Charming White Linen cheapest with Vibrant Red and Honey Gold Block Print 2-Piece Summer or Party Dress

This 2-piece white linen dress has plenty of character and charm. From the 1970's, the block-printed fabric may date from much earlier.

The skirt draws the eye with its vibrant red waistband and the great print. I believe this may be block-printed since the red color is not always consistently in the lines and varies in its thickness of application – please enlarge the photos and examine them carefully. The backside of the fabric does not show the print, only where the red ink bleeds through. This is made from a single piece of fabric, the only seam is on the right side. The print at the border consists of 3 rows of circles that look like the center of a sunflower in shades of goldenrod and red. Between the top and middle rows of circles is sandwiched a layer of a single bearded iris with leafy fronds in the same shades plus sage green. The top of the skirt and the top have sporadic stems of dainty flowers with a rounded veined leaf. The red waistband fastens on the side with a red fabric-covered button and a 6-1/2” metal zipper. There is a little room on the waistband for moving the button 1/2" or so either direction if so desired. This is shown with a full slip which is not included in this sale - photo #5 shows it without slip.

The top is V-necked with red piping and large rectangular bows shown knotted at the shoulders. Each rectangle measures 16” x 4-3/4” and fits under a loop of red fabric. One side is tacked down, the other is loose. This would looks so cute with jeans and red flats! It has a cotton facing but is unlined. It fastens at the left side with a 12” metal ‘Roxy' zipper that opens from the bottom. There are two small side darts and two vertical darts come up from the waist in front and back for a fitted look. Interestingly, the top seems to have been worn much more than the skirt, as the print, which seems a little haphazard on the top, is somewhat faded compared to the skirt. The white linen is less bright – perhaps a cleaning could brighten it up. There are dark flecks in the fabric, particularly on the right side from the bust to the shoulder [photo #3 at upper left]. This fit me well and I am around a size 4, perhaps this could fit one size up or down: XS to S, but please go by the measurements below.

Measurements are taken lying flat, so please double where applicable:

TOP:
Bust: 17-1/2”
Waist: 14-1/2”
Shoulders Across Back: 14-1/4”
Total length in front: 21”
Lower edge: 17”

SKIRT:
Waist: 13-1/4” with room for button to be moved ½ - ¾”
Hips: Full
Length: 33”
Sweep: 111” total

Condition is very good to excellent vintage. No holes, rips, stains or tears. There is, however, some fading and slight yellowing to the top. There are vertical flecks in the fabric at top right, the rest is pristine. Top could use a cleaning but the skirt is completely ready to wear. I didn't want to risk any further fading – will leave that choice to the new owner. The red on the skirt is very vibrant and there is no fading, but there are tiny splotches of the red color that are ‘outside the lines'. It is one of the things I find the most charming about this dress.

International Buyers are welcome. Import duties, taxes and fees are the buyer's responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping charges. Please check with your cheapest country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Merchandise will be marked at the sales price, as required by the U.S. Government. This international package will be shipped international first class mail. I am not responsible for delays due to weather or customs.

Thank you for looking - Halcyone Vintage