Halloween Costume Ideas

Keeping life fun with costumes – not just at Halloween

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Become the god of the party as Dionysus

March 11th, 2010

Adult Dionysus Costume

Searching for the perfect costume to express your supremacy in all things party related? Look no further. Capture the deity in yourself as the Greek god Dionysus.

This friendly guy was the son of the great god Zeus – you know, the lightening bolt dude. Dionysus was in charge of things like drinking wine, inspiring ecstasy and generally making sure everyone around him drowned their cares in music and wine. Sounds like the life of every party ever thrown.

You’re sure to have a blast decked out as Dionysus. But did you know that he had some groupies too, the most senior of those being Maenads? These kinky girls were almost always in an ecstatic state and fawning over their chosen idol. Maybe you could recruit a group of admirers to play this role or just advertise the opening at the party. Either way, it feels good to be worshiped.

Nothing fancy, a Dionysus costume is mainly made up in the attitude. The original Greek god would almost always be encouraging his fellow partiers to drink, dance and be merry. There wasn’t any worrying about rules, clean up or tomorrow’s cares. It was all about liberation in the moment – Dionysus was often called the Liberator himself. So no prudish behavior allowed while in this costume or it just won’t work.

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Posted in Adult Costumes

Tags: Halloween Costumes

Top Ten Ways to Get Into Character

March 10th, 2010

Coffin Queen Costume by Leg Avenue

You’ve got the invite and snagged the costume. Now it’s time to prep that attitude and body language to really get into your character come party time. Try these tips on for size.

Forget who you really are for the night. Yes, that’s correct. Leave your own personality behind; it’s only going to complicate things.
Work with the voice first. If there is a distinct characteristic (like ultra high valley girl or growly Darth Vader) practice hard.
If there’s no distinct voice, work on trademark phrases (like “Grrrooby dooby doo!” for the famous canine super sleuth Scooby). Remember that a true French maid knows at least the important phrases – “voulez vous coucher….” and so on.
Get the body language just right. So much can be said with your posture, walk and stance. Get used to hustling around as the Hunchback or standing prim and proper as a Victorian babe. You may be uncomfortable for the night, but it’s all in the name of good drama.
Gather the necessary sidekicks. Superman had his Lois Lane and a leprechaun, his pot of gold. Don’t go completely solo.
Learn the facts. No one will believe you are true Roman god if you don’t know a little mythology. Go to the library or Google it, but get something in that memory bank to impress the guests. » Read more: Top Ten Ways to Get Into Character

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Posted in Adult Costumes

Tags: Halloween Costumes

5,200 Photogenic Aussies Get Nude for Photographer

March 9th, 2010

Dots the Clown Costume

In a bizarre (and chilly) photo shoot on March 1, 2010, over 5,000 Aussies crowded on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. The bizarre part? They were nude. Personally, I think they should have all been dressed in clown costumes, but I wasn’t asked now, was I?

Shot by American photographer Stephen Tunick, many of the people actually signed up for the opportunity. Which begs the question why? It’s not like they would be distinguishable in a crowd of that size. And somehow being naked with thousands of other people in the early hours of the morning seems a little too close for comfort.

What made the photographer go with nudes? We’ve all heard of photographs being staged and the idea of a large group of models being similarly garbed is interesting. Imagine 5,000 people in clown costumes or dressed as fairies. Now that would be interesting.

The idea of thousands of nudes is fascinating in its own right. The source does not state that the models had to apply; only that almost half of those who stripped down submitted an intention to do so. So we’re not talking about 5,200 bathing beauties. The various people represented would be a study on the human body, not to mention a gigantic statement about body image, community and modesty.

But really, despite the chance to be involved in a bizarre, but intriguing art project, this must have been uncomfortable. The temperature was around 68 degrees, which can easily give goose bumps in embarrassing places. Breezes came in from the nearby Harbor, but at least it was foggy, which may have provided a smidgen of modesty.

Something tells me that modesty wasn’t top on the models’ minds though. And why not? You only live once and big, dramatic events such as this are moments to remember. It’s an interesting place to meet people.

“Hi, what brings you here?”

“Um, the chance to strip down, freeze my tush off and get on film.”

“You sound like my type of girl/guy/whatever. What do you say we get a cup of coffee after the shoot?”

And so on. Now if it was a crowd of 5,000 clowns or fairies, you might not get the same smooth, suave opening. You would however, avoid any embarrassing brushes with a passing breeze while introducing yourself.

