Celebrate with Kwanza Costumes
Some unacquainted with Kwanza believe that this winter celebration that spans from December 26th to January 1st is a centuries old African custom. While it is based on ancient culture, the official celebration of Kwanza it is actually a new tradition that began in 1966 as a way for the African American and Pan African population to pay tribute to their shared heritage, customs and community. The name Kwanza is take from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits”.
Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith are the “Seven Principles” of Kwanza. During the course of the 7 day celebration, each of these fundamental beliefs is honored by the lighting of candles in a kinara (similar to a menorah). If you are hosting or going to a party during one of the days of Kwanza it would be fitting to dress up in an African costume. This is especially prevalent on the December 31st celebration when a huge feast is served. Wearing traditional African clothing makes a good choice for a Kwanza costume; you will be greeted with love, peace and acceptance.
The indigenous dress of Swahili-speaking countries makes a good choice for a Kwanza costume. Men could dress in the traditional white Kanzu kaftan with a jacket on top while the women (and even men) might wear the Kanga, a colorful cotton garment that is woven in native prints and wrapped around the body. Kente cloth is one commonly seen textile used in African costumes worn and Kwanza. Kente cloth and other textiles used in African costumes are filled with symbolism and myth. Also, historically, each tribe would wear a distinctive pattern of fabric to identify with the tribe, making it easier to spot outsiders. If you want to accessorize your Kwanza costume, a coordinating headpiece is often worn. Simple leather sandals and woven baskets will lend a realistic touch to your African costume.
Holiday Pet Parades
Holiday pet parades are hysterical proof positive that dogs (and some cats) really like to get into the spirit of the season. Or, at least their owners do and they put up with it for a treat! Strolling through streets all over the country, pedigreed pups and mutts alike are showing off their seasonal style in a range of holiday pet costumes. From San Diego to Orlando and New York to Dallas, the style of pet costumes for the winter season is nothing to bark at. The always popular “Santa Paws” is a common sight with a red velvet jacket trimmed in white fur and the matching hat. Dogs that are really willing to put up with a lot can wear little black boots!
Elf hats and reindeer antlers are other holiday pet costumes that make great, quick pet costumes for participating in a pet parade. Picky dogs may be more willing to put up with one costume element, such as a hat, rather than the head-to-paw costume treatment. If you just want to add a little festive touch to your pup, you can buy collar “ruffs” or ruffles in reds and greens trimmed with gold ribbon and jingle bells. We’ve even seen a saddle bag like “pack” to holding toys that was worn over the back of a Labrador Retriever who was setting out to deliver goodies. Even a good, simple winter look for a St. Bernard would be one of the little wooden barrels they wear on their collar.
Probably the most unique pet costume we’ve seen hands-down for the holidays was as simple as it could be, but made quite an impression. The owner had simply taken a bottle of bright green spray-on hair paint and coated his long-haired Wheaton Terrier to look like the Grinch! What a funny holiday pet costume for the grouchy pet!
A Whacked Out Tiger Woods Costume
Oh, we hate to take swings at a guy when he’s down, but it’s just too easy with world-famous golfing icon, Tiger Woods. Ever since news broke in late November that the one-supposed straight-laced golfer, Tiger Woods has been having “multiple transgressions”, he has been taking the brunt of public scrutiny . . . as well as the business end of a golf iron. Whether his wife Elin, did or didn’t have anything to do with his sorry shape at the scene of a single-vehicle car accident, she seems to be completely fed up with the Cheetah . . . . oops, the Tiger.
We just know that Elin and Tiger costumes are going to be a hole-in-one choice for any next dress up event. Mistresses will probably still be coming out of the woodwork by the time Halloween rolls around, so don’t worry about it being passé. If you want to create a completely off-the-hook couple’s costume Tiger and Elin is definitely a top choice. For Elin, who is of Swedish decent, you’ll need a pale blonde wig and pair of pale blue contact lenses unless you come be these recessive genes naturally. Accessorize your Elin costume with some good bling including a big ole door knocker wedding ring and single golf iron. Have you heard why Elin choose the particular club she did, the iron? Because she didn’t like the “driver”? Get it (ha ha) Tiger was the driver of the car!
