I *love* that dress on you & think it's perfectly appropriate for work & church! I don't understand why you were hesitant about the backview either: it's very flattering to your already lovely figure. No pattern placement awkwardness that I can see: I really love the laser cut out style lace.

The jacket is beautiful on you as well, but it is much sportier than the outfits I usually see you in. So only you can decide whether a romantic opera diva has a sporty side or not! You definitely wear the jacket, the jacket doesn't wear you. I do think the sportiness helps it feel a bit more casual (smart casual of course), and I know you have various casual capsules. So only you can decide whether a romantic opera diva has a sporty side or not!

Smashing jacket! I don't think I've ever even gone into Dress Barn because of the name -- why "barn"? why? -- but as someone we know says, leave no retail stone unturned...

I like everything I see here. You look brilliant.

Another fan of all the pieces. They work with your style and existing wardrobe. Nice haul!

Total LOL on the "fashion week fertility goddess" comment, which this dress is NOT. I think it would be perfect for work or church.

I prefer the dress with the boots, however if you had a pop of burgundy elsewhere, a purse maybe, jacket... I might like the booties more. As styled my eyes went right to the boots, not your fab dress.

I gasped when I got to pic #4. That jacket with the pants is absolutely perfect for and on you. So so so flattering. KEEP!

Beth, YLF! I am swooning over the style that jacket lends to your outfits. So fresh and yet simple. Talk about leave no retail stone unturned!!! You look great. I actually like the dress with the boots and booties both, depending upon the weather and occasion. Great shopping!

I have to be short, as no much time for comments today, but these 2 pcs. are some yummy ones-I would like tio have them, too! YLmore than F!!!!!!++++++++++++

I think both the jacket and the dress are absolutely brilliant additions to your wardrobe Beth Ann. Yes, both a bit "mod" but I think they totally suit you and will be versatile as mix and match pieces. I also really like the fit of both. You look positively STUNNING in pic #4 in particular

Looks like they stay! Thanks so much for the feedback. I'm being pickier this year, and, as my budget is certainly not growing, I want hardworking pieces that won't break the bank, but won't look cheap, either. Up close, these garments are both far better constructed than I would expect -- with good stitching, and good "hand" in the fabrics, although they're not natural fibers.

Momo: The dress is Dress Barn, too! It was 50% off, which made it $28. I don't think I was using sale goggles when I bought it, but it makes me worry less about "cost per wear" at least. The dress is TTS, but the jacket fit is generous.

both items work well for you! the fit seems to be spot on for each.

I just have to say I absolutely love, love, love that jacket!! If you wouldn't have said it was DB ("Repository of Frump!" Hilarious!) I would have guessed it was a way-out-of-my-budget-high-end-designer piece for sure! As another who struggles with style definitions, I don't feel qualified to help there, but I do have to say I think these are some of my favorite WIWs of yours ever. And that's saying a lot, as you have consistently had some really awesome ones, FWIW!!

I am wowed. You have never looked MORE gorgeous. Did I know you loved Graphic black & white outfits? High five. You wear them so, so well.

Both new pieces are 20 out of 10 and Killer Deluxe. (Also prefer the black footwear with the frock). I vote the outfit with the colour blocked jacket and black column of colour (jeans) as:

Killer to the power of Killer xo

I'm late to this party but just wanted to say that I love, LOVE #4 - the jacket with black pants. I like all the pieces but that one really wowed me.

The dress and the jacket are very nice! Great fit, look and very
practical! IMO the dress is not too sexy, but rather confident. Both pieces fit
you very nicely! An added plus is that they can be mixed and matched easily as
well

Amazing jacket, so cute on you. I see it as super stylish as opposed to trendy. And it's so slimming with the black on the sides. I want that jacket for myself! I think that the dress is fine for church with the tights and especially with a jacket. The dress looks great on you. Would be cute for a night out too.

Super late to the party but WOW! Beth Ann you are honing in amazing items a amazing prices. You selectiveness is showing and of course I'm with Angie in saying you've never looked better. I feel like you are hitting on what works perfectly for you every time I see you post! Fabulous

After all your encouragement, I'm looking forward to giving these items a road test! And I'm excited to receive the elusive K2K! Even more important, I think I'm learning to beauty of a powerful edit. I've always disliked editing in general, whether in writing, music programming, or wardrobe. It just feels like it's all about saying "no." I'm learning, however, that good editing is more like the freedom of traveling light -- of being unencumbered. Good editing creates a confident and harmonious look, which is a good balance to my typical creative personality. Your feedback on this post helped me embrace this. It'll be very helpful as I face the second half of winter with weeks of boots and puffers!

Wow, you look fabulous. Both are great buys and wonderful additions.
Great work

LOVE the new jacket with the dress and with pants. SO fab. I prefer the dress with the boots, FWIW. That jacket is gorgeous on you, BethAnn. You must keep it and wear it often. It's awesome!

SO glad they are keepers & I couldn't agree more about editing.

You are unbelievably amazing in that jacket and the dress. Just.amazing.

Beth Ann, I have no words, these pieces are THAT good on you! What finds. The jacket would be terrific with a black turtleneck and pencil skirt. And your cobalt!