Hallowe'en Flashback!

Happy Hallowe'en, my friends! Hallowe'en is a "thing" in Canada, just like in the US. People decorate, kids go trick-or-treating, we decorate the office, there's lots of candy. But the best part of all - for me - is dressing up! (Candy is a close second). 

Prior to starting my blog in 2008, I have dressed up for Hallowe'en nearly every year I can remember (and some I can't!), pretty much since I was born. 

In October 2008 I tanked on Hallowe'en and just wore regular clothes - I just wasn't feeling it. My colleagues complained ("Where is your zombie outfit?"), and I regretted not making an effort. 

I've never missed a year dressing up since, whether it's a spooky-adjacent look or a full-on costume, so trick or treat, kids! Let's have a Flashback at all my previous looks. I've included links to the posts, if you feel like getting more pics of my (and L's) outfits, along with process pictures of some of the more elaborate costumes. 

2009 (original post here)

I wore this to work at my old job, and this is a Hallowe'en-inspired sort of look. My gothy side comes out! 

The black dress/top is a vintage piece (I'm wearing it here for a Film Fest gala) that Yvonne now pulls out for swanky events.

I wore one of my capes under it (I have three!), a crushed velvet hooded cloaklike one I've had since the mid-90s. L bought it for me at a Wiccan shop that used to sell costume pieces - I think it was around $65.00. 

The long leather gloves add a nice vibe, although I bet my arms were cold. 

2010 (original post here)

The following year, I got my creative on, and raided my closet for my Mad Hatter costume. The only thing that wasn't a "found object" was the sticky note in the hat's brim. 

If you have a top hat, you have a costume! I have a vintage 80s one from Le Chateau. 

I have a good 80% of this costume still in my closet. I won my company's costume contest that year! 

2011 (original post here)

I was less than a year into my current job, and had just switched to office management, so I wasn't too sure how dressed up people would be. They were not quite ready for me in Mad Hatter mode!

"Who's there?"

I still ended being one of the only people even close to being in costume. This was the first time wearing my vintage lame (lah-MAY!) dress for Hallowe'en, and it would not be my last. Aw, Vizzini is less than a year old there - he's full of beans and ready to squirm away, I can tell. 

2012 (original post here)

I pulled out all the stops the following year, prompted by a bunch of feather crows in the dollar store. I'm Tippi Hedren in "The Birds" by Alfred Hitchcock (an excellent movie). L took a bunch of pictures of me on our front lawn.

Again using all stuff from my own closet. I did mangle a pair of vintage gloves that I thrifted for a dollar, and shredded a pair of nylons. I worked all day in this (as I did in all of these outfits), and the wired-through feet of the crows were scratchy and annoying. 

I never scrimp on fake blood, heh. I still have that suit and the hat and a bag of crows - I could do this costume again easily. 

2013 (original post here)

Since my newer office had never seen my Mad Hatter outfit, I reprised it and changed it up a bit, with different things underneath it. 

I also played with my make-up more, adding some curlicues and writing. 

That overskirt makes me laugh now - it was my around-the-house skirt in spring and summer for about 4 years. 

I like props with an outfit - it helps make it more authentic. I had an "Drink Me" china teacup under my hat, and an "Eat Me" saucer in my coat pocket, and did a reveal with them to amused friends/coworkers.

L also dresses up for work most years, although this was from the aforementioned Monster Bash. 

He's Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, complete with hair and blood-encrusted walking stick. 

My new and improved make-up. 

Maybe one day I'll repeat this outfit too! As noted, I still have all of the clothes and the odds and ends. 

2014 (original post here)

L and I threw a Hallow'en party this year, and we also wore these outfits to work. It takes a bit of commitment to wear a costume all day; they are often overly warm or get in the way. 

I am Lydia, the bride from the classic Tim Burton movie, "Beetlejuice." I bought a bunch of red vintage nightgowns and an 80s red lace prom dress to make this.

L was Beetlejuice himself, of course. 

