Fashion Talk Over A Cup Of Tea

A fashion & style blog run by a far-from-ordinary GMU Journalism graduate.

Email me at tea.hadzic24@gmail.com

FINALLY FALL FASHION: No Need for New Wardrobe

I always swear up and down that summer is my favorite season. I love going to the beach with my girlfriends and a case of BL2s. I love tanning. And I absolutely love backless dresses and cropped tops that show off bandeaus. Yet I was too excited that my outfit today consisted of thick thigh-highs and over-the-knee boots. It’s been quite an eventful summer for me, and I experimented with different trends and styles; hence I wore a crap load of cut-offs. But who says I gotta throw them out for the colder weather?

Going through my closet, I decided to leave a few essential pieces for my fall wardrobe:

- Like mentioned above, my many pairs of denim cut-off shorts. I’ll most likely be pairing them with tights and a pair of wedged lace-ups or classic, bad-ass motorcycle boots.

- button-downs. I’m keeping all the fall-ish colors: deep burgundy, tan, browns. 

- maxi dresses. I haven’t even worn all the ones I bought for the summer. Pairing a dress with some thick stockings, a sweater and wedged boots can totally be a fall look. Maybe I could even continue the tradition of tying a knot at the bottom of the dress for a more fashionable look.

- strappy wedges. Will be worn with tights as well. I’ve never tried the sock & sandal look, but hey, this season might be it.

- cropped tops. Throwing a chunky sweater over top should keep the tummy and back area warm.

- bandeau bras. Get a pair of high-waist pants (or velvet leggings), throw on a thick wrap-around sweater - making sure the bra is showing, and some fun chunky boots. Perfect fit for going out with your girlfriends.  

- denim jackets. I really don’t care if there is a snow storm outside. Layering your denim jacket over an all-black ensemble (such as thick black leggings, black turtleneck tucked in, and perhaps a wool scarf) can give your leather jackets a run for their money.

- denim in general. I’m leaving all of my jeans and denim button-downs. They are a major go-to item. Every single season.

Doesn’t sound like I did major “cleaning out my closet” damage. Maybe I’m just being an overall believer in saving money for the season.

What I did get rid of though are all the colorful print tops I’ve collected since the Spring - mainly thrifted them. As much as I love pops of color, this fall will have a more classic black, nude, tan look. 

So yeah. Reuse and work with what you already have. You can turn any piece of clothing into a new one with a minor change or addition. Shout out to the people who do not have to go out and splurge on a complete new wardrobe for next season.

All Polka-Dot Everything

Marc Jacobs flaunts these fun little dots in a very high-end manner: all over New York Fashion Week’s runway. His Fall 2011 Collection hits it right on the spot, giving the old something new.

I am a huge fan of polka-dots. Seeing them grace the fashion scene is the ultimate thrill for me. Feels like my childhood is making a come-back with a playful, yet mature spin.

I don’t think Marc went wrong with this idea.

Say Bye-Bye to Hermione

She has chopped of her long, messy curls to rock the pixie-cut hair. She wears dark lipstick and studded jackets. She turns heads on the red carpet and gives people something to talk about.

Emma Watson is one word: fabulous. 

There is no doubt that Watson is turning into a timeless style icon. But what’s next for Watson? In Vogue’s July issue, Amanda Foreman takes time to ask Harry Potter’s former classmate about her next move in “big girl” world.

Fashion Takes Capital By Storm

You may know that Washington, D.C. isn’t known to be a fashion capital — but the city gets fierce and dolled up as it celebrates the power of style for the week of February 21 through 27.

Starting this week, seven events will be dedicated to high fashion, trends and couture, also known as DC Fashion Week. International clothing designers will be presenting a range of Fall/Winter collections for 2011. Different textiles and patterns bring out designs from Iran, Nigeria, Thailand and many other countries and cultures. 

