Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
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| A cozy, flowy and neutral jumpsuit is exactly what you need in your closet right now. |
First things first: Hi, friends. Damn, do I miss everyone. It's been quite a while since my last post - almost feels like another lifetime ago (and yet, like not nearly enough has improved) - and I genuinely can't believe we're on the cusp of summer and fall. I don't have the words to describe these past few months (I hear "unprecedented" is a common adjective...) but "tragic" pretty much sums it up for me. Let's be real: between one thing and another, this year has been tough. Despite moments of pure gratitude, glimmers of hope and finding beauty in the slower pace, I experience days when I'm stunned with anxiety, sadness, "how did we get here?" confusion and longing for the day when we can comfortably embrace each other, mingle with strangers (what I would give to have someone accidentally spill their drink on me at a bar), and live in a more peaceful and unified world. Nevertheless, at the end of each day, I go to sleep extremely thankful for the health and well-being of my family and friends, and that's all that truly matters. I pray you and your loved ones are safe and sound, too.
While I initially planned my next post to be something more impactful (I promise more of that is on its way) truthfully, I need a break from our harsh current reality. Since I'm still adhering to stay-at-home guidelines for the most part (going on month 6, but who's counting?) I've been finding joy in a variety of "safe" ways. And online shopping has been one of them.
I'm very fortunate to still be working, and while I've made it my priority to spend my money responsibly (including donating to different organizations and people in need) when it comes to leisurely spending, I aim to support local eateries and shops. A couple months ago, I came across a Miami boutique, Aria Rose, and was immediately impressed by its beautiful pieces. That being said, budgeting is still very important to me, so I've been reaching for pieces that are not just affordable, but versatile and able to transition seamlessly from summer to fall, day to night, and casual to elevated. This round-neck, wide-leg jumpsuit can do all of the above. It's flattering on different body types, ridiculously comfortable - both soft and stretchy - and includes pockets, which I really appreciate. I was so thrilled with the purchase that my creativity came out to play the second I put it on, and I came up with several looks to help convince you that a cozy, flowy jumpsuit is exactly the piece you need in your closet right now.
Here are a few ways to style your favorite jumpsuit:
1. Just the Jumpsuit + White Sneakers, Strappy Heels or Sandals
Comfy yet Cool
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| A daytime version (and how I actually wore this when I ran errands). Jumpsuit: Aria Rose (tag says entro); Sneakers: Vans (purchased from Urban Outfitters); Earrings: Target ($4 on sale rack!) |
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| An elevated evening version. Heels: Target (brand is A New Day); Necklace: Zara (similar options on Bauble Bar and Gorjana); Earrings: Lauren Nicole. |
2. Under a White, Rolled-Cuff, Short-Sleeve Top + White Sneakers
A street-style inspired look for when it's just a liiiiittle breezy out
Ribbed Pre-Cuffed White Top: Aria Rose (similar option on Asos); Sneakers: Vans; Earrings: Target; necklace gifted (similar options on Bauble Bar and Gorjana)
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3. With a Black Faux Leather Jacket, White Pointed Booties and a Black Belt
Perfect for a fun night out (whenever we can do that again...)
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| Black Topshop Faux Leather Biker Jacket: Nordstrom; Western Belt: Target; White Booties: Lauren Nicole (similar here); Earrings: Francesca's |
4. Under a Black Sweater + White Pointed Booties
For when the temperature drops
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Black Sweater: Zara (similar here); Earrings: Lauren Nicole  |
5. Over a Black Short Sleeve T-Shirt + Black Sandals (Optional Denim Jacket)
A different way to wear it casually
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| Black Vintage Collection T-Shirt: Madewell; Chunky Small Hoop Earrings: Madewell (similar pair); Black Multi Strap Slide Sandals: Target (A New Day - currently available from this seller but I also love this pair from Lulu's) |
6. Over a White Short Sleeve T-Shirt + White Sneakers (Optional Denim Jacket)
Another street style-inspired look
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| White T-Shirt: American Eagle (similar here); Sneakers: Vans; Earrings: Madewell; Necklace: Zara |
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| Denim Jacket: American Eagle (tip: my favorite denim jacket is from Old Navy - oversized, faded and even more affordable than this one!) |
7. With a Cape Blazer + Simple Strappy Heels
Works for the office, a show, dinner or event
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| Cape Blazer: Who What Wear for Target (available from this seller on Poshmark and if you don't like the cape look, I love my Shawl Collar Open Front blazer from Forever 21); Heels: Target (A New Day); Pedicure: Needed ASAP. |
Aria Rose is currently sold out of the jumpsuit, but you can sign up to be notified of its restock! I also love this option from Zara, which includes a belt.
