Ye Old Halloween

This Halloween I won't be in the house hiding from kids because I didn't remember to buy candy. This year I'll be participating in a Halloween Party for the Elderly members of a certain South Philly Recreation Center. That's gonna be priceless. And then depending on whether or not we have their party on Friday or Saturday, later that night or the next night I'm going to Dracula's Ball downtown with a bunch of friends.

So we've been costume shopping since September when we found out about the subsequent parties and trying to figure out what to wear. I'd love to be the hard rock/punk version of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I'm talking bustier, tulle, fishnets, red and black hair, and combat boots. The works.

It has to be tasteful of course. But I need to dress it down to wear to the party for the Elderly and play it up to look more sexy and sophisticated for Dracula's Ball.

These are the items I've found that won't break the bank and I can wear them for days other than Halloween.

• I found this tunic at Forever 21. I figured I could put a petticoat under it for drama and volume. and maybe a red plaid shirt on top to dress it down for the Elderly party.

• These items are also available at Forever 21's site:

So...As you can clearly see, Forever 21 has finally stepped up to the plate and has become less cookie-cutter and more independent on people who want to feel unique or they just don't want you to get on a bus and see six people wearing the exact same shirt, jeans, flip flops and hoodie as you. *Coughs* [Sorry Hollister, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, and Abercombie. I love your clothes, they're just not for me.]

I'll update next with Hot Topic.