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19th Century Modern

~ A blend of 19th Century interests in a Modern Day life

19th Century Modern

Tag Archives: Travel

Hardly a Saint

04 Thursday May 2017

Posted by Doyenne in Historical, Links, Modern

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1800s, 19th Century, Alochol, Books, Dogs, Drink, Gentlemen, Leisure, Literature, Non-Fiction, Pet, Shopping, Technology, Travel, Victorian

Related imageAfter a few years of covering Mother’s Day for May’s shopping post, I broke new ground last year and focused on photography related items. This year, I am honoring my eldest cousin, Bernard who was born on the 25th of the month. Yes, it is his real name. No, he has never gone by that moniker. After looking at this slice of Victoriana representation of him, perhaps you will get a better feel for the man. All images are linked to their seller’s page, unless otherwise noted.

Bernard is a self-made man, who has had many jobs and has worked for himself in various business throughout his life. The walls of his home office are lined with self-wealth books. He already owns a copy of this title, but this 1910 is wealth management cannon. I just added it to my own To Read List.

Image result for the science of getting rich book cover

As long as I have known Bernard, he’s smoked. I am not sure where and when he picked up the habit, nor am I encouraging others to try, however some Moderns use them card cases/wallets . . . but there’s this pretty cigarette holder . . . . My cousin is not an ornate man. He enjoys his simplicity in craftsmanship. Below is a Russian version made by a gentleman whom used to work for Faberge.

Russian Cigarette Case, .56-Mark, 14k Rose Gold and Sapphire, by Michael Perchin

What is a man without a best friend? Bernard loves his dogs and prefers the sleek short hair females. He’s had Basenjis and Miniature Pinschers. A Pharaoh Hound might be along the same lines. Perhaps a lovely name like Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, or Cleopatra would be fitting. While my cousin is partial to purebreds, I highly recommend adopting instead. The little cutie below is not for sale but many other are available for adoption at Petfinder.com.

Image result for pharaoh hound

My cousin is predominately a realtor, whom occasionally flips small homes. He has inspired me to go into real estate, as well, granted I have not made the official leap just yet, but he is teaching and advising me about the housing business. With small homes as a focus, this adorable one story Victorian cottage is available in Georgia at rock bottom price! White picket fence included! More photos can be seen by clicking on the image.

1884 Victorian photo

Bernard is a part of the LGQBT community and does enjoy his nights out with his friends at the club houses every so often. He likes the clean shaven youthful looking men. Ideally Hispanic, but he’s not particularly picky he says. Someone who likes the club house scene, but can also be a mature adult. The gentleman below is not for sale, either as a human being (he’s dead) or as a portrait (it’s in a museum). Titled: “Self portrait by Leon Joseph Florenitin Bonnat.

Image result for 19th century male portrait

Because his jobs are rather mobile, he is constantly on his telephone. Forever making calls, setting up meetings, dealing with clients, contractors, or just chatting with friends. He would not have been so carefree in the 19th century where loads of wires were adhered to the phone on short cords. The sleek black Jydsk hand crank pillar table telephone is actually available for sale.

Related image

Aside from his real estate profession, Bernard recently became certified to be a travel agent. So he has started up that business, just this year. It was spurred by many of the cruises he’s been on in the decades. The Hotel del Coronado in California, might be a place he would book for you. 19th century seaside resort with beautiful beaches near by. The link takes you to the hotel’s reservation site.

Image result for hotel del coronado

For those people who consume alcohol many have a particular favorite that becomes an old standby. Others go so far as to discriminate to a specific brand. Bernard, just likes his Vodka. Typically straight or on the rocks. If he is feeling feisty he might opt for the flavor version or any cocktail which includes his beloved booze. The Russian brand, Smirnoff is the number one best selling vodka brand in the world. It was established around the 1860s and was considered a favorite among the Tsar. Photo is not linked as one can purchase, Smirnoff in just about any store that sells alcohol in the United States. Bottoms up!

