Just chiming -in to say I remember admiring your fushia suit when you first found it. Sometimes we just need a special occasion to wear a unique outfit like this.
You are going to SHINE!

Would something like this be too much shimmer?
I suppose Eileen Fisher is available near you? I know her stuff runs big, so maybe it wouldn't work.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....38;PRODUCT

I'm so glad Angie approves of the longer length. I think it will be more versatile as it's more classic. I think you look fantastic Suz:)

The shoes look good for here but if Mr Suz thinks the shoes look cheap I'd trust him & be looking hard for another pair. Imo cheap looking shoes will ruin the punch this outfit has - hope you don't mind me saying.

Caro, I absolutely don't mind your saying that. I'm keeping them in reserve but hanging onto the bill and hoping I can do better. Keep in mind that Mr. Suz doesn't have a magpie gene (which he freely admits) so pretty much ANYTHING shiny looks cheap to him. But in this case I fear he has a point! On the other hand, to be completely honest, they do not look any cheaper than the Ann Klein ones I tried, that were twice the price in my store (though not online in the US, where they were super cheap, but let's. NOT. Go. There.

Marcy, I love that top...but it is too low a neckline for me. I need something with a jewel or crew neck. I think it's too much sparkle as well. I am generally quite overwhelmed/ outsized in Eileen Fisher stuff although not on absolutely every item; I do own a shirt by her that works.

Thank you, Lyn - I am amazed you remember when I bought the suit!

Suz, if the shoes look cheap, that is going to bring the whole thing down. I hope you find something better. Sad because they look awesome.

ETA: Why do I think that way? Because this look depends a lot on how you style it, so it looks current, as opposed to the shiny suit of the 80's worn by "the ladies who lunch". You need a little fun thrown in with shoes and accessories. I love the pics Krish added below.

Also, I totally agree with a higher end shoe, if budget allows. I think one of the items where you can see your money's worth is shoes. An extra $40 - $50 bucks go a long way.

Ah - I understand. Don't show him my silver boots then

Suz I am not sure I ever commented on your original post showing this suit (it was just so long by then!) but I love this idea and think you will look positively smashing! I like the longer length with the little side slits if possible and I think most everyone has agreed. So I will focus on the shoes. I happen to think Mr. Suz has excellent taste. The shoes look great in the photo but I would question him about what is bothering him - is it the shine or something else? I don't want you to de-elevate (is that a thing) a fantastic, but attention getting, outfit with less than stellar shoes. Especially when the suit is vintage and bright I think it is important to have top rate shoes. Of course I am shoe obsessed, so please feel free to dismiss the ravings of a shoe maniac. I have full confidence you will be belle of the ball!

Shevia, I hear you. And I agree. I am really on the fence about these. Truly, they do not look cheaper than the AK ones I tried (those ones had glitter) ...but let's just say that I am on the lookout for another, better quality pair as well. I can return these if I find something better. In the meantime, at least I will have something to put on my feet if I don't find anything! And my feet won't hurt if I wear them.

Suz, I actually like the orginal length, but I did note Angie's comment and I would defer to her wisdom...I am glad that she prefers the longer crop as I agree it is more dressy and sophisticated. You are going to 'knock em dead' a the event.

What an amazing suit Suz! I love it!!

I find it interesting hearing people's preferred trouser length. My personal preference is for the longer length, however, I was "taught" by one of our local stylists that the shorter length is the "correct" length. I think what Angie said about the shorter length being more casual is absolutely on the mark - and the reason that I generally prefer that length.

Can't wait to hear/see you wear this!! Love it!!

http://www.shoeme.ca/collectio.....-annette-5

Suz, Have you seen these? Sorry can't remember if you have a narrow foot or not - but they have a buckle so can be adjusted to stay on

I would actually like to see these even longer than the length you have seen, so you have some options. You could roll them for a shorter, sassy look. (When wearing for less formal occasions without the jacket.)

Suz, here are a few pics from celebrities in cropped pant suits on the red carpet... maybe the way they styled it might be of inspiration.

... Looking at these, I wonder if what you really need to do isn't to find yourself a very very sexy, chic and comfortable high heeled shoe/sandal, even if it means shelling the big, big bucks for it. Because they would multiply your wardrobe possibilities in terms of formal wear, without having to buy a dress or a suit in the future. If they are comfortable, which is possible with higher end brands.

Joining the flood of replies,Suz because I missed applauding your original purchase. I was struck then by how luminous your eyes are in this colour and fabric.
I am a small almost lone voice pleading to conserve this divine fabric. It is so beautiful and the amount of fabric in the legs balances that in the upper body and one day you might want them to be full length.
Just my thoughts.
Sigh.

