I like both of these. Again, you have to zoom in and look at the bodices closely.
I also agree with BB that you want something unique and Alex Evening dresses are quite common. If you look at Nordstrom, under Tadashi Shosi long dresses, you will find several in Navy Blue. They are more elegant but also pricier:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-textured-lace-mermaid-gown/3452181?origin=keywordsearch
Here’s one example, but there are several…
One more thing, Shellfell.
http://www.alyceparis.com/bridal-party/mother-of-bride-dress-2015-spring.html?colors=8685
When my two boys get married (hopefully not any time soon, too young imo! ;), I like this website for dresses and I will probably go to a local boutique so that the dress is more unique. However, with that comes a heftier price tag.
There are pages of evening gowns on Saks site. I would look through every page. Also, are there any really nice women’s boutiques where you live? I have had very good luck finding gowns at the store I shop at regularly. If there is one go and have a salesperson help you. Also, they usually have a seamstress who can do a fitting there.
It seems from your choice of the RL you are looking for understated elegance. I like this one and it blue.
Consolation - I don’t necessarily disagree with you about those dresses, but without being able to see and feel fabric, it’s hard to know exactly what dresses are like. I may order them anyway, depending on how things are going.
BB- Thanks for your suggestions. Some of those dresses are beyond my budget (I’d like to stay at no more than $300), and some of the BM dresses have a train, which I don’t want, but they are beautiful. I appreciate what you’re saying about trying to be unique, but, no matter what I wear, I won’t have to worry about anyone else wearing the same thing. If I was very concerned about being unique, I’d have had a custom made dress or had a larger budget, but I do appreciate your suggestions.
@emilybee, I liked that one too, but I figured it was going to be way out of shellfell’s budget. 
I also really like the one in my post #2 from Lord & Taylor, but it may be too bling-y for you? Not sure. It’s also not a true Navy…
Consolation, I didn’t know her budget when I posted.
Yes, that Armani is way out of my budget.
I also have to be careful not to outdo the MOB who’s wearing a David’s Bridal dress, as are all the other women in the bridal party. She didn’t have anywhere near the budget I could have. I chose a $300 budget for the dress not because that’s all I could afford, but because (1) I don’t want to spend more for a dress I’ll only wear once (I don’t attend formal events), and (2)I don’t want to show up the bride or her family.
Shellfell, gotcha. Yes, you don’t want to outdo the MOB.
The dresses that I like are over the budget. Good thing I don’t have to worry about this yet.
I do like the Tadashi Shoji in #21, and it’s in the budget. I’ll be at Nordstrom tomorrow, if they have it.
Nordstrom on line wil tell you if the dress is in the store in your size. So you can check before you go. Navy Tadashi Shoji is what DD wore for her Sr. and MM recitals. We found them on sale aat L&T. They are always very classy.
I did check the website and it says they have it at my store.
^^Oh good! I hope you love it after you try it on. The sales people there can also direct you to others that you may not have tried on yet…go to the Nordstrom website and see all the Tadashi Shosi long dresses and click on Navy Blue to see other choices. Might as well try on a few while you’re at the store, but they will ship to your home for free. Ask the salespeople’s suggestions: they are good at what they do!
I’ve been to Nordstrom’s twice already, and have also ordered from their website. The first time i was there was still in the midst of prom season, so the selections were not very MOG. They had better choices the last time I was there, altho I didn’t like the 2 I tried on. They said they’d be getting more dresses in June, so I’ll see what’s there tomorrow, in addition to the Tadashi Shoji.
I’m not a fan of Alex Evening dresses. In person, the fabric can sometimes look a little cheap. The TS in #21 is lovely! I think I recall another MOB/MOG on CC looking at that one.
Here are a few more.
^ Those dresses are nice. I especially like the 1st and 3rd ones, altho the 3rd one seems to be jersey which could be too hot in August. I’ll have to check Dillard’s shipping and return policies, since there are none around here.
I like going to Dillard’s when I visit family in FL.
When we helped coralbrook find a dress recently(in the dressing young thread), she said the Dillard’s shipping & returns were expensive & not easy. Too bad they are missing out. I think the places that have more liberal policies with regard to shipping charges will more likely get more customers overall.