Don't wear this to the office

As a self proclaimed 80’s girl, it came as quite a shock to hear of the passing of Michael Jackson. As an Iconic “King of Pop”, he created a new dance style and movement that has influenced future generations of performers. Who can forget his white sequin glove, "Thriller" red jacket or beaded and sequined military fashions. Like Farrah Fawcett with her feathered back blond hair, another famous icon from my youth, I asked myself what makes these people so memorable in life, but now even more in death.

When I was first starting out in the costume business, the most popular costume choices were always legendary figures: Elvis white jumpsuit during his Vegas days, Marilyn Monroe in her “7 Year Itch” signature white dress, Lucille Ball from her popular “I Love Lucy” show. Like Micheal Jackson, these celebs were iconic in that they had very public lives long before reality television. To this day, there is speculation if Elvis somehow faked his death, or that Marilyn was murdered. The recurring theme in many of their lives is often that of a troubled person who is catapulted to fame. Drug abuse is often the thread that connects these legends. But even more than that, is their ability to not just follow trends, but actually set them.

Madonna (while still very much alive),in many ways emulated Marilyn Monroe during the 80’s and 90’s, created a whole new following with her “Like a Virgin” and “Torpedo Bustier” look, custom made by French designer Jean Paul Gautier. Some of the greatest trends were made by her own self-styling. Liberace took Elton John’s piano man look to the extreme, with his pompadour, elaborate feather and sequined cloaks and ring filled fingers. Freddy Mercury, front man of the 70’s and 80’s band Queen, pushed the envelope on tight, with his glam rock jumpsuits and tights

The mixture of an early death by drugs and rock’n’roll is the most evident in the passing of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison. What makes these legends iconic is their very short lives that burned so brightly with an immense talent followed by a sad end. They had their own distinct styling as well, and continues to be requested to this day.

Finally, you cannot talk about legends without mentioning Cher. One of the most requested costume has to be her “I Got You Babe” look. Her influence is so great in that she began a connection with designer Bob Mackie from a young age who designed her one-of-a-kind looks for her red carpet, television and concert appearances.

I've been away for a while as my real family has welcomed a beautiful little boy. It seems like only yesterday that I had my other little son just three years ago. Along with changes in my personal life, we are now making changes to Ms. Dress-Up to reflect the economic times. We hope that you find these changes work better for you, our customer.

We've learned alot since the start of our business in 2003. We listened to you and have made adjustments along the way. As the Halloween season approaches, we are bringing in some new policies to help serve you better.

Starting in September, our return policy is changing! You will be able to return on-line purchases for a full refund. We will take back any unused costumes and accessories (some exceptions apply) within 2 weeks of purchase. Please check out our new return policy beginning September 1st, 2009.

The city of Toronto has brought in a new bi-law that requires retailers charge 5 cents on all plastic bags. To reflect this new policy and show concern for our planet, all of our shipping boxes, materials and bags will come in recyclable materials. Last season, we attempted to implement compostable bags. The bags only came in one size and tore easily. Instead we will be using kraft bags with handles. Not only are these bags strong, but they can be reused and then put in your blue bin when you are done.

Last year, we opened our retail location for the week of Halloween. Many of you told us that you really wanted to see the costumes in person and try them on and we listened. This year, we will open the store for the month of October to give you more time and options when selecting a costume for Halloween. In the off season, we can also make arrangements to pick up at our office if you wish to save on shipping.

We have a large selection of costumes coming in August and September. We are keeping in mind that many people are finding it difficult during these economic times. We are doing our best to shop Canadian when possible and offer you the best possible prices. Check back with us soon as we will have more information on all the hot new costumes coming soon.

We've launched our new Naughty Dress-Up site, just in time for Halloween. This adult site features tastefully naughty costumes by some of the best manufacturers of costumes in North America. Like our family friendly site, Ms. Dress-up, we also have a large selection of accessories, wigs, hosiery and hats.

If you are still looking for a great costume, check out http://naughtydress-up.com or our family friendly site:http://msdress-up.com

New merchandise is arriving weekly for this upcoming Halloween season. Here are some of our latest new arrivals:

Costumes by Disguise: The Hulk and Ironman costumes in both kids and adult sizes. Also, check out the new Power Ranger Jungle Fury costumes for kids in blue and red.

