Gosh, I'm in the minority here, but I just don't love the shoes, and I prefer dress #1.

I love the loafers Kari - these would be a great addition to your wardrobe. To be completely honest, I'm kind of "meh" on both of the dresses. They're fine but you have so many fab dresses that these just don't measure up to IMHO.

I am SO sorry for doing the post-and-run thing again. I HATE doing that because I like interacting in the comments section, but didn't have time to get back on the forum after making this blog post.

I did, however, read every comment that came to me on the iPhone. This is where instant posts can come in the most handy - even if I don't necessarily have time to respond, at least I can read people's thoughts!

I gave each and every one of these comments serious thought, and here's my decision:
Both wrap dresses are being returned. I literally held them up to some of my favorite dresses in my closet (and the orange Bailey 44 dress that just arrived) and felt like they were only so-so in comparison. The cut is fine, but the color and pattern doesn't wow me the way my beloved red and white Tahari wrap dress does.
This is why your feedback can be SO invaluable - you know my wardrobe as well as my mom and sister do, and when you say that something doesn't really measure up to what I already own, I take note and listen.
Thank you!

Now, the shoes. I chuckled when I read every comment because I did not expect low metallic loafers to be such a polarizing item! I thought about it, and I tried them on with some of my favorite dresses. I walked around in them and realized how darn comfortable they are. And then I thought back to Angie's posts on wearing flat slippers with a midi pencil skirt and the flattering vs. edgy tradeoff - and ultimately, I decided that these shoes could be challenging in a GOOD way. I learned to comfortably wear my flat laced oxfords with skirts and dresses, and now love the combination. And maybe once I'm back in my skinny and straight legged jeans, I'll find the metallic loafers an instant, easy alternative to ballet flats.

I wore the metallic loafers today with my crazy Nine West scribble-print dress, and I rather liked it. No photos, unfortunately - my camera was out of batteries and I was running behind schedule - but hopefully I'll be able to revisit this combination again soon.

Thanks again for all of your feedback and help!

Yay! I am a fan of the loafers for you for that very reason, and though I liked the second dress, I agree you have equal or better in your closet already. Thanks for letting us in on your thought process!

Sorry that I'm late to chime in. Kari I love the loafers! I'm glad that you are keeping them

Hooray! Angie, it makes me feel even more glad that I decided to keep the loafers now that they have your seal of approval.

They're quite comfy. I did consider the Born pair that you have in the YLF store, but I decided that a slight heel was more my cuppa tea.