Oh how I hate Charles Collin and Fred W. Leigh for writing that song. It's become my brother's invincible weapon when he feels like badgering me. And believe me, he feels like it all the time. And he has creative means of finding a way to pull in the issue. Picture this-he's all engrossed in a basketball game and would suddenly scream, "The team's a damned bridesmaid, always too close but never there, just like my pathetic sister!"

And there's this Listerine advertisement. Can you believe it's blaming the whole syndrome to halitosis? Hey, I don't have bad breath! They gave my brother yet another reason to taunt me.

But I am currently rejoicing. Do you remember that old myth? The one that says you break the charm after your seventh bridesmaid service? Well, I had been a bridesmaid for six times now and a good friend just invited me to become one of her bridesmaids (better keep my eyes on that bouquet). What do you know? I just might break the spell!

You might already be laughing by now. It must be funny to listen to a girl grumbling about being unmarried and actually relying on superstition to solve her problem. What can I say? A girl could hope.

Anyway, I'm so excited about the whole event that I actually volunteered to help with the wedding preparations. And of course, I asked that I be assigned to the most fun part. What else could it be? Shopping! I'm done with the ring bearer and groomsmen gifts. And would you believe I also did the shopping for bridesmaid gifts? It's actually fun buying your own gift, and wrapping it too.

Anyway, I'm on to the last part. But why, I actually saved the best for last. I'm on to shopping for bridesmaids dresses and I found this really impressive collection. It's called . The bride and I agree that it's the best line we've seen so far. They're not too loud yet stylish and trendy.

Now we'll have to choose among three . The first among our top three favorites is the Style - 6504. The dress runs a little below the knees. It's actually more like a cocktail dress than a bridesmaid gown, but my friend and I prefer it that way. Style - 6504 is an elegant v-neck dress with a trendy empire waist. We especially loved its shade of olive green.

Second in line is the Style - 6500. It actually looks like a long gown but not quite. It's simple cut and sweetheart neckline dresses it down. But still, it has an imposing presence with its vivid pitch black color.

And there's the alluring Style - 6510. Its cut is not all that flattering to the figure and you don't get to show much skin because of its knee length. Still, the dress is a teaser, very sexy. Nothing beats the color red. What do you know? Playing the part of a 'lady in red' just might win me a new guy.

Anyway, what I really love about these dresses is that I get to wear them to any formal party. They make for a great addition to my wardrobe. Now that's smart shopping!