The output of this code (I tried to post this on jsFiddle but it doesn't seem to be working right now) looks reasonable, but, there is a lot of space 'wasted' to the left of the labels. It's important that the fields themselves be as wide as they are here.
This is a problem in the actual situation where there are many more fields and limited space. I want to be able to control the label width independent of the total control group width, I want it to remain right-aligned to the field, and (most importantly) I want a shorter label to result in the field moving left as well (which doesn't happen if you just mangle the control-label width).
I am not keen on delving into LESS, is that my only option? Any advice appreciated.
<div class="container-narrow" style="width:700px">
<div class="content">
<div class="row-fluid">
<div class="span5">
<form class="form-horizontal" id="applies-Step1-form" action="/" method="post">
<div class="control-group">
<label class="control-label required" for="Step1_email">Email:</label>
<div class="controls">
<input class="span12" size="50" maxlength="255" name="Step1[email]" id="Step1_email" type="text" />
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<div class="span7">
<form class="form-horizontal" id="applies-Step1-form" action="/" method="post">
<div class="control-group">
<label class="control-label required" for="Step1_email">Thing1</label>
<div class="controls">
<input class="span12" size="60" maxlength="255" name="Step1[email]" id="Step1_email" type="text" />
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body>