Meo of California Dress-again help with key words and dating

A

antiqueladyvintage

Registered Guest
This is a black and white checked dress made by Meo of California. I think it's 1960s. However, the dress is somewhat unusual. The back of the dress has a bow at the top and waist and the back bodice is pleated to give it a blousy effect (I think). The front of the dress has covered buttons at the neck and appears to be more of a sheath dress. I researched "Meo of California" and found some similar dresses that were dated 1940s. I think those dresses are later; however, I am questioning my initial assessment. It's a cute dress and a larger size. I had a difficult time taking photos of the checked pattern (as I did with a Rothmoor suit also listed in my EBay store). What do you think? Am I right in dating the dress to the 1960s? How about some key words? Thanks so much for your help-
<img src=http://members.cox.net/jdewane/meo1.jpg>
<img src=http://members.cox.net/jdewane/meo2.jpg>
<img src=http://members.cox.net/jdewane/meo3.jpg>
<img src=http://members.cox.net/jdewane/meo4.jpg>
<img src=http://members.cox.net/jdewane/meo5.jpg>
 
Is there a zipper and where is it? If it is in the back, then I think it is 60s..on the side, maybe 40s.

Black and white are hot for spring so you may want to use for keywords.

<b>60s Vintage Black White Gingham Blousy Back Bow Dress L</b>

But, hey, I am not the expert on titles..lol..but I think that will fit.
 
I had a dress that bloused a little that was mid 60s. Does it have a lining that is tighter so the blousier part stays blousey?

Do you have a hanging form or a dress form? This is one that people are going to want to see on something to really discern the shape. Its not a standard sheath, etc.
 
Is that a diamond-pattern, rather than squares? If so, I think that is really neat, and quite a bit more interesting than the standard gingham check. This looks early 60s to me, if not late 50s, due to the small bows; most of the 60s dresses I've had with bows had larger bows; I've had a lot of 50s dresses with these little bows. Also, the blousy bodice is different in styling than the 60's blouson dresses I've had. If it doesn't have the tighter lining as Chris mentions, which seemed to be very mid to late 60s, I really think it's earlier.... Has it been shortened?

And how large is it? I love it!
 
The dress is a larger size. Let me go upstairs and measure it and take a close, close look at the fabric pattern. The zipper is in the back. I agree about the bows being more late 50s/early 60s than later. I don't believe it was shortened. I will look at the dress to see if there is a bodice lining, too. Thanks, everyone! You are awesome in your knowledge and expertise!
 
I'm going to chime in and agree with early sixties. I can see this worn with a little pair of white gloves maybe. Cute, cute dress.

carol
 
The dress does not have a lining. The bodice has facings at the collar and sleeves. The zipper is in the back. The fabric is more gingham but the checks have dotted lines running through so the effect is more striking than regular gingham. Did that make sense? I agree; this dress would be adorable with cute flats, a hat and white gloves. :)

Measurements are:
Garment length is 39
Shoulder to shoulder is 16
Bust is 40
Waist is 34
Hips are 40
Sleeve circumference is 12 1/2 inches
 
The dress looks 60s from the front, but the sack back is typical of 1957-58. The dress won't date before then but although the sack back was never a huge success you do find it being used into the 60s.
 
I agree, Jonathan. I initially thought late 50s but when I looked in my 50s and 50s references, it seemed more 60s. Thanks so much everyone! Your brains are greatly appreciated! :)
 
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