Original story here.

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Posted in Clown Costumes

Tags: Halloween Costumes

First You Get to Be Nasty and Then You Panic About It

March 7th, 2010

Devil Costume Ideas

This March the progression of holidays is entirely logical. First, on March 8^th you have permission – no a commission to be nasty. It is the official Be Nasty Day after all. Crack those knuckles and let your little devil inside do the talking.

This holiday is just itching for a full out, dramatic reenactment of history’s nastiest scenes. How about scaring the family and co-workers by transforming yourself into famous royalty and ordering the executions of any who do not instantly do your bidding – remind you of the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland? A Duke with a malicious streak will get plenty of lowly peasants scampering to fulfill his every need. Any princess or queen will get similar treatment. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

For something simple and less dramatic, just put on those devil horns and have at your latest enemy. They’ll never see you coming. Even if they do, you can feign innocence and show them a calendar. We all have the right to celebrate our own holidays right?

Wake up the next morning and move down the logical pathway. March 9^th is officially Panic Day.

Adult Bert Halloween Costume

So, were you cruel to that supervisor who’s been pushing your buttons? Now’s the time to panic. Maybe that cute little devil costume won’t give you a valid excuse. Maybe you just totally screwed up any chance of promotion or the rumored bonus. Gulp. Go ahead and panic, this is the day to do it.

You can come into work dressed as a clown and pretend it was all part of the build up. Or spread stories about your evil twin escaping from the mental hospital. Be sure to plant pictures of yourself looking a little off kilter throughout the office.

The thing is that when you celebrate Be Nasty Day on March 8^th, you’re bound to end up ringing in Panic Day on March 9^th and for good reason. Relax, it’s only a holiday.

Maybe Get Off Scott Free Day or Live and Let Live Day is just around the corner.

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Posted in Devil Costumes, Funny Costumes

Tags: Halloween Costumes

Tell a Fairy Tale Day

March 4th, 2010

Once upon a time there was a holiday that fell under the radar of certain greeting card companies. It was nearly forgotten, resting only the memory of adventurous boys and dramatic girls scattered all over the world. Until this year…

On February 26 awaken the fantasy and celebrate “Tell a Fairy Tale Day.”

For years on this date mothers, fathers, sons and daughters would get into the spirit, creating stories interwoven through their own homes and families. Father became the king who locked his beautiful princess daughter into a tower guarded by a fire breathing dragon – which was conveniently the family dog. The son would race to her rescue, or if she was really lucky, the son brought a cute friend over to celebrate the holiday and she could ride away on his steed (or bicycle). Get into this with your kids. Pick up costumes to create an entire royal family. Don’t forget a few knights and even a dragon if you can swing it. The kids will look forward to Tell a Fairy Tale Day all year.

Not just for the parental crowd, this holiday can be celebrated with hip, unattached princes and princesses as well. Are you looking for a unique way to pop the question to that special someone? Use the day to your advantage. Wear a dashing knight or villain costume (depends on what tickles your girl’s fancy), write a quick fairy tale that stars her and puts you in a good light and propose through her very own fairy tale reenactment. What girl doesn’t love a fantasy featuring her as the worshipped royalty?

Or use a fairy tale to snag that special someone. Garb yourself and your friends as various fairytale personas and head out for a night on the town. It’s certain to catch some attention and you’ll get points for creativity, daring and literary knowledge.

Get into the holiday this February 26 with a fairytale costume, good storyline and a flair for drama. Then the story can end any way you want… as long as it’s happily ever after.

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Posted in Fairy Tale Costumes

Tags: Halloween Costumes

Top Ten Greatest Disco Hotties

March 3rd, 2010

Who can deny that big hair, slimming clothes and bold, bright patterns are sexy? Throw in some smooth dances moves and we’re all a little short of breath. Get steamy with this list of the sexiest disco men and women ever to grace the soundwaves and screens.

10) Disco Stu – this Simpson’s favorite is drop dead gorgeous next to Homer and Mr. Burns, but what really knocks your socks off is how he always refers to himself in the third person, “Disco Stu’s gonna rock your world!”

9) Gloria Gaynor – this woman could shake it down on one side of the album and get soulful and smooth on the other. A true disco diva, she’s still got it decades later.

8) K.C. and the Sunshine Band – rock the dance floor with any one of the band members. That’s the way, uh huh, uh huh, we like it.

