In which I became a model

I have a friend. A best friend in fact who's name is Katy. Among her many attributes, a few of which are she's a hoarder of clutter and just loves to dance around in her underwear, she has a very skilled eye for photography.

For a while Katy had been mentioning using me as a model in some of her renowned countryside shots. Initially I was wary about agreeing because I, like many other girls, seem to find enjoyment in picking fault with the result cameras so unashamedly produce.

Today however I decided to forget all inhibitons and let Katy include me in her clickety snap plans.  I made sure to apply a brave face along with my usual routine make up, and I selected an outfit I thought would allow the stylish country bumpkin side of me to radiate from within. (No harm in trying hey?)

So off we went. Myself, Katy, the camera and a bag of clothes just in case we got really involved and decided a change of outfit was in order, you know like you would on a professional shoot. We chose to drive to a picturesque walking route not far from where we both live. Here lay a derelict house, aboandoned and forgotten, as though in wait for someone to come along and bring it back to life. I climbed to the top most window where I awkwardly posed in a trilby sun hat feeling some what out of my comfort zone.

However after the shutter had opened and closed a few times I became more at ease. My repertoire of poses was not incredibly extensive, there's only so often one can tilt their head convincingly from side to side after all. I did enjoy myself very much though and once I'd been photographed by different objects ie. a fence, flowers and bridge, I felt like a model in the making.

Katy's immaculate way of catching the moment is a desirable talent and I am only too pleased she chose me to be the subject of her scenery snaps.

See the finished results at http://www.flickr.com/photos/63064378@N04/sets/72157626929933994/

Go Mad For Movies in Fancy Dress This Summer.

 Laura Crichton

When he first graced our screens with that signature swagger, unkempt locks and hilarious slurred way of speaking, people everywhere were smitten. The elusive qualities of Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, in Pirates of the Caribbean made the film a phenomenon that reinvented perceptions of the swashbuckling pirate world.

With summer just around the corner we can expect a number of new movie releases to look forward to. And which better one to cover first than the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film, On Stranger Tides. Fancy Dress Shack has a superb selection of movie fancy dress costumes for you to celebrate this sequel in, guaranteed to have you greeting each other with “Ahoy me hearties” in no time at all.  For those of you wishing to personify the beguiling character that is Jack Sparrow, the Men’s Captain Jack Sparrow Costume will have you looking the duplicate of this famed navigator of the seas. With the jacket, hat and wig you’ll give Johnny Depp himself a run for his money when you arrive in search of the black pearl. (Or perhaps just make that in search of a rum tipple instead).

Where would Jack Sparrow be though without his determined yet not so easily charmed side kick Elizabeth Swann. Played by the beautiful Keira Knightley, she’s the female protagonist who disregards the concept of a damsel in distress. Headstrong and feisty she knows how to put a pirate in his place. You to can emulate her traditional English beauty in the Ladies Sassy Pirate Wench Costume. The leather look bodice with full length red dress will have people in awe at how glamorous you appear. You’ll certainly have the attention of all the landlubbers at the party.

Another new Hollywood spectacle released on the 4^th May is Water for Elephants. Set in a bygone era, a veterinary student leaves his studies behind to join a travelling circus where he falls in love with the star performer. The acclaimed cast includes Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christopher Waltz who work together to create a compelling and romantic narrative.

Bring to life your own big top escapade in the Fever Sparkle Circus Lady Costume. The red jumpsuit with gold sparkle jacket will have you looking the part of a glorious and feminine ring master. Just add the Long Bull Whip accessory and they’ll be no mistaking who’s in charge of your circus.
The Men’s Cirque Sinister Villainous Ring Leader Costume is the perfect movie outfit to buy if you want to revive the darker side of ring masters. The hat with horns, mask and jacket are a combination that will fool everyone into believing your circus is the most corrupt in town.

Of course a circus wouldn’t be the same without a clown or two making an appearance. You can take your pick from our eclectic range of UK clown outfits for sale. Whether it’s the Fever Clown Cutie Costume for girls or the Men’s Clown Costume with comical bow tie and hat, you’ll have everyone entertained when you arrive on the party scene.

If someone was to mention the words vampires and werewolves there would be only one film title that springs to mind, and that is Twilight. The world has been riveted to the story of Edward and Bella’s romance as they fight against the odds to maintain their relationship. This November sees the release of the fourth saga instalment, Breaking Dawn. Girls if you intend to celebrate another opportunity to set eyes on the handsome Robert Pattinson playing the role he’s renowned for, you won’t want to miss out on our available vampire fancy dress.

The Ladies Fever Vixen Vamp Costume will have you oozing sexuality and beauty. The black and red corset and skirt with lace petticoat are the ideal exterior to disguise the blood sucking harm you’re capable of. Or why not try the Gothic Manor Vampire ensemble? The fitted dress will accentuate your figure and the additional Love Bite Fangs will strike fear into those around you when they glimpse upon them unsuspectingly.
Whichever film you intend to see and celebrate, make sure it’s a memorable occasion in Fancy Dress Shack’s movie mania dressing up outfits.

