The Blog

  • Dressing-Up Boxes

    posted 11 months ago on @ 10:27 on Tue 15 Sep 2009

    Asking the question for the first time is hard. Your new acquaintance seems so nice. They might even quote early nineties movies and tell dirty jokes. But do they have a dressing up box? There. it's out there- like asking if someone had any imagination growing up.
    Let's take a quick look at some public figures and you 'll soon see what I mean. Gordon Brown? As if! The closest he got was secdetly wearing his fathers old dog collars.
    Madonna? Of course! I bet she and her choreographer brother did whole performances of caberet as under tens. The queen? Yes mam. Where else do you think she gets her love of experimental bright colour.. A dressing up box/closet or, for those I can only view in dumb envy, room, is a loving home for every piece of lost clothing one can't bear to give away but that doesn't get worn enough ( once every three years is a good rule) to justify it's presence in your closet. That fabulous red polka dot cowboy blouse you bought in Wyoming for example, or almost certainly anything you have ever ordered on ebay.When you have children you can extend this remit to include anything with a broken buckle, missing belt or with a higher nylon content then you like to wear in bed. That said, I do still wear my grandmothers slips. They're really divine. So go And start your collection with that old suitcase under your bed - that impulse purchase diamante cowboy jacket from Oxfam will be lovingly looked after until it's dazzling debut at dolly's tribute party 4 years later.

  • Dressing-Up Boxes

    posted 11 months ago on @ 10:27 on Tue 15 Sep 2009

    Asking the question for the first time is hard. Your new acquaintance seems so nice. They might even quote early nineties movies and tell dirty jokes. But do they have a dressing up box? There. it's out there- like asking if someone had any imagination growing up.
    Let's take a quick look at some public figures and you 'll soon see what I mean. Gordon Brown? As if! The closest he got was secdetly wearing his fathers old dog collars.
    Madonna? Of course! I bet she and her choreographer brother did whole performances of caberet as under tens. The queen? Yes mam. Where else do you think she gets her love of experimental bright colour.. A dressing up box/closet or, for those I can only view in dumb envy, room, is a loving home for every piece of lost clothing one can't bear to give away but that doesn't get worn enough ( once every three years is a good rule) to justify it's presence in your closet. That fabulous red polka dot cowboy blouse you bought in Wyoming for example, or almost certainly anything you have ever ordered on ebay.When you have children you can extend this remit to include anything with a broken buckle, missing belt or with a higher nylon content then you like to wear in bed. That said, I do still wear my grandmothers slips. They're really divine. So go And start your collection with that old suitcase under your bed - that impulse purchase diamante cowboy jacket from Oxfam will be lovingly looked after until it's dazzling debut at dolly's tribute party 4 years later.

  • Dresssing Up At Childrens Parties

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 18:50 on Thu 30 Jul 2009

    This is written on the presumption you are not a child but have reached the stage in your life where you get the occasional invitation to a party where bouncy castles and Wotsits will be key features. A dilemma now ensures, the invitation Says pirates, there is even a Jolly Rodger on the card, but does that mean you should dig out that mermaid costume? You don't want to scare the children but shiver my timbers a theme's a theme! Drawing from a recent personal experience I want to share some advice..

    One, children don't appreciate Vivienne Westwood hand made pirate boots. They think the buckles are silly.

    Two , bright green hair does actually freak them out, though it is strangely popular with fathers.

    Three, captain hook is a winner - he'll be familiar from the peter pan cartoon and hooks can be easily fashioned out of a coat hanger and tin foil.

    Four, treasure the moment if any child actually thinks you are a pirate ( as opposed to that strange woman stuffing Wosits in her mouth), it is strangely thrilling.

  • Getting his Lego Over

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 06:57 on Fri 05 Jun 2009

    Another week, another prize winning costume - Will was most especially selected by our kind sponsors at JustForFun as the best toy at the party- next year we are hoping he'll bring some friends and build a castle....

    Will if you contact me on welovefancydress.com I will furnish you with the details of your £50 prize.

  • in the Skye with Diamonds ( a homage)

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 08:44 on Wed 20 May 2009

    The price of gold may undulate...
    But this girl Always keeps us up till late,
    She's been such a loyal fancy dress supporter,
    We'd really like to award 'er...
    With the coveted Costume of the Month!

