Fullness returns as early Victorian women indulge in a series of the most fantastic extravagances of undergarments distorting their natural shape.  Bustles and crinolines threw out the figure to the rear while corsets compressed the waist to twelve inches. By the late 1800's crinolines disappeared and the bustle gradually diminished in size becoming a mere pad.  Victorian lace was used as ornamentation on long slim sleeves and high necklines and layered over satin and silk due to the 1840 invention of the lace machine. Fashion dictated that women wear white, tight-fitting, kidskin gloves fastend with up to 100 tiny buttons along with button-down, heel boots. By 1894 gowns became close fitting with fine soft fabric, reflecting the classical ideals of the Regency period.

In the 19th century plants and flowers were given meaning and were codified and published in popular books that enabled the giver of a bouquet to express himself in the Language of Flowers.  Since each flower had a meaning, assembled together, they spelled out a complex thought.  In prim Victorian society, the tussie-mussie was a discreet messenger for the proper suitor. The Language of Flowers, with its often ingenious grammar, was a source of much anxious interest and excitement to the lovers who communicated with it.  Indeed, it has been called the language of the love affair because most of the meanings ascribed to particular flowers represent the waxing and waning emotions of romantic love.

Right -Queen Victoria at the Opera in 1837 carrying a tussie-mussie

When young Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, tussie-mussies were established as the key accessory and continued in popularity until the close of the century. These neat little nosegays were worn at the breast with stems thrust into a water-filled bosom bottle or carried in a posy holder.  The popular rose, beloved symbol of Love, Youth and Congratulations, emblem of England, was the favorite flower used to anchor the center of the tussie-mussie.  The large, velvety petals were the perfect foil for smaller frilly herbs and flowers placed around this all important flower.

Victorians cherished flowers.  The most common form of decoration for special occasions was the swagging, festooning, or wreathing of every available space.  Engraved Bristol glass, crystal, hand painted ceramic, and epergnes (glass or silver bowls with several vessals) were lavishly filled with flowers and fresh fruit.

Right - Silver candelabra decorated  with ivy and a foliage wreath accented with flowers and fruit.