Check out the schedule for the free admission events:

  •  DC Fashion Week holds its’ Kickoff Reception on Monday at Kellari Taverna from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  •  The Textile Museum hosts two special events: Colors of the Oasis (Central Asian Ikats) on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Second Lives: The Age-Old Art of Recycling on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  •  Get ready to mingle with models, stylists, producers and photographers at The Fashion Industry Networking Party on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tabaq Bistro.

Not everything is open to the public. The weekend gets fancy with “special invitation only” events. On Friday, the television network premiere of DC Cupcakes is presented at a private launch party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Saturday night, The Washington Post Conference Center hosts a runway show on Washington Menswear Collections from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eight fashion houses present their latest creations for gentlemen of style. Tickets are required. 

DC Fashion Week comes to an end with a fashion show on International Couture Collections on Sunday evening from 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m. The Embassy of France will be open to show off a mixture of 17 world-wide labels. Tickets are required, and cocktail attire is highly requested.

All you fashionistas — don’t miss out on the largest exhibit of fashion apparel brought to you by the nation’s capital. 

For more information and for ticket pricing, please visit dcfashionweek.org.

Anonymous asked: I just came across your Tumblr and I adore that you don't just post pictures of things but also have things to read related to each item :) Needless to say, I've made it through quite a few posts. I thought the one where you covered a girl named Tenzing (sp?) was cool! She sounds like she has really cool style, not too far from my own (bias?). Does she have a Tumblr? And I think more people portraits would be fun!

(Sorry that this is really random!)

This is probably the realest message I have ever gotten. I really appreciate your comment! I’m touched. I started this blog as a class project; after the semester was over, I simply decided to keep it.

Unfortunately, Tenzing does not have a blog. And I will definitely be posting more profiles very shortly! Thanks again! You can definitely shoot me an email; I’m interested in your fashion sense!

Another blog I recently got introduced to: The Blonde Salad. Chiara Ferragni runs it; she blogs about her favorite outfits, her worldwide trips, and introduces you to the freshest new accessories and fashion must-haves. This girl’s lifestyle is amazing. Check her out!

Another blog I recently got introduced to: The Blonde Salad. Chiara Ferragni runs it; she blogs about her favorite outfits, her worldwide trips, and introduces you to the freshest new accessories and fashion must-haves. This girl’s lifestyle is amazing. Check her out!

Just because it isn’t summer doesn’t mean you have to put away your shorter bottoms. Get a few pair of different styles of tights and continue to wear your shorts. But don’t be boring. Check out all of these different kinds of shorts.

Just because it isn’t summer doesn’t mean you have to put away your shorter bottoms. Get a few pair of different styles of tights and continue to wear your shorts. But don’t be boring. Check out all of these different kinds of shorts.

CLASSY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

The holiday season is fast approaching and this year make sure it is warm, jolly, and, of course, classy. Take a look at this guide for tips on how to make this the best holiday season yet!

What To Wear:

Holiday parties happen once a year. Who wants to look back at holiday photos and regret their outfit choice? This year, dress warm, trendy & classy. Keep your gear winter appropriate.

-Ladies, velvet dresses are everything right now. Not only are they warm, but they are also classy. Remember to stay within your budget - Charlotte Russe has 3/4 sleeve velvet dresses in dark blue and burgundy. Forever 21 is also selling them right now.

Wool sweaters & tights are in. The right pair of patterned tights can really spice up your outfit! You also can’t go wrong with pairing a simple black dress with a stripped blazer or different colored vest. The holiday season is the only good excuse to wear sequins, but don’t over do it. If you wear a shirt with sequins pair it with some basic bottoms, and vice versa. You don’t want to be mistaken for an ornament. 

-Guys, leave your fitted hats and printed tees in the closet. A nice cardigan, button-up, or vest paired with a nice pair of slacks or jeans (depending on the party) always looks great together. Try adding some subtle holiday colors to really get in the spirit! 