    Please step forward Miss Skye Graham, and claim your £50 prize!

  • balls, balls balls

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 04:47 on Mon 11 May 2009

    If you, like us, are dreaming of costume parties this summer take inspiration from one of the most glorious costume balls of the victorian age, and create your own far away world of people and times with crinoline and silver stars and towering wigs...

    Article from The Times, 1897, abut the great costume ball given at Devonshire House July 2nd 1897....

    "Of all the private entertainments for which the Jubilee has provided the occasion, none is comparable with the magnificent fancy dress ball given last night at Devonshire House by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

    The Royal party itself fell in very readily with this idea, and attended in historical and mostly Royal costumes of the 16th century. There were four Courts strictly so-called, besides two groups which were separately arranged, but which are only to be called Courts by an extension of the term. The four were the Elizabethan Court, headed by Lady Tweedmouth as Queen Elizabeth with Sir Francis Jeune as Lord Chief Justice, Lord Arran a Cardinal, and Lord Rowton as Archibishop Farrer; the Louis XV and XVI. Court, with Lady Curzon as Queen Marie Leczinska and Lady Warwick as Marie Antoinette; the Court of Maria Theresa with Lady Londonderry as the Empress, Lord Lansdowne as Prince Kaunitz, and Lady Lansdowne as Lady Keith; and the Court of the Empress Catherine II of Russia, its Imperial centre being Lady Raincliffe. Of equal importance with these Courts were the group of Orientals and the Italian procession, the chief members of the former being the hostess herself, the Duchess of Devonshire as Zenobia, Lady de Grey as Lysistrate, and Lady Cynthia Graham as the Queen of Sheba; while the latter, which covered not only the great period of Italian art but the 17th century as well, was made illustrious both by the beauty of the dresses and by the great distinction of many of those who wore them.

    Nothing could be more fanciful than the system of lighting this tent - a series of festoons of flowers from which at intervals there shone the electric light, the effect upon the gay dresses and the powdered heads of the fascinating groups below being marvellously gay and sparkling. But it may be said that the electric light and the people themselves were the only modern things there, for not a guest, not a musician, not a herald, not a servant, nay, not even any of the waiting-maids who helped the ladies in the cloak-room was permitted to appear in a dress later than the beginning of the century."

  • You toyed with us... and didn't we just love it!

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 08:34 on Wed 01 Apr 2009

    When cowboys, lego pieces and rubix cubes come together in darkened townhouse off the Tottenham Park Road it's definitely time to play. We had scrabble and slinkys and dominos and dolls, all there to celebrate the wonderful Pollocks Toy Museum in it's darkened glory.
    Some of the reported liasons were particularly exciting - we can't wait to see the product of the lovechild of a toy soldier ( typical) and an airfix model!
    The tin soldier band whistled, strummed and banged their way through the night and the toys all responded from the dignified ( the old german doll in the attic was seen gently swaying) to the fired up ( the rocking horse claimed he hadn't rocked so hard since '69 ( that's 1769)).
    All the prancing and dancing and drinking and slinking raised a good amount for the museum and we were so thrilled to have you all. Here's to next year! ( We heard it might be in a lingerie factory...)
    To see our blog click http://welovefancydress.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/you-all-toyed-with-us-and-didnt-we-just-love-it/

    Thanks again to our divine host Eddie at Pollocks Toy Museum (http://www.pollockstoymuseum.com/) and our lovely sponsors Geoff and Joseph at Just For Fun (www.justforfun.co.uk)

  • Spring Chicken!

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 03:39 on Wed 25 Mar 2009

    This has replaced quills, pillows and boas as our favourite use of feathers... Abi you are a wonder

  • posted about 1 year ago on @ 06:13 on Mon 16 Mar 2009

    with easter on its way and daffodils in full triumphant swing let your mind turn to chocolate eggs and edible buttercups

  • Congratulations to our February "Be My Valentine" competition winners

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 12:47 on Sun 01 Mar 2009

    As you can see this couple from Texas have really got into the romantic spirit of Valentine's day. Bonus points for the zombie data - check out their costume for more details...

