Annie, you are right... and that was my thinking in ordering it even after I discovered that the daisy dress now fits. However, where it is a little too big now is in the bodice.. for a surplice dress that means some gaping. At my current weight, i can tack it or pin it... but as I lose more weight (knock on wood), i imagine I will lose more through the bust and back which could make the gapping more than a pin can manage. IDK. I do have wide shoulders and a large rib cage -- meaning the bones, not the fat on top lol.. so it may not be too bad. I think the waist/hips etc will be fine and very adaptable-- though the waist and tie are sewn in vs an elastic band. This is part of what makes it attractive IMO.. it looks more presentable AND it cinches in more than an expandable elastic band. I tried it on yesterday "as I was".. hair in a ponytail, slippers and (ahem) no bra. I thought it looked flattering and nice even then. I will try it on this weekend with proper undergarments and shoes and see what I think. It isn't terribly expensive so if it looks great when done up, I will likely keep it. I think it could work for a lot of occasions ... and since my weight loss is slow/steady, I would imagine it would work for awhile without alterations-- but weight loss is a funny thing. You can't always predict what will change. (Also, I will continue to watch to see if the smaller size comes back in stock) Thanks all for your thoughts, encouragement and recommendations!

Such pretty dresses posted here. I love both, jojoco. I was actually leaning toward the floral for a November wedding, but both are stunning. The SPLC is so very elegant, you cannot go wrong with it. I like the advice to take both and see how you feel that day. The green and black dress your friend is wearing for the rehearsal dinner is gorgeous.

Thank you all so very much for the compliments, good wishes, and the weather info and advice. It is all appreciated. Ruby, yes, I have a pair of low-heeled black sandals that are also a contender. I’m going to re-try everything and make a decision this weekend. Their wedding colors are black and gold and my DIL is wearing a black dress with gold trim. I’ll be in the background anyway and didnt really want to wear black so this was the next best thing. I tried a couple of gowns in a champagne color but that color just is not flattering on me. I think i will order the ruana. It’s on sale for $66 and I can wear it around here when the weather isn’t so cold. Transportation will be provided from our hotel to the wedding venue so I’m not too worried about traveling around the afternoon/evening of the wedding. I’m just glad we’re driving so i can take whatever clothes I ’might’ need.

Consider yourselves fortunate that you can get something altered down. I am 5' 11" and before back surgery I was 6'. You can't add length. As far as shoes, It is just as impossible to find a 9.5 narrow (the size I wore pre kids) and now an 11 shoe, as it is to find a small shoe, but more and more manufacturers are adding larger sizes in shoes to accomodate for the change in society. Stuart Weitzman was my go to shoe too Flo. One of the few designers that made a 9.5 narrow shoe at the time. You would have loved working in the shoe department at Nordstroms. The small feet gals were given all the sample sizes and the designers would come in and talk about their shoes and give them samples too. Ferragamo especially. I was so jealous!