Medieval Weapons

My new found passion for medieval times has led me to some interesting places, one of which was a supplier of medieval weapons and amour. Now that is a sentence I never thought I would hear myself say, let alone type. My interest in this area started when I first saw a full color picture of an elegant lady wearing a beautiful replica of a Tudor period dress. This is the sort of clothing unseen these days, outside of Royal families perhaps.

The intricacy of the embroidery, the richness of the colors and the delicate jewelry all combined to form what was more a piece of art than an item of clothing. Now I think about it, that is probably why artists like Lady Gaga are enjoying so much attention.

People do not just want to hear a song being performed, they want to watch a spectacle, where the eyes are just as nourished by the display as the ears are by the sounds. As this is a relatively new hobby for me, I has assumed, incorrectly, that it might be quite hard to find authentic medieval reproduction items, such as medieval weapons, for example. How naive I had been!

Authentic Tudor Costume and Accessories

It started for me when I chanced upon a photograph of a lady dressed in a rather beautiful and elaborate medieval costume. I was struck by the richness of the colors, the intricacy of the embroidery, and the sparkling and delicate jewelry.

What I was looking at was an example of an authentic Tudor costume, and I wanted one!

So, I began my research, imagining that it would be difficult to find such a historically accurate piece of clothing that I could afford. However, the more I researched, the more I uncovered, and slowly began to immerse myself into the world of re-enactment societies and specialist suppliers.

The variety, scope and attention to detail of the clothing and accessories available to those who love to spend their free time partying in or re-enacting the renaissance period was simply amazing to me.

Not only did I discover patters from which I could design and make my own authentic Tudor clothing, but I found that it is relatively inexpensive to simply buy one new - and there is no shortage of choice.

In addition to the costume, I found I could buy or hire historically accurate jewelery, weapons, badges, games, goblets and much, much more.

This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. As with any hobby or interest, the more you delve, the more you discover and you become even more enthused and passionate about your subject.

A quick search online will reveal a growing number of hobby sites and societies dedicated to this fascinating pastime.

Follow my journey of discovery into the world of Tudor and renaissance clothing and accessories at http://medieval.hayleycox.com/

Plus Size Costumes

The plus size costume market has expanded substantially, with both online and offline stores increasing their numbers and variety. However, plus size wearers must select their outfits very carefully.

It is not just the quality of the material that one needs to scrutinize but also the kind of look one wants to don. The attire must be such that it suits the theme of the party, while complementing your personality.

Guidelines to Follow while Selecting a Plus Size Costume

Here are a few factors one must ensure while selecting a plus size costume:

* Comfort level - This is important because your comfort level in the attire will affect your attitude and how you carry yourself. Size is the determining factor in this case. If you plan to purchase a costume from an offline store, you must try the dress before buying.

In case you are buying from an online boutique, submit your current measurement details. Too tight a costume or a low cut one might cause great discomfort and also attract unwanted attention from onlookers. You can save yourself from embarrassment by making sure you buy a costume that fits you perfectly and accentuates the right contours.

Also, take the weather into consideration. If the costume is meant for Halloween, ensure that it provides you with enough warmth.

* Flattering wear - The costume that you select must flatter your shape. For example, emulating Marilyn Monroe who is famed for her hour glass figure or the fictitious Scarlett O'Hara who is known for her 19 inch waistline is not a good idea.

Stepping out of one's real character and role-playing an icon is fine as long as the costume you wear suits you. The right costume can make you look sexy. There are special plus size costumes that are designed for voluptuous women. Costumes such as that of a medieval serving wench or one of the queens of Alice in Wonderland would suit perfectly.

* Accessorize properly - Accessories are important features of a costume because they create the aura of the character you are imitating. They can make or break a look to a great extent. If you are dressed up as a Greek goddess, make sure that you wear a tiara and a pair of sandals to match the look. If you want to emulate the medieval figure of Death, make sure you are not wearing sneakers with traditional formal clothes.

For comfortable, flattering costumes of every size and material, visit http://www.sexywearavenue.com. SexyWearAvenue.com has an inventory of more than 450 styles of sexy plus size costumes to choose from.

The Top Plus Size Costumes For Halloween

If you're one of the women or men above the norm weight that most clothes and costumes made for, it can be a bit tricky to find the a really hot dress for Halloween. It's always a good idea to start your search in good time before the Holiday rush starts and costumes starts to go out of stock. A good suggestion is to scan through the various online shops as it makes the process so much easier.

