Pretty in pink!  This is a super vintage dressing gown, or hostess dress with puffy, short sleeves, a decorative tie belt, and delightfully full skirt that will make you feel like a true princess!

It is a wonderful example of a vintage house dress, or hostess dress (I’ve also seen it called a housecoat in some publications) dating to 1939 – 1941.  Today, we wear these as comfortable and cute dresses – and perfect for entertaining!

Made of incredible Depression Era cotton fabric in a deep, rosy pink with lines of yellow and white flowers, blue roses, and burgundy vining leaves.  The fabric is still crisp (sizing?) – this frock may never have been worn and I doubt it has ever been washed.

The vintage dress is unlined cotton calico.  It has a squared scoop neckline that ties with self-fabric strings at center front.  The short sleeves are delightfully poufy – gathered at the shoulder seam pleated down to fit closely to the arm at the cuff.  The closure is with a 28” metal zipper at center front and there is a self-fabric belt that ties.  The attached skirt is wonderfully full – bias cut – and flows beautifully. 

The label reads “Modely” and there is a size tag.  DO NOT USE THIS SIZE WHEN PURCHASING!  This is a vintage label and is MUCH smaller than the size listed on the tag.

The condition is excellent – near mint.  I found a little smudge on the skirt, but I can’t find it a second time.  Please note that the zipper at center front IS VISIBLE.  This is not a flaw; it is the way it is made.  Possibly because the use of zippers in clothing at this period of time was still novel, it was meant to “show off”.

HOW WE MEASURE OUR GARMENTS

Bust:                               40”

Waist:                             29”

Hips:                              Open

Length:                           56”

Back Shoulder:              14”

Circumference of Sleeve at “cuff”:   11 ½”