Deck the Halls: 

Since it’s chilly outside, your home (or dorm) should have a warm feel to it. If you want to keep it traditional, go with ruby red decorations. Buy a white tree - it stands out more. Poinsettia flowers are the perfect decoration and match the holiday spirit. If you want to spice things up, replace the red theme with purple, pink or turquoise. Target has a huge selection of cool ornaments in different colors. Add a table runner, a center piece, lights and voila!

‘Tis the Season for Giving:

Be thoughtful and take pride in buying your gifts. People can easily tell if they were just an after-thought, and nobody wants to feel like that. Buy presents for the ones that matter like close family members, your best friends, boyfriends & girlfriends. Maybe even a co-worker, boss or professor who has helped you or inspired you recently. 

Pay attention to what your friends like. Listen out for hints. For example, if you are at the mall together and your friend really likes something and doesn’t buy it, go back to the store and get it. It shows that you really care and are listening. Being thoughtful doesn’t mean you have to break your pockets. Small gifts such as the new Kanye West album or a MAC lipstick aren’t expensive but are thoughtful. Be creative! Some of the best gifts are homemade personalized gifts such as picture frames, jewelry, decorated t-shirts, etc. If all else fails and you don’t have time to go shopping or can’t figure out what to buy, you can always stick to gift cards.

Party Etiquette:

If you’re invited to a friend’s holiday dinner or employee party, don’t arrive empty handed. Bring a bottle of champagne, home-made dessert, a nice flower arrangement, or offer to cook something. This is the most festive time of year full of parties and gatherings so make sure you enjoy it! At employee events, remember to keep it professional. Even if everyone around you is drinking, stay away from the open bar. You want to leave the party with your job!

Underneath the Mistletoe:

You already know what this means. Let’s just say “keep it classy, not trashy!”

Be Thankful:

Sometimes we forget what the holiday season is really about. We get so caught up in the partying, the thrill of shopping and decorating that we don’t take the time to think about the less fortunate. Make a stranger’s holiday a special one by opening your heart. All malls and grocery stores have Angel Trees - where you buy a child something they have always wanted. You can also donate food or clothing to help out. This is what truly makes your holiday one to remember. 

(Broadside Paper)

Welcome back, Mizz Berry! Back in September, women’s fashion magazine Vogue published a feature article on a celebrity who had been MIA for quite some time: Halle Berry. Jonathan Van Meter, the assigned (and lucky) reporter for this feature, jumps right into the main idea with the question “Where have you been, Halle?” He wastes no time in asking her why she hasn’t done any interviews lately. Van Meter should be happy he writes for Vogue, because Halle mentions she would be gracing the cover of the magazine’s biggest issue of the year. How could she possibly turn that offer down? In order to get a feel for Halle’s life, Van Meter roams Beverly Hills with her for a couple of days. He gets full access to all her planned events and day-to-day activities, including being the first writer to ever enter her home. The organization style and reporting was excellent, because unlike a phone or Skype interview, Van Meter got to see Halle’s true personality without any restrictions as he shadowed her on a daily basis. The article starts off with the writer and actress having lunch in Beverly Hills, where he questions her whereabouts in the last 3 years. The next day,  Van Meter finds himself at a gym with Halle and her personal trainer. That evening, Van Meter gets invited to dinner at Halle’s place in Malibu. The writer gets a tour of the house as the actress explains details about meaningful statues and pictures framed in her home. Next, Halle takes Van Meter with her to the domestic violence center she has a charity for. The feature story ends on a discussion about the right age to conceive children between Halle and Van Meter. Basically, the writer puts together a print documentary of Halle’s daily life. Van Meter did his research prior to spending time with Halle. He knew about her recent breakup, about her infamous car accident in 2000 and consequences that came with that; he knew about bad movie reviews that critics wrote, and by asking about why she decided to give birth in her 40s, Van Meter even finds out what the “one thing God got wrong” is during his experience with the actress. I love Van Meter’s writing style for this feature. Everything he mentioned had imagery to it. I could picture myself sitting eating dinner with Halle and her closest friends at her weekend place in Malibu; I could also see her working out intensively in her hot-pink top and “funny-looking split-toe sneakers.” Van Meter masters the style of emotional attachment in this feature by giving such visual details. In my opinion, I don’t think there is anything I’d wish Van Meter should have or forgot to ask the Hollywood star.  He answers the main topic of where in the heck Halle has been, and what’s in store for her next. After reading this feature, I feel like I’m BFFs with her. Halle shared intimate secrets about her ex-relationship, being a mother to her daughter, and how to survive the curse of winning an Oscar. I think Van Meter successfully put together a feature article that presented everything a Halle fan would want to know. (Feature response)

