Debbie, I really like the houndstooth one. I think either could work, depending on the fit. Will you post photos once you try them on?

I'm really digging the first one. :) Take photos when you get the dresses!

I prefer the first one but I am partial to black. It looks like something that you could pair with a funky jacket and have a cute more casual look. The houndstooth is very nice but I'm not crazy about the cap sleeves. It also seems more dressy to me (probably because it's a woven.) I can't wait to see your pictures!

Oooooh, those are prettttttttty!

What occasions are these dresses for, Debbie?

Very nice choices..hard to pick just one:)

Very nice! Is this for an occasion or every day?

I love the houndstooth dress!

They're both nice! I guess my pick for you would depend partly on your body shape: The black one would be flattering for an hourglass shape, while the cap sleeves of the houndstooth dress might not work so well on an inverted V. Do you prefer cap sleeves or long sleeves for yourself?

The dress is for my husbands retirement and the dinner I'm hosting after. Neither event is very dressy but I want to look my best. One of the dresses is coming in today to the store here.

On a side note AT has excellent customer service. I tried the dresses on in the store and needed another size and she located it from another store. It has been wonderful dealing with them.

Lovely dresses! Like both! But for the dinner maybe the second one .. the color is lovely.

I definitely like the first one better. the second one is nice as well and may offer more layering opportunities but the first one to me says elegant, classy and frankly, a little different. I read a really good article last year in Vogue by Plum Sykes about how hard it can be to find a full sleeve length dress. I had never thought about that until then but I have noticed they are kind of rare. I don't know what climate you live in but if you have a real winter, the black might be really nice. I just think it is very classic and has a fun twist with the side detailing...let us know what you decide!