Five Creative Costume Ideas

Some people take weeks and weeks preparing their Halloween costume. I prefer to go the minimalistic route when dressing up for Halloween. Every year I spend the week leading up to Halloween deliberating on a costume idea that is both cheap, quick and original. Nobody wants to walk into the party and see a ton of other people dressed as the same thing. So before you commit to being Miley or a cat like everyone else consider some of these Halloween costume ideas:

1. Rosie the Riveter

This costume is super simple. All you need is a bandana and a denim button down from your closet and if you can throw on your combat boots for that military look. Work on your hair a little to give it that 50s vibe and you have got yourself a costume that feminists all over will be proud of!

2. Malibu Barbie

If you’re not all about the feminist look and want to be plastic go for a Malibu Barbie Costume. Throughout the runway influences of Barbie have been seen this year. All you need is some super bright clothing, platinum blonde hair and a cute neon clutch or bag. Cake on the makeup and pink lipstick and move like a doll all night long if you want to be authentic

       

   3. Cruella de Vil

The most fabulous evil villain, Cruella, is for sure one of the fiercest costumes you can don.  What you will need is a cigarette to tote around, red gloves (can be bought on amazon for under $5.00) and go trifling for a white jacket so that you can sharpie on some fake Dalmatian print. Slap on your little black dress under the jacket and a patent leather heel and you have got yourself a costume. If you want to go an extra step you can buy temporary hair dye (found at Wal-Mart and target) and die half white and the other half black.

4. Circus Performer/Fortune teller

Channel your inner American Horror Story with this costume. Just wear lots and lots of rings and pick up some tattered eveningwear at the thrift store and throw everything together. Maybe wrap a scarf around your head to make a turban and wear lots of flowy gypsy items like a scarf tied around your waist and arms.

5. Piñata

This costume is for the creative mind. All you essentially need is multicolored streamers from the party store and a base dess. Just stream the streamers around your body and add fringe to certain areas to give it that piñata look. Carry around a stick with streamer on it as well so people make the connection. 










--Bradley Parks 

A note on confidence

     How many times have we woken up with the 5^t’h ring of our alarm that said “if you don’t get up now you will be sweeping streets for the rest of your life message on it (definitely happened more than once), we put on whatever was laying on the floor not caring too much what it was and ran to our class or work hoping to make it on time while thinking yeah weren’t we just flawless this morning sigh... But let’s stop there. What if we would have gotten ready a little earlier that morning or prepared a cute outfit for that early 8am class in advance, wouldn’t that make us feel a little bit more excited and ready to go and start off our morning right because well, we look adorable. Confidence and fashion are directly linked. This is seen especially in women because we care a lot more about how we look and let’s admit it, it absolutely boosts our confidence and makes our day when someone compliments our outfit. 

     You also never know who you are going to meet that day, maybe it’s the guy you’ve been crushing on for ages and maybe it’s something less glamorous like a meeting, but the most important part is that you feel confident in how you look and can feel more ready and relaxed. Fashion can also improve your overall body confidence as well, regardless of your body shape, you don’t have to look like a supermodel to feel pretty, and the right kind of garments can transform you into a beauty and show off those beautiful curves that you have. 

     But most importantly to feel that way; you must own up to the outfit that you are wearing, and that is SO important because if you lose your confidence in what you have on it makes you not enjoy fashion and feel exposed and shy, that is why when you pick what you are going to wear you have to know that yes I can pull this off or that maybe this is not my cup of tea and stick to what makes you feel your best. On another hand, don’t be afraid to explore, there are many different styles that are out there to be tried, from edgy to vintage and glam, you don’t have to stick to just one specific type, dressing it up different everyday can make all the difference in the world and expand your range of clothing choices and strengthen who you are. 

     This fashion metamorphosis can be seen in many famous stars like for example, Miley Cyrus who evolved from cute Hannah Montana to a crazy bodysuit and funky outfit kinda gal (hey no judgment) but she created a persona for herself from the clothes that she wore, and that is a great example how a piece of clothing can add just a little bit more spice. I am not saying you should be a twerking bunny for Halloween, just simply stating that fashion can change you. 

     On the final note do not be shy in wearing something different that no one else is wearing, let’s not forget, that’s how all trends start so better be a trend setter not a follower. We are all unique and can bring something different to the fashion table, like the famous Ralph Lauren said “Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” That something from within you is individual style, so don’t be afraid to show it!

- Berta Amelinaite

A-Game looks for A-Game Days

59-0: What More Could You Ask For?

     Who doesn’t love game day especially when Alabama wins by a landslide! While walking the quad the morning of game day, there are many emotions.  There is a sense of worry about how the team is going to perform because no one wants a repeat of Ole Miss, or even worse, Auburn.  There is excitement as you walk around seeing all the tailgates and running into your friends, and without fail, you always see somebody wearing an outfit that you know you must have in your closet.

      When it comes to football games at Byrant-Denny Stadium, you know you’ll see the traditional colors of crimson, white and black and everyone wearing their best dresses with their hair done as if going to prom.  It’s great to see different looks besides wearing a dress or a cute skirt. For me, I love that rompers have been such a big hit not only for a summer look, but still being worn in the fall. Oh, and you can’t forget about the fashionable sunglasses because they definitely add to the 'Bama style.

     When it comes to game day dates, you have to make sure your date is looking good, as well because we all want those cute quad pictures. Seeing all the guys dressed in button down shirts, khakis and maybe a tie can feel like church attire to some people, but at Alabama, it’s a tradition that’s never going out of style.

     It will be different not walking the quad this weekend and seeing tailgates and cute outfits as Alabama takes on Tennessee in Knoxville, but remember, fall break is just another excuse to find the perfect look for that next game day outfit!

- Natalie Barr

Empire State of Mind

  Last weekend I made a quick trip to the wonderful city of New York. The hustle and bustle and the diversity of people you see on the streets is so refreshing coming from Alabama. Leaving the sea of norts and oversized tee-shirts to come to an amalgam of different styles was something I needed.  From perusing the racks of Bergdorf’s to picking up some basics at H&M or TopShop, New York has it all. Check out the top trends I fell in love with in the Big Apple below!

1. Leather Accents 

I know in previous years leather has been making a comeback (and for my animal friendly friends “Pleather.”)  Many people in NYC were rocking leather accents from a pocket on a teeshirt to leather stripes on pants. A simple splash of leather can make a look go from mundane to extraordinary. 

2.Statement Sweaters

Leave your single color casmere sweater behind. Its all about making a statement. This is easily done by picking up a retro sweater from your local thrift store or if you’re looking for a more distinguished look, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy have a plethora of statement sweaters to choose from 

3. Watches

In the empire city everyone is in a rush to do something. Time is something that is very imporatant so why not check the time in style. It seemed that everyone from 5^th avenue to the subways were wearing some type of watch. If you want to try something new and experiment mix metals, Try a silver watch with gold and bronze rings. When done correctly it is a great statement. 

                                                       4. Herem Pants

I am an advocate for Harem pants. Who doesn’t love being comfurtable and trendy at the same time? Many people on the streets were spotted in sweats, it really comes down to how you put the outfit together so you don’t end up looking like you rolled out of bed. 

--Bradley Parks