I'll provide different scenery, include more accessories and showcase different hair styles and makeup looks the next time around. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts and ideas below!
Stay safe, be kind, and keep finding joy and inspiration wherever and however you can. xx
I've always loved Halloween - the decorations, movies, parties, annual trip to Halloween Horror Nights, and hearing Thriller and Monster Mash a million times - but over the past four years, I've truly fallen in love with dressing up. Obviously, costumes were always a significant part of the fun - especially when I was a kid living out my dreams of being a princess or warrior (lookin' at you, Mulan). But, when it came to high school and the first few years of college, dressing up became a merry-go-round of sexy cliche characters (hot sailor woman, hot cop, hot ref ... I wore them all.)
Don't get me wrong - those costumes were fun, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I began to truly relish the process of piecing together my own costumes with creativity, intention and scrappiness. I've brainstormed ways to play around with makeup and accessories, make a costume out of clothes I already own, and even create pieces with my own hands.
Most of you probably spent this past weekend as I did - out with friends and decked out in a costume. But Halloween still awaits! Whether you're passing candy out to your neighborhood kiddos, attending a party, heading out for a night on the town or simply dressing up at your workplace, I've got you covered with several costume ideas you can piece together over the next day or two. Better yet, they won't leave you crying when you check your bank account.
Here are a few of my favorite costumes (from this weekend and the past few years), including notes on how I created them and tips for piecing together your own on a budget:
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| My version of Cher, this past weekend |
If you have white flared jeans and live anywhere near a Target and Joann's, you can pull this outfit off before Halloween. I felt inspired to emulate Cher's bold and incomparable outfits after Kim Kardashian totally killed the yellow two-piece look last year. I wanted to do something different, though, so I opted for the white two piece above. I bought inexpensive large gold hoop earrings, the iconic long lashes, and glue-on nails (hello, middle school Stephanie) at Target, and made the top with a stretchy white fabric, beads and adhesive stickers from Joann's, where I also found my gold "belt." Add some metallic heels, and you've turned back time. ;)
Outfit
White flared jeans
White high-quality fabric
Beading and adhesive stickers
Metallic gold or silver heels
Large hoop earrings
White mini pouch purse
Gold belt (or gold lace)
Makeup/Beauty
Purple eyeshadow with dramatic false lashes
Pink blush
Rosy pink-ish lips (lightly glossed)
Long nails with purple polish (I painted over my press-ons)
Hair
Straight and down
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| Medusa, also this past weekend (yes, those are "snake eyes") |
If there's ever a right time to dress up as Medusa, it's when snakeskin is in - and right now, it definitely is. Don't have a snakeskin piece yet? I found the dress above at H&M for about $20. Pair it with a snake headpiece (sold on Amazon and at most Halloween stores), and you can turn people to stone.
