October 14, 2015

DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

by Rachael in Halloween, What to Wear, Photos, List

Here are good, more-or-less timeless, costume ideas that can be made with varying degrees of DIY-ness; some (all?) are unisex/can be for either gender - not trying to make anybody obey gender stereotypes, the costumes are just divided for the sake of organization. ~ Enjoy!

1. Snow White - Youtube video on how to create the majority of the costume here. Tutorial is detailed enough, provided you have basic sewing skills. — 1. Snow White - Youtube video on how to create the majority of the costume here. Tutorial is detailed enough, provided you have basic sewing skills.

2. Guess Who? Maria - Above photo is here and some more inspiration for the costume is here. — 2. Guess Who? Maria - Above photo is here and some more inspiration for the costume is here.

3. Cupcake - Cupcake photo and very brief instructions here.                                                      … — 3. Cupcake - Cupcake photo and *very* brief instructions here.

4. Greek Goddess - Easy-to-follow Youtube tutorial here.

5. Pinata - Simple directions with pretty pictures here.

6. Red Riding Hood - Above photo is here and Youtube tutorial on how to make an easy Red Riding Hood cape is here.

7. Scarecrow - Photos are here along with instructions.

8. Rosie the Riveter - Above photo is here; here is a good tutorial on how to get victory roll-style hair just right

9. Energizer Bunny - Above photo is here; Youtube video tutorial to give you an idea of how it comes together here.

10. Skeleton - Above photo is here; skeleton template can be found here, makeup tutorial here, and other ways to achieve the costume here.

bobrossandhappylittletreeDIYcouplescostume

1. Bob Ross and Happy Little Tree - Above photo and instructions here.

2. Pantone Color Combo - idea, above photo, and instructions all here.

3. June and Johnny Cash - Above photo here.

4. Our Get Along Shirt - Above photos are here and here; Extra inspiration on how to get that pained/annoyed expression just right is here. — 4. Our Get Along Shirt - Above photos are here and here; Extra inspiration on how to get that pained/annoyed expression *just* right is here.

5. Sheldon and Amy - Above photo is here.

6. Deer and Hunter - Above photo here; deer makeup tutorial here; and deer costume instructions here.

marypoppinsandchimneysweepdiycouplescostume

Photos: Bob Ross and Happy Little Tree; Pantone; Johnny and June Cash; Our Get Along Shirt; Sheldon and Amy; Deer and Hunter; Mary Poppins and Chimney Sweep; Firefighter and Dalmatian; American Gothic; Camp Counselors

Photos: Thor; Elmer's Glue; Price is Right Contestant; Tyler Durden; Inspector Gadget; Zoolander; Urkel; Clark Kent; Cactus; Photoshop

Photos: top; women's; couple's; men's; girl's; Raining Cats and Dogs; Peter Pan; Rapunzel; boy's; UPS Man; George Washington; Strong Man; little one's; Spaghetti and Meatballs; Chef and Baby Lobster; Cabbage Patch Kid; last

November 9, 2014

Winter Boots

by Rachael in Images, List, Style, What to Wear, Winter

Apparently it's almost winter, and I've wanted to buy winter boots for a while now, but can't make a decision. I keep offering, but no one will buy me 20 different pairs of winter shoes to test out. So here are ones through research - the internet kind (customer reviews, website reviews); word of mouth; and friend recommendations - that kept popping up. For me, I'm looking for ones that are cute (not hideous, at least?) and have good traction. However, some people like to play in snow and stuff (what?), so I added ones highly recommended for warmth and water-resistance, too. Boots are in alphabetical order by brand. Happy trudging!

The North Face 'Greenland Zip II' Women's Boot

Columbia 'Minx Mid' Women's Winter Boot (photo)

These appealed to me because of a what-seems-to-be good combination of attractiveness and functionality. They're cute and "breathable, comfortable, and well-insulated". These are also titled "omni-heat", which Columbia says is "breathable material with little silver dots that reflect body heat". Other than the easily-fixed gripe that it runs small, this boot has a majority of positive reviews regarding its comfort, fit, warmth, and water-resistance. Wearers note the boot is lightweight, soft, and flexible. Other wearers have said that the traction is good, but not great. Overall, a good, stylish choice if you're looking for a boot that performs decently in all catagories.

LL Bean 'Wildcat Lace-Up' (photo)

This boot, to me, is not-so-hot looking (and the couple of other colors it comes in aren't much better), but it seems to really stand-up in every other category. In one of the few detailed, truly-tested, comprehensive boot reviews to be easily found online, the testers named it the second best boot (saying it was close to their first place choice, Columbia's 'Bugaboot', and $20 cheaper). The site liked the hiking boot style and wide toe which assure superior agility and warmth (blood should be able to flow to your toes, this keeps you warm, who knew?).

The North Face 'Greenland Zip II' Women's Boot (photo)

Friend: "I walked from work to my apartment - and then back - for two winter months in Morgantown. So, they're good. They're not so cute, but they definitely handle snow and they definitely have traction."

Pajar 'Grip Classic' (photo)

These seem to be higher on the looks and water-protection and low on comfort (and affordability). Reviews seemed mixed and I don't know anyone who personally has owned these. Positives are they come in a chic, pristine white color and sporty army green color (in addition to whatever color that is in the photo) and the narrow shaft makes it perhaps possible to fit them under pants (if that's your thing - but, wet jean hems are the worst!). Negatives are that some wearers found them not comfortable, not super-warm, and worst, "when you walked you heard a buckling sound" - not good. I found them in a beautiful pinkish/purple. . . but I still don't think the mixed reviews bode well.

Sorel 'Joan of Arctic' Waterproof Snow Boot (photo)

Sorority Big Sis who lives in Chicago: "They keep my feet really dry and warm. They are great. I wore them all last winter during the polar vortex."

Sorel 'Tivoli' in Herringbone (photo)

These are ones I'm leaning towards because they are high in the not-ugly factor and look easy to put on. Since they're more stylish, I was surprised to find out that by most accounts they fare well in the elements. A few review s said they weren't the warmest and are not 100% water-resistant. Apparently Oprah likes these, so make of that what you will (she does live in Chicago and can afford anything; she probably never walks in snow).

March 19, 2014

Twenties

by Rachael in Images, Links, Style, What to Wear

The 1920s is my favorite decade. I love art deco everything - architecture, jewelry, fonts. I like the cultural output from the 20s - the books, authors, personalities. If it weren't for the rampant racism, it would be the perfect decade.

These outfits are inspired not so much by flapper, Gatsby-movie-costume style, but more by everyday 1920s wear - well, plus a beaded dress.