Image result for smirnoff

How to Pack Like a Princess

07 Friday Oct 2016

Posted by Doyenne in Historical

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1800s, 19th Century, Fashion, Jewelry, Monoarchy, Royalty, Travel, Victorian

Image result for Waiting at the Station

Waiting at the Station, Willesden Junction by James Tissot, 1874

Or any royal, foreign diplomat, or conscientious celebrity on a world tour. October and November finds me traveling a lot out of the town for business and pleasure (not the same trip). As a keen follower of the British Monarchy and casual observer of other European Royals, I have picked up some packing tips . . . I have just never implemented them . . . until now. While Queen Victoria rarely traveled for diplomatic missions or even outside of the Great Britain for any purpose, her descendants are much more savvy about royal representation and the image of the monarchy.

Previous generations of Royals would occasionally incorporate some of these factors in their travel trousseau, but now it is de rigeur for the modern monarchs. I plan on using these considerations when I travel out of state and especially out of country. I find to incorporate this list for various cities within the state seems a bit silly and “too much.”

When packing a travel wardrobe things to be mindful of:

The Weather/Season

Are you traveling to Norway in the Winter? The Amazon Jungle in Autumn? Russia in Spring? Or Africa in the Summer? Practicality trumps all, sorry fashionistas. If you wear short-shorts in the middle of Winter in Scandinavia you are not going to look attractive knocking your teeth and knees together to keep warm. Instead you will look less than intelligent. Please pack accordingly! Even the 19th century Russian monarchy wore furs in the winter.

Image result for Vladimir Pervuninsky

The First Waltz by Vladimir Pervuninsky, 19th century

Occasion/Dress Code

Does your itinerary call for you to a visit to a sheep farm in Edinburg (I’ve done this and highly encourage it–Puppies! Lambs! .. . Puppies!)? The White House Ball in DC? A sailing adventure in Barcelona? Cocktail party with the Mothers of Philanthropy (not a real organization) and their brood in Sydney? There is always a dress code for every occasion whether it is written on the invitation or not. Again, while you CAN wear 16″ platform stilettos to the sheep farm, the farmer and family will think you are not right in the head. Granted, it is always more acceptable to be more dressed up than to be underdressed for occasion. If you are not sure of the difference between black tie, cocktail, and business casual learn quickly! The Victorians were obsessed with the Code, there are rule books for this very sort of thing. A wealthy Victorian could not simply wear a day dress to tea nor a tea dress to a Court Ball.

Personal Style

For me this usually equates no shoulder baring tops nor plunging necklines during the day. I rarely wear shorts, skirts, and dresses while the sun is out. The night is for more revealing outfits. I also have my own philosophy of jewelry and accessories, which we need not get into. I am also a big proponent of ruffles, lace, yokes, and high collar blouses; basically Victorian-esque fare. I do not completely change my style when traveling, nor is one expected to. If the Duchess of Cambridge walked out in a meat-dress a la Lady Gaga, the Queen and half the world will have a stroke. Or from a historical standpoint, if Queen Victoria went out in something trendy and fashionable, her people would pleasantly shocked. Own your style/brand, but make some allowances for . . .

©Stephen Lock/i-Images/PolarisSymbolism

This is HUGE for modern royals. All forms of the destination’s symbols and signs are considered and incorporated as much as possible. What is the locale known for? What colors are associated with their flag? What other symbols are on the flag? The national/state tree, bird, animal, etc . . . you understand. Taking examples from The Duchess of Cambridge’s recent Canadian Tour: maple leaf brooch and hat and red and white/cream ensembles were a nice nod to her host country. I do not have any leads as to whether any aristocrats or monarchs from the 19th century employed this gracious tactic. As for me, I plan on purchasing an accessory; jewelry, scarf, reticle, or something indicative of the place I am visiting.

Honor

This ties in with symbolism as well as being mindful of religious or cultural sensitivity. Some places of worship call for women to cover their hair, wear their skirt at a certain length, or require certain footwear or none at all. Do not be an ugly tourist, be mindful and acquiesce assuming it does not infringe with your own beliefs (and if it does, merely do not attend!). A good host will be aware of these things and not force your hand to anything you find uncomfortable. On the other hand, one of the best ways modern royals honor their host country is to wear or be seen with items made by the host state/country. Celebrities, dignitaries, and royalty are aware they are viewed as taste-makers and walking billboards. It is a big boost to the local economy when a celebrity of any stripe wears a local fashion house, jewelry brand, or carries the purse from a street vendor. Thus said, no need to sacrifice personal style! If you fancy a certain silhouette find it in a more exotic fabric the host location is known for or color associated with place you are visiting. Again, this was not a real consideration of 19th century royalty. If they happened to purchase something while out of town, excellent, but it was not typically a premeditated decision as it is now. When I purchase local at a new place, I am more than likely in some antique shop or “old town boutique.”

