I dont really buy guns to impress others, but I do beleive in buying guns that are pleasing to the eye.
I have noticed that when I go to the range with other people, when I open my pelican case filled with pistols, my 1911s are the ones that get the most fondling and praise.
My Glocks get an eye, but that is usually from the younger folks that dont have a lot of interest in firearms.
Looking at your priced range, in the $2000 range would get you a used semi-custom 1911 from the tops tier companies (Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Les Baer, Nighthawk, etc.).
I have a Wilson Combat CQB that is very nice and accurate, but it was also expensive. There are plenty of other 1911s out there from other makers that will serve you just as good , but wont dent the wallet as bad. If you are looking for the "oohs and ahhhs" at the range, then those top brands will more than likely do it.
This is my experience though.
In your $1200 price range, I would recommend STI(
www.stiguns.com).
I recommend them a lot due to owning two of their 1911s now and not having anything to complain about, they work and they work great. I would say look at the STI Trojan or the STI Lawman.
These recommendations are just from my experience, I am not a pro or an expert. The best thing that you can do is go to a range that has rental guns and shoot a wide variety of them to see what you will like, then go from there. Several excellent companies and firearms have emerged since you last purchased a firearm. As always, Good Luck !