7) Anita Randazzo/Salma Hayek – sultry, sexy and killer with disco or the samba this woman rocks. While the movie 54 was a bomb, Salma was a knock out, as always.

6) Bee Gees – give me any member of the Brothers Gibb, but the R&B sounds of Barry could really belt out the disco. Any way you look at it, these boys are Stayin’ Alive.

5) Foxxy Cleopatra – who could forget Beyoncé in her role as the hot sidekick of ultra suave Austin Powers in Goldmember. The girl could shoot a gun, roller boogie and catch the bad guys while still looking gorgeous.

4) Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler/Mark Wahlberg – while not strictly a disco man, he did look completely smoking in Boogie Nights. None can deny this man his assets and even the dark subject matter of the movie couldn’t dull his shine.

3) Stephanie Mangano/Karen Lynn Gorney – Tony’s chilly partner in Saturday Night Fever, this girl eventually thawed and went on to heat up the screen. She’s truly More Than a Woman and has the dance moves to prove it.

2) Donna Summer – the Queen of Disco herself, Summer is still hot now and Love to Love You Baby will never go away. “Thank God It’s Friday” may have tanked a little, but Donna’s sexy voice and killer body gave her the last laugh. Or was that the Last Dance?

1) Tony Manero/John Travolta – OK, absolutely nothing is sexier than Travolta in a polyester suit waving that tight little rear around. The fact that he can actually sing (remember Grease?) and those haunting eyes just makes this man the obvious number one. Irresistible, hands down (and then way, way up in the air and down again, work it baby!)

Long live hot, timeless disco lovers everywhere!

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Posted in Disco Outfits, Disco Party

Tags: Halloween Costumes

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

February 23rd, 2010

When March 17^th rolls around, proud and patriotic people everywhere celebrate the lush land and interesting culture of Ireland – even if they’re not Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is like a license to disown your own country of birth to join in the party and pride of being Irish for a day. Apparently a lot of people kiss and get kissed in Ireland. Oh, and they like their drinks!

Grab a Guinness or an Irish Cream and settle on celebrating this year. But don’t stop there. Get into the spirit with fresh new ways of celebration.

Chicago turns the city’s river green for the occasion. Restaurants serve green drinks (love those mint milkshakes at McDonald’s) and other emerald inspired menu items. Why not bring that into your own house? Go truly green this year. Tint your hair, paint your car and dress the dog as a leprechaun. Leave the milk in your fridge out of the festivities – green dairy is generally pretty gross (except for that milkshake of course).

How about asking the city to make all of the street lights green just for the day? It may be chaotic and dangerous, but it’s also very Irish – because of the green that is.

Dress as a leprechaun for the day and pull pranks on anyone you know. People can’t help but forgive a man in a green suit smoking a pipe. Don’t forget to jump up and click your heels together regularly. And be prepared for people to ask you about a pot of gold. You might want to have something shiny and valuable handy to soothe your victims – find paraphernalia that works at the dollar store.

Girls can get in on the leprechaun action too, never fear. Grab a sexy costume and celebrate the flair and courage of the Irish people. Depend on being asked about getting lucky plenty of times.

Sure, sure, watch the parade, drink the brew, pick the shamrocks and kiss every Irish man (or woman) that you see. But celebrate this year on March 17^th with some creativity – just remember that you have to come back home in the morning.

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Posted in St. Patricks Day

Tags: Halloween Costumes

Teen Saves Cannon from Bad Landing

February 22nd, 2010

A few weeks ago in Buda, Texas, Cary Clevenger was living the life of a regular teen. Hanging out at his friend Gavin’s place, he had no idea his identity was about to change. Suddenly, the eighth grader recognized his full potential by catching a dropping Cannon. That’s Cannon Jamison – Gavin’s two year old brother.

Imagine the super strength of a teen who catches a Cannon – er, toddler from a two storey window?

The toddler apparently called down from the window, grabbing Cary’s attention as he pushed on the screen with his face and hands. Seconds later he was tumbling out. Cannon hit a light fixture attached to the wall and landed in Cary’s waiting arms. The two fell to the driveway, landing unhurt if not a little frazzled.

Talk about drama. Cary will be able to milk this for years.

