time to start thinking about the dress, I guess

My sister is bugging me about the dress (see comments to previous posts). I've looked around online, but have yet to try on anything. That situation is soon to change -- I just made my first appointment, at Ginger's. Anybody been there? Heard anything? Want to come with? I'm a little scared...

My feelings so far about the dress, or "gown," is that I don't want to do the typical strapless ball gown. Anyone read that article in the chron? Well, they were reading my mind. I'm realizing that this is my typical reaction to things that are generally accepted -- I don't want to do what everyone else is doing, but I don't really end up that far from the norm. Example: I didn't get a Honda Civic because it was too popular -- instead I got a Nissan 200 SX, which really isn't that far off. If I was truly brave I would've gone for a '72 Chevy or something. But I try.