What really irritates me about the bought costumes

2558 Views 41 Replies 28 Participants Last post by Gothikim, Sep 4, 2009

Dragonomine

Discussion Starter · Sep 3, 2009

For the women they only have gothic, fairy tale and whorish stuff. Um..hello?? Some of us like to be scary and the bloodier the better! I end up having to buy a men's costume and it's too big for me! Very frustrating. No, I don't want to be a nurse or devil with my boobs hanging out all over the place!

1 - 20 of 42 Posts

Tinaspaintedlady

· #2 · Sep 3, 2009

I hear you loud and clear, I also feel that way when I'm looking at clothes in general. I don't like showing all of my stuff!

liuoliveira

· #3 · Sep 3, 2009

Hahahahahaha ..Go to buycostumes.com They a have lot costumes.

Dragonomine

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 3, 2009

liuoliveira said:
Hahahahahaha ..Go to buycostumes.com They a have lot costumes.

Proves my point. High heels are soooo practical at Halloween! So are the ones showing a lot of bare skin in 40 degree weather.

hauntedgraveyard

· #5 · Sep 3, 2009

I like to wear costumes that reveal my clevage (hey if you've got it flaunt it!) and I always wear high heels. This year I will be medusa in a gorgeous teal coloured gown . To each their own I guess!

Frankie's Girl

· #6 · Sep 3, 2009

The revealing ones always bothered me. (I'm fine with the gothic stuff)

I figure it's because the majority of women that do go to costume parties want to dress in something that is either out of character for themselves normally, or that they are wanting to take their usual exposure to the extreme - since maybe they dress borderline revealing in everyday life.

To me, it's just an invitation to have a whole lot of drunken idiots make rude and suggestive comments all night and be constantly adjusting the costume to make sure there isn't something showing that shouldn't be...

Not my idea of fun.

Spats

· #7 · Sep 3, 2009

This is one of the main reasons I'm surprised we don't see more costume design in the Haunt groups.

Selection tends to appeal to the masses, the lowest common denominator, otherwise the costume companies lose serious cash. Those not wanting to wear a packaged costume either have to come up with their own or rent, and while rental costume houses can be really cool, they will eat your cash like cheesecake.

With a simple sewing machine, a hot glue gun, fabric paint and the know-how to attach buttons, a lot of costuming can be done at home. That way, you can use costume suppliers for complimentary items, like wigs, hats, shoes, props, makeup and prosthetics.

I'm a married man who mows the lawn and goes to the office every day, so if I can learn to sew and use patterns, anyone can. I have a hunch some haunters have way too much on their plate as it is, and they're leery of learning another craft.

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theworstwitch

· #8 · Sep 3, 2009

Hear hear!

Costume retailers fail to realize that some of us spend Halloween outside all night in the biting cold, and bikinis just don't cut it! A costume can be feminine but needs to be pratical for moving around in the dark! (So no high heels!)

HDawesome

· #9 · Sep 3, 2009

From a guys perspective, I love those costumes .. one of the highlights every year for me. However I can see some of yous points, most chicks I know that want to shy away from the heavy Cleavage "Whorey" outfits normally have to make their own.

Halloween, I suppose, is an excuse for some people to express their exhibitionist side and still have it be socially acceptable (for the night anyhows)

Muffy

· #10 · Sep 3, 2009

I like what you said there Spats about being a mowin kind of guy who goes to work everyday & you can learn to sew.

I always talk about my hubby, he was in the operating room for 17 yrs. sewing people back up, so last year he sewed by hand for me & this year I turned him loose on my Grandma's old singer machine. His Dad was a sewing machine tech person, not only fixed commercial machines but did upholstery work. He fixed the singer & hubby has been sewing ever since. He's working on my monks cloaks.

I can't believe what a great job he did on them!

BevAnn

· #11 · Sep 3, 2009

I paid good money for 'em, so darn right I'm gonna show 'em!! LOL

no, I completely understand your point - in my case, our big party is a kid/adult party - well no parent wants to drop their 14 yr old son off and see the ghostess with her girls all hanging out and a mini skirt on, with fishnet hose and hooker boots! LOL

Our party is outside at night, so yeah, cold, moist ground that heels sink into and running around after 40+ kids in that attire is just not practicle. In fact, this year I am going as a witch, and can not find anything I like, or would wear. Guess I'll have to make my own, and Spats, as for sewing - I spent an HOUR last weekend, trying to THREAD the damn sewing machine!! I am so not good at sewing! LOL

Frankie's Girl

· #12 · Sep 3, 2009

Spats said:
This is one of the main reasons I'm surprised we don't see more costume design in the Haunt groups.

Selection tends to appeal to the masses, the lowest common denominator, otherwise the costume companies lose serious cash. Those not wanting to wear a packaged costume either have to come up with their own or rent, and while rental costume houses can be really cool, they will eat your cash like cheesecake.

With a simple sewing machine, a hot glue gun, fabric paint and the know-how to attach buttons, a lot of costuming can be done at home. That way, you can use costume suppliers for complimentary items, like wigs, hats, shoes, props, makeup and prosthetics.

I'm a married man who mows the lawn and goes to the office every day, so if I can learn to sew and use patterns, anyone can. I have a hunch some haunters have way too much on their plate as it is, and they're leery of learning another craft.

I learned how to sew in college - the theater costume shop! I spend so much time working on props and the like, I NEVER seem to have time to make a costume. How sad is that?