Outfit
Faux snakeskin dress
Strappy heels
Gold snake headband (
Makeup/Beauty
Green and yellow eyeshadow, with black lines on top for your "snake eyes"
Green shadow in place of bronzer (for contouring)
Green lipstick (I actually didn't like the color of mine, so I put some Aquaphor on my lips and covered them with glittery green shadow)
Green metallic nails (I used the Medusa shade by KL Polish)
Hair
Messy, crazed waves
(I wet my hair and added got2b glue, flipped my hair and called it a day)
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| My "Ellie" Elliot + E.T. costume, Halloween 2018 |
If you have a free evening or morning before Halloween, and consider yourself a patient person, then you can re-create this. Aside from the minimalist outfit, you'll need to make your own bike basket. I purchased this grey basket (and my red hoodie) at Target. To make the handlebars, I painted four paper towel rolls grey, and taped two vertically on each back corner of the basket, then taped the other two horizontally on top of the vertical ones. I printed a high-res picture of E.T. (found off Google) and taped it on top of an old stuffed animal for a 3D effect. Then, I placed a red light on E.T.s last, and wrapped a white pillowcase around him. Tie some rope through the basket holes so you can wear it around your neck. Proceed to Phone Home.
Outfit
Red hoodie
Jeans
White converse or sneakers
Grey basket
Paper towel rolls
Grey paint
Printed picture of E.T.
Stuffed animal
White sheet or pillowcase
Small red light (many flashlights have a red light option)
Rope (try to keep it a neutral color or one that will blend with the outfit)
Makeup
You don't need any, but I played up the red in the hoodie with red lips
Hair
I left mine down, but a ponytail is fun and outdoors-y
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| Pretty Woman, Halloween 2018 |
So, I bought this costume off Etsy; however, you can give it your own twist with a white tank, blue skirt, and some body jewelry (or, if you're really ambitious, watch a DIY video on YouTube. They exist!)
Outfit
Pretty Woman costume or white tank, blue skirt and body jewelry
Red blazer (or hoodie)
Black over-the-knee boots
Long necklace
Edgy bracelet
Makeup
Keep it glow and subtly sexy
Hair
Curl or wave it up, Julia Roberts style
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| Pretending to be Midge Maisel at Disney's Dapper Day, April 2019 |
My favorite TV comedian, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, inspired my look for this year's Dapper Day at Disney. I bought this dress on Amazon Prime, but if 2-day shipping isn't in your favor, you can pick up a petticoat at a costume store and wear it under a dress you already own (this fifties style was very in earlier this year - hopefully you have something similar!)
Outfit
'50s style dress (or a halter-style dress)
Petticoat
White pointed-toe flats or kitten heels
Small box-y handbag
Hair scarf (you can use a regular one, as I did here)
Cat-eye glasses
Pearl jewelry
Makeup
Feminine (rosy blush, bold lips, etc.)
Hair
Curled, pinned and under a hair scarf
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| Mary Poppins, Halloween 2017 |
This Mary Poppins costume made me feel very proud, considering I pieced it together on Halloween morning. I promise there's a high chance you have almost everything you need to recreate this already in your closet.
Outfit
White blouse
Black skirt
Black tights/stockings
Black heels
Large purse (black works well here)
Black umbrella
Reb ribbon, for belt and bow
Black Edwardian-style hat (this you will likely have to purchase. I bought mine at Party City).
Fake red and white flowers (I got mine at Hobby Lobby, but Michael's and Joann's should have some, too).
Hot glue gun (to glue the flowers onto the hat)
Makeup
Done-up, yet simple (avoid any dark eyeshadow or intense eyeliner)
Red lips to bounce off the red bow and belt
Hair
Bun or down in waves
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| Wednesday Addams, Halloween 2015 |
Surprisingly enough, this costume - which I threw together the day before wearing - brought in a ton of compliments. The only thing I purchased was the pair of thigh-high stockings.
Outfit
White button up
Black button up (to be worn above white button up)
Black heels
Black thigh-high stockings
Makeup
Pale foundation/face (you can make your foundation lighter by covering it with some white eyeshadow or a pale setting powder, but I recommend applying a foundation a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Go for an inexpensive drugstore foundation, and set it aside for future Halloween costumes - vampire, Bride of Frankenstein, skull, etc.).
Gray eyeshadow for shadow-y contouring
Black lipstick
Hair
Two braids
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| Jess and I dressed as Dolls of the Dead, Halloween 2016
These dolls were so much fun to dress up as. Jess and I got really into character, and at one point began skipping around downtown while holding hands and playing audio of children laughing on repeat from our phones. We freaked quite a few people out.
