Featured Ladies, if I could please ask your advice on this gorgeous dress...

Beautiful dress and nice that it's a decent size. I noticed what looks like a teeny moth bite on the sleeve in the photo with the price tags, which is very common with vintage wool garments, so it would be good to look closely for other nibbles.

 

If the 16 fits like a "size 10 at most", it could be the equivalent of a modern size 8. Definitely include measurements.

And good point for Hemster to check moth holes.

 

I took pictures of them Joan, there are 3 tiny flea bites.

 

Sorry for the wrinkles, but I have it in a box rather than hanging. The color is tan.

 

It sounds almost like you are describing a "tunic" (to be worn over a long skirt or a pair of "evening" long pants given the "fancy" embellishments/decorations on the top).

 

That's good news there are only 3.

 

It might actually be "just above the knee" given where the embellishment ends. Looking at my wedding pictures these days makes me cringe.

 

I don't think I would use the word "fleabites" in your description.

Works for pottery well enough, but not sure about clothing.

 

Good point. I sell vintage clothing on eBay and describe moth damage as either moth nibbles, moth bites, or moth holes, depending on how far into the fabric the damage goes. I'd describe what I see on the sleeve of this dress as a "teeny moth nibble."

 

I'm unable to put a date to your dress. Are there shoulder pads? Is the hem original? What type of zipper -- metal or plastic? A close-up of the retail tags would help.

Debora

 

No shoulder pads. I believe the hem is original, and the zipper is thin and plastic. I took better pictures I think. Really appreciate the advice. There are only 2 very small 'bites' [i don't know exactly what to call them] on the back. I marked them with a piece of masking tape. The damage to the beading on the shoulders exists only at the edge [seam] where the sheer fabric meets the wool. Please let me know what you think! I'd like to post this asap. Thank you!

 

If I had to guess on a date, I'd say 1960's ...maybe (?) early 70's?

Wait for others to respond, too.

 

High Five @KingofThings

I'd date it late 60s to about '75. A posh frock in its day and it still has style, albeit the current wounded bird syndrome.

The beading repair is tedious but not super hard. I'd bet what has happened is a thread came loose or broke near one of the ends....when this happens things can unravel super fast. Sometimes thread will rot also, so check it in a few spots. If this were repaired you would have much better luck in a sale.

More worrisome are the moth bites. Many times there are more that won't show themselves until the piece is dry cleaned, so if it were me I'd have it cleaned (of course the cleaners would likely need the beading done first, natch).

It's a nice little frock but $75 is a bit of a stretch in its current condition. Perhaps not if the label had more cachet, but as it stands & given the current buying atmosphere (NOT buying more like it)....of course this is only my opinion and I hope you prove me wrong... you have it ready to go so give it a whirl. Best luck

 

Thank you Thank you! Much appreciated! Thought about it over dinner, and I think [especially after reading your comment Rufus] I will see to at least having the beading repaired. If it costs more to repair it than what I could sell it for, then I don't know what I'll do. But I can't bear to post it with masking tape holding the threads together. It's a beautiful dress. I'm sad that no one got to wear it

 

Still not comfortable putting a date to it. Those zippers weren't available until the late 1960s. And, with that boxy shape, I certainly don't see anything 1970s about it.

Debora

 

Sometimes even the label can be a clue as to age, the font, etc. Not a great photo of the label here, but we have the wording, so did a quick internet search and found a web page on Mr. Blackwell that shows the different labels used, and what decade they were associated with. As with everything online, who knows if it is accurate. If it is, it would date this to the 1960's.

https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/mr-blackwell/

 

UR BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you for doing that for me Lucille! I'd have to say this label is identical to the one shown for the 60's. That helps so much if anyone asks, thank you!
I've been sitting here actually, trying to find info on the 'Orloff Originals' label on the hanger. And I've gotten nowhere. BIG HUGS! Ur beautiful! I can sleep now

 

Hum... Fabric was used in the 1960s. Certainly possible. Arm holes would be cut high and fairly snug.

Debora

 

could it have been made later...as a prop for an earlier time.....movie, stage...performance ?

 

You could donate it to a local theater group.
They will fix it when they need it for a play.