A Leaf In History

Autumn has arrived, though some prefer to call it Fall....

We Fall into various patterns, trends, choices and styles over the course of our existence and in the turn of the seasons. We change, and so do our looks over time. History is amazing. Filled with morals, characters, lessons we either learn or don't learn --- and the LOOKS!

Well, Fall into fashion, fall into the turning of a leaf of History, and Fall into Fall! Speaking of Fall, what are your Halloween, Trick - or Treat, Harvest Festival -- or whatever YOUR community calls this yearly spectacle -- plans? Costumery, here we come! Who are you going to be? What character or concept will you embody for a frollicking night of Fall-ish Fun? Alliteration as a-Lit-eral Word, Language arts and History Major fanatic, I'm falling for Vintage Fashion every time I see it. From Charles dickens -era inspiration, to the fun-loving and Moxie embracing steam punk era top hat accessory fashion pieces, to the roaring '20s inspiration that even made some contributions to Harry Potter and Mary Poppins Fashion inspiration pieces, though NOT ALL completely 100% wholly accurate, I absolutely embrace the process of every seamstress and tailor or personal creative out there - and Fall fashionista's alike. The '20s flapper girl drag dancer, I see you. The steam punk headpiece wearing enthusiast -- I appreciate you. The costume searcher -- I serve you.

And I advise you. Trust me. We all need advice every once in a while.

As a history enthusiast and long - term advisor, I have some easy tips for creating and curating the PERFECT masquerade for your night on the town, and to make your Hallow's Eve Easy - peasy - lemon - squeezie, and as easy as a few snips, cuts, seams, and a heart's beat away from TO DIE FOR (or fall for) Fall and Halloween Inspo looks that ANYONE can make.

Yes, you're going to be seeing (and reading) a lot of puns in here. And no, you cannot excuse the morbid humor during Halloween. It's called for.

By the Ghosts of Halloweens' Past --- oh wait.... no, culture and society that keeps it alive.

(I can't turn a Christmas catchphrase into a Halloween classic coined word piece?) Oops! No one told me, my deepest apologies. I can only say I forewarned you of my enthusiasm for Charles Dickens - inspired timeframe classics, fashion and literature.

Piece of Advice, #1:

For starters, choose something YOU love. Not your great aunt Betsy, or your religious circle's deemed choice of costume preference- uggh. .

YOU. If you're wearing it, you should love it. PERIOD. No exceptions, no questions, buts, ifs, or --- ors.

From here on out, it's a piece of pumpkin spice pie. ... With a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, and homemade whipped cream on top. Fall into the Lazy boy, and relax... You got this. Seriously.

Piece of Advice #2:

There's nothing worse than living up to everyone else's expectations just to please everyone else and feeling miserable inside and like you hate yourself in it --- aside from feeling miserably judged every time you wear something you love.

For that, folkes, --- simply change your inner circle -- and friends you hang with on Hallow's Eve. When you hang around the naysayers and judgmental pricks, endure a sugar HIGH and a people -drag - you- down low - as - you- can go, you simply make it SHALLOW'S EVE. And no one likes Shallow's Eve. No one.

So, don't make it Shallow's Eve. EVER. No one likes Shallow's Eve. Except the Shallow Haters themselves.

The Dark Side is real, folkes.... Seriously. They are the Death Eaters and Voldemort followers of Halloween.

Don't. Do. It. Please! Save yourselves from this destructive MONST(ER)-ROUS-ity! (pun intended).

Piece of advice #3:

Narrow it down to choices. Sometimes plans, weather forecast, a job requesting a personal makeover change, or wardrobe contracts at worksites can make Halloween a challenging event to Handle... and to keep your wildest, freakiest -- or -- sweetest treats and dreams possible. Trust me, I know...

If you're planning on embracing the feminist movement and being Amelia Earhart, and your workplace decides that in order to combat a man causing you issues at your job and following you to work, and you have to change your hair -- or lose the job due to complications and safety issues at work, and you value your ability to financially support yourself, but also wish you had more choices and freedom to fly as you like it (just like Amelia, btw) and you go with dye-ing the hair, you Halloween plans just came crashing down -- unless you have the planned budget in savings and expenditures in the month for a wig to still play the part.

Darn, the heat bill, with the cold chilly air --- oh wait, just the goosebumps making you pay more on your heat and electric bill? Damn, Most Fall themed chilling factors in daily living top ten. Scary, isn't it?

Bummer, though. You really wanted that wig to play the part, but now you have dark, depressing, black as midnight -- or no, was it ravens and crows, like Diana, from Anne of Green Gables. It's okay if he doesn't call you carrots, though. You still have options. Yes, your heart sank like the Titanic and the 6 feet under dead of the past, but honey, it's going to be alright with a back - up plan and some careful re-writing of your script, and redoing of your public image.