  • Tasty Brain

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 05:08 on Wed 25 Feb 2009

    The Brainest woman in Britain, Gail Trimble has really caught our eye this week - shame on Nuts magazine for their offer to have her strip. This brain-guzzling zombie would appreciate her best asset much better than those ingrates.

    http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article5797340.ece

  • All you need is Love...

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 01:25 on Mon 16 Feb 2009

    Valentines day may be over but those loving feelings needn't. See if your boss will let you organise a Bed-In for peace...or for any other cause dear to your heart.

    Some pillows stacked up under your desk will come in useful for slow afternoons anyway.

  • Snow Business

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 06:59 on Mon 09 Feb 2009

    Yes we know,
    The snow,
    has not prevailed
    Instead hail,
    and sleet,
    are lashing the street.

    But there is no reason not to look at this lovely snowman nostalgically and remember last week when you didn't go to work...

  • wonderland

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 09:10 on Mon 02 Feb 2009

    the flakes are falling and snowmen are appearing so don some bright leggings furry boots, redden your cheeks and go dancing in the snow

  • WeLoveWillsFancyDress

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 17:12 on Fri 30 Jan 2009

    Costume of the Month January 2009!

    And the £50 prize goes to...Mr Will Locke.

  • posted about 1 year ago on @ 01:06 on Mon 26 Jan 2009

    Have your cake and eat it and then paint your table like it too. Fancy dress tea parties are all the rage for two thousand and( I take sugar in)mine.

  • January Birthday?

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 02:46 on Mon 19 Jan 2009

    Cold and wet and broke, with a generous dose of the flu? These lovely lassies are an inspiration for any birthday girl or boy. In fact, we may offer them as a bonus prize in this months costume of the month competition..

    http://welovefancydress.wordpress.com/

  • January Birthday?

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 02:46 on Mon 19 Jan 2009

    Cold and wet and broke, with a generous dose of the flu? These lovely lassies are an inspiration for any birthday girl or boy. In fact, we may offer them as a bonus prize in this months costume of the month competition..

  • Blue Monday

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 02:43 on Mon 12 Jan 2009

    These jolly looking smurfs are exactly the kind of people we would like to chase away the January blues with...

  • A Hero for our times...

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 09:17 on Sun 04 Jan 2009

    In the early hours of this year this divine construction firm manager returning from New Year's Eve fancy dress party scared off a burglar by charging at him dressed as the Norse god Thor.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/4059789/Burglar-scared-off-by-man-dressed-as-Thor-after-New-Year-party.html

  • Wall Street Crasher

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 12:50 on Sun 21 Dec 2008

    Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse... the imposter Madoff made off with your money. This Christmas tighten your braces and wear your remaining dollars on your sleeve. It may be gory but it sure looks good

  • posted about 1 year ago on @ 01:59 on Sun 14 Dec 2008

    This costume will make you look fabulously puzzled

  • posted about 1 year ago on @ 01:59 on Sun 14 Dec 2008

    This costume will make you look fabulously puzzled

  • Britney's comeback?

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 10:04 on Mon 01 Dec 2008

    Or has she got a portrait still doing crack in the attic...

  • Rupert

    posted about 1 year ago on @ 09:01 on Wed 19 Nov 2008

    We salute you

  • posted about 1 year ago on @ 08:22 on Mon 03 Nov 2008

    play that funky music

  • posted over 2 years ago on @ 18:10 on Sun 20 Jul 2008

    Dress to match the economic distress..

  • G.O.L.D

    posted over 2 years ago on @ 11:14 on Sat 17 May 2008

    Girls Obviously Like Dosh

  • The rain in spain stays mainly on the

    posted over 2 years ago on @ 09:02 on Thu 24 Apr 2008

    Let's dress up- the sky is blue
    (If you look this nice you won't spoil the view)

  • Smile Simile

    posted over 2 years ago on @ 01:44 on Wed 16 Jan 2008

    Until the late 1970s, a monument to the Cheshire Cat stood beside the River Dee, where there had formerly been a cheese warehouse. It was said that cats sitting on the dock would wait for the rats and mice to leave the ships transporting Cheshire cheese to London and were the happiest cats in the kingdom, hence 'grinning like a Cheshire cat'