Halloween Girl Gang: Where My Witches At?

Happy Halloween!!!!

We've had a supremely fun few weeks as we've released the outcomes of our #halloweengirlgang project. We really enjoyed putting together these outfits and shoots and hope you've enjoyed it too! Now that it's actually Halloween it's time to top everything off with this wee cherry, our Halloween Fashion Film. Where My Witches At? see's our gothic outfits from this past week come to life, with chilling results. Have a watch, if you're brave enough......



After the fun we had with Wear Eponymous we were super keen to step further into the world of film and vlogging. It had to be something special though and what better occasion than Halloween! Any future videos we do will most certainly be more jolly but it's fun to get our bitch faces out now and again.

A huge thanks has to go to our movie maker and photographer, Ross Bull. He had to put up with a lot of blogger behaviour over our weekend shoot - 'you can't eat it until we photograph it!' and 'take some photos with this camera, and now this camera phone, and this one, and this one too'. Big love to our blogging babes Miss West End Girl and Miss Vicky Viola for getting involved. And many thanks to Runaway Fox for loaning us some amazing jewels.



As this is our first dip of the toes into video we would love to hear what you think. Do pop any thoughts in the comments box below or tweet, instagram or email us. Or check out our new Facebook page and share your feedback there.

Now to counteract all the scary scowls in the film, here's a peek behind the scenes. Showing it ain't so glamorous, but was a whole bunch o' fun!

Don't have nightmares! 

Coven: Styled by Helen

 
Hat | H&M
Blouse | H&M
Skirt | Carnabys of Dundee
Tights | Gift
Boots | Miss Selfridge
Necklace | c/o Runaway Fox
Ring | Bloody Mary Metal

For me, the perfect witch ensemble starts with the hat. All of the ladies this week have been rocking some serious headgear but I decided to go with something a little more traditional. It's amazing how hard it can be to find the perfect wide brimmed hat! It has to be the right shape up top so as not to look too Witchfinder General and the brim has to be just wide enough to cast some spooky shadows across the face. I opted for this H&M number with some faux leather trimmage going on and I think I managed to strike a pretty good balance.

The skirt was a bit of a last minute buy. Having everything else for my outfit sorted I just needed a bottom half. Que a desperate search around the shops of Dundee. Luckily I found this little vintage number and the day was saved. Leather skirts are perfect for autumn/winter so it will definitely see me through. Unfortunately, it was a little warmer than expected while shooting these pics but some apple juice from a cartoon cooled me down. That's what all the witches drink, right?





As you can probably tell from the last three weeks, I am a huge Halloween fan. I really wish we did it as big as our neighbours across the pond. I've been spending most of October been enjoying every bit of Halloween themed goodness I can find (yes, I even bought the Limited Edition Spooky Shreddies). The internet has been awash with suitably spooktastic content, here are some of my faves:

Tatty Devine
From Sabrina Spellman to Meg and Mog, the team find the perfect Tatty accessory to suit each star witch's style.

Rock and Roll Bride
I don't want to get married, but if I did a Halloween wedding would be right up my street. Kat shares some spooky inspiration for the big day.

Honey Pop
Amanda shares her Sugar Skull make over, created by the amazing Illamasqua team. I think I need to invest in some of their foundation, stat! Rich's Skull look is also rather creeptastic.

Burkatron
Some of my favourite nail art inspiration comes from this lady and now she's gone and done a creepy Halloween manicure that's perfect for the 31st.

Ever So Juliet
I spotted this costume idea on Pinterest and then Juliet shares the perfect make up how to, sorted! I don't care what you say, deer are creepy!



Where have you been finding your Halloween inspiration?

Photography by Ross Bull.

Coven: Styled by Kimberley

Top | Urban Outfitters
Skirt | River Island
Cardigan | H&M
Shoes | Clarks
Turban | River Island, from the wonderful Lynsay
Necklace | Flora Fatale by Runaway Fox
Midi rings | Forever 21

While we were inspired by American Horror Story The Coven, I also wanted a vampy 1920s take on the witchy look- something reminiscent of the old psychics who held seances for their gullible clients. I reckon I'd be quite good at it. It's just acting, dahling!
The other girls all had fabulous headwear and I was eyeing up the floppy felt hats around but they just weren't working on my massive head. I found a pattern for a turban but then the lovely Miss West End Girl lent me this beautiful velvet bejewelled turban for the shoot and she is such a sweetheart that she said I could keep it afterwards. Bloggers really are the nicest girls. Or maybe it's just my blogger gals!

I think I'm going to re-wear this outfit for the Backseat Bingo movie night we are going to on Halloween. It's too good not to get out again!


So, we have been in a Halloween- loving frenzy in preparation for our #HalloweenGirlGang project (you may have noticed?) and it really has been a whirlwind of activity (and typing and editing...) for us. I really hope that you have enjoyed the posts as much as we did creating them.

This process has kinda made us experts in all things Halloweeny for 2014 and if you haven't already got plans for the date we've shared our top picks earlier in the week.

