Witches, and ghost, and cats, Oh my!

Everybody knows that there is a surprisingly high number of people that wake up on Halloween and still don't have a costume, whether they've been trying to come up with something for the last few months, weeks, or hours.

So, we decided to do a really simple post on this All Hallows Eve with old Halloween costume pictures and ideas--none of which should be too difficult to create for your party.

What's more iconic than a Marilyn Monroe costume?

Not only is it recongizable, sexy, and fun, but it is also easy to put together.

What You'll Need:
A white dress, OR white skirt and top

Red lipstick

Platinum blonde wig OR a good curling iron

Round white earrings (ex. pearls)

Heels

If you're really last minute, and don't have the time or money to invest in the above look,

here is a more casual Marilyn Monroe look. It may seem simple, but this was just one photo from one of the most memorable photoshoots with Marilyn.

What You'll Need:

Long sleeved black turtleneck OR long sleeved black shirt

White linen pants, either cropped or rolled up

Blonde wig OR a good curling iron

Classic makeup

Flats (optional)

Speaking of sexy, classic movie stars, another easy look to recreate would be this number from Rita Hayworth's scandalous strip tease in her film Gilda.

What You'll Need:

A little black satin dress

High black gloves

Strappy black heels

Classic makeup

A curling iron to give you those classic waves

Feeling patriotic? Try going for this classic navy outfit that still shows off those curves.

What You'll Need:
White flared pants

A navy blue shirt or fitted blazer

White collared shirt beneath

An iconic navy hat you can get from a costume store

Another classic Halloween idea is to go as a 1920s flapper. A basic look that is easy to do, but still flirty and fun.

What You'll Need:

Hat (optional)

Straight/pleated skirt or dress

Mary-Jane shoes (either flat or heels)

If you're looking for something super sexy, try going for the naughty witch look.

What You'll Need:

Witch's hat

Little black dress OR black corset set

Classic black heels

Gloves (optional)

Broom

Couples costumes are all the rage. An idea like Frankenstein and his bride can be edgy, fun, and classically spooky if you're willing to put in the work.

What You'll Need for Him:

Distressed black suit

Heavy monster makeup

Platform black shoes

What You'll Need for Her:

Simple white dress (with cape or train)

White heels

Heavy monster makeup

A Bride of Frankenstein costume wig OR very good styling products

"A thin moon faints in the sky o'erhead

And dumb in the churchyard lie the dead.

We walk not, Sweet, by garden ways,

Where the late rose hangs and the phlox delays,

But forth of the gate and down the road,

Past the church and the yews, to their dim abode.

For it's turn of the year, and All Souls' Night,

When the dead can hear and the dead have sight."

Happy All Hallows Eve!

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.."-L.M. Montgomery

Happy Fall, everyone!

Where we are located, the world is getting cooler each day, and tufts of vibrant autumn colors are visible among the trees. That being said, we are just feeling inspired to share something with you that might be able to help you get into the mood for fall whether the world outside your window is changing yet or not.

"There once was a man named Stingy Jack
Who thought he was quite a clever chap.
Pining for adventure one day,
Stingy Jack asked the devil to come play.
The devil agreed, and quick as a wink,
He whipped up two stools and a good, strong drink.
The devil had a plan that was better than gold--
For his drink, Jack would pay with his soul.
But Jack be nimble, and Jack be quick--
He soon thought up his own little trick.
When it came time for him to pay,
Stingy Jack did say,
'My fine fellow, does it not make sense
For us to do away with this pretense:
You know I be a poor young man,
And I always get by the best way I can.
I have no money to pay; forgive me this offence,
And as a favor, turn yourself into my sixpence.'
The devil thought, and quick as a wink,
All that was left was a coin and a drink.
Stingy Jack's face split into a wicked grin,
As he swallowed the final bit of his gin.
He took the coin and hurried away
To his home, where he put the coin away
With a cross, to keep the devil at bay.
All Hallows Eve comes but once a year,
And ten had passed when Stingy Jack died.
Up to heaven his soul did fly,
But he could not gain entrance, no matter how he tried.
He soon turned up at the gates of hell,
But the devil sent him off, wishing him well,
Giving him nothing but a glowing hot coal
To light whatever hole he would make his home.
So Stingy Jack's lonely soul still roams
Every All Hallows Eve."

The tale of Stingy Jack originated in Ireland, which, you may have guessed, is also where Jack O'lanterns come from. All Hallows Eve, now known as Halloween, was originally like a Celtic day of the dead. It was a time when people would mourn, fast, and pray over the souls of those who have passed on. The legend of Stingy Jack originated centuries ago in Ireland around the time of All Hallows Eve. Originally Scottish, Irish, and English people would carve turnips and potatoes and large beets, and place a light within. They would specifically carve frightening faces, or things like crosses into the vegetables, so as to scare off wandering spirits that did not make it into heaven, and keep them out of their homes--spirits like Stingy Jack's. It was a tradition which Irish emigrants brought with them to America, and has spread to other people over time. The pumpkin is a fruit that is native to America. Once the emigrants were established here, they discovered that the pumpkin worked much better for carving.

I don't know about you, but I kind of want to carve a pumpkin now...