I only like the second one. The first is too short (regardless of your great legs) and the third too fussy, girlish and prom shaped. Don't know why I am feeling so adamant - will not be offended if ignored!

Sounds like you are sorted. The best advice is to always defer to mom :). For $19 that's a steal, and for a Hawaiian cruise it will be perfect.

For sure try the Allsaints dress. I love the one I picked up in the summer (see find). There was a similar sleeved version as well. Make sure to try the sizes up. It makes a huge difference in fit and overall look.

For $19, you have a winner. I was wondering how the first dress might look with hose and shoes, and I'm glad your mother agreed about the lovely colour.

I feel the same as you about fit and flare dresses. I just don't think they flatter me. I'm not sure why. Theoretically, they "should" in the sense that we are both hourglass-ish (albeit with different proportions). Is it short-waistedness that makes the problem? Is it that they feel on the "young" side? I don't know. I did wear them as a much younger woman and liked the way they looked on me then, and my weight was more or less the same at the time.

I really like the idea of the All Saints Nise dress if the colour works. It's a nice combination of sophisticated and very feminine that you don't often see -- or at least I don't often see. Except on Sharon's recent WIWs, maybe.

Great deal on the dress. I am glad Mom liked it.

I vote the Nise one for you! Cool and so You!:-9

Try that all saints in oyster please! Also, metalicus does some lovely drapey dresses. Talk to deb about that. And Lisa suggested a brand to Suz that had some great dresses.

Whoops: I missed something there...glad you found your dress!

I really like that first blue lace dress on you, except for the length. Have you considered trying it in a regular, possibly one size down? I'm petite, too, and have had luck doing that with dresses that run short. Have fun on your cruise!