Halloween Costumes Again & Your Own Twist Link Up #25
Monica and I are back for the third year in a row with our Halloween costumes for Your Own Twist. We kicked off this fun little monthly collaboration in October of 2018 with our Fashion Icon Halloween costumes. Last year, we both styled outfits around our giant unicorn heads and this year we decided to keep it a bit simpler and we each donned colorful wigs and cosplay inspired outfits.
Your Own Twist is a link up collaboration between me and Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart. On the third Thursday of every month, we will host the Your Own Twist Link Up with the goal of inspiring some of our fashionista friends out there. The idea behind this collaboration is to take one common piece or theme and style it our own way with our own twist.
Monica and I have both taken a lot of fashion inspiration from one another over the past few years even though we have totally different styles. It is always fun to see how we can interpret similar items in unique ways. We will let you know the themes well in advance in the event that you would like to use the theme for your own post and add it to the link party. However, any fashion posts are welcome regardless of whether you used the theme or not. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the party link.
*This is not a sponsored post. However, I am a Dresslily affiliate so any purchases made through my website will generate a small commission for me with no extra charge to you. For more details on affiliate programs, please visit my Disclosures page.
After September’s cosplay theme, I had so many ideas for Halloween costumes that I could create from things in my closet. I was thinking I might like to dress as Morticia or Wednesday Addams. I do love the styles of both. I had also considered Wonder Woman or some anime character, but then I ordered this red and black cosplay wig from Dresslily just for the heck of it. I wanted to try bright red hair and I never really wore a wig before. I also ordered this skull print dress because it coordinated perfectly with the wig.
And then I stuck with the black and white and red color palette adding red tights, white booties, a black velvet bag (recently thrifted), and my furry black and white star print coat. Halloween in Northern New York usually requires a coat so it is best if you can incorporate your outerwear into your costume so you don’t lose the whole look under a coat. Adding layers beneath your costume just adds a bit too much bulk where I don’t need it!
Of course, I had to include the kiddos in this spooky photoshoot. When I was placing my Dresslily order, Archie was really digging this bloody hoodie and since my 9 year old wears an adult men’s size medium, I was able to add this silly number to my cart for him. Actually we ended up ordering him a men’s large just so he could a few Halloweens’ wear out of it.
Nothing new for Ralphie this time, but he grabbed his favorite skeleton tee shirt to join us for the photos. You know, when I can get these kids on board with me for photographs we have a ton of fun! Until Ralph slid down the slope covered in pine needles and scraped up his hand. And while my kids are all about the blood and gore for spooky things, as soon as they see even the tiniest droplet of their own blood, it suddenly becomes like a real life horror show. Oh the screaming! Like someone just lopped off his limb with a rusty axe!
Every year when we have done photos for Halloween, I have wanted to take them in a cemetery. But then I felt like maybe that is super disrespectful. I did a tiny bit if research on the topic and what I found was if you do it respectfully, you shouldn’t get too much backlash. So what does that mean…respectful cemetery photos?
Basically, don’t walk, stand, sit, or pose on tombstones or grave markers. Be quiet and courteous while you are there. And preferably, take the photos when no one is around. If someone is visiting a grave site at the cemetery, it is probably best not to interrupt their purpose by snapping photos.
Before we even exited the car at the cemetery, we had a serious and somewhat stern discussion with the children about being respectful and why it is important in a place like a cemetery. They were instructed to walk only on the paths, to keep their voices quiet and calm, and absolutely no goofing off! Thankfully, they adhered to these few simple rules and we completed the entire photo shoot in about 15 minutes.
What are your thoughts about using a cemetery as a backdrop for photographs? Do you celebrate Halloween? What kind of fun things do you have planned this year?
Before we get to the link party, I just wanted to share a few photos of this outfit without the wig. They show how you can wear this dress for a festive Halloween or Gothic look without making it a costume. Archie says the graphic on this dress reminds him of The Grateful Dead, so I could always style this dress from that angle as well.
I know I had mentioned sharing photographs of our front porch Halloween decorations, but I am going to reserve that for a separate post this weekend. It’s nothing grand, but we sure had a blast doing it. Stay tuned! In the meantime, do stop by tomorrow for The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book featuring Camouflage!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Link Parties.