Outfit
Floral dress
White knee-high socks
Black heels
Teddy Bear, dabbed it with black eyeshadow and torn up (I felt HORRIBLE doing this, but it really makes the costume creepier. I've kept the teddy bear out of pity).
Makeup
Follow the Wednesday Addams/Black Swan idea: pale face, dark lips (I went with a very deep red)
Black/gray eyeshadow for under eye circles and contouring
Black eyeliner for "patches" and mouth (we drew lines that resemble a puppet mouth)
Hair
Pigtails and a bow
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| Cleopatra, Halloween Weekend 2017 |
I've always thought of Cleopatra as strong, interesting and beautiful - what's not to love? The girl is timeless. Not everyone can say Elizabeth Taylor played them in a movie. Just sayin'.
Outfit
White or black dress
Gold heels
Gold jewelry (necklace, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc.)
Gold headpiece
Makeup
Full face, glowy and bronzed (I added gold eyeshadow to the highlighter cheekbones
Nude lips (I added gold eyeshadow on top)
Blue and gold eyeshadow with black Cleopatra eyeliner
Hair
Straight and braids
Gold string or hair bands (I bought a stretchy string at Michael's and tied them over clear hair ties)
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| Black Swan, Halloween Weekend 2017 |
Ah, this one was fun - although I could never play a tormented perfectionist ballerina the way Natalie Portman did. So, you might not have feathers, a tutu or a black crown laying around, but there's a good chance you have the rest of this costume at home, either for your own purposes or from a past Halloween. Accessories can be purchased at any craft store or costume store for next to nothing.
Outfit
Black leotard/bodysuit
Tiny black shorts (to wear under tutu)
Black tutu
Black see through tights
Black ballet-style flats
Black feathers
Glue gun or pins (to stick feathers onto leotard)
Black crown
Makeup
Pale face (see Wednesday Addams makeup above)
Black eyeshadow for contouring (See Wednesday Addams makeup above)
Deep red/wine lips
Black and silver eyeliners for wings
Hair
Bun (topped with crown)
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| Cruella de Vil, Halloween Weekend 2015 |
This costume is easy to create, recognizable and fun for both adults and kids. Got a black dress, or black top + black skirt? Of course you do. Now, all you need are accessories.
Outfit
Black dress or black top + black skirt
Black tights (optional)
Black heels
"Dalmatian" stole
Red gloves (easy to find at a costume store, or at stores like Target and Walmart during the holidays)
1920's style cigarette holder
Makeup
Glam (she was a designer, after all) - and red lips to bounce off those gloves
Hair
Okay, so, I made the mistake of using white hair spray paint on half of my head. It didn't go well. I looked old and my hair started to look an awkward light purple as the night went on. Get an inexpensive wig.
Trust me.
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| My DIY mermaid costume (missing the starfish), a few years after being worn |
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| My sister, looking like a gorgeous mermaid at her sorority's bid day last year (it was ocean themed) |
Outfit
Nude bra or bralet (a halter might work as well)
Shells
Rope (I like gold, but nude or white will work, too)
Blue skirt or craft store fabrics (I wore an opaque blue fabric under a mesh blue fabric with scale/bubble-like details).
Starfish (you can purchase a bag of them at craft stores)
Nude summer-y wedges
Makeup
Dewy natural-looking base makeup - but be generous with bronzer and highlighter
Blue or green eyeshadow and "scales"(place a fishnet stocking on one of your cheeks and along your collarbone, then run blue/green/gold eyeshadow over the stockings to create the look of scales on your skin).
Nude (or purple!) lips - have fun, but stick to a cool color palette (green, blue, purple)
Hair
Messy, beachy waves or a messy thick braid
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| Little Red Riding Hood (after a run-in with the wolf), Halloween Weekend 2016 |
One of my tips for having a little more fun with your costume is adding a twist to a classic. I dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, but after a bloody fight with the wolf.
