Overview: The matching skirt and bodice are made from chromespun striped silk taffeta and ornamented with lace.
Construction: The striped taffeta bodice, machine-made, opens at off-center front. There is a center front panel covered with embroidered silk chiffon (disintegrating) and 2 flanges on each side that are decorated with 5 self-covered buttons. It has a 4-inch wide flat collar that extends from side front around the back of the neck to the other side. Toward the bottom of the bodice, at center back, there is a 3/4" band of self fabric controlling the fullness. From its ends, cotton twill tape goes around to the front to control the rest of the fullness, which is then tucked into the skirt. It has a narrow two-piece sleeve that is gently gathered into the armhole. The bottom edge of the sleeve has a self-fabric finished hem and a 4" wide gathered lace flounce hand stitched to the inside. There is no opening at the bottom edge but there are 5 self-covered buttons on the outside of the sleeve. There are a few gathering stitches at the elbow. Over the outside of the arm at the top, there is a deep "V" chevron double flange in bias self-fabric. There is no structure on the inside of the bodice. Part of the center back seam allowance is pinked.
The matching skirt closes at center back with a placket that is 10 inches long. The hooks and bars are hidden under a pleat. The waistband is an inch wide and 28" in circumference. There is no fullness around the waist, and it fits smoothly over the hips with some slight fullness contained in a box pleat at the back. From the bottom of the waistband to the bottom of the skirt measures 40". The bottom edge is 86" around and is faced with a 2" wide piece of self-fabric stitched in place by machine. The center front panel of the skirt is cut on the fold. On the bottom left side of the front there are 5 self-covered buttons that echo the detail on the sleeves and the front of the bodice.
Damage: The bodice is coming apart under the arms and there are stains throughout both pieces of the ensemble. The lace on the front of the bodice is disintegrating. There are moth and/or other pest holes in the skirt, especially on the back. It should not be handled more than necessary.
