Natalie, husbands are a funny breed:). My hubby said he was feeling a little neglected because of the amount of time I spend here :). But he continually offers to take my outfit photos, bless him. Your hubby may have thought he was being funny with the comment about turning into your mum?

I love the red dress. It is glam, gorgeous, stylish,etc and it does look great with the fur.
I suppose if you have use for both dresses then keep them both. Both do look lovely on you. I might be a little old fashioned but given the function is for his work, I would probably be inclined to go with something you both like. It seems to me that your style has evolved quickly and you have many new "unexpected" (to hubby) items in your wardrobe and this change may be a little confronting to hubby (change can be really difficult for some) so I would encourage you to be patient and let him know you do value his opinion (this doesn't mean you wear what he says) and I have no doubt he will come around and start appreciating just how fab you are looking.

Aww, it's sad that he's being such a pill about the fur.

I do think the red is killer, but you might get more use out of the lace dress. I agree that the lace is competing with the fur, though, so I'd go with the ruffle trench with that one.

(talking very softly) I agree with your husband on the faux fur, I am not so fond of the whole faux fur thing (let alone real fur).
(speaking normal again) Since it is a party of your husbands work I think it would be best to choose something you feel great in and your husband loves too.