#1 all the way. It looks fantastic on you, and your hips are nowhere near enormous.
#2 looks good on you too but #1 is a wow. And I don't like dress #2 itself nearly as much - the pleating and lace and jeweled accents are too much IMO.
I love them both but definitely first. First is classy and you look hot. It's a win win
Am I crazy or did you have a dress similar to this for a ball?
I had a black strapless one. It was super comfy and I loved it. Also. I was the classiest of the bunch. I stood out from the younger wives. Which is also what your dress does. It steps you away from the younger group. But isn't matronly. It's perfect.
I actually prefer the 2nd one. I think the first one looks dated with that off the shoulder thing.
For every day clothes, yes, I think cold shoulders looks dated, and I rally dislike them. I think it's different in evening wears and stays classic IMO.
Now I think the next question is how are you going to wear your hair? ETA: I only get to dress up like this once a year and love it, I get way over excited.
I love the 2nd one and would probably choose it for myself. But to look hotter than the other chick, I'd got w/ #1 so that's what I picked. Tough one b/c I like both!