Suz, this dress is beautiful. I see and undertand the need for the alteration but I do really like your styling with the belt. I also would not put a horizontal seam at the waist, but I am not a sewer, and this is based purely on aethetics. I personally think you can wear the dress as is with the belt.

Delighted to see you in the dress Suz! And I am so glad that you are getting such good advice on how to alter it to make it perfect. I love the color and material on you but I see the problem with the fit and I would have no idea how to solve it. I think the idea of the dress is almost a simple shift with all the attention on the shoulder area so whatever can be done to get that effect seems like the right idea. I hope you can get it altered because I think it will be stunning on you!

The dress color and neck detail look lovely on you. I would probably wear it belted a few times as a "test run" before making alterations. Love Beth Ann's idea of finding a coustumer and Diane's detailed instructions. Brilliant!

Like Deb said, such an interesting and beautiful garnment, I like it as it is, with or w/o the belt, and fuchsia clutch is perfect, too! If you trust the WW and have time for alterartion, then you can go that way, too-but dress is a keeper, anyway! love it's neutral color, subtle sheen, and dramatic colar! Very Suz!:-)

Such a lovely neckline and the color is quite good with your complexion. I'm off to read your other posts (on the edge of my seat)!

I think the dress looks fine with the belt the way it is. Without the belt, you do need to have it altered. If you decide to have it altered, you should find an expert seamstress, not just some sewin' Jo with a needle & thread (like me) - this is a job for Wonder Woman.