Outfit
Black dress or black top + black skirt
Black thigh-high boots or black heels
Black tights (optional)
White glove (one looks even better) ripped and painted with "blood" (fake blood)
Red hood
Makeup
Red lips
Red "slice" on cheek (use fake blood)
Smokey eye
Hair
Waves or low pigtails
Desperate and broke? Here are two classic costumes that couldn't be easier to piece together:
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| Witch, Halloween Weekend 2016 |
Outfit
All black
Witch hat
Black boots/heels/pointy flats
Optional: choker or moody necklace
Makeup
To keep it classic, stick to green, black or deep red eyeshadows and lipsticks
Optional: black or green nails (extra points if they're pointy)
Hair
Keep it down - wavy, curly or straight work just fine
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| With my friend Nicole, Halloween 2018 |
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| My sister as a modern day, Vampire Diaries-inspired vampire, Halloween 2015 |
Outfit
Dark moody dress, all black, or a simple top + shorts with a black biker jacket (keep it cool)
Black boots or heels
Makeup
Either your usual full base makeup or pale + dark eyeshadow for contouring
(I've found that either one works)
Smokey eyes
Black and gray eyeliner and/or eyeshadow for "veins"
Deep purple or red lipstick
Fake blood for underneath lips
Hair
Same idea as the witch: keep it down - wavy or straight work just fine
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TIPS:
- Write down a list of everything you need to piece together your costume, then go digging through your closet, friends' closets and family members' closets (with permission, of course!).
- For actual clothing that you need but don't have, check Goodwill and other thrift stores, as well as Amazon (2-day prime delivery!) before heading to any retailers.
- Look online for the extra items you need before running to the stores. Compare prices, then get what you need. I stop at Halloween stores once in a blue moon for certain items, but I tend to find what I need at Target, JoAnns, Hobby Lobby and Michael's. Craft stores are your friend!
- The internet is a gift when it comes to Halloween. Amazon often sells items for less than what you'll find at stores. As far as makeup and hair go, YouTube is your free classroom. And I'm assuming most people do this already, but utilize Pinterest for costume ideas and, if you have more time in the future, check Etsy as a last resort for costumes or specific accessories. They might be a little pricier, but if you aren't having luck, it could be your saving grace.
- Remember to have fun and get creative! Be as original as you can and give your costumes a fun twist. Play with themes, decades, etc., or add a little darkness to your look. It is Halloween, after all. ;)
My "3-C" Formula for a Perfect Office-to-Happy Hour Look (and the 2-Minute Hair Styling Hack I Swear By)
July 3, 2019
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| Note to self: when you're being photographed, make sure your pants are properly tied. Cami: Prologue at Target. Culottes: Zara. Cape Blazer: Mustard Seed L.A. |
We all have that one outfit. You know the kind - the one that makes you look effortlessly put together, is comfortable yet chic, exudes confidence and always guarantees you at least one compliment. It shifts sensibly from day to night, and can easily be dressed down in a casual setting or dressed up for an elevated occasion.
For me, this outfit consists of three pieces, each of which draws in the always appreciated "where did you buy that?" whether they're worn together or apart:
1. Cami
2. Culottes
3. Cape Blazer
Without fail, every time I combine these pieces for work, happy hour, a show, a meeting or an event, I arrive and leave feeling empowered (and fun). And while I'm proud to be an outfit repeater (I've been donning this exact outfit - only ever changing my jewelry and purse - once or twice a month), lately I've been purchasing and experimenting with the same pieces in different shades and sizes, or similar pieces from different brands. Regardless, this 3-C formula has proven to be foolproof. So, let's jump in, shall we?
First up: the cami. This V-neck woven version, from the Prologue line at Target, was the answer to many unsung prayers. For nearly a year, I had been looking everywhere for an affordable, pretty and soft cami that felt like it would last through many wears. In my opinion, camis are a wardbrobe staple that offer an elevated alternative to the t-shirt-tucked-into-pants/skirts/shorts look. I fell in love the moment I tried this one on - and at less than $20, it's a steal.
