I had to go and get some party supplies for an event at work so I decided to go and check this…read moreplace out, since I had walked past it numerous times but had never had a reason to go inside. Well, they certainly cater to the party goer, especially with the huge selection of (cheap and nasty) costumes that are available. They also claim to be a specialist in helium balloons, and they certainly have a huge range of balloons available. In fact they had these little draws each containing a different sort of balloon. Okay, they also have a few other discount items available, but their main focus is being a party supply store, and you can certainly get a decent amount of supplies here for whatever reason you have for throwing a party (not as if you actually need a reason, but you know what I mean).

Fantastic selection of costumes, rather overwhleming actually. I normally go to a smaller store…read morecloser to my home, but thought id take a drive over the otherside & it was worth it. Nathan was extremely helpful & had brilliant ideas for my film production.

From the owner: Welcome to Court Jester Fancy Dress, where we bring costumes to life. Our journey started in 1984…read morein Werribee, Victoria. Over the years, we've expanded and are now located at 20 Jimmy Place, Laverton North. Under new leadership, we're committed to providing a diverse range of costumes and accessories. Join us in celebrating the magic of costumes.

It's day 87 since I bought my horse costume and the horses have accepted me as one of their own. I…read morehave grown to understand and respect their gentle ways. Now I question everything I once knew and fear I am no longer capable of following through with my primary objective. I know that those who sent me will not relent. They will send others in my place. But we will be ready.

A great costume shop!…read more Last weekend my partner and I rented two full costumes: the Evil Queen from Snow White (cartoon version) and Davey Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean. Both were fantastic quality. They have a good sized range to choose from.. but the best part is that it is spread out enough that you can actually see all of the options properly. That's not a dig at Rose Chong's - they have good quality costumes too. But they are so crammed in there that if you don't know what you're looking for it is pretty much impossible to find something. Whereas Costume Factory have a big open space for you to walk up and down the racks to pick out things you hadn't even thought of yet. They also have a great 'Wig Bar' where they help you figure what will best go with your costume. You will pay around $90 for a full costume including wigs, shoes and accessories. They are also really good about the return times. We got until Tuesday to bring them back after hiring on a Saturday. FYI the bond is $100 per costume.

Every now and again one runs into a Platypus on Lygon St, not a life size platypus, but a human…read moresized platypus. In its webbed hands is held a sign directing you across the road, where your eyes meet the words Costume and Hire. Suddenly you realize this is no LSD flashback but a legitimate business enterprise, and I'm sure there is more than one occasion you have been compelled to dress as Harry Potter or a Hypnotoad or Grover dressed as a knight. Here is where your dress up fantasies can come to life. Masks and heads line one wall, a selecting of boots along another. Between these on a large assortment of racks is the wardrobe you wish you had as a child. Reasonably priced, open every day at varying hours, and with friendly staff that help you find your way around. From full zip up body suits to smaller accessories like fingernails and glasses, this you one stop shop for costumes.

I find most fancy dress shops a bit freaky and scary because they sort of remind me of clowns and,…read morewell, clowns are terrifying. I know this isn't rational thinking and I'll be the first to admit that I watched The Exorcist and Texas Chainsaw Massacre when I was way too young and obviously some damage was done. So apart from being slightly nervous when I walked in to find an animal mask for an 'ears and tails' party, I was also quite curious as to what I might find in such a large fancy dress shop. Well, they have a fantastic collection of very fancy fancy dress, seriously elaborate costumes that I'm sure would make a party more festive and also a bit strange. Whatever you're after, I'm pretty sure they have it. And if you can't find it, and who could blame you in a shop of such visual overload, the staff are super friendly and helpful and will get you decked out in fanciful garb.

After wearing the masquerade masks to our party, 2 of them broke through out the night which is…read moredisappointing as we $15 and $23 for them. We thought buying them here over a dollar store would be beneficial but after taping them up on the night, we wish we'd just bought them at the $2 shop. Customer service at this place was still great and I'm sure costume hire is good too.

From the owner: We hold extensive discussions with the client to ensure a suitable costume design to match budgets…read moreand time restraints.

I never want people to feel how I felt. I walked in and the girl just sat there. No greeting, no…read moregetting up to see what I needed or if any help. I picked out some things and had to come over to her to ask about sizes and what they had for a black tie. She showed me some options which were all structured and tight, which I didn't want. I tried a dress on and it was ok, and still she sat there too busy to help me, I had to go back and forth to the mirror trying on different head pieces and bags with the dress. Then another team assistant came out and ignored me and started talking with other girl about whether or not they were going to get there hair done or not.I tried on other dresses and had trouble with fits. I asked about other sizes and she said it's mostly 8s to 10s in here and I'm a 12. There were no options really. Everything was structured, fitted and for tall people. I wanted something that came out at the waist and there was nothing. She continued to ignore me and I had enough and had no help so left. And by the way she didn't even say bye to me or check in with me at the end. Worst customer service in my life. Get off your computer!!!!!!

From the owner: Designer Dress Hire located in South Yarra.read more

Astoria Paper is the best kept secret off Carlisle St…read more It's located in a brightly painted warehouse, and if not for the constant buzz of people in and out, you may not even be sure it's a store. This place is a magical wonderland for all things plastic, paper, kitchen and party. Let me explain by giving you a short list of some of the items I've bought here: - industrial strength caterers aluminium foil - polka dot cupcake wrappers - mini top hat for a dressup party - toothpicks with Aussie flags on them - paper lanters with tiny LED lights inside - plastic tongs - glitter glue - novelty oversized playing cards for a hens night and a BUNCH of other purchases - some necessary, some frivolous. They have napkins and plastic tablecloths in every shade you can imagine, disposable containers, hula skirts, pinatas, ribbon, balloons, kids toys, costumes, fancy dress items and man.... it just goes on. I really appreciate that in addition to an amazing range, Astoria's prices are incredibly reasonable. Certainly cheaper than a specialty party store. Dont forget to walk all the way to the back to the party goods room!

If you host regular parties then Astoria should be on your list of "go to" places. Need napkins in…read more20 colours? Helium? Crazy costumes? Cute toothpicks with pirate flags on the end? Yep, they have it all here and at super competitive prices. I recently bought a huge bag of Gangster hats and feathered headbands for a 1920's style party - at just a few dollars for each piece, it was a quick (and cheap) way to add some sparkle to an evening.