History and High Heels: Halloween DIY

As I've told you before, autumn is my favorite season and one of my favorite activities is going to a pumpkin patch, picking out the most vibrant pumpkin, and bringing it back home to carve. This fun fall tradition not only produces a wonderfully customizable porch decoration, but you also can make delicious toasted pumpkin seeds! (You can catch 3 recipes for toasted pumpkin seeds on my earlier post, Autumn.) Just like the seeds it holds, the jack-o'-lantern has rich history that originates from Ireland and a tale of "Stingy Jack." The folklore goes that a man called Stingy Jack invited the Devil for a drink at the local bar, but of course Jack didn't want to pay for his drinks. He convinced the Devil to turn into a coin that he could use to pay for drinks, but once the Devil changed his form Stingy Jack put the coin into his pocket next to a silver cross. The Devil couldn't transform back and Jack only released him once he had gotten a promise out of the Devil. He made the Devil promise not to bother him again for 1 year and when he died he wouldn't claim his soul. These tricks on the Devil continued over the next several years until Jack died. God who had seen how Jack had ruthlessly tricked the Devil didn't allow him into heaven and the Devil wouldn't bring him to hell because of his promise. Therefore, the Devil sent him out into the night with only a burning piece of coal to light his way, which Jack put into a carved up turnip as he wandered the darkened Earth alone. From this tale, the name jack-o'-lantern emerged. In Ireland and Scotland the townsfolk would carve up turnips and potatoes to light and put into their windows to scare away any unsavory apparitions, including Stingy Jack. (source History.com)

It's now mid-October and Halloween is coming up quickly. If you are like so many of us, you're still pondering what to dress up as for your Halloween parties at work or with friends. To help you out, I've created a few costume ideas for you all to use if you're stuck in a pickle. This year, I've decided to go as an ironic Catwoman with a knock-off DIY Opening Ceremony cat sweater, leather leggings, and a mask. One of my favorites of the below is the Mary Poppins outfit. This is such a fun look, totally work appropriate, and your man can dress up as Bert if he still hasn't figured out his costume! If you do use one of these ideas, I would love to see a picture of your outfit! Post it in the comments if you can!

Halloween DIY: Catwoman by historyandhighheel

Helmut Lang , $960 / Talulah , $82 / Valentino black boots / Bridal jewelry, $635 / Flower hair accessory / Accessories | Halloween

Halloween DIY: 1920s Flapper by historyandhighheels

Biba party dress, $305 / Rupert Sanderson high heels / Kate Spade / By Malene Birger pearl necklace, $125 / Mimco , $130 / Forzieri lace glove

Halloween DIY: Mary Poppins by historyandhighheels

Dolce&Gabbana long sleeve blouse, $655 / People Tree , $72 / Gucci high heels, $320 / Flower jewelry / Lulu Guinness / H&M , $13 / VILA , $13 / Bardot flower hair accessory, $5.12