Next up: the culottes. My Zara culottes, which I have in navy and light pink (need to buy them in black and white stat) are probably among the top 5 fashion purchases I've made in my 27 years of life. They're ridiculously comfortable, enhance an otherwise underwhelming outfit (check out the picture below to see how I paired them with a graphic tee in lieu of the typical jeans-and-t-shirt look), and instantly make me look like I've got my life together, even when I don't. Better yet, they're under $40. So far, you've got a top and bottom combo for under $60. Boom.
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| Queen graphic tee: Urban Outfitters. Shell earrings and culottes: Zara. |
And last, but certainly not least, we come to the end of this outfit formula: the cape blazer. Unfortunately, I can't recall where I purchased this sandy-nude piece from (the label reads Mustard Seed; I want to say it was from Tobi or Nasty Gal) but it inspired me to eventually acquire a similar piece (in black) from Target's Who What Wear line. I don't know what it is about cape blazers. To play on the cape aspect, they really do feel as though they carry a superhero(ine) power: the moment I put one on, I feel like a boss, as corny as that sounds. Similarly, the moment I see someone else wearing one, I feel as though they run the show. It's definitely a head-turning statement piece, and while some might find it odd - a former colleague, who purchased the Target piece after seeing me in it, said her husband told her she looked like a student at Hogwarts when she wore it - the general consensus, in my experience, is that cape blazers look fierce. That's all the convincing I need.
Pro Tip: Neutral colors are your friend. There's a reason these three pieces work so well together! Mix and match white, nude, black and brown pieces with olive green and navy ones, and you'll have an impressive capsule wardrobe at your fingertips. Bonus if you throw in jewel tones for an extra punch.
P.S. I'll be featuring a couple of the pieces above in a new and upcoming "1 Piece, 3 Ways" series. Stay tuned!
Now, every grade-A outfit deserves a little beauty support, no? Just as this wardrobe formula never lets me down, there's a little hair trick I utilize on mornings when I need to run out the door but want to look and feel polished. Lately, I've been wrapping just two front sections of hair from each side of my head around my hair wand. It looks a little funny at first, considering that the rest of my hair consists of nearly straight waves (if that makes any sense), but I find that the wanded strands loosen up during my commute, resulting in pretty, cascading waves that eventually blend in with the rest of my mane while giving it a more refined appearance. It takes all of two minutes and makes a noticeable impact.
Hair Hack Part 2: if I have a few more minutes, but not enough to do my entire hair, I'll wand only the outermost layer of my hair. Sounds weird, but it works. What can I say? Time is of the essence - but you never know who you'll run into. ;)
What are your go-to outfits, pieces and beauty tricks? Share them with me in the comments below!
Maybe it's the aspiring actress in me or maybe it's the child in me, but the fact of the matter is I look forward to Halloween every single year because for one night - okay, or three - I get to play dress up and make believe ... and, to quote mean girls, "no other girls can say anything about it" (just swap "no other girls" for "no one").
As a Disney-obsessed kid, I would always set my Halloween costume sights on a Disney princess/heroine (Belle, Mulan and Jesse the Cowgirl are some memorable ones) and my mom would take care of it from there. When I entered the crazy pre-teen and teenage tears, the costumes got sexier and a little darker, without being overly revealing. As soon as college hit, it was all about showing skin via a cliche costume. But over the past few years, I've taken matters into my own hands and have followed a less-is-more approach - and when I say "less," I mean less money spent on a store costume and rather, more time spent creatively piecing one together with items I already own.
Here's my method in a nutshell: I purchase just a few smaller items from stores (usually craft stores) and mix them with several items I already own. The resulting costumes have become my absolute favorites and the ones I receive the most compliments on.
Here are a few of my favorite past costumes, including notes on how I created them and tips for piecing together your own costume without having to feel financially guilty afterward.
