ACK, why did you have to show me that?! Not only do I love Oscar de la Renta, but I have been looking for a dress in that exact same color. *sighs*
Okay, I can't believe I am saying this, but don't do it. I love designer items and a good splurge as much as any one, but there are some things I veto.
First, I tend to believe major splurges are best reserved for classic shoes, handbags, and jewelry because they are items that are acceptable for frequent wear. You will likely wear a pair of $2000 brown boots, a black handbag, or a diamond necklace more frequently than a dress, which no matter how wonderful will fall into a clothing rotation that accessories are exempt from.
Second, clothing is most subject to feeling old, tired, dated, etc. While the design is classic, it always could begin to feel dated or old to you, which means you won't wear it anymore.
Third, clothing is more likely to be ruined (spills, rips, dry cleaning accident, etc.) than accessories, with maybe the exception of shoes. Trust me, you will feel ill if some drunk moron ruins that dress with a glass of red wine.
Fourth, finding a dressmaker to recreate a dress for less is much easier than finding someone to make quality reproductions of boots, purses, and jewelry. A good dressmaker can make almost anything, all you need to do is make sure you are selecting a high quality fabric.
I feel I can rationalize almost anything, and if you are deadset on this dress I can definitely rationalize it for you; however, my gut says no. You do get bonus points for the dress being a wedding dress of sorts, but those points are cancelled out by the fact you'd probably prefer to put that money toward "THE Dress." Additionally, almost everyone you know will see you in the dress during the wedding events, so you might not be as inspired to wear it again and again.
Well, that's my two cents, as much as it pains me. (Valentino and I had this same battle a few times over the years...) But I'd definitely take the picture to a dressmaker or even try one of the insanely talented Etsy dressmakers. And when you find that emerald green fabric, let me know. I will be right behind you to purchase it for a dress I have long wanted to recreate.