He had a vest on with tons of bugs and rubber snakes sewn inside it so that when he opened it, they all bounced out - surprise! 

For the party, I turned the prom dress around to and took off one of the nightgowns.

Sexy version! I've no doubt I kicked the shoes off after an hour so I could dance. 

2015 (original post here)

Another outing of this amazing gown, this time with my black wig and funky Day of the Dead make-up.

As I'm wearing these outfits to work, I also have to factor in make-up time - I don't give myself extra time in the morning to get ready, so all make-up (and often L's too) has to be done in a 20-minute window, in our single bathroom! 

I did a practice run of this make-up a few days before - if you click through on the original post, you'll see my trial-and-error approach to it. 

This was super-easy, mostly using a felt-tip style eyeliner pen. 

2016 (original post here)

I'm a huge fan of the movie "Mad Max: Fury Road" and especially its lead character, Imperator Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron. This is my interpretation of her character.

I had an awesome day, clomping around and glaring at my coworkers in this. They all knew I was like this by then! 

I thrifted the goggles and some odds and ends of strapping, but otherwise everything in this is from my closet. 

Work-tested, cat-approved. 

L's costume was inspired by our favourite boardgame, Arkham Horror, and by the 2016 Presidential Election.

He's a Cultist, promoting Cthulhu for President. We made his sign (see how the staff is his walking stick from the Jekyl/Hyde costume?), and that's my same cape as in the 2009 outfit above. 

2017 (original post here)

My coworker David and I created the Company Red Shirts as a group costume this year, based on the Star Trek universe's meme of characters in red shirts getting killed on missions (because Hallowe'en!). I print and cut out about a hundred paper communicator badges and loads of folks show up in a red shirt and black bottom (or full-on Star Trek cosplay!) and are welcomed by me to Starfleet. 

I bought a ton of faux fur key-charms and vintage ear-muffs and made them into attacking tribbles. 

My sweater had started to pop moth-holes, so I shredded it and covered myself in fake blood. 

I shed tribbles all over the office. Most fun day in the office ever! 

2018 (original post here)

I changed up my Red Shirt outfit the following year as a green-skinned, purple-haired alien. 

My leather skirt and sexy boots are totally office-appropriate! 

I had fun with my make-up. 

I recall I had to use olive oil to get this off! 

L's costume that year was stupendous. He was a Werewolf of London, based on the Warren Zevon song. 

"Egad, is the Man a werewolf?"

We really went to town on his props! He had a take-out menu from Lee Ho Fook's, and served non-alcoholic pina coladas off his desk (with homemade coasters from Trader Vic's), AND he had a few business cards for his tailor. 

2019 (original post here)

Last year, my enthusiasm for the Red Shirts waned, but my boss encouraged me, and my colleagues appreciated it. 

I went with my red suede suit (due a wearing soon!), and did my best "I'm a Starfleet captain, you will obey" glare. 

It was nice to change it up this year and wear my Hallowe'en dress, but I do miss the masses of red-shirted coworkers! Hopefully next year! 

2020 (original post here)

And there it is, my Hallowe'en dress, and since it's 2020, I'm wearing a Hallowe'en mask as well. 

My colleague Gary took these pictures for me. 

Smiling with my eyes! 

Ha, you can see some of my COVID protocols for the office in the background. There's a Desk Guidelines sign, and a desk cleaning supply station. Truly a year for the books. 

Happy Hallowe'en! 

Of Course, the Hallowe'en Dress, and a Danier Flashback

What do I wear to work on the last day before Hallowe'en?

Of course, the Hallowe'en dress! As you can see, it was a very windy day.

• Dress - vintage 60s, thrifted; last worn here in October 2019, exactly a year ago
• Shoes - Chie Mihara, consignment; last seen here in October 2019 with brick and velvet
• Leather jacket - Danier Couture, consignment; last worn here in December 2019 with shiny paisleys

And as you can also see, I have a hat on! I did the stair picture last this morning, and the wind sealed it - I took the hat off. So I really only wore it in these pictures. 