Shop my look…
Outfit Details: Dress, Wig, and Archie’s Hoodie-c/o Dresslily / Coat-Pop Sugar (Kohl’s) / Tights-Sock Dreams / Boots-Forever 21 / Gloves-Target / Velvet Purse-Thrifted / Necklace and Earrings-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
46 Comments
Suzy
This is so much fun, Shelbee! I love the outfit, and the red wig is brilliant. However, you do look so much more beautiful with your naturally dark hair <3
Your kids are adorable! Your eldest is the spitting image of you.
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzy, thanks so much! The red wig was super fun to wear but I honestly think it makes me look like a drag queen! Ha. I do prefer my black hair to any other color that I have ever tried! You are one of the few people who sees Archie’s resemblance to me. I definitely see it, but most people think both boys look like my husband. Sending huge hugs right on back to you, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
LOL You don’t look like a drag queen!!!!!!!!!!
OMG I can’t believe people don’t see the resemblance between you and Archie! You’re both adorable 😀
Suzy xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hahaha, thanks, Suzy! I see my younger brother in Archie all the time! But my brother and I really do look alike. He looks like me with no hair!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
LOL younger brother or older?
I have a younger brother with no hair too!! I miss him so much…. he lives in England so I only get to see him once a year 🙁
Suzy xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
My brother is 9 years younger than me. He lives in Texas and I haven’t even spoken to him in about 9 years. Oh well.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
Oh that sucks, Shelbee. But I know all about families :/
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
‘Tis true! We can’t pick our families, so we do what we must for a peaceful existence!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Love your costume! I probably won’t dress up this year. I don’t even know if I’ll be passing out candy.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jennifer! Our trick or treat night as been canceled so we will just be having a few friends over for a spooky little celebration.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
That dress is so fun!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
What a fun costume! I especially love your hair.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I had fun with this one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking so very lovely. Love it. Very nice. I have dressed up once in the 35 years and it went badly. Love how the kiddos jumped in at the end. Great costume. Thanks for sharing it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! I never used to celebrate at all on Halloween or get dressed up. Maybe a few times in my younger days. But now with the boys loving Halloween so much, I embrace it for all of its silliness!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
What a fun Halloween outfit! And so awesome that Archie and Ralphie joined in the fun. I like your cemetery back drop! While I respect people’s feelings regarding cemeteries being the resting place of their deceased loved ones, I honestly don’t relate to it. My father died unexpectedly in front of my mom and me. It becomes immediately clear when the person who inhabited the body is gone. He was cremated and his ashes dispersed without ceremony. Anyway, I didn’t mean to get so dark. Ugh!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! And no worries on the darkness. Actually, I feel quite the same way especially after sitting at the bedsides of my parents as they took their final breaths. It definitely changes your perspective. And while both are buried in a cemetery because that is what they wanted, I literally have never visited their grave sites. That is just not where they are. But yes, I still want to respect cemeteries for those who find peace and connection there.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Somehow, I knew you would understand. My maternal grandparents were buried as that was according to their wishes, but like you, I’ve never been back to their graves. My paternal grandparents were cremated and then buried. Their burial had more to do with genealogy though. When my grandfather was tracing down the family roots (he started before the age of the Internet), he found a lot of information in cemeteries of all things!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I do love really old cemeteries and the history you can find in them. I used to love to take long walks through cemeteries and read the old stones. One time I found the grave of a Civil War soldier in an old cemetery in my home town. I don’t know what compelled me to research him, but I now have a book about his entire family genealogy because of it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Oh! And where do you buy your tights? I may need some this winter….
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I get most of them from Sock Dreams. Of course, the indestructible Sheertex ones are great and if you only need one or two pairs, totally worth the investment. Amazon has decent ones, too. Some funkier ones that I have, I scooped up on clearance at Target over the years. I hope that helps!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Thanks! 😀
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
You are welcome!
Jacqui Berry
Fun times for you and the boys! I’m not sure what the grand-kids will be able to do this year, but we will make it special Love that wig too, what good quality. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! We are probably only inviting a friend or two to the house for some Halloween festivities. Nothing more than that and I am okay with it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
You always take the best shots!! Love love this colour pallette on you! And you will be the hottest cuti out there Halloween or not! And I love that you picked the perfect place for pics. Love it! xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lucy, thanks so much! Black, white, and red is one of all time favorite color combinations to wear. And I think I will just be the hottest cutie in my house on Halloween! No plans here except some good ole fashioned at home Halloween fun with my boys.
xoxo
Shelbee
Debbie O
Love the wig! Looks really good on you. The outfit is really nice with the red tights and white shoes.
Question, who is Allen?
