Hi Suz --

As expected, that dress and color are absolutely gorgeous on you.

I'm actually not in love with the black kimono due to time of year and your coloring since I know you will be photographed for this gala -- in winter with a darker leg, sure.

If you feel you must be protected from the frigid A/C I don't mind the floral print or the fuchsia silk (I prefer the shape of the former). Mary's shawl might be just what you need, however!

Love, love, love it! Please wear to the gala! With the Kimono topper!

Wow wow wow! It's almost a shame to cover that amazing dress with a jacket. If you must, I like the black kkmono. Separately, I do really like the Zara jacket, too.

I'm with Caro - this dress needs to come with its own crash helmut. WOWZA!!!

Zara jacket is fab too Suz.

YOU ARE ON A ROLL

This dress. Oh my.

This dress is amazing. People will think you're a best selling Times author. People will think you're a movie star.

The pants are okay, but this dress... this dress is fabulous. Please - allow yourself to be fabulous!

If I had your body type, I'd be wearing sheaths more often. The color, the length, the chic - factor... all an A+++. You look wonderful.

Hi again Suz...

Ok, I am wondering what a black strappy would look like with the dress. I looked at the styling on all the similar evening dresses in the same colour on Net-A-Porter and they had dark shoes (mostly strappy with bare leg) or silver pointy toed ones. Not that this site is like the law or anything but it may bring the eye up to the fab dress and the face a little more. Anyway, give it a go if you have a pair. I just keep seeing you in a shoe with a little less visual weight with this dress. Again, don't sacrifice too much comfort but go as high as you can.

Thanks, Mia. I don't own any strappy dressy sandals at all, nor do I own any high heels, really. I do have some dark pointy toed pumps with a slightly higher heel than these gold ones. I could try the outfit with those, and I could also go shopping! And I don't mind doing that.

I think for leg lengthening on me, I prefer a shoe toned closer to my skin colour. Silver could work -- in which case I would have to change the clutch and jewellery -- but that is also do-able and I am not against it.

I did look around at strappy dressy sandals when I was at Yorkdale and to be completely honest, I wasn't all that impressed with what I saw. The styles just didn't really sing to me.

Interesting that you feel this shoe has visual weight. To me, they almost disappear because of the pale gold. I guess we perceive things differently -- always an important lesson.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond with your thoughts. I am off to look at Net a Porter now!

I think the dress looks AMAZING on you. I like the Zara jacket, but I'm not sure about the jacket with it.

I am probably so over thinking this. I have same issue with finding strappy. I see them in magazines or online and think "great" but when I get to the shoe stores they are pretty terrible and I don't wear over 3 inch heels either.

I have looked myself for a silver pair and as delectable as the Gianni Rossi ones on Net a Porter appear the heel height alone makes them a "no fly zone". I did see some at J. Crew but they didn't thrill me, really your gold ones look a lot more fab for a lot less $$. Wear them and enjoy!

I just want to share in the celebration - this dress was made for you (and Angie and Fernanda no doubt)! I also like the black kimono if you need a coverup. You look absolutely wonderful!

Suz, this dress makes you look awesome. Of all the jackets I prefer #12. I recently saw a photo (not sure where) of Jane Fonda wearing a gold moto, would love to see something like that with this.

OMG, I can't get over how stunning you are in this dress! Please wear it! I love it best on its own and with the kimono topper. Shoes and bag are perfect! You will be a shining star!

I think this dress is so amazing on you, you could wear a trash bag as a jacket at it would be gorgeous!!

All of these jackets are beautiful with it!

Gorgeous dress! And I love the Zara jacket too.
You've made some great buys here.

OK, I just had to pick myself up off the floor and I don't have a crash helmet : ) Suz, this is breathtaking! Truly! Wow! Insert superlative here.

Once the pants come back from the tailor you'll have to post side by sides for us.

Is there anything you can't wear, girlfriend? You look AMAZING!! (Double exclamation points, because you're at least amazing times 2!) You need about 10 galas to go to because all of your outfits are fantastic.

Number 13, Kimono, for sure.

OH. MY. GOODNESS! I have never seen anything so fab in all my life as you in that navy dress. I love how the color is light enough that it doesn't look "almost black". What cut! What fit! *swoon*

I, too love it the most without a topper. What about a leather jacket draped around your shoulders while seated? Would that be too casual or "in your face"? It would would look really off-hand, and not like it was supposed to be a "set" with your dress or part of your outfit. Then if you have to get up and make a speech, you can just slip it off. I LOVE the shoes, clutch and earrings. Perfect in my book.

LOVE! You look amazing in this!

Suz, this is almost exactly like my NM dress (aka the knockout dress). It's the same color and similar ruched construction (I think!). The only difference is the neckline.

What a winner!

Late to the party, but what a party! First off, I just love this forum and everyone's support and shared celebrations. You ladies are a treat!

Suz, you look dynamic in that sheath, like a beautiful exclamation point! I love the shoes with it, no problem noticed here though they are invisibly eye-catching, like glass slippers would be.

My favorite topper is the floral Zara, and it draws the eye to your lovely face.

Love the dress on you. I would go for the pashmina or one of the last two toppers, probably the pashimina though, because it would show off the dress better.