I thought since we had Queen Victoria herself last week, this week I’d do “R Is for Risque Ladies” as my Wednesday Whimsy/A to Z Challenge post. I must hasten to add though that what was risque in the 1880’s, is pretty tame to our eyes.

I’m using Mae West quotes today although she’s obviously not from the 1880’s but the flavor is there…

“I didn’t discover curves; I only uncovered them.”

“Love thy neighbor – and if he happens to be tall, debonair and devastating, it will be that much easier.”

“I’ve been things and seen places.”

“If I asked for a cup of coffee, someone would search for the double meaning.”

“Cultivate your curves – they may be dangerous but they won’t be avoided.”

This one to the left’s not very risque until you realize her skirt is hiked all the way up in front…oh my 😉

And then there were the Bathing Beauty cards, usually associated with cigars or cigarettes….this lady below is smoking a cigar herself, in fact.

There were probably much racier cards in the 1880’s but those don’t show up in a price range I can afford, in the places I shop….sorry! These final two Bathing Beauties were advertising a shoe store, of all places….