Halloween DIY Couple Costume: Let’s Play Legos!

Candy is my second favorite part of Halloween. I know, what could possibly be my first favorite part?

But I love Halloween costumes. Love ’em.

I could gladly sit and watch people and guess their costumes (which makes the West Hollywood Costume Carnaval the best place to people watch because people go nuts!) I especially love creative ones that are either DIY or really original. John and I try to do couples costumes and this year on short notice did LEGOs!

Took about two hours to make them and all we needed were the following:

• Large Cardboard boxes
• Plastic red and blue bowls (worked out in our favor since those were the colors we wanted)
• Masking Tape
• Spray Paint

I would definitely get white bowls if you decide to go as other colors and to make the costumes at least a week in advance. We kept smelling the fumes from the spray paint throughout the night. Not unbearable, but not comfortable either.

Some progress pics below:

Cutting out the holes and taping the edges. Then, taping the bowls down and prepping them for their spray paint bath.

We went out to downtown Santa Barbara and it was fun seeing so many costumes. My favorite was an Ace Ventura when he pretended to be a mental patient and another DIY costume–a Loofa! She said it took two hours to put together and there were safety pins everywhere.

All in all, a fun night out. Even with the slight struggle trying to get through crowds as box form.

And just for giggles, some of my favorite costumes from the past few years:

Bacon and Eggs – Halloween 2009

Woody and Jessie – Halloween 2010

I “Loaf” These Shoes

Last week I came home to help celebrate my parents’ birthdays which are only a few days apart. I was also excited to get to LA because I had shoes shipped to that address. I had been looking for the perfect black loafers that didn’t have any studs or extras while still being comfortable and affordable. Sometimes they were just too expensive or the material felt hard and looked cheap.  My good friend Jackie happened to stop by my house a few weeks ago wearing these perfect loafers from Zara. I actually squealed when I saw them.

From the Zara website.

They’re at a great price for under $40 and the outer part is made from velvet. It’s got the basic classic design, and the velvet makes it feel like they should have cost more. They take some time to break in, but it’s a great addition for a Fall wardrobe with a little bit of edge as ballet flats can feel a bit girly at times.

Right out of the box. I love getting stuff in the mail. (Plus, free shipping!)

Outside our doorway next to our mini pumpkin patch.

Taking them out to enjoy some Fall foliage.

Over the Moon for Maroon

I’ve been kind of on a bag kick the last few months, but my color range is pretty basic (read-black). Personally, I could never buy a bag with print or too much color because I tend to shy away from anything loud. It’s only been recently that I’ve even allowed pink and green in my general wardrobe. I know, shocking. And when it comes to bags, it’s hard for me to justify spending a lot of money on something that will color clash.

Oh, but how sweet that this season’s go-to hue seems to be in the dark red family. Everywhere I look it’s burgundies, deep wines and reds, and maroon which is a great color range for Fall and yet still allows for a pop of color when you’re swamped in sweaters and scarves which I will be because I think 70 degrees is freezing—I went to bed with three blankets last night!

Below are some that have caught my eye that won’t break the bank and some that will make your wallet cry, but at least they’re pretty to look at. I actually just saw the Zara one last weekend but well…it’s big. My sister could fit in it.

1. Dorothy Perkins – Red Zig Zag Bag $79

2. Mod Cloth – Ask For The Maroon Bag $69

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Thunderdome Solid Leather Travel Doctor $498

4. Mulberry – Bayswater Black Forest Soft Matte $1350

5. Zara – Burgundy Plaited Shopper $159

6. Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel $1995

Let’s Boot Up

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of black boots for Fall. After some extensive online (and window) shopping, it seems I’m partial to a cross between a flat boot and a riding boot.

Madewell – The Archive Boot

I saw these in the window while shopping in Pasadena looking for loafers. The leather looked so soft but the shape kept up well. This season I’m looking for a boot with a little more structure that doesn’t slouch, but still gives room in the calf. The two big problems I run into when buying boots is that they  don’t  have enough room in the back which makes them hard to fit and the design of the boot isn’t rigid enough that it starts to give and bunch at the ankle. These Madewell boots seem to solve both problems as the leather has give and the inherent nature of riding boots requires it to be freestanding and not to limp and fall over.

DSW Sofft Claremont Riding Boot

These seem to be similar, but also quite high. I like the little buckle detail in the back as well. Unlike the Madewell ones, instead of small “bootstraps” on the ends, a higher front can be used to pull this up. They’re also under $100 and living in Southern California, a wiser investment.

Enzo Angiolini – Zarynn Riding Boot

I love how you can barely tell there’s a heel! I bet these Enzo Angiolini boots would be so comfortable. And again, the double buckle detail is great because it’s simple and not flashy. Also at a great price for about $120.

Coach Martta Boot

I think, like the Madewell ones, this Coach boot marries the best of the flat boot and riding boot qualities. It’s got obvious pull-tabs, a low heel, and simple but interesting structure thanks to the gold buckles on the side. It’s definitely a bit more in terms of cost, but they have a great classic look that can be used season after season.

The beginning of October seems to be the best time to just pull the trigger on a pair so come March or whenever the weather gets warmer, you really have put some mileage on them. Decisions, decisions. Though, I should probably make one soon as thunderstorms are starting to roll over California. Oh, the delicate temperature of west coasters.