Vintage 1980s white satin gown in professionally preserved condition. Bodice has lace detail at neckline, 4 satin covered buttons at shoulder and shoulder pads. Back is open to mid-back and includes a fabric drape that attaches to the shoulder buttons by white cord loops. The lace at the neckline is repeated at the hemline. Classic 1980s leg-o-mutton sleeve tapers to a point at the wrist. Sleeve has six satin covered buttons on inside of wrist and lace detail at elbow. The matching white satin belt curves downward to a point in front and closes at the back. I do not remember how it closes, however, it makes sense that it would button in keeping with the style and quality of the dress. The belt is approximately 2” – 2 ½” wide. The fabric is embroidered all over with a leaf sprig motif. The belt fabric does not have the embroidered detail.
I measure 14 1/2” from natural waist (narrowest part of waist) to the shoulder and 42” from natural waist to the floor without shoes on. The dress was slightly past ankle length on me and I wore flats. I purchased the dress sight unseen and chose the size (10) per my measurements and Demetrios' size chart. The dress fit me well. No alterations were necessary. The way dress sizes have changed over the years the dress would maybe be a size 8 now. The measurements provided in this add were my measurements at the time I purchased the dress. My weight ranged between 121-123 lbs.
My wedding was outdoors in a forested setting. The dress reflected the informal, natural setting in its lace, embroidery and no veil. It was also practical outdoors because it didn’t have a train. The loose bodice and gathered skirt made the dress very comfortable. I paid $605 for the dress in 1987. According to US Inflation Calculator that would be approximately $1,300 in today’s dollars.