Chiming in very late, but I just wanted to say that I'm in awe of your party outfit planning stamina, Suz!! And I love your fuchsia suit at the longer length. You are going to be the belle of the ball!-)

As far as tops are concerned, here are a few more ideas:

http://www.massimodutti.com/we.....108502/CAM

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....308395?col

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....86526?colo

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....TOP+WITH+S

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....COMBINED+J

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../38396.jsp

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/....._ShopStyle

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/.....038;conten

http://www.vincecamuto.com/pro.....louse.html

http://www.vincecamuto.com/pro.....louse.html

http://shop.mango.com/CA/p0/ma.....38;s=prend
(I think the silver metallic would look very smart and elegant too)

Very late to add my thoughts - but YES to this pantsuit and YES to the longer length. I know that you are having a hard time with what topper to wear underneath - I prefer your tuxedo shirt to the shell/cami you are wearing. Two reasons - I like the white next to your face for "brightening" impact (not that you need help in that dept) as well - the scoop neck dresses down the outfit.I like the tuxedo shirt or something similar for providing more formal tone - and furthering that lovely adrogynous look you do so well.

I love the suit!

I also prefer the original length. (But what do I know?)

Thank you SO much, everyone. I am so grateful for your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions here!

Isis, Lantana, AnnaJ, Deborah -- very interesting that you like the original length. I think it really does need to be brought up at least a little because at the current length it is neither here nor there, if you know what I mean. Not truly full length but not exactly cropped length either.

Denise -- I think that probably answers your suggestion as well. Sadly, I can't really roll them up (and wouldn't ever be able to) -- they are too tapered in the calf for me to do that. This is a frequent problem for me with tapered pants; my calves are not skinny. For example, when I take my Camerons off, I often have to pull them inside out because they stick on the calf. Takes some shrugging to get them off down there. These pants are lined (and the lining is obviously more narrow than the pant itself) which complicates things.

Merwoman, interesting that you like the tux shirt. You may be the lone vote for that one. I quite like the look, too, but think I will be physically more comfortable in a shell (since I don't plan to remove the jacket) and the right one shouldn't dress it down. But luckily I have the tux shirt in reserve.

Inge, you are a complete wonder and shopping genius. You have found a number of things that I had not located in a full day's searching yesterday. Even better -- I have already ordered a few of your suggestions following my own hunt! Yes indeed! This makes me feel much better about my own shopping powress. So some of these things are already on their way to me, I can order more in the next few days, and all that I order can be returned if they do not work out. Yay!

Krish, it sounds as if you are really in favour of a higher heel. I am not against it, in principle, but the ones I have are about 2 inches, which is pretty good for me. I can go up to 3 but not a lot higher than that -- not even for evening wear. It just isn't "me." I need to be able to move freely. But I do plan to look some more in my shopping tomorrow. And cross fingers! If the right 3 inch heel comes along I will gladly snap it up.

Caro, those shoes look like a possible option, and available in Canada!! WOW!! Thank you! I would prefer a slightly higher heel (to Krish's point!) but if I don't find anything tomorrow in store, I may well order them to try!

Thanks again, everyone. You are so helpful!

Suz, have you checked out Ron White Shoes? The flagship store is in Toronto, but you can order online as well.

Here's a sale shoe that is similar to the one you bought; it has a 3" heel, but there is an 1/2" hidden platform which might make it easier for walking.
http://www.ronwhiteshoes.com/s.....op=482,204,,,&pg=27&view=0

Just logging in to say that this fuchsia suit is so gorgeous on you?
I doubt anyone will be looking to closely at the priceyness of your footwear, especially if low contrast to blend in.

I am excited to see you have some more shoe options on the way... stinking up the closet with off gassing would be a deal breaker for me Ill give a report on the bella vita wows when the arrive tomorrow or the next day ... although you are right fit is SOOO personal I am turned off from ordering usually if the return will be difficult or costly.

Looks gorgeous, love the longer length in the pant... If you are still going the cummerbund did I see them at Danier in leather but in several colours? Maybe one to tone with the top or the shoes you decide? I find cummerbunds difficult to locate which is why I zoned in on them at Daniers...

3 inches above the ankle bone FTW!!! LOL because I know that Angie must have been laughing with me (maybe even a wink!) when she wrote that, given our back to back posts recommending x inches above the ankle bone. Too hilarious! How crazy are we with our ankle bone cropping instructions. Now I've got a lot riding on this. I sure hope (fingers crossed!) that that length looks incredibly fab on you. Of course, how could it not, beautiful Suz!