Well, I usually don't put in my two cents about award show gowns, but this year I could not resist. This years Oscars were not to be outdone fashion wise. I always am upset that the fashionistas declare the gowns that I hold dearest to be the worst.

So, as a result of this, I am declaring my own list of hits. I have shamelessly stolen the images and hope not to be sued for copywrite infringement. Here is my list:

1. Gwyneth Paltrow in the most exquiste Zac Posen gown. This dress is featured on many worst dressed lists. For shame. The gorgeous seaming and fit make this my numero uno.

2. While Jennifer isn't my favorite gal, how can you not love this gown! And her hair and makeup are lovely too.

3. Reese Witherspoon looks so elegant in this midnight blue frock very limited jewelery. Very old hollywood.

4. Ditto for Maggie Gynllehaal. Can you belive she just had a baby with her cutie pie fiance Peter Saarsgard? Stunning in midnight blue.

5. I love Nicole, and I love a red head in red. After seeing her in Moulin Rouge, she can never go wrong in this colour.

My only suggestion to designers, is they should have a steamer on hand - I noticed some creases on Maggie and Gwyneth's dresses. The stylists were probably having a heart attack.

Cheers,
Ms. Dress-Up.

Celebrate the New Year with Ms. Dress-Up and our 1st annual New Year's Sale. This is an excellent way of stocking up on seasonal decorations and accessories and buying costumes, makeup, wigs and hats at a fraction of the original price. Visit our store to view the selection while quantities last. Sale ends January 6th, 2007.

For the second year in a row, Ms. Dress-Up is delighted to create costumes for the holiday season at historic Casa Loma. This delightful backdrop features walk around fairies, Men in Tights production of Peter Pan and of course Santa and his elves. The theme for this December holiday is magic, fairies and adventures in Neverland. For more information and how to purchase tickets, go to their website www.casaloma.org


Magical Fairies of the Castle


Check presentation to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund by Peter and Crew

Class of 97/98 on our school trip to London

Ms. Dress-Up was proud to participate at the gala reception welcoming grads and non grads back from the last 35 years. Ms. Dress-Up (aka Heidi Loney - Class of 97) along with fellow graduate Jennifer Klein of secrets from your sister, displayed products and photos featuring their work from this past decade. Former students who have gone on to become lighting, costume and set designers, also displayed their work. Professors, heads of departments and academics alike mingled with former and current students. A slew of smartly dressed volunteers welcomed guests. The reception also featured theatre school production posters, video of former productions and a costume display of period costumes cut and sewn by Ryerson students over the years.

For me, it was a great chance to catch up with old friends and see teachers and staff from my not so distant past.

Source Health Canada

• Look for costumes, beards and wigs labelled "Flame-Resistant" -- nylon or heavyweight polyester costumes are best. Flame Resistant does not mean 'fire proof'. Avoid costumes with baggy sleeves or flowing skirts and capes to minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources. Costumes made of flimsy materials have been found to burn more quickly when exposed to fire sources. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics will catch fire and burn more quickly than most synthetics.
• All costumes can burn when exposed to an open flame or other fire sources. Costumes sold in Canada must meet flammability requirements. Health Canada reminds parents to keep lighters and matches out of the sight and reach of children, and to ensure that open flames cannot be accessed by children. It is also important to teach children that if their clothing does catch fire to “Stop, Drop, and Roll”
• Avoid buying used and homemade costumes from yard sales and garage sales, as they may not meet safety standards required by manufacturers. Also, avoid buying old makeup and face paint, as it has a shelf life and may have spoiled.
• October 31 can be a chilly night so make sure that costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing but not so baggy or long that trick or treaters can trip over their costumes. Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering. Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
• Trick-or-treaters should wear sturdy walking shoes. Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
• Choose brightly-coloured costumes that will be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility, add or incorporate reflective tape into the costume. Add glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets for a fun decorative addition.
• Make-up and face paint are better than wearing masks which can restrict breathing and/or vision. Make-up should be hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Most face paints are safe for children over 3 years of age. Check manufacturer labels if unsure. If an older child chooses to use a mask, make sure it is one that allows the child to see and breathe easily.
• Avoid the use of swords, knives and similar accessories when trick or treating to avoid tripping hazards or only carry ones made of soft, flexible material.