This pretty day dress could be as early as late 1950s , but the colors are more consistent with the early to mid 1960s, when Harvest Gold kitchen appliances were all the rage. The bodice is fitted with unusual vertical darting from the waist, that forks into a narrow "Y" shape halfway up - all the better to accommodate the classic bullet bra shape? There is soft shaping too, along the scooped neckline with soft gathering. The short sleeves and the neckline are edged in self-fabric cording, accented by a tiny soft bow at the center neck. The skirt is gathered and full.
SIZE: No size label
Bust - 46" (117 cm)
Shoulders - 16" (40. 5 cm)
Waist - 32" (81 cm)
Hips - Free
Bodice length from shoulder seam - 14. 5" (37 cm)
Skirt length: 27. 5" (70 cm)
Sweep: 82" (208 cm)
FABRIC/COLORS: This is one of those prints that has unexpected depth - the longer and deeper I look, the more I like it. It is an autumn colorway -shades of yellow, gold, bronze and brown against a white background. It is floral, but there are also boxes, and the suggestion of elaborate baroque picture frames, all done in a soft painterly way. The fabric is medium weight cotton with a smooth feel.
TAGS: No tags at all. This may have been custom made, but has nice dressmaker details like the cording at the neckline and sleeve edges, crocheted thread belt loops, and "hanger helpers" inside the upper bodice to keep the dress from sliding off the hanger.
CLOSURES: Sideseam metal zipper. I have shown the dress in some photos with a gold chain belt from my own closet - it is not included with purchase.
CONDITION: There is subtle ombre-style sun fading to the upper bodice, not particularly noticeable unless you lay the top and bottom of the dress directly next to each other - see closeup of shoulders laying next to lower skirt. I believe a previous owner let down the hem, using wide brown cotton bias facing to finish the inside - there is a faint crease, but no fade, so should press out. No other issues noted.
This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Lane County, OR.
