{ happy halloween }

{ friday finds under $50 }

I can't believe it's Halloween weekend already - and I'm without a costume. At this point, it's between wearing a black and orange ensemble or scouring the bins at Halloween Express in search of cat ears and a tail. What are you masquerading as?

1. Quantum Blouse, Anthropologie, $88 $49.95
2. Cat Spatula, Sur La Table, $9.95 $4.99
3. Owl Pendant, L'Noir, $36
4. Sequin Clutch, Magid, $40 $32
   

The Great Pumpkin

This year was devoid of Halloween shenanigans: no trick-or-treaters came to call and no soirees were thrown. Instead, we celebrated by dining on pumpkin pie and carving jack o'lanterns. Hope you had a spooky holiday!

Outfit Notes: Jeans - Joe's Jeans; Tee - J.Crew; Earrings - Jess LC

Tuesday Tricks or Treats Under $20

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Forever21, Chiffon Grace Top, $17.80
Crate and Barrel, Boo Cookie Cutter, $1.95 (on sale)
Forever21, Structured Rhinestone Earrings, $6.80
Wilton, Skull Bake Cup Set, $2.95
Wet Seal, Encrusted Cross Ring, $10

Happy Halloween!

I've had variety of Halloween costumes over the years, including a black cat, a fairy, Sailor Jupiter from the cartoon Sailor Moon and the Morton Salt Girl. But in my earliest Halloween memory, I have a simple black cape tied around my shoulders and a jaunty witch's hat. I remember proudly wearing that costume and stomping through crunchy leaves on the way to each neighbor's house to tentatively ask "Trick-or-Treat?" before choosing a sweet or two.

So, I decided to resurrect the classic Halloween costume and dress as a witch this year. It was easy enough to pull black pieces from my closet and add the appropriate hat. Though, it wasn't complete without a cape. With one cup of coffee, a $70 trip to the fabric store, and a marathon five-hour sewing session, I was set for last weekend's Halloween party.

Fellow apartment-dwellers know that real terror is white walls and low-quality wood trim. Sigh.

What are you dressing as this year?

Pretty Pumpkins

Every year, I'm unapologetically giddy about carving pumpkins. It's been my favorite part of the holiday for years - second only to our traditional Halloween pumpkin pie. My mom would make one each year, hoping that my brother and I would be too full after to dessert to tear into our Trick-or-Treat stash. It backfired, of course.

I don't dare mess with tradition when it comes to pumpkin pie - but pumpkin carving is another matter. The triangle-eyed Jack o' Lantern might take a backseat to one of these contemporary designs.

photo via Martha Moments

photo via Martha Moments

photo via Martha Stewart

photo via Good Housekeeping

photo via Martha Stewart

photo via Martha Moments

photo via Parents magazine

Will you carve a pumpkin this weekend? What are your favorite Halloween traditions?

Halloween Planning

photo via Harper's Bazaar

I'm not normally this excited about Halloween each year, but my boss has morphed her office into a haunted wasteland for the holiday - complete with music from Hollywood's creepiest films and sounds of people in distress. (Few things are as unsettling as coming to work and hearing sounds of someone struggling for a gasp of air.)

I'm not as motivated as she is, but I am planning to decorate a little more this weekend. The skull tray from Pottery Barn might follow me home and I'm on the lookout for foam pumpkins to spray paint silver.

How are your Halloween plans coming along? Have you decided on your costume?

Closet to Costume | Part Five: Ahoy, Matey!

As much as I've tried, I can't get behind over-the-knee boots. But the trend would work perfectly as the finishing touch on a pirate costume this Halloween. Start with a white cotton blouse with a fitted corset dress over it and tie a red scarf around your waist. Pillage your jewelry box for treasures, like layered "antique" necklaces and chunky rings. Add a tri-corner hat and a pirate's map (with directions to all of your Halloween parties) and you're set for the evening. Shiver me timbers.

Closet to Costume | Part Four: Candy Corn

I come darn close to eating my body weight in candy corn each year. This may be why dressing as a piece of holiday candy appeals to me. Just slip on a flirty yellow skirt, an orange blouse and a jaunty white hat for an easy costume. Polish off the look with dainty yellow flats and orange and white jewelry (like this bracelet and pair of earrings). If you're feeling especially festive, shower with candy corn-scented body wash and drink your morning coffee from a festive mug.

Closet to Costume | Part Three: Walk like an Egyptian

Take your breezy summer maxi dress* and accessorize with as much gold jewelry as you can: stacks of skinny bracelets, a thick bangle and a bib necklace. Add simple flat sandals and a few Egyptian-inspired items like a snake armband and a beaded headpiece. Don't forget an Ankh amulet to ensure a long, healthy life.

*Inexpensive white maxi dresses are not easy to find online right now, but I have seen a few at my local T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

Closet to Costume | Part Two: Joan Holloway

If you work in an office, transforming into Mad Men's sultry Joan Holloway should be a breeze.

Start with a curve-hugging pencil skirt, flirty blouse and classic pumps. Then delve into your vintage jewelry box to accessorize with chunky gold-tone earrings and a delicate bracelet watch. Don't forget a structured handbag and a pen necklace to jot down your number for charming gentlemen.

Closet to Costume | Part One: Wicked Witch

As much as I like dressing up for Halloween, some years I just don't feel like spending a lot of money on a one-night outfit or spending hours in front of the sewing machine creating the perfect one.

So, in the spirit of the holiday - and with an eye on your budget - I've dedicated this week to creating Halloween costumes with items you probably already own. And if you don't, I'm sure you'll get plenty of mileage out of these pieces after Halloween. Just add a few key accessories and you'll be all set for the witching hour.

Transform into a classic wicked witch with your favorite little black dress. Add black patterned tights and booties, then pile on the accessories: a vintage-inspired bracelet, bangles and earrings with spider and web motifs, and blood red lipstick. Don't forget a jaunty witch's hat and straw broom!

Countdown to Halloween

photo via Halloween Photo Cards

It's the first of October and the countdown to Halloween can officially begin!

This also means it's the only time of year dust-collecting cobwebs are considered appropriate ambiance. But there are more tasteful (and less disgusting) ways to incorporate morbid touches into your home decor.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Williams-Sonoma, Halloween Pancake Molds, $19.95
Target, Porcelain Haunted House Cocktail Plates, $24.99
Crate and Barrel, Witch Hat Dishtowels, $12.95
Target, Bone Collector Place Card Holders, $16.99
Target, Skeletal Hand Servers, $9.99
Pottery Barn, Skull Tray, $24
Target, Feather Wreath, $19.99
Heritage Lace, Spider Web Round Table Topper, $8.50 (I purchased this last weekend. It's much prettier and more delicate in person.)

Next on my shopping list: the skull tray, feather wreath, and another pound of candy corn.