In Case Of (Costume) Emergency: No-Muss, No-Fuss Halloween Ideas

Dear God, we are about to head into the very last weekend before Halloween! How did that happen? I haven't finished my Christmas shopping, yet!

Seriously, though, it may seem like it's too late to put together a fantastic costume for any last-minute parties you may be planning to attend. I assure you...

...yeah, it is. But there's still plenty of time to throw together a half-way decent ensemble. Below, I've come up with four low-to-no cost, practically zero-effort, toss together in no time costume ideas. They're not great, but hey, desperate times and all that. So, without further ado, here are my 2013 suggestions.

1. Melissa McCarthy Elle Cover

This cover has caused a bit of an uproar recently, concerning body issues in Hollywood and in the fashion industry. McCarthy, herself, has defended the photo, and even admitted that she's the one who picked the coat, so I'm all for letting the offense over this photo drop. That said, one thing about this photo is undeniable: she looks freaking hawt. I mean, wowzers! Honestly, between the gorgeous subject, stunning photography, and public drama, this shot could very well become iconic. Plus, it's the easiest Halloween costume since the t-shirt that says, "This IS My Halloween Costume". All you need is smokin' hot makeup, drop earrings, a black dress, heels, your winter coat (or one from the local thrift shop), and a metric ton of hairspray. This costume also gets bonus points for being wearable away from the party, as well.

 2. Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead

I happened to run across this little gem at the Halloween store, and had a minor conniption fit at the $29.99 price tag. I'm sorry, but if you want to dress as Daryl Dixon, you don't need to buy a pre-made costume. Heck, I could put together a feminine version with stuff out of my closet. All you need (male or female) is a brown, green, or white tank top, some old jeans, boots (if you've got them. Dark sneakers would work in a pinch), and, well, a lot of dirt. If you want, you can always mix up a tiny batch of fake blood to smear on your face and body. Now, if you want an ear necklace, you're on your own. (Spirit Halloween does sell one...ew...)

3. Rejected Angel Vessel from Supernatural

This is, by far, the easiest costume. I can't find a decent photo online, but if you're a fan, you know what I'm talking about (and if you're not a fan...A) why not? and B) why would you want a costume from it?). Wear whatever clothing you want. Be comfy. Be cute. Be sexy. Be whatever. It's the makeup that makes this costume. Do your normal makeup, but skip the eyes. Then, use black greasepaint to black-out your eyes, like you would if you were going to put on a superhero mask. Lastly, using either fake blood or, as a last resort, lipstick, add blood dripping from the eyes. Done.

*BONUS: You could add the greasepaint and blood to nostril and mouth areas to go as a fresh walker from this season of The Walking Dead.

4. Ridiculously Photogenic Running Back

This is more for the guys, but ladies can feel free to give it a go. I don't know if you've heard about this viral photo, but it's adorable. A football player for Notre Dame lost his helmet during a recent game, and finished the play before stopping to put it back on. In the short time he was sans chapeau, a photographer snapped this pic that looks like an ad in a catalog. I think it's the little half smile that sends it over the top. Anyway, if you're in a bind and happen to have a football jersey lying around, dab a little greasepaint under the eyes, toussle your hair, and go be your ridiculously photogenic self.

Have a great weekend, guys!

Bombshell 101

I want to be Catwoman when I grow up. Thomas and I found a channel that shows the old Adam West Batman series, and after about two minutes of screen-time, I'd fallen in love with Catwoman. Sure, she's a villain. She purrs lousy puns and disarms superheroes with kittens (really? Kittens? You'd think the "Boy Wonder" could take down a kitty cat, but I digress), but she does so with great style, a smattering of snark, and an abundance of self-confidence. I think it's the latter of the three that I most admire: self-confidence.

You don't have to be the most gorgeous woman on Earth to turn heads. There are actresses who are known for stopping traffic who are not what you would call "classically beautiful". What sets them apart is the confidence they exude. They know themselves, are comfortable with themselves, and that assuredness bursts through from the inside out. They just sparkle. That's why they shine on camera. That's why photographers hound them. That's why men want them and why women want to be them. It's not necessarily that they are beautiful, it's that they feel beautiful.

Another thing: they also know their assets and play them up. You never see Christina Hendricks or Scarlette Johannsen in anything that doesn't show off their amazing curves. Julia Roberts draws attention to her eyes and mega-watt smile. Adorable little Carey Mulligan chopped her hair short to show off her pixie face. Lauren Hutton has made a career off of the gap in her teeth. The list goes on. They know themselves. They know what works for them, and they make the most of it. That's what makes them sexy. That's what makes them stars.

It's not about up-to-there skirts and down-to-there blouses. It's not about showing skin or flirting shamelessly. It's about owning yourself; realizing that you're worth the extra thirty seconds it takes to throw on lipgloss or eyeliner--or not! I know some women who abhor makeup, and are all the more beautiful for it. Catwoman may have been silly, but she owned that silliness and made it look good.

It's not vanity, folks, but confidence that makes a woman breathtaking. No amount of money spent on products, or time spent in front of the mirror can replace that.

What inspired this little lecture? A fascinating article in Elle by "good girl" writer, April Long. She went on a quest to become a bombshell, and learned she'd been one all along. Each of us is, in our own way. The most important step to becoming a bonafide bombshell is not lipstick. It's not the hairstyle. It's confidence. You can read the article here, and I highly recommend it.