This year is not the year to go out and buy a boring prepackage costume for Halloween. It’s also not the year to get lazy about dressing up and coming up with Halloween costume ideas at the last minute. No, 2016 has been far too eventful in terms of world news and pop culture to let the opportunity for an iconic 2016-apropos Halloween costume slip between your fingers.

Halloween Costume Ideas for 2016

1. Presidential Candidates

This is a given. The world is submerged in the general election, so it’s no wonder dressing up as Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump would make the cut. Grab a wig and a suit and harness yourself with the candidates’ respective mannerisms.

2. Bill Clinton and the Balloons    

Keeping up with politician-themed costumes, dress up as Bill Clinton! If you remember Bill’s cute, someone strange affinity to the falling red, white, and blue balloons at the DNC, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Dress in a suit and stick red, white, and balloons to your body. Toss them around wherever you go to really get into character.

3. Harambe

Some of you may think this idea is tasteless, some of you may see the humor in it. Either way, it’s relevant. Dress up as a gorilla and carry around a doll.

4. Brad & Angelina

This year was the year that Brangelina realized its fate. If you are going to a Halloween party as a couple, have your significant other dress up as Brad and you as Angelina. Look disgusted at one another all night long.

5. Evil Clowns

Creepy clowns are sweeping the nation by showing up in random cities for no apparent reason. It’s confusing, weird, funny, and eerie all at once – perfect for Halloween! Dress up as a clown, but make yourself look a bit threatening.

6. Harley Quinn

The “Suicide Squad” movie raked in $300 million at the box office. The Harley Quinn character played by Margot Robbie snagged the most attention for her quirky style, which includes blue and pink makeup, pigtails, red and blue shorts, a tattered white t-shirt, fishnet stockings, boots, and a choker.

7. Beyoncé

When Beyoncé’s Lemonade came out, the whole world seemed to immerse itself into the beautifully poetic masterpiece that inspired as much as it entertained. The video sequence for “Hold Up” put us all in envy. Put on a long yellow dress and a blonde wig and equip yourself with a bat. It’s a fuss-free costume everyone will recognize.

8. Pokemon Go

I know next to nothing about Pokemon Go, except that it’s apparently very popular. If you’re a fan, I assume you know exactly what to wear, so I’ll leave the idea here and the creative activity up to you!

9. Ghostbusters             

If you are hitting the town as a group, dress up as the Ghostbusters. Put on a khaki jumpsuit, a backpack, gloves, boots, toy guns, and a Ghostbusters symbol cutout. #squadgoals

10. Simone Biles

In her first Olympics run, Simone Biles took home five gold medals in 2016. Forget fictional superheroes; instead, dress up as a real-life inspirational role model, Simone Biles. Slip into a red or blue leotard and then adorn yourself with patriotic symbols (think: paint, hair ribbons, etc.). And of course, make five faux gold medallions to wear around your neck.

Related on Organic Authority
5 Eco-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas
15 Funny, Spooky, and Poetic Halloween Costumes
2015 Halloween Costumes to Keep You Relevant (and Others Laughing)

The post 10 Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect for 2016 appeared first on EcoSalon.

Anyone even remotely familiar with the E! network knows the amount of preparation celebrities put into Academy Awards. And we, as shiny-things enthusiasts, eat it right up, with plenty of clamor about red carpet appearances. The unique costumes found in this year’s Oscar-nominated movies, though, have us feeling the love for the outfit choices of on-screen characters, too.

The roster of 2015 Oscar-nominated movies serves up a delightful palette of looks, ranging from Rosamund Pike’s pretty-yet-buttoned-up front in “Gone Girl,” to Meryl Streep’s exquisitely feral gray locks in “Into the Woods.” There were some characters, in particular, whose looks seamlessly transfer between eras and seasons, and can be easily customized to suit one’s distinct personality. Heading to a costume-themed Oscar party, or just looking for an edgy new outfit? These four leading ladies provide something for everyone.

Image: Alison Rosa

1. “Birdman”: Sam, played by Emma Stone

Costume designer Albert Wolsky’s résumé includes previous Oscar-nominated movies; he’s taken home two of his own for “Bugsy” and “All That Jazz.” For “Birdman,” however, Wolsky is tasked with determining looks for extremely complex characters, including the slightly troubled, fresh-from-rehab Sam. Instead of dressing Sam to be a stereotypical mess, however, her apparel is pronouncedly gritty, but no more so than many women her age. The look is created with ripped nylons under denim shorts with visible pockets, and unique tattoos: one, on her left shoulder, of a feather breaking off into flying birds (perhaps a nod to Sam’s title-character father), and a second of an old-fashioned key on her right wrist. Our favorite look, above, is achieved with the contrasting patterns of a plaid skirt (worn again over a pair of sheer black nylons), paired with a graphic tee. To finish the look, be generous with black eyeliner and skip the under-eye concealer.

