$6,000
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
Description
Of crisp black silk taffeta, the fitted bodice has a center lace panel trimmed with four black velvet bows, silk organza puffed sleeves with box-pleated lace trim that matches the lace around the neckline, a row of tiny self-covered black buttons at the back, and a very full gathered skirt with lace trim peeking from beneath the wide box-pleats at the hemline. Along with a vintage photograph of Shirley being fitted for the dress by her beloved wardrobe mistress, Hulda Anderson (Ande), of whom Shirley wrote in her 1988 autobiography Child Star. "Even when I was finally dressed, Ande trailed me around carrying a hot iron in case of wrinkles." Shirley appears wearing this costume in a scene in the rich people's house where, in her classic matchmaking role, she merrily asks the old widow, "Why don't you marry the professor? He hasn't much money but you've got lots."