I've been looking for a pattern like this for a long time — square-necked in front, but not in back, kimono sleeves, and full or slim skirt options. Now, it's mine, and in my size even (I'm so lazy about grading).
I like the idea of doing this in a seersucker stripe, or I might go Lydia's colorblocking route with this one, and have the bodice panel be a solid color against a print. Or, if you planned it right, this would be great in a fabric with a big floral motif. Center one in the bodice panel, and let the rest fall naturally across the sleeves and back. And, of course, anything with a center panel like this just demands contrast piping!
I found it at Stellablue Vintage Sewing, which is well worth checking out …
A Dress A Day 
Very nice indeed.The seersucker might be a bit too Donna Reed, unless you can find a multicolor stripe.
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Ooh, lovely! I saw something similar to this in the Spring/Summer 2006 Anna Sui collection — at least, I think it was her, I looked at a lot of dresses online that afternoon! The skirt was not full, but the bodice was very similar to this.
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When I saw that Sandra Bullock’s Oscar dress had pockets, I immediately thought of you!
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Erin! Look what I found for you! It’s a coat! With a MIDRIFF BAND! And a Peter Pan collar! (Well, sort of.) And it has side pockets!!!!http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/voguepatterns/shop.cgi?s.item.V8211=x&TI='coat'&page=1
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Bella! Holy Moly! Thanks!Another one to add to the life list …
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Well, Erin, you might want to add it to the “gotcha” pile, while you’re adding it to your life list. It’s an actual current pattern which Vogue actually has in actual different sizes. Carpe pattern, and all that. It’s easier to dream and to plan when you actually own the thing, and a big ol’ pain in the patoot when you have to hunt for it all over the Interworld. (And this is one time when I’m going to follow my own good advice, too.)
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Well, Erin, you might want to add it to the “gotcha” pile, while you’re adding it to your life list. It’s an actual current pattern which Vogue actually has in actual different sizes. Carpe pattern, and all that. It’s easier to dream and to plan when you actually own the thing, and a big ol’ pain in the patoot when you have to hunt for it all over the Interworld. (And this is one time when I’m going to follow my own good advice, too.)
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