Costume Lineup

I get very excited about the idea of trying on Halloween costumes, but I always end up underwhelmed by the experience. The costumes are often cheaply made (especially given their cost), photographed with lots of unincluded accessories (honestly, I think 95% of the "sexualization" of Halloween costumes comes from the fishnet tights and high heels used in the product photography, which aren't even part of the costumes!), and the fitting booths (always makeshift, with cardboard walls, not like real fitting rooms) leave much to be desired, with dark lighting (it's impossible to take a good picture of a black costume against black walls and curtains - and black is a popular Halloween color!), ill-positioned mirrors, and never any stools or even hooks to hang your clothes on.

And then there's the costumes themselves, which give you the sense that the manufacturers are playing "how many different patterns can we put on a cheap, spandex unitard?" It's a racket, I tell you. Plus, they're designed in very general sizes - often the dreaded "one size fits most". I like a good sexy Halloween costume, but if you compare the adult and children's versions of a particular costume, the adult version inevitably features ample room for the bust. Now I have nothing against great, heaving bosoms, but I simply can't fill them out, and I wish that "small chest" wasn't associated with modesty (the inverse of the idea that big breasts = oozing sexuality). I just can't seem to win! But, even so, there's no denying the thrill of putting on a costume and playing dress-up for an evening. I guess that's how they get you...

They had a really pretty, pink Aurora dress (Sleeping Beauty), but only one in a large that I figured would be too big for me. I was tempted to try on a Tinkerbell costume, because I like the shorter cut of it, but it's such a vibrant green - I like Ariel's oceanic tones much better.

This tattered ghost costume was actually pretty neat. It was two pieces - a dress, and the hood + sleeves. But like the Ariel dress, the bust sagged noticeably over my flat chest.

A "petticoat dress" for a witch getup. Basically a fancy black tutu. I liked it, but it came up rather shorter than I expected. :-x

This dress was for a fairy costume. I do love fairies. No doubt it would be better with wings. I did really like it, though I don't know that I'd want to pay $30 for it.

Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad version), just for the hell of it, and because that outfit is so hot. This costume definitely did not live up to expectations, however. How can something be so cheap, and yet grossly overpriced at the same time? At this rate, I'm tempted to just put on a Halloween shirt, or find a party that's clothing optional!

Meanwhile, back at home, I have this mermaid costume that I've never worn. It's pretty, and I really like it, but practically speaking, I can't wear it. Can you guess why? :-p