For philandering Tiger Woods costume, you’ll need to do a little “work” on his latex face mask (although, we bet a new “beat up” one is being made as we write). The regular mask of his mug was made before the golf club fiasco, so you’ll need to use some special effects make up to create contusions, stitched up cuts and knocked out teeth (see the photoshopped inspiration above). For the rest of your tiger costume, you can wear a traditional golfer costume with knickers and a sweater vest or the standard-issue Tiger wear which is usually a pair of dark pants and a performance polo shirt – with the Nike logo of course! If you are going out with a group, get the girls to dress up like the rest of his esteemed harem of hostesses, escorts, and harlots.
Ruby Red Slippers May Be Most Famous Shoes Ever
Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers in the Smithsonian.
If you’ve read the original book authored by L. Frank Baum, you’ll know that the slippers were described as silver. But the movie makers at MGM wanted to show off the new Technicolor technology as show them off as glittering red! According to film history buffs, costumers for the movie made approximately 7 or so pairs of similar-looking shoes for actress Judy Garland to wear along with her Dorothy costume. Today, one of the most viewed pairs of ruby red slippers is on display at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. Several of the pairs of slippers are owned by private collectors and memorabilia preservationists – although one pair of the shoes made to accessorize the Dorothy Wizard of Oz costume is not accounted for and one pair was reported stolen from a Judy Garland exhibition at a Minnesota museum. Wouldn’t these be a surprise to find in your grandmother’s closet!
The pair of ruby slippers owned by the Smithsonian museum was sold in 1970 for $15,000. One of the pairs owned by a private collector switched hands to another private collector in 1988 for a $165,000 and then was resold a little over a decade later for a whopping $666,000. If you are planning to wear a Dorothy costume for your upcoming event, you’ll certainly have to settle for replica slippers! You can find several varieties to go with your Wizard of Oz costume that include a ballet flat style, a low pump style, a Mary Jane style, and even a pair of glittering red covers that slip on right over your own shoes. If you are planning on standing or walking a lot in your Dorothy costume, you may even consider making your own pair by dying a pair of simple white canvas sneakers (like Keds) red and “bejeweling” them with red rhinestones.
Chuy’s Kid’s Giving to Kids Parade – Austin, Texas
Chuy’s is the iconic Tex-Mex restaurant in my home town where everyone goes to get their weekly fix of kitschy décor, margaritas and enchiladas. This dining establishment spreads holiday cheer each year with it’s “Kid’s Giving to Kid’s Parade” that supports the Operation Blue Santa Program. Operation Blue Santa is a charity arm of the Austin Police Department that provides holiday meals and presents to more than 3,500 needy families per year. Typically held in downtown Austin on Thanksgiving weekend, this always anticipated event draws thousands of families who come to watch the elaborate parade floats, hear the festive marching bands, and gawk at the inflatable character balloons. Everyone is invited to bring a new toy to donate to underprivileged children when Santa’s sleigh rolls by.
Anyone who’s ever been to one of the Chuy’s locations knows the joint loves to love Elvis. The velvet paintings of the King of Rock and Roll are always a high note in the restaurant as are the many Elvis-inspired dishes like the yummy potato-chip crusted chicken. So, it wouldn’t be an honest-to-goodness Chuy’s holiday parade without the legend himself showing up on the back of a big-finned convertible! Don’t get all shook up, there is no mistaking the man in his white Thunderbird Elvis costume, gold rimmed glasses and mutton-chop side burns.
