the pebbles.  

The bather then entered the surf by the front door, descending by another step-ladder like the one behind; and if she could not swim, the portly and sunburned attendant encircled the bather’s waist with a strong cord, attaching the shore end to the van. This precaution was very necessary at the British seaside, for often the slope of the beach was precipitous, and the water broke upon it with a sudden and vindictive force which often knocked down those who were weak. She, who fifteen minutes earlier had a smiling face with silken hair woven into obedient folds, stands in a line with half a dozen or more other bathers, each tied to a van. The shapeless bathing dress that covered her is all bedraggled; her hair is tangled and matted.  In the spirit of the moment, she dashes handfuls of water into her face, and paddles with her feet; and all the time she is preoccupied and fearful lest one of the violent waves should catch her unawares. When she has splashed for ten minutes or a quarter of an hour, and is unspeakably disheveled, the bathing-woman hauls her in; thus completing her sea-side experience.

In Second Life i searched a while for a victorian beach but did not find one. Long time ago there was one nice one at a sim called Victoriana which is gone. So i made our own beach and of course with a bathing machine....

 

 

Read more »

Meanwhile....

Its summer time, even a perfect lady, becomes a bit lazy sometimes. So i was a bit lazy about posting here on the blog recently. Some short impressions from my academy today - what happens in the last weeks. Our debutant Maria was dressed in her debutant attir as you see on the picture. The nice thing about beeing a mistress sometimes, is that you can order other ones in this case on of our more experienced girls to teach Maria in Lady Rules. Besides i could check also if our experienced girl susan has learned her rules also well.

But - after that lesson in Lady Rules it was time to check the advance of waisttraining on Susan. I make sure to show her myself and the perfect waist she has to gain. Maria our debutant had to attend to see what will happen to her soon also.

A few weeks ago we joined our beach. Yes sometimes it also time to relax a bit for our students. But of course several rules for behaviour apply also for a stay at the beach. The girl wearing the burqa is one of our maids, she was dressed in it for punishment reasons.

Read more »

Edwardian Costume Party

After i had some RL things to do it is again time for a special event at the Vintage Sanatorium. This time it will be a little costume party. We step a bit further back in time, to days of the early 20th century - the edwardian times. Also the time of the Titanc, which was left this year 100 years ago. So it is time to slip in your favourite vitage gown and join us at 21st of May for some fun. Dresscode: Edwardian, also allowed victorian and early 20s style (as edwardian dresses are a bit rare in SL). A nice formal gown will match also. Formal for the gents, and yes you are invited also....

Read more »