The Ghosts of Halloween Past

It’s that time of year again! I have gotten into the Halloween spirit much more these last few years because it’s a big deal at my work. We choose a theme, decorate like crazy, and do our best with costumes. That’s why I’m so happy that my mom sews and sews well! (I’m sort of a costume snob. The cheapy store-bought ones just won’t do.) She’s been very obliging in helping me put together great outfits each year, so I thought I’d do a quick showcase of her work and visit Halloweens of yesteryear…

This is Halloween of last year. The theme was Old West. Most of my workmates wore cowboy stuff that they already had or bought new to wear in the future, but I’m pretty lacking in that department. What’s the practical alternative to purchasing a western shirt? Saloon girl, of course! ;) This was a lot of fun. I think more clothes should have bustles! The boots, however, were my least favorite. I think the feeling came back into my toes about four days later.

Here is Halloween 2007. Our theme was the movie Hairspray. I was the character Amber. I’ve always wanted a dress with a full skirt and slip like those of that era, so I was crazy about this costume. The most fun was searching the internet for retro patterns. (Fun fact: the style with the full skirt that I love so much is called “rockabilly.”) I could seriously get hooked on shopping for vintage patterns from various decades! I found this early Sixties pattern for a bridesmaid dress that had never been used. I just wish I could have gotten my hair bigger and flippier that day. My dress may have been authentic, but my hair, unfortunately, fell a little flat.

Halloween 2006 was my lucky year. Not only did I get to be Dorothy, the star of the show, but we also won the annual contest between all the departments and $25 each! This is probably my favorite costume, if I absolutely had to choose. People who couldn’t see my feet would ask if I was wearing the ruby slippers. Of course I was! They were very impressed to learn that my mom had made those, too. We took sparkly, red sequined fabric and laid it over plain black dress shoes. The result was perfect! Thanks, Mom, for all the great costumes! :)