Welcome back, Mizz Berry!

Back in September, women’s fashion magazine Vogue published a feature article on a celebrity who had been MIA for quite some time: Halle Berry.

Jonathan Van Meter, the assigned (and lucky) reporter for this feature, jumps right into the main idea with the question “Where have you been, Halle?” He wastes no time in asking her why she hasn’t done any interviews lately. Van Meter should be happy he writes for Vogue, because Halle mentions she would be gracing the cover of the magazine’s biggest issue of the year. How could she possibly turn that offer down?

In order to get a feel for Halle’s life, Van Meter roams Beverly Hills with her for a couple of days. He gets full access to all her planned events and day-to-day activities, including being the first writer to ever enter her home. The organization style and reporting was excellent, because unlike a phone or Skype interview, Van Meter got to see Halle’s true personality without any restrictions as he shadowed her on a daily basis.

The article starts off with the writer and actress having lunch in Beverly Hills, where he questions her whereabouts in the last 3 years. The next day,  Van Meter finds himself at a gym with Halle and her personal trainer. That evening, Van Meter gets invited to dinner at Halle’s place in Malibu. The writer gets a tour of the house as the actress explains details about meaningful statues and pictures framed in her home. Next, Halle takes Van Meter with her to the domestic violence center she has a charity for. The feature story ends on a discussion about the right age to conceive children between Halle and Van Meter. Basically, the writer puts together a print documentary of Halle’s daily life.

Van Meter did his research prior to spending time with Halle. He knew about her recent breakup, about her infamous car accident in 2000 and consequences that came with that; he knew about bad movie reviews that critics wrote, and by asking about why she decided to give birth in her 40s, Van Meter even finds out what the “one thing God got wrong” is during his experience with the actress.

I love Van Meter’s writing style for this feature. Everything he mentioned had imagery to it. I could picture myself sitting eating dinner with Halle and her closest friends at her weekend place in Malibu; I could also see her working out intensively in her hot-pink top and “funny-looking split-toe sneakers.” Van Meter masters the style of emotional attachment in this feature by giving such visual details.

In my opinion, I don’t think there is anything I’d wish Van Meter should have or forgot to ask the Hollywood star.  He answers the main topic of where in the heck Halle has been, and what’s in store for her next. After reading this feature, I feel like I’m BFFs with her. Halle shared intimate secrets about her ex-relationship, being a mother to her daughter, and how to survive the curse of winning an Oscar. I think Van Meter successfully put together a feature article that presented everything a Halle fan would want to know.

(Feature response)

In The Cut

If you are looking for reliable and recent fashion news, The Cut is the place to soak up that knowledge. The blog originated from the very popular New York magazine in 2009, which has now become an online enterprise. New York magazine has a variety of online blogs, such as Restaurant reviews and an Entertainment section, and of course, a fashion goldmine called The Cut. While the Fashion tab on the New York magazine website is pretty informative and current, The Cut is a more chill and friendly site, a super popular spot for fashion bloggers.

