Two Piece Dress?

Back from the Left Coast and happy to report that I LOVED San Francisco. The trip consisted of several life-changing food experiences thanks to SF's love of local and organic fare. These experiences included the NICEST restaurant in the city [after each course's first bite, we seriously had to take a break to allow the intense amazement to wash over], the TASTIEST sushi twice over and the BEST cupcakes of your life. This was also compounded by a fabulous weekend of wine and olive oil tasting in Sonoma, regardless of a steady rain.

In short, it was food heaven.

I also got the chance to try on dresses at the famed Glamour Closet, which happened to be around the corner from our hotel! What a fabulous place; I got to try on some great stuff that I normally would snub in the extreme high-end price range [think Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Anne Barge, etc]. However, everything was sample size, and I just didn't find anything that I was positive would work. Highlights included a BEAUTIFUL silk jacquard ballgown and a very simple organza Monique Lhuillier strapless A-line.

I was seriously considering the simple  strapless A-line to use as the base of a multi-piece ensemble, adding a sash & broach and a bolero jacket. But I worry about the gamble of trying to find all the 'dress it up' pieces on my own. I think you could really get a good deal buying all the pieces separately and really get a very personalized look, but I'm afraid of not seeing it all together before making the investment! Here are some images of multi-pieces dresses.

Pros: Unique one-of-a-kind look, pretty details, possibly could get a good deal on the whole package

Cons: Can't see it all together until everything is purchased plus lots more leg work

So what do you think? Should I forge ahead with the DIY Two Piece route if I can't find a single dress that fits the bill?