Image: The Imitation Game Official Facebook Page

2. “The Imitation Game”: Joan Clarke, played by Keira Knightley

There’s a reason why World-War-II-era films and literature are looked upon as so romantic, which is certainly aided by the period’s fashion. From bold lipstick to big curls, trends began during these years that seem to have lasted a lifetime. Case in point: Keira Knightley’s Joan Clarke in “The Imitation Game”, whom costume designer Sammy Sheldon dressed in patterned trench coats, colorful argyle sweaters and such timely accessories as a 1940s ladies’ watch, topped off with blond locks. Clarke, it’s worth mentioning, is a true-to-life character; the legend was a mathematician who aided in decrypting code during the war.

Image: The Grand Budapest Hotel Official Facebook Page

3. “The Grand Budapest Hotel”: Agatha, played by Saoirse Ronan

Agatha’s beautiful miniature cakes were one of the biggest star of Wes Anderson’s latest nominated film, but her girl-next-door, subdued look deserves a moment to shine. First, that hair: The top-braid up-do has provided fodder to countless beauty bloggers, and here, is pulled off effortlessly by this on-screen pastry chef. Her signature dress, while borderline frumpy on the surface, can easily be manipulated into a contemporary look with, for example, this belted frock from Altuzarra’s Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection. Consider pairing the dress with a tan overcoat like the one pictured above. Looking to really go for the full look? Don’t leave out Agatha’s notable Mexico-shaped facial birthmark. Bonus: Get the recipe for those brilliant little cakes here.

4. “The Theory of Everything”: Jane Hawking, played by Felicity Jones

Those able to cease sobbing long enough to see the costumes worn by “The Theory of Everything” characters are sure to be impressed. An interview with the film’s costume designer, Steven Noble, illustrates his attention paid to details from Jane Hawking’s biography, such as a memory of Stephen’s wearing a blue velvet blazer upon first the couple’s first meeting. Her ballgowns in the earlier part of the film come in a spring-like light blue, with vintage cuts that make for a classic look still used in formal attire today, like this piece from the Armani Privé Spring 2015 Couture collection. According to several bloggers and Yelp reviewers, the costumes from “The Theory of Everything” were recently on display at the Pasadena ArcLight Cinema.

Say hey to Amanda on Twitter or Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

Eco Fashion at the Oscars: 15 Celebs Most Likely to Dress with a Conscience

Are These the 11 Most Inspiring Eco Movies Available Online?

Natural Beauty 1940s-Style: Get Veronica Lake’s Look (With Natural Products)

Top Image: Prayitno

The post 4 Winning Looks from Oscar-Nominated Movies appeared first on EcoSalon.

 It happens every year. You just start to notice that the days are slightly cooler and that the leaves are beginning to change and BAM, the next thing you know, it’s almost Halloween—and you need to come up with Halloween costume ideas. 

But who has time to go shopping or to sew anything? And spending money on a costume for one evening is annoying (and some of those costumes are really wasteful). Wouldn’t it be nice to put a costume together from stuff around the house? And that doesn’t necessarily look totally last minute…even though that’s exactly what it is!

Whether you are like the week-of-Halloween-last-minute or the day-of-Halloween-last-minute, we’ve got great, silly, classic and (importantly) comfy Halloween costume ideas below.

1. Static Cling – Wear all back and safety pin various articles of clothing, socks, washcloths, etc to yourself to depict static cling.

2. Raining Cats and Dogs – Dress up in your rain gear and affix stuffed cats and dogs to your umbrella, rain hat and/or slicker.

3. Risky Business – Show up at your neighbor’s Halloween party sans pants and don a oversize blue oxford shirt with white tube socks and a pair of Ray-ban sunglasses (pull your hair back) to channel that classic 80s flick. (Yes, wearing bike shorts under the button-down is recommended!)

4. Target Team Member – Most of us own khakis and a red shirt. Add a name tag and a headset and it will give you an excuse to be super-friendly and welcome people to the store—or party. Just don’t stop at Target on your way home!

5. Annie Hall – Borrow a vest and a tie and add baggy khaki pants to go as that iconic Diane Keaton heroine.

6. Rockabilly Chick – Roll up your jeans, find or borrow some Chuck Taylors and a plaid shirt, and roll your hair up in a bandana. Match it with a super red lip and lots of black mascara.

