Quick Fix: Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

It's Friday night. Do you know what you're dressing as for Halloween? If you're in need of a last minute costume, here are a couple ideas.

White Trash
You'll need: a white garbage bag, tunic and leggings

I was white trash a couple years ago. I used a 13 gallon bag and cut out three holes - one for my head, two for my arms. The costume will keep you warm outside, but if you start dancing you will get super hot. So wear some real clothes underneath and make big arm holes to keep it breathable.


Stairway to Heaven/Hell:
You'll need: a angel halo or devil horns, black clothes, white masking tape

I got this one from my boss. Dress in all black, put some white tape on your sides and top it off with your headband of choice.


I've been super busy this week, so I haven't had time to make a costume. I might attempt to be a superhero of some sort with some gold cuffs, spandex leggings and my cape tee. Whatever I come up with it, it will definitely pale in comparison to the coolest Halloween costume ever...

I hope he keeps this costume forever and wears it every year for the next decade!

Now Wearing...

Black leather jacket - Walter
Navajo print dress - Steven Alan
Black leggings - Uniqlo
Purple snakeskin flats - Kelsi Dagger Tamantha
Metallic crossbody mini messenger - Madewell
Cat eye sunglasses - no name
Animal print scarf - secondhand via clothing swap (thanks, Dianna!)
Yesterday was the perfect spring day - sunny, but not too hot. It was actually a bit chilly in the morning because of the wind, so I bundled up with this nice little scarf from my friend Dianna.

Mixing prints is big this season. I've been doing it for awhile simply because I have so many prints and I love a little crazy. Mixing prints can be pretty easy; just stay in the same color scheme.

Now Wearing...

A summer dress! Yesterday took me by surprise. It was almost too hot, but the sun felt amazing.
I picked up this dress from my friend Katherine at our last clothing swap. It fits me perfectly though I think dresses with a snug top, elastic waist and voluminous bottom tend to be universally flattering.

In addition to the great fit, I love this dress because I've been able to wear it with both brown and black. I know some people don't like to mix navy with black or brown, but it doesn't bother me. As long as the mixing is consistent throughout the look from top to bottom, it works for me.
Black crop jacket - BB Dakota
Nautical dress - secondhand (thanks, Katherine!)
Roper boots - Justin
Cat eye sunglasses - no name
Je t'adore charm - vintage from Etsy
Two finger ring - Erica Anenberg
Multi-color bangle - street vendor in Vietnam

Now Wearing...

Cat eye sunglasses - no name
Hematite fringe necklace - secondhand
Denim shirt tunic - no name juniors' brand from Filene's Basement
Purple skirt - actually a tube top from Urban Outfitters
Black textured tights - Anne Klein
Black roper boots - Justin
This tunic would be long enough to wear as a dress if it wasn't for the sides, so I usually layer it over a slip or snug skirt for extra length and coverage. I couldn't find any of my slips in my rush to get to work, so I used an old tube top and pulled it down over my hips. Caution, if you do this, you may need to wear with leggings or textured tights to pretend the "skirt" from riding up. Wardrobe malfunctions are a no-no!
So one of my most prized possessions is my Nooka watch. I haven't featured it in nearly enough Style Diary posts, but I wear it almost everyday. I love the color and the style, and this Nooka gem has reminded me how much I love wearing watches! It totally beats pulling out (read, looking for) my cellphone whenever I need the time.

Watch - Nooka x Hellz Bellz
Bar ring - Erica Anenberg
Porcupine ring - nOir
Stacking rings - Forever 21

Now Wearing...

Gray oversized button down shirt dress - Oak NYC sample
Taupe scarf - H&M
Skinny tan belt - secondhand J.Crew
Cream wooly tights - Hue
Tan boots - secondhand Charlotte Ronson (Thanks, Karen!)

Earlier this week before the nasty rain-snow slush, I braved the cold for a hot second to take this Style Diary photo. My friend and I agreed felt warm, but the moment I took my coat off the sun went away!

When I put together this outfit, my goal was to wear the opposite of black, so I went with brighter neutral shades that reminded me of spring. And for a pop of color and shine, I accessorized with my gaudy, shiny ring and bangle, as seen in a previous post.

So funny thing about this belt, it's totally too big for me. I've been meaning to get a couple new holes punched, but haven't gotten around to it. So here's my quick fix trick for skinny belts that are too big, just push the metal piece in the middle to the side and ta da, it fits!

Question of the Week: How to Keep Jeans Tucked Into Boots

Every winter I think about how annoying it is to keep jeans tucked into my boots, and despite efforts to tuck my jeans into my socks, they never really stay quite the way I want them to.

I always toy with the idea of crafting something stirrup-like, but never get around to it. This year I decided to search the web for some solutions to keep my jeans from bunching at my knees, and wow, I can't believe I didn't do this earlier. There are so many to choose from! I'll start with the most expensive and work my way down.
Stirrups ($25 + approx. $6-7 S&H)
These seem to be the most well-designed with two clips on each side. I'm not sure how much of a difference it actually makes, but it seems like they would provide some extra strength in keeping jeans down.

Jean Grabbers ($9.99 + $2.95 S&H)
Pink cameo, tiger stripe, floral. I'm not really a fan of any of the patterns, but I think they could get the job done.

Jean Straps ($9.99 + $2-3 S&H)
I've read a few reviews about these. They're apparently really comfortable, but the clamps only work if your jeans are thin. If your jeans are thicker, these might not be a good option, especially if you have to fold them up.

Pants Down ($8.00 + $2.00 S&H)
This Canadian eBay store sells pant clips in a variety of colors and patterns. Pants Down also accepts special requests and can customize your straps to be longer or shorter than the standard size.
Jodphur Pant Clips ($2.99 + $6.95 S&H)
These pant clips are from an equestrian supply store. These are the cheapest option, and from what I've read, it sounds like they work just as well as the others. The shipping cost is kind of high for such a small item, but you can always place an order with a friend or if you're a little behind on your gift giving, you can place an order for your friends.

If you're tried any of these or have other suggestions, please leave a comment!

Clear Bra Straps Are a No-No

Clear bra straps are so 90's. I didn't think anyone still wore them, but this weekend proved me wrong. I saw a handful of offenses. Tube tops with clear bra straps... shudder.

Public service announcement. Clear bra straps are in fact visible, and they look worse than a regular bra strap would. Invest in a good strapless that fits well. And if you insist on sharing a glimpse of your bra, at least pick one that looks like cami-like straps.

Now Wearing...

Style Tip: Wide leg jeans with a good pair of heels.platforms can make you look taller/longer legged pretty easily! Being only 5'3", I like it!

Button Up Shirt - Richard Chai for Target
Purple Wide Legged Jeans - Dittos
Brushed Twill Trench - Club Monaco
Studded Hobo - Rafe New York
Feather & Gem Headband - I made it myself
Umbrella - Gift from Japan
Slouchy Booties - Nine West Ice Blue

Now Wearing...

Babydoll Cami - Cynthia Steffe
Skinny Zip Jeans - Superfine
Boots - Cole Haan w/ Nike Air Technology (These boots are not comfortable unless I wrap a sock around my ankle to prevent them from cutting my ankles... I'm not impressed Cole Haan)
Woven Leather Purse - Botkier
Fedora - H&M
Watch - Gucci
Chain Bangles - Giles & Brother
Necklace - Subversive for Target
Umbrella - Gift from Japan
*Style Tip: When you know that you're going to go out and eat/drink a lot or have been indulging excessively, nothing flatters/hides better than a babydoll top/dress