I love it all by itself without the jacket or blazer. Very, very cute.

I love everything about it except how deeply cut the armholes look in the back. Sorry to be a bummer.

No worries, San. That's why I asked for an honest opinion--I can take it. :)

The armhole thing bothered me too. It's actually the only thing I wish were different about the dress. Having broad shoulders though--it's sort of the nature of the beast. Most dresses that also cover my back, look to have narrowly cut armholes (in comparison with my shoulders). I don't wear backless styles ever, so I've just learned to deal with it. But it is a valid point. Do you think it's a deal breaker on the dress?

No I don't think it's a deal breaker. The ruffles are just so you and the dress is so unique. I looked at the picture again and with the second look the cut of the armholes didn't seem like an issue. In fact I love the dress more looking at it the second time. That stand up ruffle at the back of the neck is just perfect with your short haircut.

Looks great - very pretty.

I approve! :)

Wow, cute dress! I also like the concept of wearing it with the sweater and blazer although I'm not sure if the fabrics 'go' together (I am by no means any expert on this, but sometimes matching black to black is hard... this could also be something funny with my computer screen). BTW, I love your haircut!

I love the dress!

Thanks so much for the feedback so far everyone!

It seems like the dress is pretty dressy, even when I put a sweater with it? Something that just occurred to me is that J. Crew has a top that is similar to the bodice of the dress I bought:

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../99742.jsp

And I've tried that top on and it's very flattering. It's on my wishlist of things to buy. Do you think it would be better to buy that top, and a black skirt, and pair those two together for the gala? That way, I could work the two separates into my "everyday" wardrobe, because I could wear them each with different things? If I did keep the dress, I guess it would be special occasion dress, if I ever have to go to something that is a dressy type event (maybe once or twice a year tops). I'm actually okay with doing either.

The JCrew blouse is really pretty. Sounds like the skirt and blouse combo would be much more versatile really.

Ana:

I love the dress and I love the way it is cut -- in fact, I like it less when you cover that up. I think your idea about the J Crew top is spot on -- I immediately thought of the Crew blouses when I saw the dress. If you do it with a skirt, I'd go for a very tailored pencil skirt. You look great.

Kyle, that's exactly what I was thinking! :D Here are some skirt ideas I'm kicking around (from kind of fun to more dressy). I could easily work any of these into my "everyday" wardrobe, and the price, plus the price of the blouse adds up to the cost of the dress:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....8095261564

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.....8095261568

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../99460.jsp

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....=cat980731

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st.....=cat980731

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....62&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....62&P=2

If it gets chilly, I will probably pull on a bolero or something (I have a black one).

Ana, the dress looks stunning on you! I do agree that the blouse/skirt combo would be more versatile though. The J Crew blouse is gorgeous and I like all the skirts you have posted, especially the first Leifsdottir one.

I think you get the most options with the top! You could also wear it with nice jeans for a fab smart casual look.

Ana,
The dress is adorable!! I like it much better without the jacket or sweater. I was thinking of maybe a bolero sweater that hits at the top part of the skirt in a color, maybe red or burgundy. Of course a skirt and top would be more practical and you posted some beautiful options. Something about the dress is more unique to me than a skirt and top. I am sure you will look great whichever you decide upon.

I love the dress from the front. My first reaction was "awesome, so chic and unique, and so very Ana". But then I saw the second picture and I have to be honest: I don't love it from the back. I agree with San's initial hunch, that the way it's cut in the back is not optimal for your strong shoulder line. It's definitely meant to be worn without a cover-up, I think, this it is so stunning and unique, but because of that I'd probably say no to it because I think you could do better with a dress that flatters you perfectly from ALL angles.

Thanks for all of your opinions, and I appreciate your honesty Antje, don't worry. The back view kind of bothered me as well (that's why I posted the photo of it), but I could get past it. At this point, though, I think I've decided to take the dress back and get some separates that I could get more use out of. I just hate the thought of a beautiful dress hanging in my closet day after day, never being worn. It seems like such a waste. I wear everything that is in my closet right now. If I don't wear something just because there is always something else I'd rather wear, I usually end up getting rid of it to make room for something else (my closet is small).

Thanks again everyone! I am definitely getting the Victoria ruffle top from J. Crew, but am on the hunt for a great skirt to pair it with. :D

Ana, I'm late but I wanted to say that the separates idea is fabulous because you can mix and match as you please AND create the same effect with the dress (which I know you know). I’m the spanner this time around – I loved the dress with the cardigan. It was my favourite look. But you want to be able to wear the look on its own too. I’m excited to see you in the J Crew ruffle blouse!

Thanks Angie! I'm going to return the dress today and see if I can pick up the blouse, too.

I like the idea of the dress, Ana, but I vote for the blouse and skirt separates too! Way more versatile for you that way, since you don't go to many of these functions.

I own the ruffle blouse from JCrew and love it! It is a great layering piece, especially with cardis. What color are you getting?

Hi Ana,

I like the idea of getting a skirt and blouse ...bang for your buck .You look great with that red belt!
Kellee

Hi Ana,
I meant to say more bang for your buck... :)
Kellee

Hi Kellee! Thanks for the response. I ordered the J. Crew blouse in cream, it should be here in a few days. I'm so excited!