Halloween is such a fun time of year when kids get to dress up in their favorite costumes. Remember to follow these simple dress-up tips to make it a safe and happy holiday.

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.

Don't forget to have fun!

OK, I rarely foray into the controversial territory when it comes to my blog, but I cannot resist it this time. I live in Toronto proper, so this whole big box store thing has not affected my life terribly much. This idealogy tends to belong to the suburbs. Don’t get me wrong, I occasionally find myself in a Walmart or Ikea. They are terribly attractive in many ways. Good prices, large selection and a good return policy. As a Mom, these are all features I find appealing. What’s not so fun you may ask? The crowds in the aisles, the long line-ups at the cash, and the lack of customer service.

I am an independent costume shop. I reside in Toronto, employ local people, and buy from Canadian companies and distributors. As well, I offer my products and services all year long. So this is where my rant begins. The big box stores undercut us small guys at Halloween by selling the same products and accessories that we carry. They do this because they are able to buy direct from the manufacturers in large volumes. But, there are some very big differences that you also need to know before making your buying decisions.

This is where my confession begins. If your buying principles are based solely on price, then by all means, shop at your local big box store. WE CANNOT COMPETE ON PRICE. And please don’t ask us to.

If, however, you have a different shopping philosophy than that, such as, you want to support local businesses and the local economy, or you prefer to shop Canadian or you want to bring your business somewhere that offers customer service, then we independents are for you.

Here is my list of why we are the better way:

• Shopping locally enhances our way of life. Small stores are part of a community feeling, something that breathes life into the environment. It makes our communities cleaner, safer and more beautiful.
• When you shop at an independent, you support local businesses. I don’t think I have to tell you that many of these big box stores are not Canadian owned. In fact, many of the dollars that they generate go south of the border into some pretty deep pockets.
• The big box stores are not socially conscience. Money is the major motivator. Independents base their buying decisions on what is best for the community and how to contribute to their community. As well, we listen to the needs of our customers and adjust to meet their needs
• The independents are neater. I mean, maybe this seems like a silly thing to say, but try to find the costume you want at Halloween when all of the shelves are a disaster, and everything has been picked over. Chaos.
• Customer service. Aside from social conscience, independents offer better customer service, no ifs, ands or buts. You can find an actual “person” to serve you, often times the owner. Isn’t it nice to actually talk to someone about your needs? We answer the phone, we call you back. We offer our expertise to you because we actually have training in this business. We see if we can get you that costume you have been looking all over town for, or we’ll refer you to someone we think will have it. We’ll assist you in your shopping needs. We’ll communicate with you. And we’ll be honest.
• As well, we’ll offer things that the big boxes can’t possibly. We’ll rent costumes. We’ll do custom work. We’ll special order. Once the big boxes are out of stock, that’s it.

I feel better already. I am going to shop locally too, because we independents practice what we preach.

As part of the new Naughty Dress-Up collection, Ms. Dress-Up is now carrying a full line of Playboy costumes. These high end costumes are made from beautiful fabrics and trims and feature exquisite details. They will be hopping into our showroom well before Halloween. Now you don't have to shop south of the border!

http://msdress-up.com/shop/index.php?ma ... 50b8c54a3e

It's still summer, but all of the hot new costumes are arriving weekly well before Halloween. They say the early bird catches the worm, so shop early for the best selection. We now have in our stores a full line of pirate and Pirates of the Carribean costumes and accessories. Other new arrivals in include Spiderman 3 red and black suited Spiderman costumes, Power Rangers, Diego and a large selection of non-licensed costumes and accessories. Expected shortly are 300 Spartan costumes, Harry Potter and Star Wars. Check out our e-store to view our products in the comfort of your own own 24/7.

http://msdress-up.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index