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Going Gaga for Halloween at Goodwill!
When it comes to creativity with their outfits, there is no star that shines brighter than that of Lady Gaga. Surprise is the order of the day from the lady that has emerged from an enormous egg, worn a dress made from meat, and has no problem with all sorts of goofy headwear. She was made to be emulated for the one a year “freak fest” that is Halloween.
While not exactly scary, she is always edgy. That’s why I decided to try my hand at making a couture looking costume that actually could be taken for something she would wear! I also did not want it to be overly sexy, as there is enough of that thank you, on Halloween.
So…how to start? I went to the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near me, and looked for a blonde wig. I scored one for $6.99. Next, I just wandered the isles until I found a long, metallic, sleeveless dress that reminded me of armor. I quickly grabbed it because it was only $12.99 and perfect. In the ladies bin I found a brand new waist cincher in black for $2.99—now I was starting to feel creative! In the shoe department I scored some patent leather peep toe pumps with interesting metal stud detail on the back that would be perfect for my silver and black theme. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found a wet-look black vinyl zip-up jacket, with detachable hood for $6.99. Last but not least I found an interesting vinyl policeman’s type hat for $4.99, and a black patent clutch purse for $4.99. Now…how would this all come together?
When I looked at the purse more closely, I realized that it was a fold-over clutch that when opened was actually a big rectangle. Instantly I saw it as a tall hat, so all I had to do was remove the zipper and lining. Because of the vinyl, it stood up reliably when placed on the head. The decorative metal rings on the front became the beautiful detail of the hat!
Now I was really cooking! I layered the silver metallic dress with the black corset-cinch, and thought it looked amazing—like they were made to go together!
The jacket was going to be a focal point so I had to make it right! I decided to make a cropped jacket and followed the stitching that was about an inch under the sleeves. The bottom portion of the coat, when turned upside down, became a detachable skirt. I simply thread some black cording through holes I made in the front of the knit waistband and on either side of the zipper. To finish off the raw edges I used simple metal aluminum duct tape. It gave the hemlines of the coat and the skirt a very finished look.
I invited over my friend Cassidy to have her try on the outfit and let me see what it would look like on a real person. To emulate Lady Gaga’s look:
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I powdered her face with a light pink to give it a pale look.
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Then, I glued on huge bat-wing eyelashes to get the look of Gaga’s dramatic eyeliner. Jungle Red lipstick by Francois Nars, completed the makeup.
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Next, I brushed her hair into four equal ponytails and then flattened them into large pin curls and secured them with bobby pins. (You don’t want a lot of bulk under a wig.) I used a knee hi stocking as a wig cap that totally covered her hair before I attempted to put the wig on.
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I decided to braid the wig for a unique look.
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Next, she put on some opaque black tights and the dress.
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Then, I helped with corset and next came the overskirt. It was tightly tied around her waist!
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She then slipped on the jacket and I couldn’t believe how good it all looked!
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The finishing touches were some cheap plastic bangles in silver, and the piece de resistance—the purse/hat!
This could be an award winning costume for sure, and much less costly than renting something. For under $40 we have everything from wig to shoes!
No matter what you wear on Halloween, everyone knows that Goodwill is “Halloween Headquarters” for anyone who wants to be creative, and save money on their costume. Have fun like I did, let your imagination go wild, and send us pictures of what you put together using items from Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you!
askbjorn@goodwillsew.com
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