Fancy Dress Blog

Fancy Dress Festival Trends

 

From food inspired outfits and accessories to a new range of inflatables, you will love our new line of festival fancy dress which include loads of great items for the upcoming festival season.

As the demand for food inspired costumes continues to grow, we have created a range of fun fruit and vegetable costumes and accessories, including on trend avocado tabards and pineapple glitter glasses – all perfect for festivals!

A new range of hooded unicorn, flamingo and parrot dresses is also great for anyone looking for something unique and stylish this year. Since tropical print doesn’t seem to be going out of style any time soon, we have recently introduced two new stand out suits in cool flamingo and palm tree print.

Another popular option for festivals is anything with rainbows and our new lines include a selection of rainbow costumes and accessories. Let’s not forget about a new range of inflatable costumes! We have recently released the new unicorn, rainbow, pineapple and ice cream inflatables which will make great additions to festival pictures.

You will find hundreds of Costumes and accessories at MAD Distribution that will make you stand out from the crowd at any festival!

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Cyber Witch Halloween Make-up Tutorial

This Cyber Witch Make-Up tutorial will transform you into the ultimate modern Witch this Halloween.

 

This sexy Halloween Make-Up, featuring stunning green, striking black and shimmering sparkles is sure to make you stand out at any Halloween party. Simply follow the step by step guide to achieve this dramatic look. Finish off your Halloween costume, with a Witches Wig, and scary or glamorous costume – the choice is yours!

Finish the look with a Smiffys Witch Costume

Our easy to follow step by step videos will help you create the ultimate transformation this Halloween.

Smiffys Make-Up FX are professional standard face and body paints that are simple to apply and easy to remove. Non-toxic, hypoallergenic and complying with EU & FDA toy and cosmetic regulations you can be sure of a product that is safe and easy to use.

 

 Make up tutorial instructions

 

  • Apply green to cheekbones, outer eyelids, above eyes and top of eyebrows.

 

  • Use applicator to dab white highlights above green line, above eyebrows and add white to do eyelids with a brush.

 

  • Add a thin piece of sellotape between eyes and using a thin brush. paint black stripes either side of the tape and add black detail on both sides.

 

  • Paint black line on the bottom and the top of the eyelids, then carefully remove the sellotape.

 

  • Get creative! Brush black lines how ever you like. Sprinkle glitter to white areas and apply with a cotton bud. Use sellotape to remove excess glitter.

 

  • Paint think black line to outer lips and fill the lips with green. Finally, dab glitter to the centre of the lips and add a wig.
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We are Moving!

Really excited to announce we are moving to new premises next week. 🏠

MAD Distribution is relocating off across the vast ocean (about 2 miles) to the sunny shores of the Hardway in Gosport.

Our new business home not only gives us an ocean view, but access to a huge warehousing facility, so we will be expanding our range very soon.

Our new address is:

Units 15/16 Quay West Business Centre, Quay Lane, Gosport PO12 4LJ

We hope to be fully moved and running on Monday 26th November with no interruptions to our dispatch schedule.

Our customer service team may be a little slow to reply to emails this weekend though until we set up the desks, chairs, computers and coffee machine… but maybe not in that order.

MAD Distribution International Headquarters

 

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7 fashions that totally rocked the 70s

7 fashions that totally rocked the 70s

Whether it was the big, bold and bright patterns or the funky flared trousers and hairstyles that needed 4 cans of hair spray, 70s fashion was all about getting noticed. With a range of trends influenced by both the cool coloured patterns of the 60s hippies and the bright sequined styles of the emerging Disco dance floors, 1970s costumes were a crazy collaboration of colour and creativity that typified the decade generally.

There were hundreds of fantastic varieties of outfits, styles and influences around in the 1970s, but what fashions truly took the decade by storm? Today, we look at 7 fashions that totally rocked the 70s.

