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!

Christian Dior Spring 2010

We all fondly remember the half-dressed models of the Christian Dior Fall 2009 couture collection.

Well, it seems John Galliano is still finding inspiration in the boudoir, creating a spring ready-to-wear collection that is even more seductive.

I can't pick a favorite, but this gown comes close.

And I need these:

Wardrobe Artistry

via Everything and Nothingness

Which item in your closet shares a story or whispers a secret, making it more than just an ordinary piece of fabric?

Kate Spade Friends & Family Event

Goldenmeans passed along the hot tip that Kate Spade is currently having a Friends & Family event through October 4, 2009. Save 30% on your full- or sale-price purchase with the code FALLFF09.

After very little convincing, I purchased a pair of the tonal argyle tights I've been crushing on since Kate Spade's fall collection graced her Web pages.

At a discounted price of $19.60 and free shipping, how could I resist. I was powerless, I tell you. Powerless.

Head over here to see Goldenmeans' Kate Spade picks. (And then bookmark her blog because she's pretty fantastic.)

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.