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| Mary Poppins, Halloween 2017 |
This Mary Poppins costume - along with the one directly below - is one of my most complimented costumes (which made me feel very proud, considering I pieced it together the morning of Halloween, when I wore it). I promise there's a high chance you have almost everything you need to recreate this already in your closet:
Outfit
White blouse
Black skirt
Black tights/stockings
Black heels
Large purse (black works well here)
Black umbrella
Reb ribbon, for belt and bow
Black Edwardian-style hat (this you will likely have to purchase. I bought mine at Party City).
Fake red and white flowers (I got mine at Hobby Lobby, but Michael's and JoAnn's should have some, too).
Hot glue gun (to glue the flowers onto the hat)
Makeup
Done-up, yet simple (avoid any dark eyeshadow or intense eyeliner)
Red lips to bounce off the red bow and belt
Hair
Bun or down in waves
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| Wednesday Addams, Halloween 2015 |
As I mentioned above, this is another one of my most complimented costumes, and I threw this one together the day before I wore it. The only thing I purchased was the pair of thigh-high stockings.
Outfit
White button up
Black button up (to be worn above white button up)
Black heels
Black thigh-high stockings
Makeup
Pale foundation/face (you can make your foundation lighter by covering it with some white eyeshadow or a pale setting powder, but I recommend applying a foundation a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Go for an inexpensive drugstore foundation, and set it aside for future Halloween costumes - vampire, Bride of Frankenstein, skull, etc.).
Gray eyeshadow for shadow-y contouring
Black lipstick
Hair
Two braids
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| Jess and I dressed as Dolls of the Dead, Halloween 2016
These dolls were so much fun to dress up as. Jess and I got really into character, and at one point began skipping around downtown while holding hands and playing audio of children laughing on repeat from our phones. We freaked quite a few people out.
Outfit
Floral dress
White knee-high socks
Black heels
Teddy Bear, dabbed it with black eyeshadow and torn up (I felt HORRIBLE doing this, but it really makes the costume creepier. I've kept the teddy bear out of pity).
Makeup
Follow the Wednesday Addams/Black Swan idea: pale face, dark lips (I went with a very deep red)
Black/gray eyeshadow for under eye circles and contouring
Black eyeliner for "patches" and mouth (we drew lines that resemble a puppet mouth)
Hair
Pigtails and a bow
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| Cleopatra, Halloween Weekend 2017 |
I've always thought of Cleopatra as strong, interesting and beautiful - what's not to love? The girl is timeless. Not everyone can say Elizabeth Taylor played them in a movie. Just sayin'.
Outfit
White or black dress
Gold heels
Gold jewelry (necklace, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc.)
Gold headpiece
Makeup
Full face, glowy and bronzed (I added gold eyeshadow to the highlighter cheekbones
Nude lips (I added gold eyeshadow on top)
Blue and gold eyeshadow with black Cleopatra eyeliner
Hair
Straight and braids
Gold string or hair bands (I bought a stretchy string at Michael's and tied them over clear hair ties)
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| Black Swan, Halloween Weekend 2017 |
Ah, this one was fun - although I could never play a tormented perfectionist ballerina the way Natalie Portman did. So, you might not have feathers, a tutu or a black crown laying around, but there's a good chance you have the rest of this costume at home, either for your own purposes or from a past Halloween. Accessories can be purchased at any craft store or costume store for next to nothing.
Outfit
Black leotard/bodysuit
Tiny black shorts (to wear under tutu)
Black tutu
Black see through tights
Black ballet-style flats
Black feathers
Glue gun or pins (to stick feathers onto leotard)
Black crown
Makeup
Pale face (see Wednesday Addams makeup above)
Black eyeshadow for contouring (See Wednesday Addams makeup above)
Deep red/wine lips
Black and silver eyeliners for wings
Hair
Bun (topped with crown)
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| Cruella de Vil, Halloween Weekend 2015 |
This costume is easy to create, recognizable and fun for both adults and kids. Got a black dress, or black top + black skirt? Of course you do. Now, all you need are accessories.