Although the site is fashion oriented, not everything is about telling you what sweaters to wear this winter and how to style yourself. One of the strong features that The Cut offers is the variety of news coverage in the fashion industry; anything from new and upcoming men’s fashion lines to “The Look of The Day” to celebrity gossip such as OMG Rachel Zoe is prego! The Cut also lets its readers be heard. Under every story post, a comment box is available; readers may express their opinions and agree to disagree.

The Cut always provides readers with the most current fashion ideas and trends. However, I’d love to see a variety of high fashion and street wear. It would be interesting to feature posts on regular people (not celebs) with brilliant fashion taste. Or people could send in their own pictures and talk about where they shop and who their fashion icons are. Speaking of fashion icons, it would be interesting to see The Cut do a feature on Fashion Icons per decade. For example, they could feature Audrey Hepburn in the 50s, Jackie Kennedy in the early 60s, and maybe Amber Rose as an upcoming icon today. Another interesting thing would be to have weekly reviews on Who What Wear; this would be basically critiquing who wore what during the week, and stating whether it was a success or if the fashion police had to be called.

H&M Turns It Up a Notch French fashion line Lanvin is teaming up with Swedish clothing company H&M. As guest designer, Lanvin is contributing a very stylish and colorful Winter collection for 2010. The clothes are very fashion forward, and I must add that it’s pretty pricey, but it’s reasonable for designer clothing. What do you think? Check out the line right here!

H&M Turns It Up a Notch

French fashion line Lanvin is teaming up with Swedish clothing company H&M. As guest designer, Lanvin is contributing a very stylish and colorful Winter collection for 2010. The clothes are very fashion forward, and I must add that it’s pretty pricey, but it’s reasonable for designer clothing. What do you think?

Check out the line right here!

FASHION:HOTSPOT Tenzing Gyari isn’t afraid to be different. This Tibetan trendsetter racks up on fashion knowledge as she travels around the globe. Her style is earthy & simple, yet very noticeable. Find out which key item she absolutely cannot go without and why she loves being two inches taller. Ladies & Gents, meet Tenzing!   Who? Tenzing Gyari, Anthropology ’11 Been Fly Since: 1987 Describe your style: “Nomadic Bohemian floating around the East coast” Fashion Icon: “I don’t really have one specific fashion icon, but more so a full appreciation for all the various styles that shape up our creative world of fashion. The concept of mixing in different cultures and forming one fresh blend is what really inspires me.“ Fav. Fashion Item: “I have these really cute wedges (suede in material & monochromatic color scheme) that I bought in Japan 2 summers ago. I find myself wearing them out almost every single weekend and the compliments have yet to stop rolling in. What I love most about them is the fact that I can dress them up for fancy events, yet also bring them down to a super comfy look. Plus, I love the extra 2 inches it lends me for an evening out.” Fav. Place to Shop: “I’m not really big into shopping, but when it happens I’m almost always floating through and purchasing stuff from H&M. Also, majority of my pieces are actually from Asia.” Must Have Fashion Accessory: “A scarf! I have an array of scarves from all over the world- each one rich in color, texture and print. I’m never without one and I always feel incomplete if I don’t have one lingering around me somewhere. I find that a simple thing as a scarf can really pull a look together and complete it!”

FASHION:HOTSPOT

Tenzing Gyari isn’t afraid to be different. This Tibetan trendsetter racks up on fashion knowledge as she travels around the globe. Her style is earthy & simple, yet very noticeable. Find out which key item she absolutely cannot go without and why she loves being two inches taller. Ladies & Gents, meet Tenzing!

 

Who? Tenzing Gyari, Anthropology ’11

Been Fly Since: 1987

Describe your style: “Nomadic Bohemian floating around the East coast”

Fashion Icon: “I don’t really have one specific fashion icon, but more so a full appreciation for all the various styles that shape up our creative world of fashion. The concept of mixing in different cultures and forming one fresh blend is what really inspires me.“

Fav. Fashion Item: “I have these really cute wedges (suede in material & monochromatic color scheme) that I bought in Japan 2 summers ago. I find myself wearing them out almost every single weekend and the compliments have yet to stop rolling in. What I love most about them is the fact that I can dress them up for fancy events, yet also bring them down to a super comfy look. Plus, I love the extra 2 inches it lends me for an evening out.”