This is a vintage straw hat that I've had for many years. Ah, I identified it here in May 2010 as being acquired in the early 90s, so there you go. I spent some time last night sewing new elastic on it, so that it would stay on my head.

But here's how I actually looked for most of the day. 

I have a black vintage slip on under this, plus my Noa Noa floofy underskirt for extra floofiness. I may have twirled for a couple of my coworkers. 

The lace overlay is a full circle, but the lining is not. 

Jacket on. 

This lovely soft cropped jacket functioned as my outerwear. 

Masked up - my Hallowe'en mask from Lazy Susan's.

I took a close-up in the bathroom. 

Boo! The actual scary part is that I've only had one cup of coffee! The horror! 

Fully done up in outerwear mode. The jacket is a boob-smusher, always has been - we'll be doing a Flashback on it shortly.

I clipped my hair up to keep it from getting tangled in the wind. 

• Fur scarf - thrifted
• Leather/cashmere gloves - Club Monaco, consignment

The stuff: 

Aren't these shoes awesome? I love the two-tone of brown and copper, and the sweet laces...plus ankle straps! My heart, be still! 

Copper bling: 

Some of my copper collection. 

• Leather belt - thrifted
• Copper cuff and earrings - Renoir, vintage 60s, vintage expo
• Copper bracelet - Renoir, vintage 60s, thrifted
• Silver/crystal ring - Soul Flower
• Silver/onyx ring - Toccara, vintage fair

Flashback: Danier Couture Cropped Leather Jacket

I was shocked as I clicked all the links and re-downloaded all the outfits - when did I get this jacket? Surely, it can't have been THAT long ago! But yes, my blog archives are accurate - I bought this jacket here in September 2013! 

I miss My Sister's Closet (not to be confused with the thrift store of the same name in Vancouver), which was one of the best consignment stores in Victoria. I often found amazing pieces for very reasonable prices, although the $58.98 I paid for this didn't seem cheap at the time. 

The jacket is by Danier Couture, a swanky division of Danier Leather, and is made from Italian leather. The finish is a croc stamp and it's butter soft. It's also made in Canada. As I have bought Danier new (this jacket) in the before-times, when they used to have stores, and paid $400 on clearance for my coat (it was $800 new), I knew that Made in Canada = expensive. It's likely that this jacket retailed for around $500 new or more. 

I first wore it in September 2013 - there I go, wearing things right away! - along with two other items I'd bought on the same shopping trip. 

The top and skirt are both now long gone (but I still have the shoes, and I even did a Flashback on them, here!).

I followed that up a month later, in October 2013, with an outfit that I still love. 

This was a pretty staid outfit for an Urbanite at the Art Gallery, but I do love all the ruffles and that hat is so fun (I still have it). Vizzini ate the lacings on those Fluevogs, little monster! 

A work outfit, also in October 2013.

I don't remember seeing this outfit in the Mini QTee Flashback (here), though. Longtime blog readers may remember this skirt - I actually owned it in two sizes before I finally gave it up. 

In November 2013, my friends nominated me for the Unlimited Woman Awards - I didn't win. 

I did get to do a photoshoot, though - this is what I wore. 

I dislike this January 2014 outfit intensely. I'm glad I no longer have anything but the jacket left. 

My Cydwoq black shoes were in my closet a long time. 

An early example of pattern-mixing here in March 2014 is nicely grounded by the simple black leather jacket.

We did a Flashback on the Half Truth Tanya Fluevogs (here) - this was one of my first times wearing them. 

Another March 2014 outfit. Woo, that's a short skirt.

I remember liking this outfit, except for the shoes, which hurt. 

I adored this skirt for years, before the lining finally tore out. 

This was in April 2014. I still have that massive black chain necklace. 

I'd completely forgotten about these Fluevogs from August 2014 - I ordered them online and they hurt my feet, so off they went. 

Those jeans were navy and red striped - I never liked that you couldn't see the stripe in pictures. They became house-pants until I wore them out.

I love this outfit from October 2014. So classy.

I still have the boots and the belt. 

