Happy Halloween

via

Boo to you! 

Black Cat Crazy

sweater / shoes / hat / coasters / ring 

I fully admit that my appreciation for typically unlucky icons and superstitions might be a bit unique.  And while I never set out to be a mother of two black cats, (somehow pets end up finding you), it's obvious why they're one of my favorite items on that list.

When Halloween happens there's an influx of black cat merchandise and decor available and it's fun to see "my babies" all over the place during the month of October (and on sale in November!) I'm always on the lookout for little items to add to our collection. (Their current water bowl is a black cat candy dish.) While this post was meant to be a round up of some puuurfect black cat items, in my research I discovered some interesting and somewhat surprising data, for instance, did you know that black cats are only half as likely to be adopted as cats of other colors? The thought breaks my heart! While I can't imagine life without our sweet Pete and Mojito, I'm always surprised by humans who somewhat believe that black cats are bad luck or wouldn't trust having them around. A former landlord wouldn't step foot in our apartment because of them - an interesting security measure nonetheless.

Luckily, there are some people and organizations working hard to find loving homes for these beautiful babies:

Black Cat Rescue Boston
10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat 
If you're around Cleveland, 6 shelters are offering free black cats on November 6th!
And speaking of cats, this is just funny.

Soo...what's your favorite animal indulgence? I'm addicted to #cats_of_instagram!

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a spooky one!

A Halloween Recap

 Little Edie + Dracula

When I watched the remake of Grey Garden's in early summer, I knew then who I was going to to be for Halloween. A fashion icon in her own very unique way, something about Little Edie just captivated me. I was fascinated by the story (and Drew Barrymore's performance) and started thinking of ways to pull it off.

One piece bathing suits as layers, constant head adornment, and skirts that you can "always remove and use as a cape" were my inspiration. I borrowed a scarf from Mom, found a gorgeous mink and cashmere sweater at an antique shop and pulled out the nude pantyhose from the very back corner of my drawer. "I have to think these things up. You understand." (The original film cover served as my final inspiration.)

I'm a big fan of creating costumes inspired by items in my own closet. For some reason, I use Halloween as some sort of creative validation for myself, pfff...as if my final judgement will include anything about costumes!  And though I have no idea where it stemmed from, other than not wanting tons of extra crap laying around my house, I'm very anti-costume in a box. I just enjoy the process of making do mostly with what I've got - it's good fun and cheaper that way, too.

Even though only a total of about five people recognized the character, (and that pretty much includes on Instagram, too) I still loved it and and it felt so appropriate to celebrate at the Merchandise Mart as it was Kennedy owned for quite some time. (Obviously, it was "the best costume for the day".) Plus, the guesses were totally amusing. Little Red Riding Hood? No. A homeless person with nice stuff? Sort of?

Halloween is my favorite!
What were/are your costumes this year??

Halloween Prep

You're looking at the pieces and parts of my Halloween costume this year. I have to say, this might be one of my favorite's ever.  I pranced around in it last night during a trial run and comments from the hubby ranged from "ambitious"and "funny", to plain old laughter. We'll be celebrating this weekend and I'm putting the final touches on the look today. Totally going Method with this one guys. It's based on a real person and I'm determined to nail it. Any guesses?

So far this fall...

The leaves are prettier than ever before. 

I'm completely addicted to salted caramel mocha's. 

I spent some much needed time in Tennessee. 

I'm committed to creeping out my condo for Halloween, sometimes at the expense of my cats.

How's fall for y'all?

Halloween's of the Past

As I'm making my final decisions about this year's costume, I thought it would be fun to reflect on some past creations. I challenge myself to start with pieces from my own closet and a few accessories. Wish me luck this year, struggling a bit with committing to an idea! 

 2003 - Audrey Hepburn and a construction worker

I still wear this dress. And the shades.

2007 - Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
That eyeliner goatee still cracks me up.

2009 - Bumble Bee & Elvis (with our friends the Jockey and Derby lady)

My top was part of a past New Year's Eve outfit. 

2010 - Zorro & a Senorita

The shoes inspired the whole thing.

Happy Halloween Weekend! 

What are you dressing up as??

Crime Scene Manicure

Last night I gave myself a bloody manicure. And when I say bloody, I'm not speaking like a Brit. So gross yet I'm loving it!  (For the short term anyway.) The things a girl will do for her favorite holiday... 

Wanna DIY? Instructions after the jump!

Spooky Sparklers

Skeleton Necklace  /  Claw Ring  /  Spider Pendant  /  Dagger Pendant  /  Skull Ring  /  Web Earrings    

Halloween is just around the corner and I can't think of anything better to get in the spirit than gazing upon a few fabulous jewels from Jennifer Fisher. The skeletons have real diamond eyes, swoon. And there's a certain playfulness about wearing a gold dagger pendant close to your heart. A little goth, all glam. 

P.S. Spiders aren't just for Halloween, I sport this one year round.

Spooky Sephora

Have you seen these Halloween makeup kits from Sephora? Pick your look and for $26 get everything you need to recreate it. If the how-to guide isn't enough (sometimes you just need a visual) watch the video's for a little extra help. And the best part...you can work the cosmetics into your usual lineup when you're done playing dress up. Genius!

So...let's hear it - what's your Halloween costume this year??

Wicked Wedding

Photos by Jill Johnson

While searching for a pumpkin project I came across this fabulously wicked wedding (don't you love it how that happens?)  Although the theme wasn't over the top Halloween, the couple worked in a few surprises including my favorite, witches tights under her dress! See a few more photo's here.