Thanks, Aida, Una, Alicat and Nicole! You are making my week especially since I've been feeling so UNfashionable lately.
@Aida: I usually wear the dress with leggings--I think that's why it looked top heavy to me. I think the leggings usually balance me out more. I thought black sandals looked too heavy but I will take another look at that. I love the idea of the belt to break up the black but the band sits up too high and I don't think a belt would stay in place unless I had an elasiticated one. Too much trouble, me thinks. I never thought of changing out the buttons on the tunic--there are just so many....(and I am lazy.) Great idea for the drapey cardigan too--I can't wait to try the coral top! I think the length will be just right! You have such great ideas: )
@Una: It's rare that I wear a SP without a layering tank--I think most of them look better with a contrast cami. It's definitely a YLF thing. Thanks for noticing the different looks. I have been trying to mix things up a bit more--hoping I don't get so tired of my style.

Dress #1 is beautiful to me, and if it were up to me I wouldn't change a thing :). Maybe what's bothering you is the sleeve trim and the waist trim are both at the same height? I can see how it might look like a black horizontal line if you're standing in front of a mirror with your arms down.

Rolling your sleeves down (assuming you can do that) or adding a belt both sound like fun experiments to try. If you're worried about the belt slipping, perhaps you can throw some fashion tape at the problem?