Wearing a new-to-me skirt and shoes from a Vancouver anniversary trip, in April 2015.

Only the jacket still remains. 

This skirt was from the same trip, seen in September 2015.

That fringey top was utter cat-bait. This past year, I finally retired those yellow shoes (they stained when they were in storage). 

This is a classy-looking outfit for work, from December 2015.

I'm a fan of mermaid/tulip skirts - I think they are so feminine and pretty. 

This jungle skirt was a favourite for a few years - this look is from February 2016.

We did a Flashback on the trout shoes here. 

I wore this jacket as my outerwear for our March 2016 trip to Vancouver. 

My travel outfit - L and I in the mirror at the Gastown Fluevog store. We ended up with those pairs.

On the deck of our hotel - oops, I missed this outfit in my Half Truth Veda shoe Flashback (here).

I still have those houndstooth trousers and am working on getting them to fit again (resist the Hallowe'en candy, Sheila...). 

I love this fit-and-flare outfit, also from March 2016.

I'm a sucker for polka dots. I still have those shoes - they were one of my very first Flashbacks (here). 

This jacket looks great with this blouse - again in March 2016.

You'll recognize my over-the-knee boots (Flashback here). Do you see the kitty hiding? 

Another dotty skirt in June 2016 - I kind of wish I still had one of these dotted skirts. 

There's a shopping goal for me. I still have the teal shoes; they're a fave pair.

This outfit from September 2016 fills me with "meh, although I like seeing Vizzini nosing around in the frame. 

Yeah, that's just...not me anymore. 

We all love the Lady Garden of Delight skirt, seen here in January 2017 (Flashback here). 

I've let those boots go - they hurt my feet (they were very stiff). 

Greetje, this one's for you. This is one of my favourite looks with this jacket, seen in March 2017. 

My polka dot shoes missed a Flashback this past spring, and my Real Designer skirt (Andres Courreges!) will get one at some point this season. 

This was a really fun work outfit from May 2017.

That's my other leather piece by H&M - a black sleeveless peplum top - and my Avon (yes, THAT Avon) scribbly-leopard printed jeans. Those jeans were my around-the-house pants for the past 3 years, and they finally wore out. 

I like this classic outfit too (another one for Greetje), from October 2017.

I've still got everything but the skirt. I know, I know! I can hear you all clamouring - but the skirt was full of holes, and the lining was just shredded. 

I wore this to the theatre with Mom in December 2017, and was freezing (that's a sleeveless thin sweater).

I still have everything here too. The skirt is one I bought pre-blog, and I still have it. It has no stretch, so it's in Clothing Limbo until it fits again. 

My baby blues appear again here in April 2018. 

We'll be seeing this skirt at some point - I like wearing it for brunch. There's a Flashback on the shoes here.

I often wear the jacket as outerwear instead of actually part of the outfit, like in September 2018. 

We saw this outfit twice in Flashbacks: once for the skirt (here); and once for the shoes (here). 

I adore the fall colours in this outfit from November 2018; however the skirt is too snug right now, so it's also in Limbo until it fits again. 

The shoes received a Flashback here. I'll be wearing that mustard blouse at some point this season. 

The baby blue blouse again in March 2019 - I've paired it with this jacket a total of four times. 

That skirt didn't make the cut (it was just okay...and didn't have pockets). 

I wore the jacket over this groovy outfit just for sun protection in April 2019.

The shoes had a Flashback here. 

Here it is in October 2019, with today's shoes. 

The shoes are all that remain - both the skirt and top are now gone. 

And here's the last time I wore it, in December 2019, with one of my favourite shiny skirts.

We'll see that soon at some point!

Mathy stuff: Wow, I am again surprised, as I honestly didn't think I'd worn this jacket that much. I count 33 outfits, including today's, which brings us to a highly-respectable $1.79 per wear. Lots of wear left in it too, so expect to see it again! 

Enjoy your weekend! If you celebrate Hallowe'en (or just eat the candy), be safe and be silly. Thanks so much for stopping by.