This past week, I wrote in the weekly newsletter about how hard it is to find cool Halloween costumes without going into debt. I asked my fellow fashionistas for advice and here are some of the best ideas - all for under $20 bucks.
Queen of the World. This is a Halloween favorite. Head to your nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill for old prom/evening dresses, or the back of your closet for those “forgotten” bridesmaid dresses. The puffier and gaudier, the better. Go to Claire's Boutique and purchase a tiara (usually around $5 to $10), several “diamond” rings, and elbow-length, white gloves. Throw on the rhinestone jewelry, correct that posture, and purchase ‘Hello' (a.k.a the British ‘People's) at your local Barnes and Noble. Now, here is the piece de triumph: Have your male spouse/friend/partner be your man–servant, “James”, for the whole night. Total outfit cost: $20.00-$80.00, depending on the size of your kingdom.
Marathon Runner. Toast the Olympics and dress like you’re a marathon runner. Purchase a tank, shorts, and tennis shoes (the Canadian Athletic apparel store ROOTS has some great Olympic items at their online store). Since it is the end of October, go ahead and wear tights underneath those short shorts. Print out a race number on your computer, pin it to your tank, and you are ready to go. Total Outfit cost: 0.00-$40.00, depending on the medal you are seeking.
Christina Aguilera. All you need is a big blonde wig (think drag queen), black eyeliner, a plaid mini-skirt, a cropped top, and some thigh-high boots and you are set. It is helpful to bring a little CD player and have “Genie in a Bottle” playing in the background. Total Outfit cost $10.00-$50.00, depending on the size of your record contract.
Ward & June Cleaver. The fifties look was very hot this summer, so head out to your local department store or thrift shop and find fifties-inspired, a-line dresses for a fraction of their normal price. Check out post summer sales at your local department store like Macys. Add a simple strand of pearls, pearl earrings, a waist apron, sensible pumps and you are ready to go. Have your significant other dress as Ward. Total Outfit cost $40.00- $80.00, depending on whether the ‘Beav’ needs braces.
Game Show Host and Pretty Helper Girl. This is a perfect costume for couples. Head out to your nearest thrift store and find the cheesiest late 70s/early 80s polyester, double knit suit ensemble for men and 80s deranged bridesmaid dress for women. Purchase a children's play microphone (Target has some for super cheap prices). Buy the cheapest hair spray you can find (All Net is good) and tease your hair like you are from the Jersey shore. Get a piece of cardboard, cut out a star about 8 inches in diameter and glue on gold glitter. Write the word “Grand Prize” in silver. To keep you smiling for the entire night, try this beauty pageant trick- put Vaseline underneath your upper lip. $60.00-$100 for both costumes, depending on whether or not your show picks-up for another season.
Sloth. This is the easiest and cheapest costume. Don’t wash your hair or take a shower for two days, roll out of bed in your PJs and you are set! This costume is particularly effective if you get six friends to go as the other six deadly sins: greed, envy, wrath, gluttony, pride and lust. Total Outfit cost - $0, depending on how sinful you are willing to get.
1970’s Television Family. There are so many great ones to choose from: the Partridge Family, Brady Bunch, Evans family from Good Times, Donny and Marie Osmond, and the Jeffersons. The family you chose depends on the make-up of your group of friends, but putting together the outfits is almost as much fun as the actual Halloween event itself. Make a date and head straight to your local thrift store or your parents' closet. Total Outfit Cost- $20 and up, depending on how “dy-no-mite” you want to be.
One of my favorite ways to save money is to shop at secondhand stores. I always seem to find a new treasure! Plus by shopping resale I can pay only a fraction of normal retail prices. I recently visited a new thrift store that opened near my home. I brought home 14 "like new" articles of clothing, and I only spent $48.00! What a great feeling! You can do it too!
Did you know that there are many thrift and consignment shops now on the internet? Visit this page to see some of my favorite online resale shops. Thrift stores and
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The following are my favorite frugal tips that I use on a regular basis. I hope that they will help you as much as they have helped me and my family.
Faced with my own furniture dilemma recently, I thought what a great opportunity for me to share ideas with you on how to turn around that tired piece of furniture, without having to spend big bucks! So here it is, secrets from The Budget Decorator on transforming your furniture from trash to Treat For The Eyes!
One of the most expensive items in our rooms is our furniture, and we can’t always afford to just replace it when it gets worn, outdated, or just no longer works in your room.
The number one concern for those trying to update existing furniture is
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If you are tired of seeing the same old clothing styles at mall department stores and boutiques, it may be time to add a little spice to your wardrobe. Rather than looking just like everyone else, thrift stores offer access to unique items not found anywhere else - at least not in the last twenty years or so! Not only are thrift store clothes relatively inexpensive, but they can also be ultra-hip. If you approach it the right way, you may be able to create your very own personal style by mixing the old and the new.
When you first decide
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Yippee! She said yes! The girl you've been trying to ask out for the past couple of months just agreed to go out with you. However, you have one small problem. Fresh out of college and just starting out on your new job, you don't have much left in your pocket to pay for a fancy dinner. But you really want to impress her and have a good time together. What can you do on a date that would actually cost less but FEEL expensive?
Well, read on, and you will find plenty of cost-saving dating activities which are equally romantic and fun!
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