This lovely dress came from the estate of a woman who had impeccable taste. From the labels in her closet it was easy to see that she both loved and bought the best. My guess is that this is a vintage piece; it's classic lines make it timeless.
This special occasion dress is by Tee-ca, an elegant label, and is made from a beautiful ivory scalloped edge Chantilly lace fabric embroidered over with swirls of matching iridescent sequins (with an occasional clear chaton rhinestone). All the lace areas are backed with a fine tulle weight sheer lining to stabilize the iridescent embroidery.
The dress gives the appearance of being in two pieces...created by a nude colored lining to the hipline with an overblouse of the lace. The lining has been skillfully taken up at that hipline about 2" (can be lengthened just as easily) to shorten the dress. I can't find any size tag inside; I suspect the dress was either created especially for this lady or the tag was taken out when the alterations were done.
The bustline (on the lining) measures 18" across at the armhole lying flat, 15" at the waist, and about 17" at the lining/lace seam (about 3" below the waist). The length of the lining is 18" from shoulder to seam; the overblouse is 22" (note the lengthening possibilities). The sleeves are 22" in length and have 2 snaps for closing at the wrists. The skirt, which is nicely flared measures about 17-1/2" from seam to scallops. The nude lining is cut identically to serve as a slip for the skirt. Overall length shoulder to hem is about 36"...which was a good above the knee length for the '70's; if so we can assume it's vintage.
This elegant dress deserves another chance to take the spotlight...if you're looking for a dress that would be perfect for any great occasion, this top of the line outfit will give you the chance to make an entrance!