This chic and smart dress bears the label "Cresta Couture" and has a size tag for "Bust 40, Hips 43, size 18".

• Bust = 42"
• Waist = 35"
• Hips = 44"
• Shoulder to hem = 58"
• Sleeves = 18"
• Skirt circumference at hem = 60"

The fully lined dress is in a black matelasse (textured) fabric which has a silver 'dusting' giving at a discreet sparkly effect. The neckline is trimmed with a 2" wide strip of soft white fur.

The dress is Princess line (no waist seam) and is quite demure at the front, with a wide rounded neckline edged in white fur.  The back has a deep V-shaped neckline edged in the white fur. At the back is a loose cross-over effect which is secured with 2 metal hook/eyes and highlighted with a small bow. This cross-over flap is not attached to the lining other than at the side seam, so it is loose, with the lining forming the back part of the skirt.

The cross-over flap conceals the 15" metal zipper at centre back, to which a previous owner has added a small piece of Velcro for added security.

What at first glance appears to be quite a demure, matronly dress is lifted with the dashing use of the deep V-shaped back and the contrast with the white fur.