Going to a ball! Help me pick a dress!

As a Marine Corps wife, I get the opportunity at least once a year to dress up for the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball. It's the birthday of the corps, which was formed way back in... blah blah blahgetty blah.... all I know is I get to dress up. (OK, before people get mad, I kid, I kid. I appreciate the significance of the event.) Apparently, for the event in Beijing, they really go "all out" and it's supposed to be one of the best birthday balls, ever.

Last year, I was absolutely obsessed with a David Meister velvet cocktail dress... but I didn't want to take the plunge on the price of the dress. This year - having borrowed dresses the last 2 years (I hate having a closet full of worn-once fancy, expensive dresses) - I am buying a new one.

The dress I lusted over last year is no longer available, and would still be my first choice this year. Pictured below:


I don't know if you can tell, but the dress is velvet and is a pretty purple color. Unfortunately, it's only available on ebay, and not in my size.


so....

The dresses up for selection this year are the following:

1. Emerald Green, One Shoulder Velvet Gown



As you can see, it's REALLY similar to last year's dress! The shoulder strap is thinner than last year, and the embellishment is smaller. Also, the color is a jewel-toned emerald green. When I zoomed in on the site, the fit looks more flattering than it does when just looking at the first picture.. (think it has to do with the picture being a little bit dark in the places that would really show you how it fits the model). I love the sort of retro feel it has. If you want to zoom to see how it fits better, click here.

2. Red, One Shoulder with Feather Velvet Gown



Again, you need to be able to look past the crazy photoshopping (why? why do they insist on doing that?!) Similar to the other dresses: one shoulder, red velvet, with feather embellishment.

Out of the two available choices, my husband prefers the emerald green. I like the red, but kind of think it's not the best color for me... and red velvet kind of makes me think of Santa Claus.. so I am leaning towards the green as well.

What do you ladies think?! I know there are a couple things about these dresses.... from what I have learned, people either love or hate one-shoulder pieces, and they either love or hate velvet. I'm obviously digging both.

Here I am again for reference:


If you've seen any dresses no more than $350 that you think would be absolutely perfect, feel free to share.

Oh and yes, I could have a dress made specifically for me here in China, but that involves way more effort than I am willing to put in.

Thanks!

Steph