Fav. Place to Shop: “I’m not really big into shopping, but when it happens I’m almost always floating through and purchasing stuff from H&M. Also, majority of my pieces are actually from Asia.”

Must Have Fashion Accessory: “A scarf! I have an array of scarves from all over the world- each one rich in color, texture and print. I’m never without one and I always feel incomplete if I don’t have one lingering around me somewhere. I find that a simple thing as a scarf can really pull a look together and complete it!”


Best Of Thrifts

You know how that old saying goes “the clothes make the man (or woman)” - but once you hit college, spending money on clothing becomes an issue. You still want to be fashionable and stay in touch with the latest trends…

So why not try thrifting? Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland have some of the finest thrift shops and consignment stores available to the public in this area. You might become —well.. thriftier- after reading these reviews.

 

Tops & Jackets:

  • Pink Elephant is a must go-to place for tops, coats and jackets. Located at the Concord Center in Springfield, Pink Elephant carries designer brands, such as Ralph Lauren Polo and vintage Nine West starting at a low of $5; the average price is $12. Visiting this shop is definitely worth the drive.. and the clothes.
  • Another place to raid for cutesy tops is The Closet. This thrift store is just one of many shops located in Herndon. The Closet sells very feminine shirts with a variety of patterns and buttons; tops are in top-notch condition. And with $3 average pricing, who would not make a trip out to Herndon? Make sure you bring cash, because the thrift does not accept credit.
  • Looking for classic blazers? Well, Joseph’s Coat in Falls Church is the place to go to. One of the larger thrifts located in this area, this place sells fashionably fitting and modern blazers for both men and women. Joseph’s Coat also has racks filled with nice, clean tops sorted by shades of color with brand names such as Gap, Ann Taylor and J.Crew. Pricing is between $5 to $10 for tops; the average price for men’s or women’s blazers is $12.

Shoes:

  • When it comes to shoes, Mustard Seed owns the absolute best selection. Located in Bethesda, Maryland, Mustard Seed carries name brand, in-season and in-style footwear. Shoes are in great condition, and are mostly Steve Madden and BCBG. Pricing ranges from $10 to $30. 

Accessories & Scarves:

  • Fairfax’s very own Yesterday’s Rose located on Main street has great jewelry, such as colorful clip-on earring and large pearl necklaces. Pieces of funky and vintage jewelry range from $1 to $4. As big as the thrift store is, you do not have to search for the accessories; they are located right by the registers. 
  • One of the bigger thrift shops in this area is Unique. Located in Falls Church, Unique carries a large collection of beautiful jewelry pieces. From flashy earrings to chunky bracelets, the thrift shop has one of the top selection of vintage’s finest accessories. You can definitely spice up any outfit with pieces from Unique for little money. Pricing for jewelry ranges; however, the average price is $5.
  • Joseph’s Coat has an tire wall, plus many baskets filled with beautiful scarves. Finding anything from silk scarves to vintage shawls, digging through the baskets is definitely worth it. At an unbelievable price averaging at only $3, this light accessory will make you stand out in any crowd.
  • Pink Elephant has a small selection of belts, but the few that the shop offers are beautiful accessory pieces. Belts are in great condition and vary from strong black leather to bright colored “statement” belts. Many of the belts would look gorgeous over flowy dresses and classic blazers. Prices for belts are between $3 to $10.

