The Itsy Bitsy Spider

You've probably noticed that I've been putting several ideas for Halloween costumes out there lately. I've compiled a list of trendy costumes for this year and have also come up with ways to incorporate items you may already own (such as cowboy boots and military jackets) into your costume as well (you can also try typing "Halloween" or "costume" into my blog's search engine to see some more DIY costume ideas that I've been suggesting since last Halloween). All of these costume ideas are perfect for Halloween parties and Trick or Treating. But don't worry, I haven't forgotten about those of you who have plans for Halloween that don't involve costumes. Whether your plans for Halloween involve a sleepover with the girls, a night of horror movies, or handing out candy to Trick or Treaters, you can still get into the spirit of Halloween with you wardrobe. Last year, my recommendation for this was a comic book-inspired tee. This year, I'm going to be writing about spider accessories. I'll admit, I do have a fear of spiders myself. However, I came across some spider jewelry on Betsey Johnson's website recently. I actually thought these particular spiders were cute, so I naturally couldn't resist writing an article about this.

Crystal Ring W. Spiders, $55.00, betseyjohnson.com

Miss Muffet Crew, $12.00, shown in black; also available in red kiss, betseyjohnson.com

Spider & Pearl Drop Earrings, $35.00, betseyjohnson.com

Spider Ring W. Rhinestone Heart, $40.00, betseyjohnson.com

Spider W. Rhinestone Heart Studs, $25.00, betseyjohnson.com

Spider Web Hoop Earrings, $45.00, betseyjohnson.com

Spider Web Lace Up Bustier, $69.00, available in sizes XX-Small-Medium, bebe.com

Piper & Blue Juniors' Glitter Spider On Web Tee, $6.49, available in sizes Small-Extra large, kmart.com

Spider Dye Leggings, $19.99, pinkice.com

Wanted Spider in gold, $29.99, available in sizes 5.5, 8, 8.5, 9, and 10, piperlime.com

Wanted Spider in silver, $29.99, available in sizes 7-10, piperlime.com

Black Widow Necklace, $6.99, partycity.com

Jewel Spider Witch Wig, $19.99, partycity.com

Spider Bracelet, $6.99, partycity.com

Spider Earring, $5.99, partycity.com

Spider Ring, $6.99, partycity.com

Spider Web Chocker, $4.99, partycity.com

Spider Wrist Chain, $6.99, partycity.com

Spider Web Tights, $4.00, sears.com

Spiderweb Tight, $28.00, shown in wine; also available in black, freepeople.com

Lucca Couture Spider Dress, $19.99, shown in black; also available in magenta and heather gray, sizees X-Small-Large, urbanoutfitters.com

Spider Pendant Necklace, $8.00, wetseal.com

White Spider Wash Jean, $29.50, available in sizes 0-15, wetseal.com

I hope you liked my creepy crawly finds. Wearing these spider or webbed clothing and accessories will be a perfect way to celebrate Halloween without a costume. You can expect to recieve compliments from everyone from your friends you invite over (or visit) to the trick or treaters you give candy to. If you do decide you want to wear a costume at the last minute, these spider accessories would be great for going as a witch, Elvira, Vampira, or a mummy. Let me know if you have anymore ideas about any kind of non-costume items you can wear. Happy Halloween!

A Military Kind Of Love

When I used to go Trick or Treating as a kid, I remember how I would always be bummed out whenever I had to wear a jacket with my costume (and in New York, it usually is too cold to Trick or Treat outside without a jacket). I would complain about how the jacket clashed with and ruined my entire costume. But what if you can find a jacket that is so stylish it makes you not even worry about your costume? Or better yet, what if you can actually make your jacket part of your costume? While motorcycle jackets are one option for this, Military jackets (also known as marching band jackets or band jackets) are also very in right now. It is also a great way to pay homage to the late Michael Jackson (RIP). I have some great costume ideas for this style of jacket, but take a look at my little jacket finds posted below in the meantime.