Actually, you’ll find plenty of folks dressed up in Elvis costumes and almost everything else you can imagine (as well as some costumes you never could have imagined until you see them!). The city’s motto is, after all, “Keep Austin Weird”! Volunteers dressed up in reindeer antlers or in holiday elf costumes help with crowd control and keep the spectators entertained. We’ve even seen parade participants wearing every type costume you can image, not just holiday costumes such as Christmas trees, candy canes and Victorian Carolers. Happy parade marchers also wear many outfits considered Halloween costumes such as Spiderman costumes, Batman Costumes, Curious George Costumes, Bob the Builder costumes and more! And, why not? The event caters to the kids and reminds them of their favorite playtime toys!
Adorn Your Limbs as a Christmas Tree
Adorn your limbs with tinsel and ornaments this winter season. For a fun holiday costume, you can show up at your next office party or school event dressed up as a giant, evergreen Christmas tree! Your branches will be so lovely sparkling with and friends, family and co-workers just may break out in a round of the traditional German ode, Oh Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum. A perk of traipsing about in a Christmas Tree costume is that folks may spontaneously leave wrapped presents at your feet and will want to join hands and dance around you in Whoville style.
If you are looking to buy a Christmas costume this year, go “green” and slip into an oversized and positively outrageous tree costume – there will be no going under the radar in this winter costume. Most pre-made Christmas Tree costumes are made of durable foam cut in the silhouette of a fir tree; a hole lets your face peek through and a big star is perched on top. For the finishing touch, the shoe covers even look like wrapped up holiday gifts!
For those more creative types, you make your own Christmas Tree costume from holiday supplies glued onto a green sweat suit. Buy some inexpensive tinsel and unbreakable ornaments and attach these all over the shirt and pants; on the top of the hood add a foam star or angel cutout and rub green makeup all over your face. You could even add an actual string of lights that is powered from a little battery box! If you have friends joining you in the holiday celebration, have them dress up as gifts by wrapping up a big cardboard box with pretty paper and a bow; just cut out holes for arms, legs and head. Of course, traditional elf and Santa Claus costumes are always perfect choices to keep your season bright.
Arrrrr You Sexy Like Johnny Depp?
Johnny Depp is bringing sexy back for the second time at the age of 46! This iconoclastic actor, famous for his oddly eccentric roles, has been named The Sexiest Man Alive for the second time by People Magazine . Until now, only George Clooney and Brad Pitt have been name twice to this ultra-exclusive listing of hot guys. First bestowed with the title in 2003, Depp was then known for his unique roles in movies and television shows such as Edward Scissorhands, Cry Baby, and 21 Jump Street .
Since then, Depp has gone on to create many more memorable characters such as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. A Jack Sparrow costume makes a swashbuckling choice for any guy who wants to dress up like one cool pirate dude. Dressed in a leather vest, billowy linen shirt and looted baubles, Jack Sparrow is most known for his elaborate dreadlocks that are littered with trinkets of his voyages around the seven seas. Don’t forget a pair of over-the-knee boots for a Jack Sparrow pirate costume. Add costume accessories such as a pirate cutlass and pair of gold tooth grills for a more realistic impression.
Another Halloween costume idea that honors Depp is an outfit to resemble Sweeny Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street. This dark and disturbed character that seeks revenge needs Victorian-inspired men’s clothing worn under a blood-soaked white apron – and of course an old-fashioned razor blade and meat pie ( if you haven’t seen the musical or movie, don’t ask!). For a still eccentric but less gruesome character, try a Willy Wonka costume from his role in the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Family . This men’s costume feature his signature purple, velvet suit, bob-style wig, top hat and cane. Whatever men’s costume you choose that channels a Johnny Depp character, you are sure to get noticed by readers of the People list.
Discover Your Inner Elf
Word is that Will Ferrell turned down $29 million dollars to star in a sequel of his hysterically funny 2003 movie, Elf. Gasp! While Ferrell admit that $29 million “did sound like a lot of money for a guy in tights”, he just didn’t want to risk making the all-too-familiar bad sequel film. That is such a shame because we sure loved him as Buddy, the orphaned human who was stowed away in Santa’s sack, inadvertently taken to the North Pole and raised by elves. As the story goes, eventually his enormous-for-an-elf size makes Buddy curious about his background and he heads out to New York City for what can only be described as an adventure of epic proportions.