Being overweight doesn't mean you can't be sexy and attractive at the Halloween party. If you search, you will find that there's some very hot dresses to choose from and impress your friends with. Gone is the need to only choose costumes where the body is wrapped in whole like curtains and naming yourself a witch or magician. Let's go beyond those outdated plus size costume ideas. Let me be your guide to costumes that will fit you and your body regardless of your weight.

Recent years more and more costume choices have become available in plus sizes, especially for over sided women. Some nice examples are the French maid helper, the sexy Wonder Woman or even Fiona from Shrek (which looks a lot better than it sounds). Of course you could still choice a classic costume like the wicked witch, vampire Gothic, Medusa, fortune teller or a lady ghost.

For large men there's also some great character choices to portray for this Halloween. There's the traditional costumes like the Gothic vampires, the ghost elite gentleman, the mad hatter, Frankenstein, medieval monk, a Scotsman and some nice pirate variations. Flintstones and Popeye are also two perfect choices for a man with a bit of extra weight.

Lastly some men like to bring Christmas early as a Santa Claus or even please their children with a Buzz Lightyear dress.

For Children with some extra pounds there's no shortage of costumes. To name a few examples, they could dress up as well known characters like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood, Captain America, Alice of Alice in the Wonderland and Minnie Mouse. Other great alternatives might be the agent Kim Possible, Tracy Turnblad, Mad Hatter and of course the legendary pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow.

In order not to confuse your decision on what to pick, I've just listed a few examples of costumes for people in need of plus sizes to portray. However, if you feel like you need more I suggest you scan through any of the many online stores available.

Hopefully you'll find the perfect Halloween costume you dreamed of and enjoy the party as much, or if not more than everyone else.

All that matters is that you have confidence in yourself and your costume. Now enjoy Halloween and make sure you carry yourself proudly in a wonderful plus size Halloween costume.

In need of big size Halloween costume information? Drop by our site Adult Plus Size Costumes and get read about costumes like the Plus Size Pirate Costume.

Easy to Make Halloween Costumes - Give Yourself a New Scary Look This Halloween

It's easy to make Halloween costumes, even if you want to give yourself a new, scary look this year. Sometimes we feel like we are stuck with your same old and often repeated Halloween costumes! Then these two easy to make Halloween costumes can totally change your scary look this Halloween!

Leatherface Psycho Mask

You probably know Leatherface from the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. You can easily replicate his really scary face without using commercial grade mask. All you have to do is to get a brown paper bag, crumple it and then cut the bag in half. Staple the paper bag back together, making sure that the staple wires will look like stitches.

Next, make holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. You also need to create an opening at the top of the paper bag just enough to allow your hair to stick out. Make a few enhancements like shading the forehead area and splashing red water color in some parts of the mask.

Voila! You now have a very scary Leatherface Texas Chain Saw Massacre psycho mask. This mask will not cost you anything. Just wear an appropriate tattered T-shirt and worn-out jeans.

The Black Shadow Costume

This is a very popular Halloween costume because making it is a no-brainer. All you have to do is to buy a black taffeta cloth that is enough to cover half of your body. Make holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth. You need to use a black leather belt or a black strap that will hold the cloth against your body. Make sure to wear a black pair of jeans or a black skirt to complement your costume.

You can prepare these easy to make Halloween costumes in just a few minutes. Of course, there are also other easy to make costumes you can try wearing at the next Halloween party. The important thing about a Halloween costume is not whether you make it yourself or you buy it, it's that you are going to have fun in it. Halloween and costumes are all about fun... so make sure you have a blast this year whatever costume you wear.

Ms. Party Ideas is Jillian Gallo and she writes about fun party stuff! Right now fun party stuff is kids birthday parties and Halloween! Find Halloween costume ideas athttp://www.partyideasparade.com/halloween-costumes.html. Take a look at our baby, kids, teens and adult costume ideas. Learn how to find bargain Halloween party supplies athttp://www.partyideasparade.com/halloween-party-supplies-2.html so you are prepared to host the best Halloween party ever! It will soon be time to dress up and go trick or treating... make sure you are ready.