That's what really bugs me about the readymade costumes for women... by the time I'm thinking about costumes, I'm stuck with trying to find something that doesn't include "slutty" in the title or try to come up with something FAST on my own and it always makes me frustrated either way.

HallowSusieBoo

· #13 · Sep 3, 2009

And another thing....!*!

To top it off -- they cost an arm and a leg!! (all puns intended!

) So there! Take that! And another thing ---- BOO!

hauntedgraveyard

· #14 · Sep 3, 2009

For years I have sewn costumes (halloween and for Mas costumes for Caribana), so I know how much work is involved. Most people don't have the skills or time or inclination to make their own. My Mum even made my costumes as a kid.

In the past few years there have been costumes of better quality on the market, and yes they are expensive ($100+). Often a good alternative is to go to a thrift shop to pick up bits and pieces to suppliment a costume as well. There are lots of creative things you can do! Why buy a zombie costume, when you can rip up old clothes? I made my son a mummy costume from ripped up fabric that I soaked in tea bags. Cheap and easy. Want to be a princess? Go to Value village and buy and old prom dress.

My sons wanted real horror make up done, so we went to the theatrical supply and got a basic set of things to get them started. I then went to the discount stores to get some cheapo make up bits that look ok (hey it is good for a night!) to complete their faces. Most 'horror' type costumes are the most easily made at home. As spats said, buy the wig and prosthetics etc. You will have a great costume!

I have my "tickle trunk" of costumes and make up (for those who remember Mr. Dressup!), which gets used by all members of the family.

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mysterymaiden

· #15 · Sep 3, 2009

Haha I live in Canada. Try fitting a snow suit under those costumes to take the kids trick or treating! Sexy nurse loses its effect when you're wearing boarding pants instead of fish net stockings!

Spats

· #16 · Sep 3, 2009

"I spent an HOUR last weekend, trying to THREAD the damn sewing machine!! I am so not good at sewing! LOL "

Been there, Bev. That's a moment of real manhood for me, bent over a sewing machine, squinting in the little light over the track, wide-eyed and tongue sticking out like a bulldog with brain damage, making irritated monkey grunts trying to thread a sewing machine.
I make up for these moments by eating large amounts of beef while watching violent films.

"I learned how to sew in college - the theater costume shop! I spend so much time working on props and the like, I NEVER seem to have time to make a costume. How sad is that?

That's what really bugs me about the readymade costumes for women... by the time I'm thinking about costumes, I'm stuck with trying to find something that doesn't include "slutty" in the title or try to come up with something FAST on my own and it always makes me frustrated either way. "

Frankie's Girl, I know. I figured a lot of folks hated the crunch time. I do, too. Someone mentioned a solution once. They said no one wants to make the big messy props in the heat of summer. So make the big props in winter, and do the costuming and the crafts in the summer. I try to follow that advice, but every year, like most other haunters, I run out of time.
__________________

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Dragonomine

Discussion Starter · #17 · Sep 3, 2009

Spats said:
This is one of the main reasons I'm surprised we don't see more costume design in the Haunt groups.

Selection tends to appeal to the masses, the lowest common denominator, otherwise the costume companies lose serious cash. Those not wanting to wear a packaged costume either have to come up with their own or rent, and while rental costume houses can be really cool, they will eat your cash like cheesecake.

With a simple sewing machine, a hot glue gun, fabric paint and the know-how to attach buttons, a lot of costuming can be done at home. That way, you can use costume suppliers for complimentary items, like wigs, hats, shoes, props, makeup and prosthetics.

I'm a married man who mows the lawn and goes to the office every day, so if I can learn to sew and use patterns, anyone can. I have a hunch some haunters have way too much on their plate as it is, and they're leery of learning another craft.

I agree! Most of the time I usually end up making my own costume. Thank goodness I have a sewing machine and serger! And as for wanting to flaunt my boobs, they're 34DD so I could wear (and am wearing now) a baggy tshirt and I still can't hide them too well. Plus I really hate drunken men ogling after me at bars and parties. I'd rather be with my girlfriends and have a good time!

Dragonomine

Discussion Starter · #18 · Sep 3, 2009

Oh! And as for threading the sewing machine needle, try tweezers to hold the thread and a magnifying glass. That's how I do it!!

moonstarling61

· #19 · Sep 3, 2009

I agree with the costumes sold being slutty..There are ways to be sexy without saying "look @ ME!!!!!!!!!". Makes it worse if you have a large chest to begin with.

Back when my kids were smaller I had combined Halloween/birthday parties for them (oct 26th& 29th).. running around after kids in HEELS and revealing costumes with parents in & out, not happening.. I finally settled for a VERY covered up pirate wench outfit LOL, wore FLAT boots with it for years.

We also dress up when we take the kids Trick or treating..so walking blocks and blocks in heels and going up to the neighbor's door with the girl's "sayin Hello" Not happening

Don't have a problem with the cold, I am in Florida...

I LOVE my sewing machine. Most of the work I do on it is Native American Regalia, my daughter is an Ambassador, and dances. I hardly ever use a pattern when I sew

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heavymetalmama

· #20 · Sep 3, 2009

I was just complaining about this to my husband the other day. Sexy nurse, sexy policewoman, sexy firewoman...blah, blah, blah. The part that bugs me the most is that the little girls' costumes are trending toward the same exact thing.

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