What a cool dress for fall and winter! I think you should get it. French Connection stuff usually doesn't go on sale for a longggg time. At least, that's been my experience on their website. It's totally worth the money, everything I have from FC has worn really well. :)
That is GORGEOUS. And your curves will make it even more so. $168 seems kind of high for cotton, but if you think you will have a good CPW then I say go for it.
__________________
"Good taste shouldn't have to cost anything extra." - Mickey Drexler
Get it. If you melted over it, it will haunt you if it goes on sale and they don't have your size. This has happened to me several times so I made a pact with myself to just pay full price if I could afford it.
__________________
Some people collect stamps and coins--I collect shoes.
I really love it. I would probably want an opportunity to touch the fabric before ordering, but I think you should go for it. The stuff I love at French Connection never goes on sale until months later.
On the website it also comes in other colors (one is a bluish gray and the other is a plum/burgundy I think)! I think the black/ivory is the most striking though. I'll have to get to an FC store and try it on first though...sometimes I'm dissapointed by how their things fit IRL.
I am going to wait, because I have so many things I need to buy for the house that getting a dress I don't really *need* (but really *want* of course) would probably not be in my best interest. Also, I live near two FC stores and have scored at both stores in the past with sale items and waiting.