Cropped Denim Military Jacket, $39.97, available in sizes S-L, applebottoms.com

Military Button Front Jacket, $58.00, available in sizes XS-L, ardenb.com

Ponte Military Zip Up Jacket, $58.00, available in sizes XS-L, ardenb.com

Military Band Jacket, $34.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Plaid Military Trench Coat, $36.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Dallas Military Blazer, $47.50, available in sizes XS-L, delias.com

Avril Military Bomber, $69.50, available in sizes XS-XL, delias.com

Devin Military Peacoat, $69.50, shown in navy; also available in black, charcoal gray, green, pomegranate, purple, and yellow, sizes XS-2XL, delias.com

Military Double-Breasted Hoodie, $49.50, shown in navy; also available in olive, sizes XS-XL, delias.com

A-Ten-Hut Military Jacket, $24.80, shown in olive; also available in black, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

H81 Military Faux Leather Jacket, $38.90, shown in brown; also available in black and navy, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Military Buttoned Jacket, $37.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Military Sweater Cardigan, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Rianna Military Coat, $29.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Soldierette Button Vest, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Zippered Military Vest, $19.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Troop Military Vest, $24.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Cropped Button Up Jacket, $29.40, shown in blue; also available in black, sizes SM-LG, gojane.com

Jones New York Signature Military-Style Cotton Jacket, $51.75, shown in black; also available in green, sizes Small-Large, lordandtaylor.com

Cap Buttons Jacket, $39.99, shown in champagne; also available in black, sizes S-L, pinkice.com

Embroidered Military Jacket, $29.99, available in sizes S-L, pinkice.com

Military Plaid Bolero, $49.99, shown in blue; also available in red, sizes S-L, pinkice.com

Mossimo Supply Co Juniors Majorette Jacket in black, $39.99, available in sizes Small-XX-Large, target.com

Mossimo Supply Co Majorette Jacket in gray, $39.99, available in sizes Small-XX-Large, target.com

Mossimo Supply Co Juniors Majorette Jacket in purple, $39.99, available in sizes Small-XX-Large, target.com

Mossimo Supply Co Juniors Majorette Jacket in red, $39.99, available in sizes Small-XX-Large, target.com

BDG Military Sweater, $49.99, available in sizes X-Small-Large, urbanoutfitters.com

Silence & Noise Knit Military Jacket, $58.00, shown in black; also available in charcoal and royal blue, sizes X-Small-Large, urbanoutfitters.com

Silence & Noise Marching Band Jacket, $29.99, available in sizes X-Small and Small, urbanoutfitters.com

Band Jacket, $69.50, shown in chocolate cherry; also available in honey wheat, sizes 0-14, victoriassecret.com

Military Denim Jacket, $29.50, available in sizes XS-XL, wetseal.com

Belted Military Jacket, $25.50, available in sizes S-L, wetseal.com

If you're dressing up as a military soldier for Halloween, wear a military jacket with a pair of military pants, some military boots (also known as combat boots), and a military cap. You may also wear a camoflauge pattern if desired. If you're going as a member of a marching band, pair a marching band jacket with some dress pants, a white button down shirt, a pair of sneakers, and a sash. You can also carry a musical instrument (like a flute or french horn) as a prop. To go as a Majorette, wear your band jacket with a pleated skirt and a pair of go-go boots. You can carry a baton as a prop. If you want to go as a horseback rider, wear your jacket with a pair of riding boots, some riding pants, a button down shirt, and a riding helmet. For a Michael Jackson inspired costume, pair your jacket with some paracute pants, fingerless gloves, a fedora hat , and a pair of studded boots . If you want to wear your military jacket on a regular day that isn't Halloween, wear it with some ripped skinny jeans, a pair of over-the-knee boots, and a printed tunic top. If you have any more ideas on how to incorporate jackets into a Halloween costume, let me know.