Vogue 1312 for a Beginner?

[Snowgoose]

Stunning!  The Cardie is beautiful and sets the dress off so prettily, I am in complete awe of your crochet skills 

[Tamnymore]

The first time I made this dress I made it too big so I put in a couple of tucks either side of the centre front in the seam where the bodice meets the upper skirt. These acted as makeshift darts and did the job of pulling in the dress suitably- so that might be an alternative. In any case I think your dress looks fab. Onwards and upwards!