Of course, you'll have to deny yourself the urges to splurge on the leather and steampunk corset for that is as 192os vintage feminist inspired, and ABSOLUTELY as LGBTQIAP+ sex positive, and sexy as HELL - let your religious communities take offense? Or die trying?

Oh well.... But your new hair is as dark as wraiths flying high in the wicked, Halloween night sky. So, try to feel your feels, then let go and embrace your new dark side of raven comparable, dark night (or Knight Rupert) fashion. (an ode to classical music, and medieval option looks). You could choose a Merlin costume, and make use of cheap but time consuming chainmail, or opt for a loose shirt, brown leather (or elastic, spandex but nude colored legging, accessory belt and hat with feather and brown leather vest option for a servant role -- with magical abilities to get the chores done faster, and a wickedly rustic and fashionable broom that you can whittle to your Hallow's Eve (or hallowing out for secret compartments to hide your treats?) preference.

A tin milk pail can be used as BOTH a costume AND a treat filler. From milking cows to Milk Chocolate Hershey's candy bar holder, thank you very much. And there, you have it -- merlin's low key as your low new hair color mood.

MOOO-ve on over, naysayers and domestic violence partners of the past.

Or, a Harry Potter character, Snow white, or Maleficent inspired look could do just as well. Maybe even a Darker haired prince charming look could do. Just like the seasons, change with it and go with the flow.

Piece of advice number 4: A modest is Hottest advisory -- but not really? The war will always be waged on us. Oh, well. I have you covered with some advice for dealing with these rule setters.

Sometimes as an adult -- or newly crazed teen in rebellious phase -- I saw some of those in my teen years, but wasn't one. It's hard, I know, though. Sometimes 2 1/4 inches in knee caps only is too much for religious or workplace nuts. As hard, crunchy and walk on egg shells nervewrecking as your Payday candy bar in - your- bucket can be.

Damn- nation.

But not to worry. Well, maybe...but some tips to keep you covered and avoid being fired over having fun. Literally. In the front, and on the literal BUM-mer, itself.

I once knew a friend and former coworker, who needless to say isn't my friend anymore, but dressed as Princess Leia, at the Library for Star Wars week and made an appearance at Halloween. The Turtleneck. I'm talking about the Princess themed look at the awards ceremony thing with her father. not the bikini from the Jabba the Hut scene I hate for very valid reasons. Your tip of the trade is a same color turtleneck, that can conceal -- and not reveal. Boom. Pastor, critics, religious freaks, bosses, narcs, weird perverted ex that keeps trying to make a comeback and is NEVER allowed to see those again... their complaints will be removed like a bomb removes what it hits --- I don't condone bombs or violent war, but just am going with the morbid Halloween themed language here. Not. Happening. Not this year.

And, leggings of the same color. High boots. not an inch of skin. Regal, elegant and as modest as the queen, but rest assured, my friend was single as a Pringle chip fresh from the can -- just like I was, and like our friendship ended -- each of us singly exiting. But still, her boss was pleased with the level of modesty and scrutiny she paid attention to detail of covering every inch. And, miracle: it worked. Pair perfectly with gold jewelry cowl necklace as a belt, OR the spandex lace you can buy at Joann's for a homemade approach over bling.

Other tips from my closet, rather than my former friends': Knee high stockings, pillow case edges as ruffles and layering tactics underneath strapless gowns, with thrift shop purchased but soft and velvety as your Grandma's antique organ bench, that sounds the Phantom of the Opera down from his hiding place himself by its keys... vest overtop of that... So --- if it's a strapless gown, you have a vintage or pilgrim inspired rucching to modestly cover your *Hershey's Kisses* (breasts/cleavage ) or nickname, Halloween candy named appropriately for this article. And, the perfect contrast of a tuxedo jacket top for either that non-binary representation or just flash of fashion for an upgrade (as well as concealer) to any outfit. This can be either sewn in place )and exchanged out with different colors) with snaps, or simply tucked in, underneath the vest or over the turtleneck for a more fashionable edge to a demure and modest workplace attire. Vintage retro, check. Little Bo peep- pantaloons would be a plus in addition, check. OR, a ME before you wardrobe for vintage but eclectic and Hollywood film lovers alike? CHECK. Nail that look, you got this! Louisa Lou/Emilia Clark Lookalike look, check. You have options for modest yet fun looks!

The Homeschooler: ANY dress can work, as long as a t shirt is on underneath. Sometimes you get weird looks by society, and your age guessed wrong, but your boss won't fire you, and when you do school from home, you can't get cast out of the community for any skin showing. So it works for strict work policies, religious communities, square dances that are masquerade/fall themed, AND Teenage Homeschool events. Not society, unless you have a definite 70s hippie vibe, BUT .... no detention at public school, no families rejecting you and shunning by communities that forget the medieval ages and reformation isn't over and live like that year-roudn? Not happening this year.

