DIY Halloween Outfits

You don’t have to buy cheap tat…!

Halloween has become a bit of a thing in recent years whether we like it or not. Shops and supermarkets are currently flooded with costumes (almost all will be made from synthetic fibres) but before you buy one, ask yourself could you knock up something at home?

I gave DIY costuming a go because my daughter asked for a ‘mummy’ costume to wear to a school disco. I raided her wardrobe and picked the lightest clothes possible (white leggings and a light grey t-shirt) and headed to our medicine box to dig out all the crepe bandages. YouTube provided an easy tutorial for me to turn her face into a skeleton, and about 50 safety pins later, we had a costume!

If you’re not feeling creative, or you’re stretched for time, why not also try the charity shops? Every single one I’ve been in recently has had an area dedicated to Halloween and there’s been some seriously good stuff secondhand goods to buy.

So, before you buy some brand new tat, maybe see what you can find secondhand, or already in your house? 

A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for others...

Remember the Swap 'til You Drop fundraising event in July? It was just a-maz-ing for so many reasons. 

The first is that I'm over the moon to say I was finally able to present a cheque last week to our charity for the evening, Labour Behind The Label for the sum of £1500!

Honestly, I never ever thought we would raise that amount but I'm thrilled that we did and I know it will be put to good use. The work LBTL undertakes is incredible as they strive to improve the rights of garment workers right across the world. If you want to know more, including how you could help, please visit www.labourbehindthelabel.org

Aside from raising a huge sum of money, the night was so much more than I could have dreamed of!

Here's what one lovely guest had to say:

"What an evening! I went to Becky's charity evening on my own as my mate couldn't make it. So I put on a smile and left telling the babysitter I would be back by 9. I felt nervous but I thought "hey it's for charity and I might find one nice swap". What I didn't expect was the camaraderie, the giggles and the good natured banter with women I've never met. I bonded with one lady over her new floaty blouse and another over an unexpected trouser suit find and another over her dresses. Women of all ages standing around in their bras chatting. I enjoyed myself so much and came away with 4 items to spruce up my wardrobe. When Becky organised another evening like this, I'll definitely be back!"

I know also that women are now considering upcycling too. Another gorgeous guest wrote to me and said:

"Had to tell you I dyed my faded jeans and threw in 3 tops that were likely to head to recycling. So happy with the results, especially the jeans as had there been a pair in Debenhams I would have bought them. I've caught the upcycling bug".

It was an evening that encouraged us to recycle and repurpose our clothes as well as consider who made those clothes in the first place and it was SO much fun in the simply beautiful surroundings of Leigh Court.

However you played a part in the evening this is my personal thank you to you. I couldn't have done it without you and I'm truly grateful for your heartfelt support.

Here's to the next one...... 

Becky x

Photography courtesy of www.viktoriakuti.com