Hola Senorita: A UN Day Costume

It's that time of the year again when kids dress up in different United Nations' costumes. This year, my daughter was chosen to represent Spain. And if you have been reading this blog, you will know that i am not really fond of buying ready-to-wear National costumes because kids usually only get to use them once (check out our Spanish Matador and Prince William DIY costumes). 

So i started doing my research and found some costume ideas online such as this.

With the help of my creative director (read: Yaya Jovy), we started thinking of how to execute Dawn's outfit. I searched through my cabinet and found an old tube top that i thought would make for a good base for the outfit.  Jovy cut out two holes from the top to fit the arms and altered the bodice fit Dawn's petite frame.

Then she attached a hotel laundry bag at the bottom to hold the red and black crepe paper.

And the sewing of the black and red crepe paper began.

Yaya Jovy hard at work

Fan, hair piece, dress

Our Little Senorita won Little Miss UN in her crepe paper dress

Now our Little Matador has a partner!

So you see, it doesn't cost much to create a fun UN Day costume. All you need is some creativity and a bit of hardwork.

Share links of your costumes with us so others will also be inspired :)

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Our Little Matador: A UN Day Costume

Ole! Yaya Jovy did it again! Remember Troy's UN Day costume last year (If you don't, click here)? Well, his costume this year is once again designed and created by non-other than our resident costume-maker, Yaya Jovy.

Our first hurdle was the plain white long sleeves. Troy didn't have any! I was ready to purchase one already but Jovy had a better idea - she used Troy's white sweatshirt that had a design in front and topped it over with a white sleeveless inner shirt (sando)...and viola!

Next, we were able to borrow a formal black vest from Auntie JoKoo's nephew. Taped some gold foil trimmings on it to make it more 'Matador-ish'. Then we got some red crepe paper for the bow-tie ribbon and used red felt paper for the belt.

Finally, the hat...it's beautifully done using old paper bags and an old black t-shirt. Jovy is just really talented.

We're almost done...except that how can a matador fight bulls without his red cloth? Enter Auntie Chiqui's red shawl...we just made it a little smaller and pinned it on Troy's pants so that he doesn't lose it.

Presenting...our little matador from Spain!

Happy United Nations Day! Toro!!!

Blog Update: I just found out Troy won Little Mister UN again this year! Woo hoo! Back-to-back winner! Congratulations to my little matador and his costume designer :) Great job!

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Happy United Nations Day!

Last friday was United Nations (UN) day in Troy's school. All the kids were asked to go to school in a costume that would represent a nation. The memo was given just 4 days before the celebration. Being the competitive/OC mom that i am, i panicked!

I started asking around for costumes or costume ideas. I received a few suggestions but none (for me) were 'winner material' :) So i searched the net and found this:

taken from http://cdn.babble.com

So i thought, what would be a better way to represent the United Kingdom than to dress up as the prince?  I started this little project by printing some photos of the prince and borrowing a red long sleeves polo from a friend (i didn't have time to go out and purchase anymore). Next step was to buy blue and black felt paper and some gold foil. Then we're all set.

I got home and discussed the idea with our resident 'designer' a.k.a. Yaya Jovy. And I said both of us can work on it the next day. But lo and behold, Jovy was more competitive than I am. She practically finished Troy's costume while everyone was sleeping that same night!

I was so amazed at the details of the outfit. Check out the hat she made out of white cartolina that she got from previous project scraps.

Troy was so excited with his costume. He even had a golden sword but i was not able to take a picture of him wearing it. He came home that day with a sash that says Little Mister UN :) He won first place! You're the best, Yaya Jovy!

HAPPY UNITED NATIONS DAY, EVERYONE!

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