Dressing up as Buddy the Elf, is always a funny choice this time of year and shows that you’ve got good taste in comedy as a fan of Will Ferrell. Movie insiders say that the elf costumes in the movie Elf were modeled after the stop-action animated elves in the 1964 classic Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. We agree that there is a similarity between these elf costumes and the Buddy Elf suit. You’ll be the smiley, candy-loving “man in tights” with a child-like innocence dressed up in a Buddy Elf costume with bright yellow leggings and a long, plush green jacket. You can also pick up a ringlet mop of auburn hair that resembles Ferrell’s own curly locks. Add a buckled brown belt, a cone-shaped hat and pointy-toe elf shoes to complete your look as the tallest elf at the North Pole! Even if you are 6-feet tall, you can still suit up in an elf costume and spread Christmas cheer to all corners of the globe this holiday season – come on, discover your own inner elf and make Buddy proud!
Get A Bachelor Degree in Santa Claus
Photo Credit: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
At the Santa School, Santas-in-training learn the finer points of exuding the essence of Santa, learn grooming tips and costume hints, and also learn practical things such as “sit down in a parade float” and “always have pepperminty breath”. Playing Santa Claus can be a good gig, if you can get it! Some of the Santa graduates have reported making $20,000 in just one six-week season of sitting at the mall, posing for pictures and listening to 15,000 or so children describe their toy wishes – ho! ho! ho!
If you think you can pass for a Santa and can’t make it to Santa School, grab a Santa Costume and work on your moves. Can you lay a finger aside of your nose, can you make your eyes twinkle and belly jiggle like a bowlful of jelly? Aside from the traditional red Santa costume which is the official uniform of a Santa, there are all types of accessories that can help you with your mission to Babbo Natale, Father Christmas, Pere Noel or St. Nick. From a “Santa belly” that is like a padded pillow to slip under your Santa costume, or faux beards, wigs and black boots, you’ll be instantly recognizable by children of all ages (from 2 to 102) who still believe!
Sink Your Teeth Into Twilight Costumes
Twilight mania has no doubt hit your town; the novel and film franchise seems to be taking the proverbial “bite” out of the entertainment market this season with the release of the second movie installment, “Twilight: New Moon”. Based on the novels from seemingly-out-nowhere author Stephanie Meyer, this epic saga about young, sparkly vampires and totally ripped werewolves is a bloody lustful hit with ‘tweens and teens everywhere – as well as a few moms.
Perhaps the hysteria is based on the revival of the neo-Victorian night creatures or, more likely, it focused on the porcelain-and-tousled hair and musculature of the leading men, er, vampires and werewolves. Whatever the reason, the sales of vampire, werewolf and Goth costumes have had a new awakening from their dead sleep. No longer just worn as Halloween costumes, a vampire costume, werewolf or Goth costume is totally acceptable dress for an alternative evening out to a Twilight party, rave party or something even more subversive!
True, the vampire costumes from Twilight aren’t the old-school, Bela-Lugosi-as-Dracula with a widow’s peak and aristocratic black robes. But, whether you aim to dress up like Edward Cullen with his golden eyes and charismatic charm or as “for now” human Bella with her pale skin and raven locks, you will look even more filled with angst wearing costume accessories that work for vampires of all types. Pale stage makeup can be applied to achieve the complexion of a lost soul that has never seen daylight or add prosthetic fangs for a look you can sink your teeth into. The brave can even wear a pair of gold or red colored contact lenses. Or if you’ve tired of all the fandemonioum surrounding all things Twilight, you can dress up as a retro teen fave – Count Chocula of General Mill’s cereal fame!
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