Outfit
Black dress or black top + black skirt
Black tights (optional)
Black heels
"Dalmatian" stole
Red gloves (easy to find at a costume store, or at stores like Target and Walmart during the holidays)
1920's style cigarette holder
Makeup
Glam (she was a designer, after all) - and red lips to bounce off those gloves
Hair
Okay, so, I made the mistake of using white hair spray paint on half of my head. It didn't go well. I looked old and my hair started to look an awkward light purple as the night went on. Get an inexpensive wig.
Trust me.
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| My DIY mermaid costume (missing the starfish), a few years after being worn |
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| My sister, looking like a gorgeous mermaid at her sorority's bid day last year (it was ocean themed) |
Outfit
Nude bra or bralet (a halter might work as well)
Shells
Rope (I like gold, but nude or white will work, too)
Blue skirt or craft store fabrics (I wore an opaque blue fabric under a mesh blue fabric with scale/bubble-like details).
Starfish (you can purchase a bag of them at craft stores)
Nude summer-y wedges
Makeup
Dewy natural-looking base makeup - but be generous with bronzer and highlighter
Blue or green eyeshadow and "scales"(place a fishnet stocking on one of your cheeks and along your collarbone, then run blue/green/gold eyeshadow over the stockings to create the look of scales on your skin).
Nude (or purple!) lips - have fun, but stick to a cool color palette (green, blue, purple)
Hair
Messy, beachy waves or a messy thick braid
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| Little Red Riding Hood (after a run-in with the wolf), Halloween Weekend 2016 |
One of my tips for having a little more fun with your costume is adding a twist to a classic. I dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, but after a bloody fight with the wolf.
Outfit
Black dress or black top + black skirt
Black thigh-high boots or black heels
Black tights (optional)
White glove (one looks even better) ripped and painted with "blood" (fake blood)
Red hood
Makeup
Red lips
Red "slice" on cheek (use fake blood)
Smokey eye
Hair
Waves or low pigtails
Desperate and broke? Here are two classic costumes that couldn't be easier to piece together:
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| Witch, Halloween Weekend 2016 |
Outfit
All black
Witch hat
Black boots/heels/pointy flats
Optional: choker or moody necklace for a little attitude
Makeup
To keep it classic, stick to green, black or deep red eyeshadows and lipsticks
Optional: black or green nails (extra points if they're pointy)
Hair
Keep it down - wavy, curly or straight work just fine
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| My sister as a modern day, Vampire Diaries-inspired vampire, Halloween 2015 |
Outfit
Dark moody dress, all black, or a simple top + shorts with a black biker jacket (keep it cool)
Black boots or heels
Makeup
Either your usual full base makeup or pale + dark eyeshadow for contouring
(I've found that either one works)
Smokey eyes
Black and gray eyeliner and/or eyeshadow for "veins"
Deep purple or red lipstick
Fake blood for underneath lips
Hair
Same idea as the witch: keep it down - wavy or straight work just fine
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TIPS:
- Write down a list of everything you need to piece together your costume, then go digging through your closet, friends' closets and family members' closets (with permission, of course!).
- For actual clothing that you need but don't have, check Goodwill and other thrift stores before heading to the mall.
- Look online for the extra items you need before running to the stores. Compare prices, then go get what you need. I stop at Halloween stores once in a blue moon for certain items, but I tend to find what I need at Target, Hobby Lobby, Michael's and Joann's. Craft stores are your friend!
- The internet is a gift when it comes to Halloween. Amazon often sells items for less than what you'll find at stores. As far as makeup and hair go, YouTube is your friend. And I'm assuming most people do this already, but utilize Pinterest for costume ideas, and check Etsy as a last resort for any necessary costumes or items! They might be a little pricier, but if you aren't having luck, it could be your saving grace.
- Remember to have fun and get creative! Be as original as you can and give your costumes a fun twist. Play with themes, decades, etc., or follow what I did with my Little Red Riding Hood and doll costumes and add a little darkness. It is Halloween, after all. ;)
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