7. Lumberjack – Wear some work boots, a red plaid flannel shirt, a knit cap and yell timber every so often. If you do elect to carry an axe, consider a toy one!

8. Bats in the Belfry –  Cut out some bats from black construction paper and use wire or pipe cleaners to affix them to a black headband. Simple, fun!

9. Little Red Riding Hood –  Wear a red hoodie and carry a picket basket for a modern interpretation of Little Red Riding Hood.

10. Skeleton -Use this tutorial to take a plain white tee and turn into a sexy spooky cut out tee. Wear it over all black leggings and cami.

11. Minecraft – Craft a Minecraft blockhead from a cardboard box reclaimed from the recycling bin and covered with some construction paper to replicate that pixelated retro look.

12. Private Eye/Press –  If you are lucky enough to already own a khaki trench coat and a fedora, you’ve already got a cool costume. Add a “press pass” for a retro reporter look instead.

Top Image: SevenLittleRabbits

Related on Ecosalon:

It’s Tacky, It’s Plastic, It’s ‘Sexy’: It Must Be a Halloween Costume

Anatomically Correct: 13 Décor Pieces Inspired by Body Parts

The post 12 Comfy, Clever Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Make from Stuff on Hand appeared first on EcoSalon.

Orange and black might be the traditional colors of Halloween but why can’t a little green fall into the mix? Here are a few simple tips to help make this weekend’s Halloween festivities a shade greener:

– When it comes time to make a jack-o-lantern, find a locally grown and organic pumpkin to carve.

– Make costumes from what you find around the house. Recycle clothes from years past or head to the nearest second hand store and rummage around. Try to convince the kids to trade costumes from last year with their friends.

– If the creative juices aren’t flowing (or your kids aren’t trading), rent a costume rather than buy. But if you’re set on something new, at least make sure it’s made using earth-friendly materials and fair trade practices.

– Use recyclable batteries in all the flashlights that venture out on a trick or treat expedition.

– Skip the plastic pumpkin buckets and collect the trick or treat sweets in a recyclable tote bag, or even an old pillowcase, appropriately decorated of course!

– Consider eco-friendly treats for the trick or treaters who arrive at your door. Instead of candy corn and snickers bars, why not hand out raisin boxes or organic honey sticks?

– Tell all the neighbours that your house is a Haunted “green” House. When they ask what you mean (and they will), direct them to the Green Halloween website which explains the whys and hows of making Halloween an environmentally friendly holiday.

The post Happy Green Halloween appeared first on EcoSalon.

The people in my neighborhood really get into Halloween whether they’ve got their own little ghouls and goblins or not, proving the most fun night of the year is for the kid in all of us. You know, that kid who is addicted to Halloween chocolate!

I’m big on using decor to lift my spirits each fall, ideally with the surfeit of tools and supplies stashed in my green storage bins rather than ready-made plastic junk on the shelves of stores.

I found inspiration in Etsy’s Voter Page for the best Handmade Halloween items, from spooky bloodshot eyes (which get my vote) to crocheted spiders and DIY costumes. Go to the site and place your vote.

Here’s a look at some of the amazing crafts whipped up in kitchens across America:

Mister Skully Hand Carved Stamps by Tresijas

These cool articulating jaw motifs were made into stamps (salvaged manzanita, foam and rubber) that you can use to create Halloween art for your windows, doors or other creepy places.

Lost Zombie Brooch by CityroadFelt

“I made him using felt from a lovely stripey sweater, along with bits of wool blend felt, & beads & thread – designed by my partner, who is much more into zombies and such things than I – I think he’s quite proud of the end product, too!”

Crocheted Spider Web by Spacestitch

Like the spider web but want to make it yourself? But of course! See the Spider Web Crochet Pattern here.

Gaggle of Spooky  Ghosts Prints by Luminous Dreams Designs

“The ghost was hand drawn, inked then scanned where he was given different grungy digital backgrounds,” explains the artist.

Upcycled Pumpkin Hat by Imogens Garden

“I raided my son’s clean laundry pile to construct this hat from a recently outgrown thermal shirt,” explains the maker. “The flower is created from scraps from my studio, and the button embellishment came from the shirt. No more thermal shirts = a one of a kind garment.”

Main Image: Work of Whimsy

The post Etsy’s Upcycled and Newfangled Halloween Contest: Get Inspired! appeared first on EcoSalon.