Two years ago, after a pretty traumatic breakup, I was itching for a change.  Luckily for me, it was close to Halloween.  So, rather than actually chop off my hair and altering my appearance, I just tested it out for an evening.  By purchasing a dark, sultry wig, amping up my eye makeup (and slipping into a slutty costume), I literally felt like a whole new woman.  I actually scared myself on multiple occasions when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  Added bonus of looking nothing like myself?  When bumping into shared acquaintances, no one recognized me.  I didn’t have to say the obligatory “hellos” to anyone I didn’t want to (sensing a trend here?).  If you are still searching for a last minute get up, this Cleopatra costume was super easy and the most expensive piece was the wig.  Since I am fair by nature, below is how I went from pale to ka-pow!

xx,

WhyDid

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Like I said, I think people really enjoy holidays like Halloween because it allows them to escape their reality and be someone or something else for a day.  Feeling a need to transport yourself from an everyday mundane pencil pushing 9 to 5 for just one night of fun is one thing.  However, when you start living your life as a self created character on a day to day basis, it’s time to re-evaluate.

There’s a lot of pressure to present yourself in a certain fashion.  Maybe you hang around a fancy pants crew and feel as though you’ve got to keep up with the Joneses.  Or maybe you feign an interest in something that your boyfriend enjoys because you want him to like you more.  Whatever the case may be, you’ve got to get exhausted eventually, no?  Keeping up appearances is not easy… especially when it’s something foreign to you.

Throughout life, we do change.  We change based on experiences, age, and circumstances.  We are shaped by our environment and we learn new things and meet new people.  All of these things are what mold us into who we are.  What you can’t forget is that piece of you that’s always been there.  Your core.  It’s so easy to forget who you and to where you came from with all the noise and garbage out there.  Sometimes we want to forget because it’s a painful place or maybe it’s just embarrassing.  But why should you be embarrassed of what makes you you?  Over the years, I’ve met lots of people from all walks of life.  The people I love most are those with interesting stories and imperfect lives.  They are the people who acknowledge their faults and… embrace them.  It’s endearing to be around someone like that.  Even though your backgrounds might not be exactly the same, you form a camaraderie.  It’s much easier to be yourself around someone who is being his or herself.  That’s what real relationships are made of.

It’s true.  You can be whoever you want.  Just know that eventually being anyone other than yourself will catch up to (a very exhausted) you.  Take a minute and look at yourself in the mirror.  Remember the girl who’s behind the mask.  See all the things that make you beautiful, perfect or not.

So maybe Halloween is more than just one day a year… After all, we’re all wearing masks, aren’t we?

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via SuccessCreations

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This bridal market, dress designers shocked us all by showing wedding dresses in one of the most unexpected of shades.  While we’ve been seeing dresses from seasons past in muted shades of pink, blush, lavender, and even grey, some bridal designers really took the plunge by showing gowns in the inkiest of blacks.  Gasp.  Vera Wang was one who really switched to the dark side by showing nine … count ‘em, nine black wedding gowns.  Her collection was fittingly named Witchcraft… and well, I kind of love it.  Behold:

Pretty glorious, right?  Black isn’t often associated with wedding gowns, but if you think about it, it seems a whole lot more practical (not to mention figure forgiving).  Have you ever seen the bottom of a wedding dress by the end of a wedding reception?  Yuck.  Can’t lie, if I didn’t have a dress already, these bewitching creations might even sway me over to the dark side… much to the chagrin of my mother, of course.

xx,

WhyDid

Photos via Wedding Chicks

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I know there are a lot of you out there who are still scratching your pretty heads wondering, “What the heck am I going to be for Halloween?”  Been there, sister.  Perhaps you don’t feel like spending a ton of cash or you don’t want to be one of 30,000 naughty nurses.  Either way, I may have the costume idea you’ve been searching for.  Last year, I opted for something a bit different.  The costume wasn’t so much a costume as it was a little creative thinking and arts and crafts time.  I had a striped dress.  I had red shoes.  What the costume really needed was a steady hand and some pancake makeup.

That’s right.  I was gonna be a mime.  Um, hello?  A mime is genius.  It prevents you from having to talk to anyone if you don’t feel like it.  Just pantomime yourself in a box and walk away.  Genius if you ask me.

So have I sold you on this costume idea?  Here are three things you will need (and can find easily).  For the face, Google images of mimes and find a big mirror with lots of light and make yourself comfortable.  P.S. I do not recommend drinking wine while applying mime makeup… not that I would have any experience in that.  Hey, worse comes to worst and you can’t get your makeup right?  Draw on a mole, find some candy cigarettes and you’re a sexy French girl.

1. Guess Kaycee Dress, $89, 2. Banana Republic Knit Beret, $24.50, 3. Betsey Johnson Sonya Suede Chunky Pump, $139.95

You can’t see me, but I’m pantomiming my sign off.

xx,

WhyDid

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It seems like every year people are getting more and more into the Halloween spirit.  Maybe I just don’t recall it from when I was little or maybe people are feeling like they need a bit more of an escape and dressing up as someone else for a day does just the trick.  I think it makes everyone feel like they are finally able to get in touch with their inner “dark side.”  We all have one afterall.

xx,

WhyDid

Gloves: Lanvin Crystal Embellished Long Leather Gloves, $1.555

Ring: Alexander McQueen Silver Plated Swarovski Crystal Skull Ring, $405

Corset: Ender Legard Corsetry Ava Stretch Silk Satin Balconette Corset, $720

Boots: Alexander McQueen Lace Up Leather Ankle Boots, $1,580

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