I've been doing more poking around and finally found an 1840s plate I really like. And here's what I've decided on.

I'm definitely liking the plaid dress on the right, and since it's a November 1844 plate, it'll be a great starting point for the Poe event in January. I've even got fabric that'll work for it, sort of.
I think the pink really makes it, don't you? I say sort of, because I only have three yards of the plaid, and I'll probably want another three to four, since it's only 45". I'll have to stop in before my class Tuesday to see if they have anymore, because it's been almost a year since I bought it. I'll also need more of the velvet, but that'll have to wait until I know if I can get more of the silk. Plus it's from Philly, which is the opposite direction, and requires driving down there.
But first things first, this outfit needs a whole new set of undies. I'm quite tempted to just use my 1870s corset, rather than make a new one, so for now I'll just start on all the petticoats I'll need.