I just wrote a long missive that disappeared before I could post it. Here goes again!

I am on the planning committee for our local Writers Festival, and I also volunteer as the web content editor for the organization. On Thursday evening we are having our official launch party. The festival itself takes place late in September, but this is the buzz-generating event. The location is a waterfront hotel; the time is 6 to 8 pm. Members of the press, sponsors, local dignitaries, and people in the arts community are invited. We'll serve drinks and hor d'eouvres, live music will play, there will be some short speeches, and lots of mingling.

As a member of the committee and a local author, I will be asked to stand to present myself to the assembled crowd. I may be interviewed; I'll almost certainly be photographed. Also, before the event begins, I am one of the official welcomers; I'll be stationed in the hotel lobby to direct guests to the sixth floor where the party takes place.

You might recall that I live in a small university town where dress tends to be on the casual side. Also, many people will be coming direct from work to this event; very few people in this town wear suits, especially in summer.

I have two possible outfits. Please help me choose which one to wear.

#1 is the grey jersey cowl-neck dress some of you have already seen, with a jacket. Advantages of this outfit are that it is super comfortable and looks elegant (at least to me, and I hope you will disabuse me if I am wrong!)

#2 might look too casual at first glance, but I've chosen it for a reason. Teal and orange are our festival colours. You can see them on the website: http://www.kingstonwritersfest.ca

These are the only two items I own in those colours, and don't know if they work for this purpose, but I thought it might be fun to pair them this way, especially since I'll be welcoming people. Later, they will be given programs featuring these colours, and the flowers and decoration may also pick up the theme.

YAY for #1

NAY for #2

Please feel free to offer styling suggestions. I do not have time or money to add anything new but could shop my closet if you have ideas for me.

Oh, by the way, despite the fact that I am trying to get used to my first high heels in 30 years, I'm not really tipping backwards in the side photos. Daughter was just having fun with the camera.

Bonus pic of my cat, Max.

Thanks in advance!