I can't really remember when I stopped buying costumes at the store. What I do remember is getting back into the Halloween spirit during my college years and rocking items already in my closet with a couple additions. Then I went all out in grad school and actually sewed something up for the occasion. Since then, I've loved putting a costume together rather than taking the ready-made (and more expensive) route.
I'm a starved creative soul that doesn't get to exercise her skills too often these days and Halloween (along with the holidays) are the perfect time to do so. Oh, and I'm also broke. That said, I loved my costume this year! Not only did it turn out well for a semi-last minute idea, but I didn't spend more than 10 bucks on the outfit:
Knitted hat: H&M (about $5) with a strawberry shape cut out from an old canvas bag
Striped thigh-highs: Ricky's ($5)
White peasant top: Promod (bought in France in 2002)
Pink ruffled skirt: H&M (borrowed from the sis)
Apron: sewn in 2005 for Little Red Riding Hood costume with green diamonds cut out from an old canvas bag
Brown flats: Steve Madden (bought in 2006)
And if I buy something, it has to be reusable so you know the hat and socks will definitely be worn again!