The first time I saw the below picture of Idda Van Munster I got that keenly envious, inspired, awed feeling I get when I see an example of vintage perfection.

Idda Van Munster

I presumed the dress Idda is wearing was true vintage, not only because it looked so authentic but because Idda is a diddy little slip of a thing compared to I, and everytime I see a slim woman in an authentically vintage looking item of clothing that I immediately love it’s always vintage–and consequently out of the realm of acquirement and possibility for myself and my 33 inch waist. Hence why the reaction I get to seeing such pictures is a sharp inspired envy, because they are things I cannot have.

But no! Hark, heavens, the angels have sung, prayers have been answered! Because this dress, this beautiful, beautiful dress isn’t vintage, it’s a collaboration piece between Idda herself and Swedish retro clothing brand Miss Candyfloss. It immediately went on my Christmas wishlist and lucky girl that I am, Santa was very good to me this year! (Or, more accurately, my amazing Mum.)

Dress: Idda Van Munster 50s Tartan Swing dress from Miss Candyfloss
Gloves: Primark
Heels: Everything5pounds.com
Hat: eBay

This dress features a pointed shawl collar, knifepleats, and tabs on the cuffs and bust. It closes at the side and has real working buttons down the length of the bodice, closing across the bust with one aforementioned tab. It comes with a matching belt and it makes me feel like a chic 50s women with much to do and important places to go. It is beautiful.

I recently got the Gigi jumpsuit by Miss Candyfloss in an XL and it fits perfectly, so I opted for the XL in this dress too and it’s the same perfect fit. I flat measured the waist of this piece to compare it to the size chart for you; the size chart states a 35 inch waist for XL, the flat measured waist of my dress is 34 inches and the stretched waist measurement is 36 inches, so the size chart is accurate on this.

The only thing that surprised me with this piece is that I noticed how small the bust seemed to run. It fits me, since my bust is comparatively not overally large compared to my waist–I’m a 40 inch bust–but since the XL allows for a 35 inch waist, 41.3inches allowed in the bust on the size chart seems a bit small to me. I have a busty friend who sized into the L for her waist measurement and it fit her waist perfectly but was so small on her bust that the dress was literally inches away from closing across the fullest part of her chest at the point of the bust tab button. Ladies who are bustier won’t be able to size down for their waists because the buttons on this dress will not close if your bust is too small for the size, so bear that in mind and prepare to size up and cinch the belt, or else take it in at the waist.

The Idda Van Munster 50s Tartan Swing dress is available in sizes XS- 5XL for 102.50EUR from Miss Candyfloss, who ship internationally, at especially reasonable prices within Europe.