Halloween is fast approaching so it’s definitely time to start putting together costumes and ideas! This year, I was inspired by Lana’s Dark Carnival look from last year. It got me wondering how many other photoshoots might be perfect points of departure for that special costume. I did some time-travelling and it turns out there are a fair few that got my creative juices simmering. The Carnival Noire set is a fantastic starting place, full of Divas as clowns, trapeze artists and jesters, but it was Charlotte’s turn as a fortune teller that caught my eye the most. Her mystical blue and purple color scheme is just right for kicking off this role. Almost any pieces of clothing in these shades will work (and I would totally add burgundy and forest green tones in as option as well.) Choose fabrics that fool the eye (metallic or sequins), that suggest otherworldly opulence (velvet or satin) or feel a little shifty and seedy (distressed or mesh). For shoes, lean toward pair that walks the line between comfort and unexpectedness: you want to convey some quirkiness and whimsicality. Add a pair of fingerless gloves and cover your hair with a headscarf. Massive earrings are encouraged. Choose a shimmering make-up palette and add an offbeat element, like a lilac lip hue or glittered eyebrows. Lastly, grab yourself a prop or two: a crystal ball (an un-embellished holiday tree ornament would work in a pinch, or look for a clear plastic one for safety – you’ll want something around 6” in diameter), a pack of tarot cards or a teacup, tea balls and some loose tea. Of course, you can always read palms as well. Be sure to talk in whispery, misty tones all night and don’t forget to predict the zaniest fortunes you can think of for anyone who asks you for a reading! If something more coquettish is your cup of tea (see what I did there? ;)), consider following Velvet’s lead and transforming into a dancer from the Moulin Rouge. Her interpretation is a very modern one; re-create it with a bodysuit in reds, wine tones, burgundy, purples, pinks or black (layer it over a nude one for a peepshow effect without the reveal (and some extra warmth!)). Add lace gloves and thigh-high hosiery. Complete the look with vintage-tinged pumps: t-straps or mary janes with a low or black heel. Garnish with a few pieces of statement jewelry – gifts from your admirers, naturally – and a fabulous hairstyle. Alternatively, do a more authentic variation of the concept with a bustier and A-line skirt. I’ve envisioned using a tulle piece, but any skirt with a good bit of flare will work. Add elbow-length gloves, lace stockings and a flower-embellished or velvet choker. Finish with lace-up booties for the true vintage touch. If you need additional inspiration, search out pictures of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s paintings: it was his art that cemented the fame of the nightclub and its dancers. Lastly, you’ll prooooobably want to brush up on your can-can dancing. Just, you know..in case anyone asks :). Then again, perhaps a lass with a tougher edge appeals to you: consider being a highland princess á la Becky, clad in a fiery tartan with an attitude to match! She’s strolling about the streets of some city of Scotland or Ireland in this snap but I was imagining a gal tromping about craggy bluffs and leaning into the wind, perhaps calling her falcon to her. The crux of the look is a pleated mini skirt in a traditional plaid. Many include red, but there are also clan tartans in navy and pine green (the famous Black Watch), black and white, black and yellow and various blues and purples. Stay traditional by topping it with a cabled sweater, or a simple tee and faux fur vest of any natural hue. Finish with stout black lace-up boots of the combat style. If you feel the need to dye your hair red or include a long red wig, by all means indulge it! You may want to carry a (foam, but don’t let on) sword or short, broad blade. To show your royal stature, top your tresses with a dark crown, or weave your own from dried grapevine for faux branches (both will be available at craft stores. Grapevine will be sold a wreath you can use as is, depending on size, or pull apart and re-make). Do also brush up on an impossible-to-understand accent. If you’re not so good with that sort of thing, just saying “I’m from The Loch” ( pronounced with a soft ‘k’ at the end and LOTS of spittle) will probably get you by. It’s the spittle that’s most important: spray any conversationalists with enough of it and they won’t test your accent too much further. Carrying paper towels or not is up to you.
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AuthorBrie: shoe-lover :) fashion-lover and generally glamorous semi-dork Archives
July 2019
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Photos used for criticism and comment under US Copyright Act Section 107.
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