American Halloween
(Our best attempt at a family photo, with a bit of a nod to American Gothic.)
When I was growing up, Halloween meant last-minute homemade costumes, an hour or two of trick-or-treating after dinner, and that was about it. Now, it seems like the holiday has grown to more epic proportions, and the celebration lasts for weeks, finally ending on October 31st. I’m not one for scary costumes or inflated decorations, and my boys have started to let me know that Halloween at our house isn’t much fun.
In an effort to please my picky little guys, I found a few “creepy” decorations from Victorian Trading Company, and have decorated our house with my regular pumpkin decor and a few ravens thrown in for good measure.
Last Friday night was the fall festival at James’ school, so Ryan and I threw together quick costumes and braved the crowds, carefully guarded by our own Iron Man and Batman, of course. My guys ventured into the haunted house, held in the music room, while I waited outside for them. Then there were carnival games, a few pieces of candy, and a costume contest featuring many, many versions of the Frozen princesses. It was a fun way to spend a Friday evening, and next Friday is the main event itself.
(My vintage-style Halloween costume.)
I drew inspiration from “Bomb Girls,” and channeled Kate with my vintage-style dress from People Tree, paired with socks and oxfords. For fun, I added my peacock headband from Alt Summit, since I never wear it. I had fun dressing up, though most of the other parents weren’t in costume. I don’t get to dress like this every day, so what better time than Halloween to show off my vintage style?
Next Friday night, we’ll march through our neighborhood in search of candy for the boys, then come home and let them eat a few (too many) pieces before they crash into bed. I don’t know if I’ll dress up again, but I had fun and I hope my boys did, too.
How do you celebrate Halloween? Do you dress up every year?
This look is so fitting for you! I love the headwear! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
You guys look great! It’s so funny to see shorts in Halloween costumes — my memories are of picking out costumes that would work with a snowsuit underneath. 😉
Ha! I think it was 88 degrees on Friday. The gym where they held the festival was so hot. 😛
I’m either going as a flamenco dancer ( I work at a thrift shop and that’s the only costume we have that looks to be my size besides the “sexy angel” costume) or just wearing my new Synergy dress with an owl embroidered on it. I like your look and those oxfords are great.
I just read an article about why most Halloween costumes for women are sexy. I love the Synergy pattern with the owl! I don’t think I’ll actually dress up to take my boys trick-or-treating because it will still be too hot.