Purses & Handbags:

  • Unique is a good place to find the perfect “lady” accessory. With an entire wall full of purses, handbags and clutches, Unique carries anything from soft leather mini-purses to floral print beach bags.  Pricing ranges from $3 to $10. There are also suitcases and travel bags available at this thrift shop.
  • Another place to raid for clutches and satchels would be Second Chance on Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. Second Chance is a tiny place, but once raided, it can become quite the gold mine. This shop holds a smaller collection of vintage clutches and purses. Prices are between $1 to $5. Second Chance is also known for having daily deals, such as 50% off on any items priced at $1 or more.

Jeans & Bottoms:

  • Mustard Seed can help you cover up your bottom half in style. From the darkest denim to high waist dress pants, Mustard Seed is the go-to place. The shops has a variety of men’s jean selection as well, ranging anywhere from $10 to $20. Pricing on women’s bottoms average at about the same as the men’s.

Skirts, Shorts & Dresses:

  • Once again, Mustard Seed wins this category. The shop owns extremely cute printed skirts and high-waist skirts and shorts. Prices range from 10 to 15 bucks. Also, if you’re looking for prom-type dresses, this is the place to raid. Mustard Seed also offers a tailoring desk for its’ customers for as low as $10.
  • The Closet also sells to-die-for skirts in flower patterns and beautiful colors. Many skirts are long, but the length is perfect to transform into tube dresses; just  pull the skirt up and use a belt to scrunch the fabric. The average price for a fashionable skirt (or self-made dress) is only $4. 

 

*Mustard Seed also has a special selection of brand-new clothing at the very front of their shop called “New Mustard Seed Merchandise.”


Halloween in 2010: Fashionable (& Cheap)

By: Tea Hadzic & Marcella Robertson

Party invitations are being handed out, pumpkins are carved and the candy is ready for the trick or treaters. The scariest holiday of the year is fast approaching and costumes are flying off of the shelves. What will you be for Halloween? Don’t buy a $200 costume. Save your money by thinking outside of the box.

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect costume: 

  • The number one rule when creating a Halloween costume: BE CREATIVE. You want to make sure your costume is original and that five other people are not wearing the same thing as you! There is nothing wrong with sticking to the traditional police officer costume or sexy nurse getup, but why would you want to when there are endless possibilities. Think of a costume that you haven’t seen anyone else wear.
  • Think OUTSIDE of the box and look INSIDE of your closet. Who wants to spend a bunch of money on something you will only wear once?  There are many pieces of clothing that you could use for your costume. All you have to do is open your mind and your closet. 
  • Think about what is popular on TV or in magazines and go from there. With reality shows being as popular as they are, there are many people you could dress up as without spending big bucks. For example, you could dress as Snookie from Jersey Shore. All it would take is some orange makeup, a tight shirt, short skirt, some heels and a poof. The best part about it is that it’s not some costume that someone else was able to buy in stores.
  • Get your friends involved! Dress up as a cast from a TV show or as a boy/girl band. You can also pair up with someone and dress as a famous couple. Barack and Michelle Obama would be too cute and too easy to pull off. Girls, I know all of you have a classy, all-purpose dress. Add a cardigan or blazer, and you’re the First Lady. Guys, all you need is a nice suit. You can also check out some Halloween stores for Obama face masks.
  • Not in the mood to pair up? Go solo by picking a celebrity that is easy to recognize. Girls, take that little black dress that you have in your closet, get a pair of big black sunglasses, add a pearl necklace, tie your hair in a bun, and you are Audrey Hepburn. Guys, all of you have a plain white t-shirt and a pair of fitted jeans; now get some aluminum foil for your “grill,” throw on some shades and a Jamaican rasta dreadlock wig, and call yourself Lil’ Wayne.
  • Visit your local thrift stores! Search for fabric and accessories that you need to complete your costume. Thrift stores are filled with vintage clothing and old-school treasures. For example, you can buy a pair of bright spandex, a fanny pack, some slouch socks and a headband, and maybe even find a retro cassette player. With all those accessories, you have your 80s look completed. Some thrift shops even sell wigs for cheap.