The Colorful legging - The denim blue with colorful flowers down the side edge to ANY plain skirt, or dress outfit can put a splash of color in it, or a textured tights combo-- my BEST pairings to give a punch to an outfit, while remaining modest have had a cable stitching, or a satin bow/textured pattern in JUST the right place. OR, to save on your budget for a cheap, yet stylish and modest vintage inspired add on, sew a button, or 2 in a vertical pattern, beside a short lace run down strip can turn a modest outfit into a modest yet fashionable delight. at the knee, or mid thigh, below a mini skirt. You might not be popular at school, BUT it will cover any skin that would otherwise show under a mean girls' inspired or catholic school girl costume. Or just avoid conflict with authority and perverts, or dress up an Anne of green gables costume perfectly to time frame authenticity? It's hard in some communities to do anything, I know. Some interpersonal community conflicts almost ruin special occasions but the right accessories can help. Plus, the chilly crisp fall air as crisp as your apples can't bite under all that!

I know, it's still as depressing as it is, and barely warms your ex's ice cold dead heart

Now, to cure that depressing tip with a positive uprising --- like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty from their dead sleep --- a literal walking dead, but far more romantic. Be still my beating heart. Literally.

Time for tip #4:

Anyway.... um... the lips.

I don't wear it as often anymore, but I know a few good tips, to the lips. Thank you, weird perverted sex addict ex- I never thought I'd say that.... and ... Holiday Sales associate Elf makeup tips from BOTH Pinterest boards from the dark ages ago and former coworker expert fashionistas.

For a sexier spin on pop star lookalike makeup, or dark vampire twist with texture...

Start with the dry powder, and lay a dark undertone. Black women know best. Do a burgundy, purple, or black. TRUST. ME. Even a Dark Brown with reddish tones if you're bold. Eye shadow, works every time. get it nice and evenly coated.

Now, switch it up. Do a second color, and BLEND. like you're doing chalk art with chalk pastels and defining shape to the curvature in still life drawing extra curriculars class during dorky summer camps in black and white... or in this case, purple and black. But, do it on 3/4 of your lips, IN THE MIDDLE. Like the Oreos commercial. And then, an over-lay of the original tone, with more color pop over the whole lip. in a Matte Gloss lipstick stick or chap-stick. VAVVOOM.

Then, if you want texture, the lip gloss, or petroleum jelly, OR just lightly wetting lips, with liquid gel of choice, and dip in ANY color of sprinkle or coated sugar/glitter. dots candy toppers, shaped glitters, cookie sprinkles or dyed granulated sugars - can also be achieved with color combo food coloring and plain sugar, and mixing well. It gives a quirky POP to a fashion icon, a vampire outfit, or a red riding hood, or poison ivy costume with an edge. So it stands out, draws attention to needing woken up, and kissed into reality, with added taste pleasure. They'll stay there and eat your lips. According to ex fiancee for a reason number 1. I might never know. I was only brave enought to test it in the mirror. Not on a man. But, as a look, it TOTALLY rocks. Sparkle and shine like a diamond in the rough. You deserve it!

And you'll wake up brand new. If you want a frozen themed color, go with ice blue, and add the snowflake shaped or silver glitter. According to my first fiancee, and porn addict first boyfriend, and how to articles on achieving the look. I chose to do it in the mirror once, then, and then when I made sugar scrubs to see if it would stick the same - for a cocoa or vanilla nutmeg flavored addition, but ended at the mirror like the fairest of them all, inspired photo shoot or a Never been kissed remake starring Drew Barry more and myself. But the look rocks. Literally.

I've had a lot of never been kissed moments. Don't get me started.

For plumper elf and snow white shiny red apple lips: Same tactic as above but think brighter colors. can also do a matte poison ivy but with green and silver, or gold... or queen of hearts. Just ideas for matching to the character. Thank you Goody's and Pinterest for the teaching of the technique and Everra makeup for the follow through in theatre makeup displays.

Use a dark pink mauve or burgundy for the bottom. layer with pink - pastel plum shade of pink. and TOP with a red. rub lips together.... the dark goes on top in this one, opposite of the first tutorial for darker lip contrasts. Then, layer a WHITE, SILVER , or GOLD in the middle, on the bottom lip, over the curviest part of the round bottom lip, but NOT on all the curve, just to highlight it. PERFECT for the heart accent on queen of hearts btw. or

After, do same to top lip center in 3 taps or downward strokes on top lip. Alternate with light pink or contrasting middle color undertone (for example, if with red lip, do red final coat for full lip, middle white or silver, then pink.) red plus white = pink

For maleficent .... do purple, black silver/lavendar. the midtone of the color combo, basically

For Poison Ivy, green, silver OR gold, then a middle green shade.

