SEMI-HOMEMADE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

Although I'm big on planning, sometimes I do wait until the last minute. And sometimes, those crunch times, have had the most creative end results. Case in point: deciding at the last minute to dress-up for Halloween. My friend Rebeca plans her costume like Macy's plans their parades - the year before (that's just how much she LOVES Halloween). I love it too, but sometimes I just need to be in the mood. For those times that I did get in the mood, it was from seeing the potential in some of those $10 and $20 costumes hanging in a store. Just like with a room, it's the accessories that can pull a look together....

SERPENTINE SORCERESS

This lovely little dress I found at WALGREEN'S for only $9.99.

I jazzed it up with a wig I got at a salon... and yes - me and my sticks. I spray painted a branch black, attached some shredded black fabric, a large snake, and some faux red stones...

I made a crown from a grapevine wreath I spray painted black and

wove in a few black fake snakes (with beady red eyes) and a whole-lotta black fine tulle for drama. I had cut the wreath (in the back) so it would fit snug on my head. The tulle also helped cover the opening.

I wish I had a photo of Becky's costume. She had beaded a chest plate and black platform boots (her own - not from a costume). And although she doesn't have kids, she always like to host and decorate the courtyard for an apartment building party. It was a great way to get to know the neighbors and the kids stayed safe and had fun being close to their home. Afterwards, we'd head down to Lincoln Road on South Beach and see the carnival of costumes to go clubbing... Although this costume was only 9.99, I was able to wear it a few times....

I had even wore this to work and walked the store saying:

"SELL SELL SELL OR I'LL CAST A SPELL!!!" lol

Last year, while in Big Lot's getting some supplies for the Halloween party, I spotted a cute black costume with coppery details for only $19.99...

THE LEGEND OF AVENTURA

 Again, accessories played a part in pulling a look together.

I love having some kind of prop (and yes - a stick). I knew I had some copper leaves and small skulls I had used to make a door wreath the year before, so I took it apart to use for the costume...

I weaved in some of the copper leaves into the Amy Weinhouse wig I got at Party City. I also used the leaves on my prop. I painted a Styrofoam skull black and stuck it on the end of the stick...

My black ruched boots worked withe the ruffle details and I added some of my own black beaded accessories. This was a scary site around 8:30 in the morning...But it was a Friday and just that time of the year to let out your little demon.... hee hee.....

One year... in my twenties... I made myself into a Widow Bride. I drenched my (then) blonde hair with red mouse, packed on some HEAVY make-up and jazzed up one of those little shorty Dracula costumes (with the big collar). I had a super wide black stretchy belt I added tons of tullel to. I attached more tulle to a wide black headband, along with hot gluing a rhinestone necklace to it to make a veil. I added a black rose pin to the deep V. I attached jagged black sheer fabric to some opera length black satin gloves I had (from clubbing). And what's a bride without a huge bouquet (hey - It was the 90's!!), and huge faux diamond ring. Since I was at a club (and won Second Place in a costume contest) I spent the evening sipping champagne and saying, "Oh woe is me..." lol I placed second to a midget who had dressed as The Penguin from Batman. He had props too - he had a monocle (single eyeglass) and an open umbrella...

Me & Hope - 7th Grade

Costumes have come a long way since the days from throwing on a sheet and some fake blood or cutting up the bottom of moms long black dress to be Morticia from the Addams Family.

What are your Halloween plans? Will you dress up?

What do you want to be?

I think I'll always love this look...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

LINKING TO:

The DIY Showoff - Last Minute Halloween Fall Festival

Somewhat Simple - Halloween Blog Party