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I have bought a pink dress and blonde wig but the trouble is I don't look like Marilyn Monroe (perhaps not as attainable as I first thought!) No, what I look like is a drag queen, and an ugly one at that. My husband said I looked like Les Dawson.
Now I know these things are supposed to be fun, but I don't really want to appear in public, in front of important work people, looking like a man in a dress.
Does anyone have ANY ideas on what I can wear which looks fun, in keeping with the theme, and doesn't make me look hideous? I'm a jeans and trainers kind of a gal and don't possess a dress or girlie stuff, probably because I feel uncomfortable in that kind of thing - hence the problems with this theme!
Any suggestions gladly received! Thanks :)
Added:
OK, I've checked and it's available at Amazon. I love golden oldie classic films, and one of the most beautiful, memorable love stories I've ever seen is "Golden Earrings" from 1947 with Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich.
Being dressed as a Gypsy (like the film's romantic interest) for the "dress-up occasion" would be beautiful and unique. Maybe that classic film is for rent - one way or another, it's worth watching, both historically and for the emotional and sentimental impact.
[edited by: Marcia at 9:44 am (utc) on Dec. 12, 2008]
ETA If you Google image search "stars of the silver screen" you can just look at the pictures, choose one you think you can do, then check who that person is, and what films they were in. If no one knows who you are (or even who the start is) you will seem really eclectic and knowledgeable, and no one else will be dressed like you :)
[edited by: Yoshimi at 9:52 am (utc) on Dec. 12, 2008]
If Monroe doesn't fit you, I suggest going back to 1940's and early fifties films. My opinion is that the actors and actresses of that era were the real stars of the silver screen.
Check "Casablanca" (Ingrid Bergman), "Maltese Falcon" (Mary Astor), "The Big Sleep" (Lauren Bacall) and "The African Queen" (Katherine Hepburn).
PS. I picked those movies because I've seen them. Those actresses (and many others) probably have loads of movies in which they wear very "dressy" clothes.
Does it have to be a current or recent "star of the silver screen" or can it be someone like a star from old black and white classics?
Not sure, although I think most people are interpreting it as the old fashioned stars.
Being dressed as a Gypsy is actually not too much of a departure from my regular wardrobe! - I have lots of scarves and hoop earings, so I could definitely pursue this sort of look. I'm wondering if there are other 20's or 30's stars with that kind of style?
I did think about Audrey Hepburn but I don't think I could pull that off. I have gingery brown curly hair without a fringe, so it would have to be another ghastly wig. Also, I don't have a little black dress, and to find one quickly that actually fits and doesn't break the bank might be tricky.
tell everyone that you "Want to be a Lawn".
My husband said I looked like Les Dawson.
Didn't old Les appear in a movie? Why not just go as him.
No, No No, I'm only joking! :):):)
OT but by Les
I can always tell when the mother in law is coming to stay, the mice throw themselves on the traps.
Our house were that mucky you 'ad to wipe your feet before ya went out.
My mother in law fell down a wishing well, I was amazed, I never knew they worked.
My mother in law has come round to our house at Christmas seven years running. This year we're having a change. We're going to let her in.
Now, back to the shop to exchange my awful wig for a frilly shirt, big hat and fake gun...
So this is not a costume party? You have to have a neat dress?
Well it is a costume party, but it is in a quite posh hotel with important people there, one wants to make at least a reasonable impression!
@BeeDeeDubbleU - I have nothing against the late great Les Dawson (thanks for the amusing quotes) I just don't want to look like him!
<ducks>
Janet Reno maybe?
I didn't know who that was, but after a Google image search I can say that (happily) I don't look like that!
Yes, dressing like a man seems far more natural to me (should I be worried?!)
Why not go as a man dressed as a woman?
Dustin Hoffman as Mrs Doubtfire?
[edited by: BeeDeeDubbleU at 9:23 am (utc) on Dec. 15, 2008]
Janet Reno
Dustin Hoffman as Mrs Doubtfire
I might be a bit of a tomboy but I was hoping to look just a little bit attractive! I don't look like an old washerwoman you know!
Dustin Hoffman as Mrs Doubtfire
Robin Williams starred in that film. Dustin Hoffman's cross-dressing performance was in Tootsie.
I might be a bit of a tomboy but I was hoping to look just a little bit attractive! I don't look like an old washerwoman you know!
Robin Williams starred in that film. Dustin Hoffman's cross-dressing performance was in Tootsie.
Woops!
OK any of them will do. ;)
Do NOT get too distracted by the "theme" at these events. More experienced people ignore them.
What the planners are probably thinking is Oscar night and the red carpet. Who is the star? YOU are the star! What would YOU look like at the Oscars?
First and foremost, it's a party. It sounds very formal, but go for a simple, tailored looked, but feminine. "Pretty."
You want to be comfortable so you'll have a good time. If you have a good time, you'll be charming. If you are charming, other people will have a good time. And the party will be a success.
Rent or buy a gown with classic lines and a solid color. Or, get a long black skirt with a nice silk blouse. Your most important accessory is the guy on your arm. Put your husband in a tux with a REAL bowtie (black, please), not a clip-on and shiny shoes. Get yourself a tiny cluch and wear comfortable shoes under a long dress. Get your hair done for the evening by someone who knows how to handle a special event with style.
Then flirt with every man at the party, especially your husband.
Have fun.
Do NOT get too distracted by the "theme" at these events. More experienced people ignore them.
You may well have a point - I can't imagine that some of the more senior colleagues will bother much with the fancy dress!