 

Flares

 

70s flares

 

Literally, the only trousers worth wearing in the 70s, flared trousers originated from the hippy fashion for loon pants of the 1960s. Worn by both men and women, trousers flared directly from below the knee and by the mid-1970s had reached epic proportions as people fought to have the biggest flares around. Combine this with the explosion of denim, and flared jeans instantly became the major fashion phenomenon of the decade.

 

Disco

 

70s fancy dress disco

By the 1970s Disco was beginning to explode in the UK and with it came the wonderful disco outfits, hairdos and of course the dancing! Once again you could dress up in your disco diva costume and dance the night away because, with Disco, it didn’t matter whether you were straight out of Saturday Night Fever or had two left feet, all you needed were a few simple steps and you could transform into John Travolta on the Dance floor.

 

Glam Rock

 

 

70s rockers

 

John Lennon famously described glam rock as simply “rock and roll with lipstick on.” – although thankfully everyone else in the 70s thought different! Glam Rock showcased all the best the decade had to offer in one genre. The flares, the hair, the glitter and of course the bright, tight outfits that blurred the boundaries of what was normal. It’s not often you see a man in an opened chested flared onesie, but somehow these 1970s glam rock costumes totally worked.

 

Hair

 

 

70s hair

 

Whether it’s Farrah Fawcett’s iconic hairstyle or an awesome dancefloor disco afro, 1970s hairstyles, as with the clothing, were all about being loud and proud. Whether it was stacked, packed, long, short, moussed, curled or permed the hairstyles of the 1970s all had one thing in common – showing off and showing the public what you’re all about. Did it work? Let’s face it when else could a man get away with a perm!

 

Platform shoes

 

 

70s platforms

 

Despite experiencing a slight comeback in recent years, no other era embraced platforms quite like the 1970s in what became the longest running shoe-related love affair in American history. Platforms were all about bigger and brighter, with fashionistas and famous people alike fighting to see who could find the tallest and most outrageous Platform shoe around.

 

Flower Power

 

70s flower power

The hippy revolution may have started in the 1960s but by the 1970s-flower power was in full swing. Groovy clothes, based around embroidered flowers, vibrant colour and spreading peace and love were worn as a badge of identity by endless teenagers who wanted to reject the mainstream disco fashions and return to the nostalgic flower power style of the previous decade.

 

Mood Rings

 

70s mood ring

 

Mood rings were one of the most popular costume jewellery crazes of the 1970s, with women of all ages (although mostly teenagers) desperate to get their hands on these colour changing rings. Able to determine if you were, happy, sad, angry and just about any emotion possible, these rings were a must have accessory for any fashion follower. They might not have really told your mood, but mood rings certainly got people hot and bothered in the 1970s.

As you can see, it doesn’t matter what you wanted to wear in the 1970s, as long as you were loud and proud with your outfit you’d probably get away with it. So there you have it, our 7 mad fashions that totally rocked the 70s.

We’ve chosen ours, what would be yours?

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Host your very own Pirate Party!

Children’s parties can be an organisational nightmare. Not only do we have to worry about Invites, Venue, Décor and Party Bags. We also worry about keeping more than a dozen or so more children safe, entertained and well fed. So, what do you do when your child decides they suddenly want a Pirate themed party?

No – you don’t panic!

Luckily, we’re here to help with our fantastic, fuss-free guide to hosting the perfect Children’s Pirate Party. Simply follow our fantastic free guide below for some terrific tips and tricks on everything from invites and decorations to pirate themed fancy dress and pirate party games. for a swashbuckling-ly special Pirate Party

Invites:

A party’s invitation sets the scene and builds excitement amongst your child and their friends. So, start as you mean to go on and hand out Pirate theme invitations.

Cut black card or sugar paper into the shape of a pirate, using a white pen or a Tippex pen to write the invite with. Don’t forget to also include Pirate themed wording! Something along the lines of;

Ahoy there, matey! Captain [name of your child] invites you aboard his pirate ship for a buccaneer birthday party. Pier: [location]. Set sail: [date and time]. Pirate Fancy Dress is optional, but encouraged!

