I love reticules! 
meaning mesh.
Also known as indispensables (a lady must carry her necessities with her, after all) reticules didn’t come into fashion until late in the eighteenth century. Prior to about 1790, ladies used to stuff their personal items in large pockets hidden beneath their dresses. Not altogether easily accessible, I’d guess. 
Why come up with an accessory easily dangled from one’s wrist, of course. Alas, that might prove scandalous since a reticule was still considered a pocket, and therefor, an undergarment. Oh, and carrying one’s money and other possessions was thought to be unfeminine, in fact, utterly ridiculous. Hence, another nickname for the poor reticule emerged: ridicules. 
The soft-sided drawstring bags we commonly associate as reticules had a rather short-lived life. By around 1820 they had been replaced with stiffer materials. Fashioned in several shapes, ladies frequently made their own bags to match a gown, spencer, or parasol. Often made of silk or velvet, crocheted, or needlepoint, the bags were decorated with all manner of frou frou from beads and tassel, to ribbons, fringe, embroidery, and lace.
Reticules are my second favorite accessory, shoes being the first.
What’s yours?
Resources:
http://www.fashion-era.com/1800_accesories.htm#Reticule Handbags
http://thedreamstress.com/2013/11/terminology-what-is-a-reticule-or-indispensable/
https://suite.io/vic-sanborn/3a0b2zr
http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2007/10/07/the-reticule-a-fashionable-accessory-in-the-regency-period/
All images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons
