Those are both perfectly sensible things to do; plenty of people wore Chatelaines, for hundreds of years up into the early 20th century. We have countless extant articles from various eras, some of which are incredibly elaborate and could easily have cost a literal fortune, and others which are incredibly simple and could be made by the average working-class woman.

Essentially, they were composed of a central piece which was either permanently attached to a decorative belt, or could be pinned to the waistband of whatever you were wearing; from that, items dangled on chain or ribbon, and commonly included
-a tiny pencil and pad of paper
-a little coin-case or purse
-sewing accoutrements
-keys
-bottles of perfume
-card-cases
-magnifying glasses
-a pocketwatch
-spectacles
-a wine bottle-opener
-a mirror
-a manicure kit in a case

….and so many more! Basically anything you can think of attaching to a chain dangling down the front of your skirt exists out there somewhere. Some had purely-decorative components dangling, too, and the largest chatelaines could have several tiers with some twenty (or maybe more!) items attached, though most seem to fall between 3 and 7, depending on the needs of the wearer.

It seems you posted this comment several years back, and in all likelihood you’ve encountered this information already; but I know I read the comments on articles, and a reply, however tardy, may help someone else reading the article now or in the future. Pockets are awesome, and were totally a thing, but there are other HA options available that may suit things like slim Natural Form dresses better. I hate carrying things like purses and reticules, too, so any chance I have to attach the things to myself is a welcome one, pockets or no pockets!

Then it becomes a patch pocket which are only seen briefly in the 1870s – and even then are not necessarily functional but more decorative elements. Of course, outer pockets are seen much more by the time we get to the later 19-Teens and then more mid-20th Century and beyond. But a patch pocket is not seen much on dresses in the 19th century. An apron is a better use for this pocket and IS seen with patch pockets all throughout the century.

The people in our group all know that the epi is always in that spot. We have great friends who have taken the training that lets me actually go to teas and other events, even if my husband is busy elsewhere.

And a police friend has told me to Always make sure your id is on your body. ‘Cause you just never know.

Great story!