(Hint, look at the head stones in the last four pictures, CALL ALLEN CALL ALLEN!)
Spooky!
Love
Debbie O
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Debbie! OMG, I just looked at the last four pictures and started laughing so hard! So silly! Call Allen Call Allen! Hahaha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Christensen
You definitely have the the Harley Quinn thing going on with that costume, Shelbee. You look fabulous and like you could very easily get into some mischief! – Amy
https://stylingrannymama.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Amy! I have never done a Harley Quinn outfit, but I agree the wig definitely takes it in that direction! And yes, I can definitely create mischief when the mood strikes! Haha
xoxo
Shelbee
Rika
Nice post!
Such an inspiration, i love how you style them 🙂
Love,
R- 2020 Summer Bag Trend
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rika! Have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
What a gorgeous cemetery! We love to visit very old ones and this one looks very old. Love the wig!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I love looking at old gravestones in old cemeteries. It is so fascinating and it makes me want to know more. My favorite is when I find the graves of Civil War soldiers and things like that. It gets me researching who these people were. Is that weird?
xoxo
Shelbee
Tianna
such fun spooky fashion looks!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tianna! I hope you are well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
Such a fun costume! I love the red wig too – I’ve always fancied getting a wig or two. That cemetery is huge…even the graves are socially distanced! Ours are much smalled and cramped here – they’re packed in like sardines!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Emma! The wig was fun but it was super uncomfortable! I started getting all itchy from it. I guess that’s cheap synthetic materials for you! And how interesting the difference in cemeteries. I know there are certain places where cemeteries get very cramped. I just never knew that England was one of those places. This is one reason I do not want to be buried in the ground. It is kind of a weird concept to me! That might be a discussion for a blog post….to be buried or not? Haha. Kind of morbid! Have a fabulous day, my friend…minus my trip down macabre lane!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
I was walking in the cemetery today remembering when I did a shoot there a couple of years ago. I may do one again for the Style Not Age challenge- gothic romance!
That wig is great, it really suits you ! You always make a Halloween outfit look sexy.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gail, thanks so much! I love cemeteries for photo back drops. They are always so pretty and so peaceful. It will make a fabulous background for a gothic romance look!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
Loved this post, Shelbee!! I saw WonderWoman all the way! Such a fun and creative costume. The boys are so cute in their choices!! My son quickly went with anything bloody when he turned 6, so that sweatshirt would have been a big winner! Lol! “Respectful Cemetary photo” etiquette totally cracked me up!! I learn so many interesting things from you, my friend. Enjoy all your holiday prep!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Darlene, thank you so much! Oh my boys are really something else when it comes to all things macabre! The gorier, the bloodier, the better, according to them! And seriously, I have been wanting to do a cemetery photoshoot for such a long time but was so afraid of not practicing proper etiquette…because there is no etiquette book on cemetery photoshoots! Haha. I have to make up my own rules. But I guess that is no different than how I live my life in general…making up my own rules! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara Chapman
Shelbee, what a fun trip to the cemetery!!! I do like visiting cemeteries; they are historic, beautiful with lovely statues (my favorite) and the love of families. I have photographed the IOOF cemetery here in town and it’s a lovely place. No one bothered me and I just shot a few atmosphere and statue pics.
Glad you linked up the other week so I could feature your fun outfit this week at Share Your Style #279. <3 Glad the boys had fun, too! Charles and I our first Halloween after we married, I dressed for work that day in one of his USMC khakis and Charles made me up in camo paint. It was great!!! All the military men who came in that day (REI, 1987) loved my "outfit" and that night… We both were dressed, camo paint, and we snuck out of the bushes at his parents' home… And scared the crap out of grown men!!! It was great!!! All you could see were our teeth and eyes, when they were open… 😉
Thought you'd like that story,
Happy fall,
Barb 🙂
p.s. Beginning to feel better, thank you. <3
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Barb, thanks so much for your lovely comment and for sharing that fun Halloween story! I am so glad to hear that you are on the mend and feeling a bit better. Your story reminded me of Archie’s first Halloween. He had to wear an orthotic helmet at the time and it was a camouflage one so we got him a fighter pilot jumpsuit. So cute. Then I dressed in Jeff’s Army uniform and Jeff wore one of my dresses! We had to stop at the store on the way to a party and I went in wearing my way too big uniform. People kept stopping me and thanking me for my service! Thanks again for the feature as well!
xoxo
Shelbee