If you are in need of further inspiration, here are my fave posts from fellow bloggers:

Forever Amber
Amber shares a number of homemade Halloween costumes and they are all adorable and polished. I have a sudden notion to wear coat hangers and toy birds. That Tippi Hedren costume... Swoon!

Frankly Ms Shankly
I don't know how Emily is sleeping at all this month as she is enduring a whole marathon of horror films. Her reviews are candid and I love the way she's made her movie nights into wee events- feel free to share those cocktail recipes too, Emily!

Bee Waits For Noone
Claire is helping us lazy girls put together an easy costume or two. I am so tempted to give Mary Poppins a whirl. Reusing things already in your wardrobe but offering recognisable looks, this post is a great hack for last minute throw- togethers.

Scottish Bitches
Halloween is a great time to reflect on how far fashion and costume collide. The Scottish Bitches consider the notion of dressing in character for daily wear.

My Uni Days
Top 10 Halloween costumes for pets. I actually despise animals being dressed up like Anne Geddes puppets. Unless they are cats, 'cause they deserve what they get. Cat trussed up as a crispy cake? Worth it.

We really have treated you this holiday but we have one more trick up our sleeve- our first vlog. We will be unveiling our creepy beautiful fashion film on Friday. Don't miss it (or else....)

Coven: Styled by Miss Vicky Viola

Dress | Vivienne Westwood (bought for £40 at a market!)
Veil | Handmade- tutorial here
Shoes | Topshop
Glasses | vintage
Brooch | Runaway Fox
Ring | Rainnua on Etsy

How fantastically creepy does our blogging BFF Miss Vicky Viola look?! When she wasn't lounging on tomb stones she was sashaying around in her amazing Vivienne Westwood gown and handmade veil. In person it was much harder to see her face behind the swathes of material- good thing she is always smiling or laughing or we would be high tailing it out of the graveyard faster than you can say "Mrs Havisham". If you like her look you should check out her blog post here- complete with a DIY for making the spooky Day of the Dead veil.



We are fast approaching the Witching Hour and as we mentioned yesterday, we've already made our Halloween plans and we are super excited about them. How will you be spending yours?
If you still haven't decided fear not- we've got a host of choice for you!

Samhuinn Fire Festival | The Beltane Fire Society
You cannot live in Edinburgh and not know about the Beltane Society and it's incredible fire festivals. This year the Samhuinn Ferstival will start on The Royal Mile at 9pm. Definitely worth a visit!

Ghost Tour | City of the Dead
There are plenty of ghost tours to get you in the mood. Edinburgh is known for its paranormal activity and there are a few companies to pick from, including City of the Dead. We've done this one and found it both interesting and creepy.

The Ghost Bus Tours | Edinburgh
If you fancy an Edinburgh ghost tour but don't want to worry about schlepping through the cold, wet catacombs this is the tour for you. The tours are reasonably priced and the black London bus picks you up from the city centre in Chambers Street. If you're not free on 31 October this one can be done any time of year and is on our To Do list!

Murder Mystery Evening | Mary King's Close
The folks at Mary King's Close have a whole week of different events to celebrate Halloween and we can't resist a Murder Mystery (remember Kimberley's Killer Hen Party?) this one is set during a 1940's air raid so you can extend the fancy dress to 8th November.

How are you spending All Hallow's Eve? We'd love to hear from you!

Coven: Styled by Miss West End Girl

The countdown is on for All Hallow's Eve and we have even more inspiration for you! This week we are getting our witchy vibe on with Runaway Fox's deadly Flora Fatale collection. Don't be fooled by the beautiful blooms adorning us, all these botanical beauts are lethal:



Dress | H&M
Boots | New Look
Sunglasses | Bats & Cats @ Forever 21
Antler headband | The Cast Collection c/o Runaway Fox
Necklace | Flora Fatale c/o Runaway Fox

Miss West End Girl is, yet again, looking completely bad ass. For such a happy, smiley lady she can sure pull some serious witch face out the bag. And as worried as we were when the sun popped out on shoot day, we love the goth on holiday look it gives these images, especially with the amazing sunnies. Who knew blue skies could look so creepy!

We can't wait to catch up with our #HalloweenGirlGang again, and what is more fitting than spending Halloween together? We have researched all the best things to do this October 31st and decided on a trip to Glasgow for Backseat Bingo's retro film night at The Old Hairdressers in Renfield Lane. They will be showing a double bill of William Castle low- budget classics, House on Haunted Hill and Strait-Jacket, with fun kitsch extras. Run by the fabulous Casci Ritchie, it is sure to be a night as stylish as it is spooky. See you there- if you dare!

Find out all the details here and do check out Lynsay's blog for her take on all of her Halloween looks.   

A Halloween Girl Gang and a Bag Full of Treats

Here we all are in our Unlikely Horror Icon get ups. Just add some pillowcases and we are ready to go guising. Do make sure you check out these awesome gifs from Miss Vicky Viola and Miss West End Girl using the fab (but sadly only iOS enabled) Party Party app. They really bring the photos to life in a super fun way.