Look for upcoming entries with how this all played out in my visits elsewhere.

Wednesday Shopping

10 Wednesday Aug 2016

Posted by Doyenne in Historical, Links

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1800s, 19th Century, Books, Furniture, Games, Ghost, Hotel, Leisure, Magic, Museum, Shopping, Toy, Travel, Victorian

Mid week is the perfect time for retail excursions. The stores are less crowded and the merchandise is still fresh enough. As I often do with my shopping posts, this particular one is inspired by someone I know. For the first time, I’m tapping a co-worker! One of our “guy-brarians” as they are called in the profession. Mr. B is actually the children’s librarian where I work. He recently celebrated his own birthday last Wednesday. Below are some things he’s into a professional and personal level, with a 19th century slant of course.–Of course! **All items below are for sale and linked to their purchase page, unless otherwise stated.**

Mr. B is known at the library for his Puppetry and technology integration in all his children’s programs. Below is are some mid-1800s puppets on sale.

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The Bro Shop

13 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by Doyenne in Historical, Links, Modern

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Tags

1800s, 19th Century, Animal, Art, Books, Cooking, Dogs, Fashion, Food, Gentlemen, Japan, Jewelry, Literature, Novel, Samurai, Shopping, Travel, Victorian

Horse Sale at the Barbican by Robert Bevan, 1912

Let me tell you about my amazing brother. A virtual renaissance man; multifaceted and multi-talented. He has a fascination with sharp pointy things and their usage whether in the kitchen or to practice the lost arts or war. He can immediately capture a likeness with a few strokes of a pencil or pen a sonnet of such emotional weight. My brother also happens to be voracious reader, a die-hard dog traveler, and a bohemian traveler who always takes the time to notice his reflection in a suit. His love of debate and acerbic wit, makes him quite the memorable man. This month he celebrates his birthday! In honor of the celebration, below are eight items on his wish list with a decidedly 19th century bent. Happy Birthday, Sir D! **All pictures are linked to their selling page, unless otherwise stated.**

Not quite his weapon of choice, as those stem from Japan, but in the end, he’s not partial to origin nor ornamentation as long as it cuts, hacks, and slices.

Mid 19th c Burmese Dah Silver Fighting Sword

 

While Sir D prefers cutlery over equipment, a Victorian kitchen was never without such workhorses as these copper pots.

My brother loves to travel to other places and experience the local food and have a good time. A trunk with initials would be the perfect accompaniment to the 19th century version of himself. Too bad, his initials are not L.C.

My brother doesn’t like pretentions in others. He loves the emotional, natural, and raw state of a person. He enjoys drawing that out whether using his wit or pen. He often draws what he sees with feeling; people responding organically to their surroundings, not some posed portrait studio.

Sir D rarely wears jewelry in part because of trouble with cooking and performing martial arts; both cases expect no ornamentation, least it interfere with the task at hand. What could be more powerful and manly as a signet ring? I’m sure he’d go for one. *link unavailable*

So not his normal fare, but 19th century! This needs to happen. I want to see him in outfit now . . .

Books! We were raised in the same household surrounded by books and a bibliophile father. Granted, my brother’s taste run toward military biographies such as this one here.

And then there’s this meatball below. That FACE! If you’re in the California area, this little guy with the most beautiful underbite we have ever seen may be just the little dude for you. Sir D has affinity for Bulldogs as I have for Cocker Spaniels. . .

Roosevelt

Roosevelt

Mute Monday: Culture Clash

13 Monday Jun 2016

Posted by Doyenne in Historical

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1800s, 19th Century, Egypt, Gentlemen, Japan, Mute Mondays, Samurai, Travel, Victorian

Japanese Samurai in 19th century Egypt.

JapaneseEgypt

 

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