Curiousgirl...I'd really like to know where you got your information because I've never heard of such things before.
I admit, I have acrylic nails and I get them done all the time. However, if it gets to the point where typing on the keyboard becomes difficult or if you have a soda can and can't open it... then they're probably too long. When done right, nails can look very classy.
As far as those dresses go...I'm sorry, they look horrible. I hope you didn't pay $56 for your dresses! They look like something right out of Miami Vice...