Happy Halloween

I'm all about using what you already have for a Halloween Costume... 

Happy Halloween Everyone!  For today I "threw" together a Bank Robber costume with primarily pieces that were already in my closet.  Lets discuss: the jeans, t-shirt, sneaks, beanie and tote were items that I already owned.  I made a quick run to target (note to self: do NOT go to Target, Walmart, Party City, etc on Halloween Eve), and purchased a men's black zipper down sweatshirt and finger-less gloves.  The costume section was totally picked over, with barely nothing left for a mask option, so I improvised.  I purchased black decorative gauze.  When I returned home, I folded the gauze to be about 4 layers thick, cut it into a long strip (to fit around my head).  I used bobby pins to hold it in place, took it off and cut simple holes for my eyes.  It worked pretty well, except for the fact that tiny pieces of  gauze keep getting into my eyes.  Oh well.  

Oh, I also made these "dirt" desserts for a party later tonight: chocolate pudding, cool whip, oreos, gummy worms + sandwich cookies.  Easy-peasy, and cute, right?

I had to share this recent outfit with you - doesn't it just scream fall?  I love it!  Have a safe & Happy Halloween evening!  

COSTUME DETAILS 

beanie: Target, $4.99  //  stripe top: Nordstrom $16.00, Target $12.00  //  jeans: TopShop $70
sweatshirt: Target under $20.00  //  kicks: Converse $45.00  //  mask: Party City, $0.99  //  fingerless gloves: Target, under $5.00

Save the Date

If you remember back to this post, my sister is engaged!  She asked me to create her Save the Dates.  Obviously, I obliged.   Why wouldn't I?  I love this kind of stuff.   They wanted something unique; something versatile.  Enter coasters.  I designed a custom image that I had converted into a rubber stamp online.  Then my mom, sister + I stamped some 200 blank, off-white coasters.  And voila!  They're turned out pretty damn sweet, don't you think?  

If you have the resources and are willing to devote the time, "DIY-ing" stuff like this can save tons.  Plus it adds a personal touch, which I love.  Basically, these coasters cost less than $150 (not including postage):
     Stamp:   $45
     Ink Pad:   Less than $10
     Blank Coasters:   $42
     Envelopes for Mailing:   around $40
     Labor & Design:   Free (and priceless)

[Also, Yuengling Light Lager is only 90 calories.  Yum.] 

DIY - Fab Frames

If you love to shop as much as I do, you must also find yourself with tons of shopping bags.  Instead of throwing all the bags into the trash, I decided to try a little DIY project.   I purchased some inexpensive frames (5 frames for $25).  Then, I chose the bags (for this project I went with shopping bags with a neutral/greyscale color palette).   I simply cut the bags to fit within the frames (I even liked to include some of the handles, too).  Then hang + enjoy!