Feeling really arty? Why not also add some skull and crossbones to your invites for greater effect!

You can also find invitation template here;

Decorations

With your invites now sorted, it’s time to set a spectacular swashbuckling party scene.

Now don’t worry, we all know how quickly costs can rise when decorations come into play, so here’s a few (practically) free ideas to help you create an amazing pirate scene.

The Ship –

A sight DIY project, but great fun for you and your child in the week leading up to the party. Simply go to your local supermarket/hardware store and ask for some of the biggest boxes they have. Turn it horizontal and create a bow/stern using the flaps. For added effect, you can also create a sail by making a T shape out of bamboo garden sticks and hanging a sheet from the top.

Now all you need to do is decorate! Draw or Paint on Cannon Holes, a Ships Name, and anything else you think your pirate ship needs.

Once you’ve created your Pirate Ship, go around the house adding Pirate themed decorations to help create the scene.  Spare boxes left over from your pirate ship can be used to create treasure chests and ships wheels. Simply draw on a lock and lid/wheel details and leave dotted around your house.

You can also use chalk / electrical tape to create an ‘X marks the spot’ map leading to your front door, garden or refreshment’s table.

Fancy adding even more? Pirate Flags are fantastic for setting the scene and also won’t break the bank. We’ve also found a fantastic set of free pirate-themed pintables that are perfect for Kids Parties – and even better for your purse!

Food

Party food can often be a minefield! Do I choose healthy options to keep the parents happy? Or do I let the Kids enjoy themselves and have a bit of sugar?

Now we can’t profess to be professional chefs here at MAD Distribution. So we thought instead of running the risk of poisoning your mini pirates, we’d leave the party food to the pros!

Find pirate food ideas below;

Pirate Food Ideas

Pirate Pizza Recipes

Fancy Dress Costumes

You’ve set the scene, made a pirate ship, now all you need is pirates! Luckily, Pirate fancy dress is one of the easiest, stress-free styles of outfits to choose.

The best way, of course, is to select a ready-made Kids Pirates Costume. Your child can choose from classic Deckhand or Jolly Roger Pirate costumes that come complete with ripped trousers, waistcoats pirate theme tops and bandanas. Alternately, the range of Pirate Captain Costumes look fantastic and include hats, jackets, mock waistcoats and neck scarfs.

Once you’ve got your children’s costume sorted it’s time to accessorize! Eyepatches, Toy Swords, Toy Hooks and Telescopes are all the perfect pirate accessories for your fancy dress costume.

Party Games

Now, who can have a birthday party without party games? No one! But what are some Pirate themed party games for your child to enjoy?

Walk the plank – Place a sturdy board on the floor (or elevate slightly on each end), with a blue sheet or blanket underneath. The child is then blindfolded and must walk the plank without falling off into the sea! Those who successfully make it across get a prize! With those falling in finding themselves right at the bottom of Davey Jones locker. For added excitement, why not place a paddling pool underneath the plank?

Island Hopping – A twist on the well-known musical chairs party game, this activity is all about ensuring you’re on an island when the music stops. Place several hula-hoops on the floor, ensuring they are close enough together for children to hop or walk in between. When the music stops, every player must be on an island, 2 or more children is acceptable – as long as they stay within the hula hoop! Continue, taking away a hula hoop each time until everyone is crammed onto one island.

Scavenger Treasure Hunt – A game that needs no explaining, you just need to add a pirate theme to your treasure hunt. Place the clues on ripped paper or ancient-looking maps, hide treasure in chests, and have your hidden treasure as (fake) gold coins, crowns and other items that can then be exchanged for sweets when the game is finished.

 

We hope we’ve helped you create the perfect pirate party on their birthday, and if you’ve got any other ideas we’d love to know so that they can be added to our guide. Don’t forget to also share your pirate pictures with us on social media! #maddistribution

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Children’s Dog Face Paint Tutorial

This adorable dog Make-Up tutorial is a great way to bring plenty of fun to any kid’s party.