This shoot was all about using influences from horror movie characters to create stylish (if a little over the top) outfits instead of costumes. And, what we've really been enjoying about Halloween over the past few years is all the special spooky themed items brought out by designers, brands and stores. They make great little touches of creepiness without going OTT. Here are some of our favourites to get your wardrobe ready for All Hallows Eve without having to head to the costume shop:



1.) Glitter Bat Clips | Crown & Glory
Hair accessories are always a great way to introduce a bit of Halloween into any outfit. These glittery bats are perfect for up do's, down do's and witchy do's.

2.) Boo Sweatshirt | Pop Boutique on ASOS
It's cheesy, corny and tacky to the max but we absolutely love it. Granted it may be a little harder to pull off for the rest of the year but we'd give it a damn good go. Why should Christmas get all the awesome jumpers?!

3.) Moving Skeleton Necklace | Rock Cakes
This wee skeleton comes in a number of fabulous colours and we love that he moves around. It means we can make him do a funky skeleton dance. Come on everyone "the thigh bone's connected to the knee bone, the knee bone's connected to the shin bone...."

4.) Halloween Decals | DIY Nails
The queen of nail decals saves the day again with this great mix of ghoulish designs. We love a bot of themed nail art (as demonstrated last year) but sometimes you need awesome nails in a rush. These are the perfect solution!

5.) Spider Dolly Shoes | Charlotte Olympia
These spooky shoes may be a little out of our price range but they are fabulously creepy and yet still rather elegant. From further away it's hard to tell that the little gold additions are actually teeny spiders. We love items that look pretty but, on closer inspection, have a bit of a harder edge.

6.) Glitter Jack O Lantern | Luna on the Moon
It's a glittery pumpkin!!!!! What more could we possibly want to collect our Halloween candy in?!



What Halloween themed items are you coveting?

Girl Gang photos by Ross Bull.

Unlikely Horror Icon: Helen

 image source

Hat | Charity Shop
Dress | H&M
Boots | Charity Shop
Leather Harness | Pretty Vexed
Eye Ring | Cheap Frills
Black Ring | Archetype Z
Necklace | gift from my sis

1.) Why did you choose your Unlikely horror icon?
Ever since I found this awesome bowler hat in a charity shop I have been wanting to use it in A Clockwork Orange style get up. It was a bargain at only £5 and, though I have worn it a fair few times, this is the outfit it was meant for. Inspired by the infamous Alex, played by Malcom McDowell, I created my own monochrome take on the gangs stylised outfits. I love that the costumes can be boiled down to a few key parts (namely a bowler hat and one heavily eyelashed eye) and you can still recognise the movie reference straight away. I decided to opt for a white dress rather than the oversized jockstrap look and changed up the white braces for this amazing Pretty Vexed harness. The Cheap Frills eye ring is my little reference to the aversion therapy scenes in the movie.

2.) What's your favourite horror film?
As with the other girls, this is a rather tough question for me. I would probably have to go with The Descent. I love how dark and claustrophobic it is and the fact that it contains a mostly female cast who play well developed characters that don't just run, scream, fall over and scream some more. It also has some genuinely shocking moments without relying on gore or quiet, quiet, BANG moments. The sequel on the other hand, to say I was disappointed would be putting it very mildly.



3.) What's your favourite costume you have worn?
I hated it at the time, but I now kinda love my childhood witch costume that consisted of a bin bag, witches hat (with green hair attached) and a walking stick with twigs taped to the bottom. I also had a pretty awesome bat costume that my Dad made me out of pairs of tights, black cardboard and black lace. It was later turned into a cat costume for my little sister. I love that my childhood costumes were handmade and a bit slapdash. Shop bought costumes are so cheap and easy to come by now but they definitely don't have the same charm. I have tried to keep up the tradition of making my own, including Carrie  and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. My favourite costume made by me was Zombie Cheerleader. There was fake blood, pom poms and coloured contact lenses. Safe to say it scared a number of small children.

4.) What is your dream costume?
I would like something really creepy and eerie. Something in vain of Silent Hill that will really make small children cry. I am great believer that Halloween costumes should be scary (just forget I mentioned the Dorothy costume) so I would love to be all dressed up in something truly nightmarish.




5.) How do you normally spend Halloween? And what was your best Halloween?
I don't really have a typical Halloween. From zombie walks, to nights out dancing, to running my own short horror film festival (called Village of the Damned), they have been pretty varied. It does usually involve the ingredients of dressing up and gorging on sweets and horror flicks.

My best Halloween so far was probably the first year of Village of the Damned. We showed some great films like Nursery Crimes, Peekers, Mime Massacre and Zombie Asockalypse.  It was lot of hard work to put it together but so worth it to see friends, family and strangers sharing in my love of all things horror and enjoying the punchy format of short films. 

6.) Have you ever heard things go bump in the night?
I'm afraid not. I know it's a bit rubbish for the last question in our horror Q&A series, but I'm not a believer in ghosts and ghouls. That doesn't mean I don't like a good ghost story. I love nothing more than being thoroughly creeped out by tales of the sinister and unexplained. Two sentence horror stories are my newest obsession and I love this short film, Tuck Me In, that was inspired by one of them.



Photography by Ross Bull.