I think the dress is fantastic! The hip thing would bother me, but since you say you can fix it yourself and the price is good, I say go for it!

Gorgeous classic dress. I think if you don't have anything like this, it would be a great addition to your wardrobe. I also think the fact that is purple (not black) also makes it appealing.

Thanks for all the encouraging input ladies. I was tossing and turning and not able to sleep and contemplating what to do with this dress, so got up to do some computer sleep therapy.... you all have put at ease my concerns that perhaps this dress is too office-ey. You're right... with scarves, pendants, boots, jackets, etc I think this will be a great basic. And sleeves are not easy to find on a sheath dress.
Una- no, I had returned the Eliza J dress. After the honeymoon week in my closet, I decided it was too pricey for my purposes. This one was a much more reasonable price which was why I decided to give it a try.

I'm glad it gets to stay. I like this one better than the ElizaJ. I was wondering if you had got the ElizaJ sorted. Now I have a clearer idea of what it in your closet : )

love the booties!

not sure about the dress, it looks loose in the waist and sleeves to me, is it supposed to be that way? or it could just be the picture?

haha- you probably have a better idea of what is in my closet than my husband As far as winter dresses I have your TJ Maxx sweater dress, Laura's New York Jones leaf dress, a taupe short sleeve Loft sweater dress and a sleeveless black sheath dress. I might be forgetting something.... I also have a couple others that are more summery but can also work for winter.

Melllis... I dont' think the sleeves are loose. The waist and hip area aren't overly snug, but I like it that way. It seems to fit me without being uber form fitting.

eta- I think I see what you're seeing in the sleeves. I had scrunched them up and then put them down for the picture so they are a bit wrinkled.

Sounds like it will make a nice addition. You need a good sleeved, solid basic : )

i think i would prefer the sleeves scrunched and when you look at a still picture they seem a bit off to me but i think in real life when you are moving around they look fine.

to me, this dress is an "office dress" but that's because i work in an office 5 (or in some cases 7) days a week. so for me, i wouldn't want a dress like this for casual wear because id feel like i'm working. but if I didn't work in an office, I think i'd wear the dress casually. So I def. think it will work for you. and I think it will be a great canvas for scarves.

I really like it, and the booties are fab. It looks great on you--not too business-y or anything. One thing I've found about 3/4 sleeves: I have a devil of a time layering jackets over them, so I usually can't do it. You may be more coordinated or determined than I am :), but I just wanted to throw that out there.

ha- yes Jonesy..layering jackets over 3/4 sleeves is an acrobatic feat, but I make it happen. Usually I can reach up through the jacket sleeve and grab the dress sleeve and pull it down.