Okay, we’re thrilled that little Cannon is okay. Christie Jamison, the boy’s mother, has since installed a lock on the second storey window so that it opens only five or six inches. The other question is – what will she do about her little flying Cannon? Was he trying to live up to his (super cool) name? This boy is a Superman in the making, trying to leap out of tall buildings. Someone please tell him that he’s supposed to leap OVER the buildings.

The fourteen-year-old boy, with quick thinking and Mr. Fantastic-like reflexes, is modest as he talks about his life saving feat. But we know the truth – he’s a real hero.

As for little Cannon and his family, they’re grateful. And they’re also using the media attention to raise awareness about window/toddler safety. Ms. Jamison is hoping that others will take the story to heart and install safety features.

Cary? He’s hoping the glow of being a hero will stay until he enters high school – girls are going to love it.

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Posted in Children's Costumes, Superhero Costumes, Teen Costumes

Tags: Children's Costumes Halloween Costumes

Catch the Buzz of Wonderland with your own Tea Party

February 19th, 2010

The odd but fabulous style of Tim Burton is sure to create an Alice in Wonderland film like never before. Opening in theatres on March 5^th and starring the sultry Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, this is one for people of all ages to flock to. “Watch Me” are the front and center instructions for this movie.

A classic story is brought to life again – but this time the animations are intertwined with vivacious real life actors and incredible sets. It’s a stunning feast for the eye. But the absolute best aspect of this film are the costumes – incredible and almost unbelievable, they turn a children’s story into a fantasy world for everyone.

The whole thing screams for a first class costume party. How can you not want to indulge the adventurer deep within yourself by diving into Alice’s story?

Start with the invites – crisp, white paper with simple black letters. “You’ve got a very important date” will entice the party goers and get them in the mood for the madness of an afternoon tea party with the Hatter, Dormouse and White Rabbit. Don’t shy away from inviting the nastiest woman you know, just be sure she’s dressed as the Queen of Hearts and brings along sufficient henchmen to do her bidding. Better yet, if the innocence of Alice is not your cup of tea go as the power hungry Queen yourself.

Set up the nibblies, including the fanciest of tea sets and plenty of sweeties. No Unbirthday is complete without sugar, sugar and more sugar. Feel free to sip something other than tea from your cups, but keep it authentic with saucers for every guest.

Everyone from the kids to the adults can get into this movie’s release. Check out the costumes available now, print the invites and pull out the tea set. Go down the rabbit-hole together and hold the party to remember for all time.

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Children's Costumes, Halloween Costumes

Tags: Alice in Wonderland

AVATAR: Become a Na’vi with a Bit of Makeup Magic

February 18th, 2010

James Cameron’s newest epic is rocketing across the movie world and it’s only a matter of time before the Na’vi become more recognizable than Wookies. Try on a little makeup for the next costume party and transform yourself into a character from the hot new movie.

Start with some plastic or rubber ears – look for something elfish (think Lord of the Rings but painted bright blue). You’ll need appliance putty or spirit gum to stick them on your head. Use acrylic paint in solid blue with lighter blue stripes to make the ears look authentic. Wash your face and hair well before applying the disguise.

Look for contacts that will lend you a cat-eye look, perfect for the Na’vi. Then cover the skin on your face and neck with a thin layer of blue cream-based makeup. Get good coverage and recoat until you’re entirely happy with how it’s turned out. Mix a little white into some blue for highlights, thin stripes or swirls around your temples and radiated across the rest of your face and body.

For the allusion of a cat-nose that all good Na’vi have, work with the lightened blue makeup and draw a defined line from the inside corners of your eyes to the outside points of your nose or nostril, widening the look of any nose. Blend it in a little for a more natural effect. Also run a line down the bridge of the nose and blend. You can also add makeup to the seam between the ears and the face, but not too heavy.

Use more lightened blue to create stripes or swirls wherever appropriate and add the character’s hair with a wig or beads. If you can get your hands on a blue lycra body suit your whole outfit will be sublime, but if not opt for something blue and tight fitting.

You’ve cornered the market on Avatar makeup with this get up and it’s sure to impress even the pickiest sci-fi fans. Just watch out for greedy, military-type humans and moon-shattering battles.

Cameron has also just announced that he’ll be penning a new book – yes – AVATAR! “There are things you can do in books that you can’t do with films,” Cameron explained. “The producer also hinted that the story of Pandora and its blue-skinned people will also have a sequel – or sequels, plural.”

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Posted in Adult Costumes, Children's Costumes, Do It Yourself Costume, Halloween Costumes

Tags: Avatar Costume