July 26, 2010

IS IT EVER OK TO WEAR FANCY DRESS?

Sometimes an image says more than a thousand words.Think of Audrey Hepburn In that timeless Holly Golightly still from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hugh Grant in that infamous LA police mugshot. Marilyn Monroe in that translucent white dress over the air vent.

But why oh why do images of those gussied up in fancy dress invariably end up making the subjects look absolutely idiotic? (With the exception of Elton John in his Madame de Pompadour outfits whom we accept as just, well, Elton...)

Here, then, are two more who look totally ridiculous. Recently released on bail after serving nearly half of his sentence for fraud, Canadian-born, ex-newspaper tycoon Conrad Black and his wife Barbara Amiel, pictured above in happier times resembling Cardinal Richelieu and Marie Antoinette at an 18th century-style ball at Kensington Palace in 2000. You can almost hear her cry to the assembled paparazzi-yokels, "Let them eat bread!”. (NB Not my photo – nor my party!)

HAVE YOU EVER WORN FANCY DRESS? WHAT WAS THE THEME & WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN? DO TELL ME!

Happy Ruby Tuesday to everyone in Australia, New Zealand and the Far East where it’s already Tuesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday posts! (Links at Work of the Poet.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)

PS See you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

We once had a 20's party for my Dad's birthday and I wore a flapper dress, a feathered headband and long gloves. I felt so glamorous. I think we should have more fancy dress parties - they are a lot of fun! - G

Pondside said...

Please, please address him by his purchased...errr...earned title - Lord Black of Cross Harbour!!! That picture still gets a lot of viewing - it really goes to show that when someone puts on a costume it can be a very revealing experience for the rest of us.
I've dressed up as a Medieval Lady, Sonny (other half of The Great Dane's Cher)and an Arab soothsayer - lots of fun, I wonder what it reveals!?

Chubskulit Rose said...

Nope, I haven't yet and probably wont lol. Great one Nora! Love the song too.

My Ruby Tuesday

Kramer said...

Cardinal, red, I like it.

Michelle said...

Conrad Black -and Barbara Amiel!Have they no shame or thought of their outrageous lifestyle/behaviour? Basically, doesn't look like it.

Holly said...

I think they look really embarrassed at their totally OTT (though appropriate given their lifestyle!) costumes.

Mike said...

Well,of one thing you can be sure: you won't catch me in any fancy dress outfit.Great post!

Michelle said...

Maybe they wore it as a joke? Lol! I would love to dress up! I just haven't had a chance to. :(

Great post Nora and Lola! xoxo

tania said...

Would love to dress up too-even as Marie Antoinette though that costume looks very very costly!Terrific post!

Jan said...

Word verification's "Fanzy"!Coincidence or what?

Love the post.Always thought-provoking.

anemonen said...

I love such old outfits. Very good photo. Like it very much, and your music makes an angel walking throgh me.

Liz said...

Great outfits/costumes though you won't catch me wearing them. :)

My entries:
Moms... Check Nyo
Yummy-as-can-be

Felisol said...

Who would want to impersonate Cardinal Richelieu?
Tell me who you want to impersonate, and I shall tell the world who you are!
Greta ruby dress though!

Ralph said...

Dolly looks fine, but the publishing Tycoon looks ridiculous in the cardinal outfit (although perfect colors for RT). What price style!

laterg8r said...

only at halloween LOL :D

A 2 Z said...

The last fancy dress I wore was at my wedding! Love the picture. Thanks for sharing Nora.

Anne-Marie

Raven said...

Pretty cool costumes, though. I guess other people's money buys a good "let them eat bread" outfit. Congrats on your "baby."

CACHANILLA73 said...

The last 'fancy' dress I wore was my wedding day!!! I would love to wear something 'out of the ordinary'. ;)

Berlin said...

Fancy dress eh? I remember the last time I wore a fancy dress, I was 8 years old or so. I really don't like dresses that are so princess.

Hihi, thanks for your thoughts =)

Smiles,
Berlin

Jesson Balaoing said...

nice post!...Pretty cool costumes, though. I guess other people's money buys a good "let them eat bread" outfit.

Style At Every Age said...

I hate Fancy Dress Parties and never go to them, I just can't carry off a costume!

Gee said...

this is amazing, it is my wish to wear a gown like this, fairytale

http://www.nicoleariel.com/2010/07/ruby-tuesday-one-thing-i-cannot-live.html

BINKSY said...

We love fancy dress in our house...We use any excuse to dress up!!!

Maggi said...

I love fancy dresses whether I have a fancy occasion to where them or not! lol

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Nora and Lola,


Great post dears.
I love fancy dress and one year I made outfits to wear to a party my husband went as Fred Flinstone and I was Wilma, so much fun!
Have you ever worn fancy dress?

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Kim, USA said...

I haven't wore a fancy dress, but I would like to try ^_^

Barnyard Express

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I have to costume or themed parties, but not as elaborately as in your featured pic . Interesting post!
Hugs & Blessings,
~Myrna