OK I've been looking at these pics again and can see what you mean about my figure...the more I look at all these pictures the more I'm noticing my tummy flab. Ugh! Yes, I can see the outline of my belly in the wrap dress. And I think the red and black turtlenecks will have to go back too...showing off my lumps too much. Argh, the curse of the apple! Especially when I'm a bombshell and love fitted tops and waist definition! I hate doing waist surrender, it makes me feel big and fat. But I guess these body skimming looks kinda make me look fat too. The camera doesn't lie.

Dresslover, modgirl, Auburn, cobaltblue, bran888 et al...thanks for your honest opinions and cautionary advice. (And Dresslover, thanks for the wisdom on what to look for with DVF). Good to know about the knits being riskier. I actually didn't realize it was a knit until it arrived, I just assumed it would be jersey. If I do keep the dress I will have to be very careful with it. The problem is, I just love that pattern and color combination so much! It's just like my favorite red blouse! I've been handwringing all day and trying to find another DVF dress that I like but I just can't. I can't bring myself to like the solid colors because they are just too boring for me and I feel like if I'm going to get a solid dress, I might as well get something cheaper like a Suzi Chin or whatever. If I'm going to pay that much for a DVF dress I want it to be distinctive...I love patterns so much! But none of the other DVF patterns that are available now (I checked Saks, DVF.com, Neiman Marcus, Bluefly, Nordstrom, etc etc) really grab me. A lot of them are too crazy and loud even for me and I worry that it's not office appropriate or that I'd get tired of it too quickly (which is why I picked the subtle red and black one even though it's not as "wow", as someone mentioned). Some of the smaller square brownish patterns look a little more subtle but I don't think I'd look as good in brown compared to red. I think I'd look OK in black and white but I already have several black and white dresses and no red ones (my favorite color) so I'd prefer to get red. Ack! What do I do, go for the impractical red dress that makes my heart pound or settle for something cheaper or possibly longer-lasting but more boring to me? I found these two wrap dresses on Bluefly (#1 JB Brown, only size M available so it might be too big for me and #2 Laundry by Shelli Segal--I ordered size 4). I went ahead and ordered them to see if they might be a cheaper more practical alternative. But I'm not nearly as excited about them. We'll see. I don't even know if they'll fit. I hate ordering from Bluefly because I always end up paying both shipping and return shipping. They are a lot cheaper than the DVF dress though...I could even keep both for less than the DVF one. I also found a couple dresses from Boden (#3 jersey wrap dress and #4 woven wrap dress) but I've never ordered from them so I'm not sure what my size is and whether they're any good. And the patterns again are just OK but not wow to me. I haven't ordered yet because one of the dresses is backordered anyways. Do any of these dresses seem like better options to you than the original?

Another apple dilemma with the red jeans, the 8 is snug in the waist but the rear/legs are loose. I might try to find a size 6 in the Old Navy Jeggings but as someone said I don't know how tight I want to go if I'm trying to wear these to work. I've been looking all over for red jeans so I may just go with these for now till I can find something better. I'm going to order a size up in the ruched teal top to see if the M is more forgiving of my tummy. I'm also going to return the pinstripe jacket, I don't really need a suit and the whole suit just looks too 80's corporate for my tastes. I like the pinstripe pencil skirt though, that will stay for sure. Still contemplating the rest.

At least we can all agree on one thing, that the yellow dress is a keeper! Yay!

GP - do you need a nice dress (like a DVF) for a special event coming up and so you are short on time to find that "perfect" dress? Or, do you have a hole in your wardrobe that you think the DVF dress would fill? If it is only to fill a hole, then I'd wouldn't force it - just take your time- and the dress will come to you.

Love all the dresses, and I actually think DvF dress is kinda worth the money, will turn heads, for sure-I can see your love for that print if you have already one blouse almost the same pattern-so it's a deep love! keep it, but be aware of the material as Dresslover said! (really usefull comment!)
-and also suggest it worn with a cami underneath (for smoothing out things:-)).
(but no, I don't like any of the new picties more than the first one DvF! That's for sure!!! That very first dress(and thought) is a really sophisticate one:-))!)

I also very love the skirt with lace, the red jeans and both the sleeveless tops(beautifull colors and prints!) but really all the loot is very nice!(except the jacket wich is too big, but you can always size down)

Does this help?

The prints in 2 and 4 may be more forgiving for your apple. I struggle with this as well. I am sending back a gorgeous dress today. It is one of Angie's picks and I love it beyond reason but I can't risk looking like I am still pregnant.

my favorites are dress #1
#5 Skirt
#26 dress

I agree with Marley about being a teensy bit patient :), and the perfect dress will find its way to you. I know lots of people talk about wrap dresses being flattering on lots of people, but I actually think they are pretty hard to pull off. They are either gapping at the bosom, or highlighting lumps and bumps (bra straps, tummy areas, etc.).

Natalie, if you are wanting to keep the dress solely because you love the print, I have a suggestion. Call DVF in New York, either Soho or Meatpacking district is fine. Ask them if they are familiar with the Linda dress in the Mosaic Red print. If they are, ask them what other cuts are available in the Red Mosaic print. (DVF rarely does a print in just one cut.) It is likely the print was done in silk jersey, so ask about that too. They should be able to help you with photos of the other dresses available in the same print.

Hi -- just wanted to say that I bought the blouse in 14/15 to go with the Halogen raisin skirt, if you have that one. It has that perfect yellow in it. I rarely splurge for silk, and was excited about this blouse. Keep!

#1 stopped me in my (keyboard) tracks. and I love the yellow dress.

You are totally a bombshell, GP! I have a totally different body type, and there are styles that just don't work for me (hello whiskering, hip pockets, midis, ankle straps...I'm sure I'm missing several I bet you could pull all of these off beautifully!)

Anyway, I just wanted to give you my opinion...I'm no expert. If you cannot live without the dress love it, you should keep it. My feeling is, though, that you can find something you love just as much that is potentially more flattering. I happen to really like a couple of the alternatives you posted, especially # 2. I have a feeling that style would look nice on you.

As for the jeans...I always try to fit the largest part of me (hips), and tailor the waist if necessary. Can you get jeans taken in at the seams, I wonder? I bet you can, not sure how involved/expensive it would be. I don't think the pants look bad, I just think that you'll be able to wear more tops (and I would imagine be more comfortable!) if the waistband isn't tight.

Rita, which dress was it that didn't work for you? I want to make sure I don't make the same mistake!

One thing to think about. I love where the DVF dress hits you on the leg. The new dresses you posted look shorter on the manequins and I'm wondering if in a year or so, this length will begin to look "skimpy" to us, since lower hemlines are the new thing.

Dresslover, thanks for the tip. I called the New York store like you suggested and they said that the red mosaic (they called it crackle red) pattern only comes as the Linda wrap dress or as a cardigan. And the F&F sale is over. Bummer. Worth a try though!

Good point about the length, Claire! I would wear the dress to work, so I don't want it to be too revealing. I like to keep it around the knee or below. I'm only 5'5" so maybe the length will be OK. The two Bluefly dresses are on their way so I will give those a try but if I don't love them, then I will keep the DVF and do lots of situps! Or Spanx my belly into submission!

I think if the DVF dress makes your heart go pitter-patter and you love it, then you should definitely keep it despite us naysayers!!

Just a quick update--I found out Neiman Marcus is having a sale so I re-bought the red DVF dress at 30% off! (and am going to return the full price one). I am so excited about this dress! I think it's the perfect little red dress for me! (And don't worry, I'll wear Spanx!) Yippee!!!