Hello Brad -- I know you from the cooking forum. :) Funny, but I was looking at a costumer's blog last night and she talked about "faking" period shoes... she bought simple cheap shoes that fit the person (like loafers from a thrift store), then cut off stuff she didn't want (like tassles). She glued additional pieces of leather to give the shape she wanted. She even cut out foam board into buckle shapes, painted them gold, and glued them onto the shoe. Think like that: first buy shoes that fit, then use fabric or leather to reshape the shoe or change the shoe color -- either using hot glue to attach it, or even mod podge! search for "mod podge shoes" and you'll see what I mean! I searched for images of Cruella and I'd say her jewelry was sort of a sea-foam green. :O) Notice that her lovely eyeshadow is a slightly different shade -- more like a soft/light olive green. If you can't find a dress that fits, maybe you could buy one that's close in size and slit it up the back and add simple ties like they use for closing hospital gowns. Maybe I'll think of more ideas. HTH!

I know that it was a very happy birthday indeed! I can only echo all of the comments posted before. She's a beauty and there's such a strong resemblance!

Thanks for all the comments and compliments! It was an authentic outfit, and I bought some of it in Fredericksburg, Texas and some of it at Alpine Village in Torrance, where we had a German breakfast/brunch a couple of weeks ago. I bought my shoes there (see photo below), as well as the shirt I am wearing. Dina took the pictures of me at work, and so they were taken in my office, including a closeup of my shoes. Dina wore a costume similar to yours, Annie! I like the "Dale Pickle" sign! Yesterday we went to Comikaze Expo athe the L.A. Convention Center downtown and I took German sandwiches with us! It was very crowded there, and I was glad we did not have to wait in line for food. Kevin wanted to see Kevin Smith there, but the line for his conference room had over 2000 people in it, and the room only held 700, and so I had Kevin wait next to a water fountain next to a Ladies room while I looked for the men's room down the hall. As it turned out, where Kevin was waiting was exactly opposite the door where Kevin Smith was entering for his conference, and so we got a close look at him. I told Kevin to talk to him or ask him a question, but he was too shy, I guess. So we got to see him but not hear him speak. We also saw Elriva there - she was there last year as well. I bought a scimitar for my pirate outfit, which I will be able to wear next year. I have worn a pirate outfit before, but I never had the right sword. I am thinking of making a quiche this morning with the leftover pie dough I have from the apple pie I made last week. I made enough dough for two pies, and the leftover dough needs to get used today. I guess I could freeze it, but then I don't know when it would get used. Lars

We actually celebrate quite a bit then, as our anniversary is in January, and both our birthdays are in early-February. My theme then is the celebration of Winter. Post-Christmas. Post red and green. When Christmas is packed away, I decorate with dark blue, white and silver. Lots of candles. Bare branches. Crystal. I love every season. In my opinion, why fight it? I choose to embrace the beauty of Winter and, since our anniversary and birthdays are during it, I use it as a theme for our parties. Chilled vodka-based drinks. Crackling fires in the fireplaces. There are many directions to go from there.