This quick and easy children’s face painting tutorial is perfect for adding the finishing touches to any kid’s fancy dress. The gorgeous brown and white colours with the black detail are perfect for finding their bark! Complete the costume with the dog all-in-one Fancy Dress Costume and they’re ready to party!

Finish the look with a Smiffys Fluffy Dog costume

Our easy to follow step by step videos will help you create the ultimate transformation.

Visit https://fancydressforyou.com/collections/make_up for more information on our face paints.

Smiffys Make-Up FX are professional standard face and body paints that are simple to apply and easy to remove. Non-toxic, hypoallergenic and complying with EU & FDA toy and cosmetic regulations you can be sure of a product that is safe and easy to use.
Our easy to follow step by step videos will help you create the ultimate transformation.

 Make up Make up tutorial instructions

1. Using the sponge applicator, paint light brown patch over eyes and continue under chin.

2. Paint white triangle shape down centre of face, nose and a circle around the mouth. Use a thin brush to paint ‘fur’ lines out from the edge.

3. Paint black rounded triangles over one eye. Paint eyebrows on and flare top part, paint end of nose black.

4. Paint line down the centre of the top lip and create small triangle shape, paint top lip.Paint black dots on to lip area and add tongue.  Also paint part of bottom lip.

5. Fill in tongue with pink but leave a small white square which will act as a highlight. Paint black line down centre of tongue, paint around the white tongue highlight.

6. Finally, add black lines spaced out around main white shape.

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Children’s Tiger Face Paint Tutorial

This adorable Tiger Make-Up tutorial is a great way to bring plenty of fun to any kid’s party.

This quick and easy children’s face painting tutorial is perfect for adding the finishing touches to any kid’s fancy dress. The fiery orange and yellow colours, with the black detail create a fierce look! Complete the costume with the Tiger all-in-one Fancy Dress Costume and they’re ready to party!

Complete the look with a Smiffys Tiger costume

Our easy to follow step by step videos will help you create the ultimate transformation.

Visit our makeup section for more information on our face paints.

Smiffys Make-Up FX are professional standard face and body paints that are simple to apply and easy to remove. Non-toxic, hypoallergenic and complying with EU & FDA toy and cosmetic regulations you can be sure of a product that is safe and easy to use.

 Make up Make up tutorial instructions

 

 

1. Use sponge to add yellow to the forehead, cheeks and nose. Use sponge to add orange to outer areas of face. Use sponge to add white above the lip, chin and sides of chin.

 

2. Use flat brush to fill in white around eyes and flare out lines. Repeat with other eyelid and flare out lines. Fill in underneath eyes.

 

3. Draw black lines around mouth and add dots to top lip. Draw nose outline and add line down centre of top lip.

 

4. Paint triangle shape on top lip, fill and fill in nose. Add in curved lines to eyebrows. Paint curved lines underneath eyes, square edge at nose.

 

5. Using a big flat brush, add in white lines to jawline. Add stripes using a smaller flat brush, twist at the end.

 

6. Add black stripes to both cheeks and chin. Add thinner stripes to jawline, make smaller each time. Finally, add black to inner corner of eyelids .

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Leopard-Make-Up-Tutorial

Leopard Face Paint Make-Up Tutorial

This fantastic Leopard Make-Up tutorial will transform you into a wild animal.

With gorgeous pink colouring, shimmering glitter, and striking black detail, you’re sure to feel beautiful!  This look is easy to achieve with a few simple steps, and is perfect for any occasion. Complete the look with 60s eyelashes, a Leopard Pink Bow, and a Leopard Pink Print Bodysuit and you’re ready for any party!

Our easy to follow step by step videos will help you create the ultimate transformation.

Visit www.fancydressforyou.com/collections/make_up for more information on our face paints.

Smiffys Make-Up FX are professional standard face and body paints that are simple to apply and easy to remove. Non-toxic, hypoallergenic and complying with EU & FDA toy and cosmetic regulations you can be sure of a product that is safe and easy to use.

Read more...