For the final blending, blend the middle till it has the neutral tone in the center, making the illusion of the plumper lip, THEN add a final touch of the middle tone to give it ultimate sheen.

The concept is a simple mathematic formula of the color combinations and their middle tones, making it easy to remember once you've done it a few times while checking the mirror, but the execution is HARD. like Trigonometry, or Graduating Hogwarts without dying. OR your uncle Omar's teeth that came out in the candy apple. Whichever analogy you want to use . here. So definitely practice, practice, practice -- like Hermione tells Ron to do, to get better at magic. And until it's perfect. Then, kiss the tutorials goodbye, and your prince charming hello, to a new life of makeup bliss.... and rising from the ashes of a dozen witches cauldrons and the Salem witch trials of the 1600s at the stakes. Live your dreams, make them come true, and celebrate Halloween with Butterbeer, friends and Wickedly fun merriment.

Tip #5: A Jazz note of Pizzazz....

For that EXTRA in all of us:

Sometimes, simple with a pop of pizzazz is best. long muslin underlayer to hand sewn gown, plus leather corset with latch hook closure and optional open faced tuxedo unbuttoned vest = Star Wars basic Jedi. Pizzazz pieces make simple pop. Mid-belt sash ties in the look.

Mid-lentgth Edwardian skirt, accessorized with flowy white shirt, for the basic demure look, paired with accent belt, with a red luxury bow, and a red hood for a pizazz to the traditional red riding hood, and more fashionable, but with a taste of vintage olde-fashioned.

The pizzazz pieces transform a look. Add a plaid or other patterned tuxedo vest instead for an Enola Holmes inspired look,

OR pair with colored corset, and colored skirt, black satin or red velvet bow, for a different take on Cinderella inspired looks other than the traditional ballgown, Enola Holmes more classy look, or a pride and prejudice or Gone with the Wind look. (think introduction to evil stepsisters in home clothes, rather than ballgown)

Now, the fun part. A white muslin or satin ballgown, with multiple layers to the bodice and eyelet lace, paired with the right accessory can suit Pride and Prejudice, Maria, from west side Story, a Gone with the Wind or My Fair lady look, or even Mary Poppins. VERSATILE. but depending on what you add... voila... change your character by the night if you have multiple parties and one budget. satin wraparound, and Maria. top midsection corset, Mary Poppins. Choker, and midsection sash paired with vest or parasol umbrella, and Gone with the wind costar Scarlett O'Hara. Shorten, add undergarment petticoat with pop color of contrast.... Maria from West side story... OR Confessions of a shopaholic remake of the bridesmaid dress of the century with rainbow petticoat. but to do this, just use magenta food coloring, and cut it tea length, and sew the other layers underneath for extra Vavvoom. YES, you can hand dye your own textiles for full effect. I've done it successfully for a nightgown before transitioning, but lots of supervision.

Or dye it blue or light green, and cut diagonal triangles, but leave the fluff, and sew remaining angles over top, for a fairy or Tinkerbell approach to things. All things are possible. Same Basic start piece. eyelet lace in layers.

But the pizzazz notes are the addons that transform your basics into a different person or character for the night. steampunk heels, or tights, food dyes or fabric dyes (more expensive than food dyes, but also effective) basic Mary Jane pumps and a choker necklace, but clear with glitter, for Cinderella, or bedazzle a shoe for a fairy look, dye the white fabric, and carry a lantern or gold, silver and green glitter (cheap to buy at dollar tree, mix together -- or buy the nail kits with polish on one end, and glitter on the other and you have tinker bell or a fairy. Pair with long gloves for a more elegant approach. Of any color. It's the pizzazz period piece that changes you. Add a red cloak to the top to make basic red riding hood or vampire, with mid section accessory belt. Or black. Be a witch from Salem witch trials, and steampunk heels, or flats. either would work.

Add a black leather corset, gloves and mid length torso cape for a female sailor inspired look, or shorten the dress, keep bodice, remove skirt and add leather pants for a more masculine approach. ACCESSORIZE. Hook? Leather Boots? You've got this... on a budget.

Long, curly, ringlet hair, flats, pearl necklace, single ring and masquerade mask with minimal silver or gold touches, and white plumy feather = Phantom of the Opera's Christine. So. MANY. OPTIONS!

With one basic, and one to two pizzazz accessories, you can change any look to be anything you desire, and meet the man, the magyck, the tricks or treats of your dreams.

And Bibbidi Boppidi boo... I'm out of here. My job is done. I transformed you with some basic starter tips, and pointers. The rest, my dear... is up to you... and midnight. See what happens. And.. Work. it. The magic. The looks. The friends. The lips. The glamour. The mystique.