Hello sweet friends! It is time for the annual Decor To Adore Historic Halloween Costume Reveal The Queen Bee. Every year I challenge myself to create a costume on a budget. This year Mr. Decor joins in on the fun.
Historic Halloween Costume Reveal The Queen Bee
Two weeks ago I shared the inspiration and history for this year’s costume in the Historic Halloween Fancy Dress Costumes post.
I had found five yards of striped silk that reminded me of an autumnal bumblebee. I began by Googling and searching for “Victorian Bee Costume” on Pinterest. Numerous images appeared.
Then the search terms “historic dress yellow striped, black striped, and yellow and black” entered into my rabbit hole of research.
While I was completely smitten with all of the dresses shown above I knew that most would require more than 5 yards of fabric.
The next few images would heavily influence the direction I would go in.
Altered Patterns
I shared the two vintage patterns I was using for an outline of what I wanted to design in the introductory video. You can view it HERE.
Vintage Simplicity pattern 7097 provided me with a basic outline. But I deviated from it quite heavily. By the time I finished cutting away and eliminating a few things it was almost a completely different design.
I opted to have a separate front closing bodice paired with a traditional 18th-century petticoat.
The Cost
Laura
- Two vintage patterns from my mom, Nadine’s, collection. FREE
- Black sleeve lace I’ve had for ages. FREE
- Vintage black braided trim and black cotton thread from Grandma Jingles stash. FREE
- Shoes, wig, clocked stockings, chemise, and corded petticoat from previous projects. FREE
- The straw hat was received at a costumers exchange, spray-painted and embellished with scrap fabric and feathers. $3 for the black feathers.
- Five yards of striped silk at $3 a yard. $15.
Total: $18
Eric
Hat, cravat, breeches, shirt, and walking stick were all from previous projects. FREE
Waistcoat fabric a gift from Catharine and sewn by Dartanyan the Great! FREE
Total: $0
The Great Reveal
Saturday afternoon was quite overcast. Perfect for taking Halloween themed photos. A big “Thank you” to our photographer, Sweet Guy.
No More Twist!
Mr. Decor’s hat, breeches, and walking stick were reused from our 2013 costume. The shirt was made for last February’s Napoleon and Josephine Tea.
This waistcoat almost didn’t get made. The fabric is a glorious gold and black shot silk that was given to me by my friend Catharine. With all that has happened to our dear family in the past two weeks, understandably I ran out of sewing time. My amazing friend Dartanyan came to the rescue and saved the day! You have to see the fabulous buttons up close. All of the amazing details can be seen in the accompanying VIDEO.
At the outdoor Halloween party that we attended (With masks of course!), our ensembles earned us the coveted Best Couples Costume. Thank you, Mike and Michele, for the lovely honor and a fabulous time!
The Outtakes
It’s no secret that I live for real-life bloopers and outtakes. We hope that they make you smile!
All Treats No Tricks
If you would like to see the costumes in action and some additional photos please view the accompanying VIDEO HERE.
Have a spooktacular Halloween!
Laura
A Collection of Costumes
There are now a total of seven budget Halloween costumes in the Decor To Adore archives. I would love to know which one has been your favorite. Also, what type of costume would you like to see next year?
I love your costumes, all of them and I especially love seeing the two of you together modeling. You have so much fun, love, love, love it.
These are terrific, consistent with each year you embark on this project, Laura! I love the air guitar outtake, lol.
All I can think of besides your fabulous costumes is how much I would love to have a living room full of furniture upholstered with those fantastical silks. fabrics. Gosh, they are beautiful. I loved the waistcoat, that is so fantastic – those buttons! Your dress and hat are divine. I wish I could wear dresses like that every day. I love the ruche detail. The picture of the two of you laughing is a great moment in time.
You are so amazing. What a fun post. Seriously – you both look fabulous.
The best part is seeing how much fun you were having – I love that so much. The bloopers say it all.
You did a fabulous job on those gorgeous costumes. I love them every year!!!!! It’s one of the best parts of Halloween for me! ♥
Big hugs. Please stay well.
Love this one!! Especially good to see Mr Decor cutting up!!
Ann
They are all very beautiful! I think my favorite though, is 2015….that lovely blue color!
Fabulous costumes!
So hard to pick a favorite, Laura – they are all exquisite!
This was such a fun post with Mr. Decor being a ham – loved the bloopers!
No wonder you two won the Best Couple at the party! ~ carol
I love all the photos but I confess, I love the bloopers best! You both look fabulous in your ensembles — and in the bloopers, like you are having such fun. I love reading how you “think” and work through the concept and design. Definitely “best dressed!”