This pretty dress most likely dates to the late 1940s although it lacks

the padded shoulders typical of that era. It features a striking novelty print

and is in a hard-to-find larger size. The bodice is shaped with soft shirring at

the shoulders, and wrapped front panels that gather into the princess seaming a

few inches above the front waistseam. The swingy skirt has a total of seven

sections - six of them are actually extensions of the princess seaming in back

and along the sides, while the front section has a waistseam to separate bodice

from skirt. The last photo shows the dress unpinned.

SIZE:

No size label. The bust measurement can go a bit bigger because of the wrap front. 

Measurements

Inches

Centimeters

Bust

47"

119. 5

Waist

37"

94

Hips

46"

117

Bodice length from shoulder seam

18"

45. 5

Skirt length

23. 5"

59. 5

Sweep

59"

150

FABRIC/COLORS:

The fabric

is a lightweight jersey knit, most likely rayon based on a fiber burn test. The

print is of feathers and flowers - the feathers are done in three different

shades of purple and silvery gray, while the tiny flowers are rendered in three

different shades of brown with dark red centers, all on a navy blue background.

TAGS:

No tags at all - I

believe this was custom sewn.

CLOSURES:

No closures -

the dress is designed to slip on over the wearer's head, which is important to

keep in mind when considering measurements.

CONDITION:

I have

reinforced some of the shirring threads that were loose at the shoulders. I found a pinhole in the lower front skirt. No other issues noted.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Lane County, OR.