New from Rasata Imposta: Blades of Glory figure skating costumes. We have both the Fire and Ice costumes and matching wigs. Dancing Queen, Mod Girl, Hippie Girl and Guy Costumes, White Russian and Radio City "Rockettes".

From Rubies, we have the new Princess Leia Slave Girl costume from the Secret Wishes collection and child Luke Skywalker. Also, check out the new child Batman - Dark Knight costume.

New arrivals from Funworld include licensed costumes from Grease including Sandy and Danny and Pink ladies, Elvis white jumpsuit and classic I Love Lucy with matching wig.

Coming Soon: Deluxe Sweeney Todd Costume, Wig and Razor

Whether it’s traditional or sexy, a famous movie character or superhero, this year’s selection of Halloween costumes won’t disappoint. Check out our hits and misses for this coming Halloween.

DISGUISE
Hits
Disguise is releasing two hot licensed mega movie characters: Incredible Hulk, the Movie and Ironman, the Movie. They are both available in kids (3 sizes) and adult sizes. The kid’s version is available in both quality and quality muscle. Disguise still offers the comic book costumes of Hulk and Ironman, for the die hard fans.

Misses
Disguise’s adult version is a quality muscle, but what is disappointing is that it is only the torso (no pants) and the Adult Hulk does not come with the mask.

RASTA IMPOSTA
Hits
Rasta Imposta has licensed Blades of Glory “fire and ice” costumes and matching wigs. As well, they have released a new line of Dancing Queen style disco costumes and wigs. Perfect for those ABBA inspired costumes and just in time with theatrical release of Mama Mia.

RUBIES
Hits
Rubies offers a large selection of new licensed costumes this year. There is a slightly new version of Batman, The Dark Knight along with a very creepy Joker. These are available in kids, tween and adult sizes and plus sizes in standard quality and deluxe versions. One of the most anticipated costumes is Johnny Depp’s character costume from Sweeney Todd. The costume looks good and the wig and razor blade can be purchased separately. Also, the yet to be released Clone Wars animated movie has its own new series of costumes. I don’t know much about the movie, but the costumes look decent enough. What I am most delighted about is Princess Leia’s slave costume from Return of the Jedi for Secret Wishes. There are also plenty of costumes and accessories from Indiana Jones for the title character and his side-kick Mutt. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is finally a licensed costume. It has been knocked off for many years, and this version of the costume and the wig look great.

Misses
Well, there’s a few…
The Indiana Jones costumes look like very poor quality. I’d stick to the satchel, whip and famous brown fedora. Rubies has a Joker costume in children’s sizes. I think Batman, The Dark Knight movie is rated R and the Joker is far too scary for children, not to mention this costume?! Or maybe it’s just this Heath Ledger connection. It makes me think about the Crow costume from the 90’s. OK, and one more thing. Why did Disguise give up the license to Dora and Diego? Rubies has done a poor job recreating these animated characters. There is also a Boots and Swiper coming too, but no costume picture for now.

FUNWORLD
Hits
Funworld has recently acquired Pony Express and Playboy, so there is a great selection of licensed costumes available to the Canadian market. These include a delightful “I Love Lucy” Polka Dot Dress and matching Wig, available in adult, child and plus sizes. As well, a full line of licensed Elvis costumes including his famous White Jumpsuit and Jailhouse Rock, and Gold Lame Suit. Grease fans will love the Pink Ladies costumes with signature pink satin jackets and Capri pants or the Rydell High cheerleader uniform. If you prefer the leathers, Funworld has a standard and deluxe leather T-bird Jacket in Adult and plus sizes and a Cool Sandy costume in standard and deluxe versions. One of my favourite is Vampira, a gothic Marie Antoinette costume with a very cool wig sold seperately. Playboy has one that is almost exactly the same but twice the price!

Misses
I always find the quality of Funworld costumes to be questionable. They are really good for one or two uses, after that, they will probably fall apart. If you want something you can keep and wear a lot, go for Playboy. The materials and quality are exceptional.