Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Last Minute Costume Ideas: Great Ladies of History

Still scrambling for a last-minute Halloween costume idea? Why not consider dressing up as one of the great ladies of history? Take some basics you already own, add a few key accessories, and voila -- a costume that would make your mom proud! Of course, you can always be the dead version of one of these spectacular ladies: Marie Curie, after being blown up by a science experiment...Coco Chanel, killed by one of her assistants with a pair of scissors?

Who: Marie Curie -- First Lady of science, physicist, chemist, and creator of the theory of radioactivity.
Why: Because you can carry your favorite beverage around in a beaker and tell everyone it's a dangerous radioactive element.
You already have: A loose black dress.
You need: Thick glasses, a clear beaker, and a discheveled top-knot.

Who: Emmeline Pankhurst -- political activist, and leader of the British suffrage movement.
Why: Because you're not into the whole slutty costume thing...and because you will be ready to protest at a moment's notice.
You already have: an oversized straw hat and a black blazer.
You need: a long black skirt, a sash with "Votes for Women" across it, pamphlets and/or a picket sign with political slogans, like "Deeds not Words" and "We demand the right to serve!"

Who: the incomparable Coco Chanel -- design ingenue, and fashion icon.
Why: because it gives you an excuse to pretend you're French for one night...and practice being snooty {she was said to be a VERY demanding woman}.
You already have: a knock-off Chanel tweed jacket, a pencil skirt, a white blouse.
You need: a strand of pearls, a chic vintage hat, a boxy little hand bag, and a certain je ne sais quois.

Who: Amelia Earhart -- the first aviatrix to fly across the Atlantic.
Why: Because any excuse to wear goggles and a flight hat is a very good thing!
You already have: a leather jacket, khakis, and equestrian-style boots.
You will need: a white scarf, goggles, and a flight hat.

Who: Frida Kahlo -- Mexican artist, surrealist, and style innovator.
Why: you get to fearlessly mix color and pattern, pile on the jewelry...and see what you look like with a mono-brow and mustache!
You already have: lots of chunky jewlery, a shawl or pashmina scarf, and a bright, colorful blouse.
You will need: flowers for your hair, a flowy peasant skirt, and brown eyeliner for facial hair enhancement.

::Have fun dressing up, my loves!!

13 comments:

Stef said...

Dammit, Tara, you scooped me. This year's last-minute costume is Margaret Sanger.

Becky Tjandera said...

nice options ! too bad we don't really celebrate halloween here . :(

Shelby Shelberson said...

Hmmm, as a man, I may find it trickier to find any basics for this in my closet but I guess I could always get a wig, do a little tucking and go as Lady Godiva!

Actually, I do have another great and easy suggestion. With a red bandanna and a blue denim shirt you can easily transform into Rosie the Riveter. My old roommate came up with this when her original idea didn't work out and she had to create something on the fly. She ended up winning a prize at a costume contest that year and had the added bonus of being very comfortable all night long!

But I didn't plan properly this Halloween and still don't have a costume for myself. Any last minute ideas for the boys?

Eli said...

ugh I just moved and donated so much crap, I totally could have been Frida!

Kira Aderne said...

I do admire these women!
Coco and Amelia Earhart are my fav! A real inspiration for us!

lisa butterworth said...

so rad! what an awesome roundup of ladies.

Sepulture said...

hahaha few months ago i decided to be frida ;D

Anonymous said...

Great post, Tara!

Jill said...

One of these years I'm dressing as Frida! Just not this year...dammit!

Anonymous said...

Great post, Tara! Bust finally noticed ;)

{Tara} said...

Stef --Ah, that's a great one -- I hope you will share photos!

Becky -- You should celebrate anyway -- people need more excuses to dress up.

Shelby -- Rosie the Riveter is a fabulous idea, as well. Boys have it easy, they can just throw on a dress and get laughs all night ;)

Eli -- I must admit that I often think of that before donating items...you just never know.

Kira -- Thanks Kira! Do you plan on celebrating Halloween this year in Brazil?

Lisa -- Thank you so much and thanks again for re-posting it on Bust!

Sepulture -- You must share photos!

Dgingo -- Thank you, my dearest Diana ;)

jill -- I was Frida a few years ago, and it was actually quite easy and fun!

Okie -- Yay! I was so happy! It's the little things...

s.i. michaels said...

I've always wanted to do Frida and toyed with the idea this year before going with an easier route. Next year, maybe!

Unknown said...

I just visit your blog and reading your blog and this is very much impressive me,a costume that would make your mom proud! Of course, you can always be the dead version of one of these spectacular ladies: Marie Curie, after being blown up by a science experiment.

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