Good luck:) What about a beautiful skirt & a fabulous white shirt a la Angie, Carolina Herrera or Sharon Stone?
Actually Suz, L'Abeille makes an excellent suggestion!!! You have the shirt and the footwear. All you need is the bling and the skirt (and you can sport a shorter skirt - which you can wear with a denim jacket for more casual occasions). And you might even have the bling

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Hmmm. Okay then. I have my leaf print skirt - perhaps I should try that on and show you all. I think I would need more bling but that is do-able.
I admire your tenacity Suz and good for you for not settling on anything less than perfect. That is SUCCESS!

I have a sneaky suspicion that the Nicole Miller ruched dress is going to work. And if not, you have time yet and other possibilities.

Would love to see the leaf print skirt idea...
So frustrating, but eventually you will have your dress style and what works so well honed you will be able to pick dresses in your sleep (you probably are already doing that actually!). I also have hopes for Nicole Miller, hope it comes soon!
Thanks, Shannon. I am also very intrigued by L'Abeille' s skirt and shirt idea - I could go for that. (Thanks, L'Abeille!!!) Not sure my leaf print skirt is the right one, so I've been doing an online hunt for skirts as well, without a lot of luck. But something may turn up yet!
I just wanted to chime in to give you a virtual hug. So sorry about your earring, doubled by disappointing merchandise. With all the advice here, I am sure you will be the best dressed at the Gala!

Today I tried on a steilmann dress at a small boutique. Here is the link:
http://www.steilmann.com/media.....s_2013.pdf

It was beautiful and fit so very well.

Have you tried anything by Elie Tahari? Their sheath dresses fit me well and I very shortwaisted. You'll probably want a 0.