Since today is the last Thursday of the month, this would normally be a Thrift-Shop Thursday post*, but because it is also Halloween, I have another treat for you: I’m going to show you how I came up with my costume!

You may have already met my archaeologist daughter in her debut guest post here at CYC; my original costume idea was for us to go together to our Halloween tango party as The Archaeologist and her Mummy. (Well, I thought it was funny.) In the end, though, she wasn’t really in a costume kind of mood, but that didn’t stop me! Here’s how I did turned myself into a different kind of mummy, starting with a list of criteria, mostly based on dancing needs:

1. Length can’t be longer than mid-calf. (Trust me, you do not want to risk catching your high heel in your dress.)
2. Must be stretchy, or at least allow for flexibility (think doing a lunge).
3. Should have an element that flows, swishes, or otherwise creates movement, particularly in the back.
4. Must not interfere with dance partner, i.e. ability to put his arm around my left side, nothing on my hands that would be uncomfortable on either his upper back or left hand, nothing on the right side of my face that would be uncomfortable for both of us while cheek-to-cheek.
5. Should not involve serious expenses (ideally under $50.00 total).
6. Should be within my ability to make myself.
7. Must have minimal wardrobe malfunction potential.
8. Must be relatively quick to make.
9. Should at least attempt to combine costume with chic.
10. If at all possible, make main garment wearable as non-costume.

That’s not asking too much, is it? Continue reading →