Love Fancy Dress, Love the Shack!

Comedy Character Fancy Dress

Fancy dress fans, you can reveal how truly humorous you are in our one of a kind selection of comedy character outfits. Everyone enjoys having fun and laughing and joking with friends, so what better way to do it than in a favourite  comedy dressing up costume?
If you’ve got a fancy dress party to look forward to shortly and your progress is being hindered by not knowing what to wear, fear not because here at Fancy Dress Shack we’ve donned our solving hats and will find a solution to your problems in no time.
First up it’s that all American animated family that never fail to impress with their witty anecdotes. Having compiled a number of trademark catchphrases over the years, from
 ‘Doh’ to ‘Eat my shorts’ (and there’s no forgetting their partiality for the colour yellow), it can of course only be the Simpsons clan.  The Simpsons Krusty the Clown Costume f or men is the perfect ensemble to ensure everyone is in high spirits. The T-shirt, gloves and character mask will have you looking the duplicate of this comedy classic. Just adopt his signature chuckle and your clowning around will have everyone fooled into believing you’re the real thing.

Men's The Simpsons Mr Burns Costume with Jacket, Trousers, Tie and Half-Cap Mask. £29.99

Or why not dress up as Springfield’s decrepit factory owner in the Simpsons Mr Burns Costume? You’ll have everyone laughing at your command, and by imitating his stern mannerisms they’ll be no mistaking you mean serious funny business. Just don’t go forgetting the names of people around you like Mr Burns does to Homer, and you’re guaranteed a fantastic time.
Now everyone has fond memories of cartoons that have graced our screens in the past. From Bugs Bunny to The Flintstones there are so many to recall. However there was one in particular that reinvented the world of animation. Considered one of the most famous sex symbols of the animated screen, we can be talking of none

Ladies' Betty Boop Costume includes Red Mini Dress and Wig. £24.99

other than Betty Boop. Her short skirts, heels and garter never failed to win over the attention of the males starring alongside her in the programme. Girls you too can dress up as this iconic character in the Ladies Betty Boop Costume. Complete with red mini dress and wig you’ll look as stunning as the animation herself. You can even finish your overall image with additional fever red dolly shoes and the elastic lace garter. Greet everyone in her renowned girlish tones and you’ll be the most adorable cartoon character at the party.
Perhaps you’d prefer to celebrate the occasion in all out humorous style? If you’re somebody who enjoys having fun and making sure everyone else is doing the same,

Penguin Costume - Lightweight - Adult. £28.69

then the Lightweight Adult Penguin costume is the ideal UK costume for you. You can waddle into the party like no other penguin has waddled before. With your happy feet firmly in place you’ll be set to dance the night away, and will be the life and soul of the entire evening.
Continuing with the all in one fancy dress costumes, how about being your own red hot chilli pepper in the Adult Chilli Pepper Costume? This quirky ensemble with bodysuit and green stalk hat will cause you to be the envy of vegetables everywhere. You’ll look hot stuff and inevitably have everyone laughing at your amusing take on the comedy fancy dress theme. You won’t be accepted into the Red Hot Chilli Peppers band anytime soon though. Instead you could always gather together friends and create your own vegetable themed group. How does the Mashed Up Marrows sound?
Fancy dress parties are all about enjoying transforming yourself into someone or something else. They’re a chance to forget all inhibitions at the best of times, so of course this is even more so the case when it comes to comedy character fancy dress. We’ve given you some fantastic ideas to ensure you laugh the night away. Whether you decide on a comedic TV personality or a head to toe body suit, Fancy Dress Shack has it covered. Spend time browsing the array of UK costumes we have for sale, and make the most of bringing to life your funny sides. There will be guaranteed laughs all round.
Love Fancy Dress, Love the Shack!

The Blog Begins

I'm Laura Crichton. A recent graduate who has entered into the realms of uncertainty about what the next chapter holds. My preference at school was always to put pen to paper rather than equation into calculator. Therefore I decided to opt for a media studies degree at university, the same as thousands of others all striving to make their mark in the competitive industry.

Well now I'm no longer living that comfortable student lifestyle, in which the four walls of the library were a provider of sanctuary from the real world. Instead I'm one of many, faced with a sea of accomplished journalists, not quite knowing whether my boat is ready to set sail.

So now I'm going to forget all inhibitions and start divulging information about what I've experienced in my life as I know it. There's no room on the sidelines anymore so I'm going to post updates about the epic encounters I've had since graduating. (Of course I know they won't all be epic but it makes things sound so much more exciting don't you think?)

All that's left to say now is enjoy reading it and let's hope there's a career waiting at the end.