Halloween hand-me-downs

By: Paige Melvin

Posted: 10/24/08

Amy Winehouse

Angela Rodriguez, a senior marketing major and lifestyles reporter for The Battalion, is dressing up as Amy Winehouse this year. She likes the costume because it is easy to put together and funny given Winehouse's reputation in the media. Rodriguez likes the chance to play up to the hype and make fun of pop culture. To get this look, tease hair into a bouffant, apply thick black eyeliner, "like a raccoon," throw on a cute dress and heels and carry around a cigarette to bring this pop diva to life in College Station.

Mr. Potato Head

Chad Stoermer, a senior electrical engineering major and graphic artist for The Battalion, will be Mr. Potato Head this Halloween. "I saw some cardboard in a trashcan and it was begging me to create a Mr. Potato Head. So I let nature get the best of me and went to work," Stoermer said. To create the look, take a box cutter and cut shapes into the cardboard and brass pins to hold the cardboard in place. Use duct tape to mold the cardboard. Place the pins to hold the body together. Use the remaining cardboard to make the face and hat. Finally, use red, black and white spray paint to color Mr. Potato Head's parts. If it gets to be last minute, don't panic or flake out on Halloween parties. There is an abundance of Halloween shops that cater to those seeking last minute costumes. If you have an idea for a costume already, check out Goodwill, Salvation Army, Northgate Vintage and other thrift stores for a cheap way to put together your outfit. What really matters is that you celebrated, not what you wore - unless of course, it is a costume contest.

Pippi Longstocking

For a more wholesome look, Meghan Beyer, senior English major and copy editor for The Battalion, recommends the Swedish children's book character Pippi Longstocking. "I love this costume because it gives you a chance to have fun and be comfortable at the same time," Beyer said. "I chose this costume initially because of my long hair, I always like doing things with it. Although it does make walking though doorways slightly difficult." To bring out your younger side, gather a pair of knee-high mismatching socks, a solid colored T-shirt, overall-type skirt, shorts or pants, oversized shoes and straightened wire coat hangers. Straighten the wire hanger and bend it over head like Cupid's arrow. Braid hair around the hanger, and then bend it to your liking. Optional red hairspray or a wig and brown eyeliner-penciled freckles are easy additions to the look.

'Bad' Sandy

"Grease" has an abundance of great costume ideas. Keely Sulak, junior chemical engineering major, is dressing up as "bad" Sandy from the end of the movie. "I like it because it was really easy to put together, and I had all the pieces already," Sulak said. She is using a black fitted tank top or tube top, long black leggings, and black peep-toe heels. To get the 1950s inspired look, curl hair and put on some red lipstick. For the fall weather, just add a black jacket in case it gets cold. This costume is convenient, fun and "is something [you] can feel comfortable in without being sleazy," she said. For the guys, the "international man of mystery" is always a safe plan. Check out the thrift shops for a velvet jacket or suit set, a ruffled shirt and add pointed boots and lots of color splashes with scarves and jewelry. The tackier, the better, and if your teeth don't look like Austin Powers', be thankful! Yeah, baby! To go to the other side of the pop culture spectrum, try dressing up as your favorite rocker or rapper. For a look like Eminem's, use a white ribbed tank top, baggy jeans and sneakers. To really top off the outfit, look indifferent all night, and carry around a microphone.