Boo Babies Halloween Costumes For Toddlers

Every year children of all ages dress up fun costumes and walk around their neighborhoods collecting all kinds of candy. This time of year is almost upon us again and for many children it will be their first year to trick or treat. If you have a young one preparing for their first trek around town you are probably starting to think about Halloween costumes for toddlers. Below are a few things you should consider.

Safety

The number one thing to remember about Halloween costumes for toddlers is safety. Most manufacturers today also keep this in mind, however you should do due diligence before dressing your little one up this year.

A Halloween costume for toddlers should have no small beads or dangling items that they can tear loose and put in their mouth. Toddlers are prone to exploring the world first with their hands but just about, everything they touch goes in the mouth. Costumes for toddlers should not be too long, tight around the neck or have anything that ties around the neck, as this is a strangling hazard.

Choices

Once you have determined that the costumes you are looking at meet all of the safety guidelines above it is time to choose the perfect toddlers Halloween costume. Costumes will fall into two general categories, timeless and current characters.

Timeless Costumes

Some examples of timeless toddler's costumes are Cinderella, Strawberry Shortcake, Spiderman and Superman. These costumes have been around for many years and show no signs of disappearing anytime soon. Besides, everyone loves a classic toddlers costume like Cowardly Lion, Darth Vader or The Cat in the Hat.

It is wonderful to see your toddler all dressed up in a similar costume to one you may have worn when you were little, such as the blue and white gingham dress and ruby slippers from that timeless classic The Wizard of Oz. This cute toddlers Halloween costume has accessories that can be purchases separately, instead of a trick or treat bag children can carry a replica of Dorothy's basket complete with a plush Toto dog!

New for 2009

The latest cartoons and blockbuster movies often play a huge role in the new Halloween costumes for toddlers every year. For 2009, you can expect to see additions like Transformers, Harry Potter's Hedwig the Owl, and X-Men Wolverine costumes.

Other New toddlers Halloween costumes include:

• Snow White Baby
• Hannah Montana
• Baby Hulk
• Spiderman 3 Black

If you and yours are Star Wars fans, everyone can get in on the action. New this year are Princess Lei, Darth Vader and Yoda costumes for the toddler all the way up to adult. There is nothing cuter than a toddler running around looking like a mini Chewbacca or R2D2! All of these costumes are created with snaps and Velcro for safety and look absolutely darling.

Conclusion

Halloween is a fun time of year that the whole family can enjoy and when it comes to choosing your Halloween costumes for toddlers you will have plenty to choose from. However do not wait too long because the great costumes often sell out rather quickly, especially if you are thinking of going with a new and trendy look.

Keep safety foremost in your mind while picking through Halloween costumes for toddlers and you will have a great time this year. Online and local retailers are already gearing up for a fun an spooky holiday.

I hope what I have mentioned above is helpful to you. If you want to know more about Halloween costumes for toddlers, I strongly recommend you to take a look of Halloween costumes for toddlers.

Romeo and Juliet Halloween Costumes For Couples

Romeo and Juliet are two fictional characters out of the medieval time period and is also a great costume for any couple who want to brighten the room that they step into. Yes, no love story can match the one of Romeo and Juliet. Many young couples or even those older couples that still have that flaming fiery love for each other choose the Romeo and Juliet costumes.

The aspect of Halloween costumes may make a lot of people scratch their head with madness, because normally, they are varied, but with Romeo and Juliet costumes for example, you have more than an option.

In terms of it suiting the Halloween mood and ambiance, Romeo and Juliet costume could be considered as one of the best, and indeed, one of the most flexible. All you have to do is remember that the original play took place in the 14th century in the town of Verona, Italy.

As Romeo and Juliet dresses are raking up a lot of popularity, they seem to be one of the best Halloween Costume Ideas for couples around.

What made these costumes different was the knickers and hats worn by men and the long skirts and bustles with aprons worn by women. These clothes were different in a sense that they had different and multiple layers in their clothing.

With women wearing long stockings and pointed toes and men wearing ruffled sleeves and long socks, it is certainly a bit different. Creating a super costume for Halloween is not going be tough at all, and for that, all you need to do is some homework.

Deciding on Halloween Costume Ideas for couples could be a tedious task indeed. Choosing a costume for Halloween is difficult because of the varied choices of a man and a woman. Just so you know - You will definitely have a lot of choices for you to choose from, but all that you need to do from your end, is some homework.

You can choose characters from TV shows, everyday life characters such a bride and groom, characters out of popular movies such as Titanic, cartoon characters such as Lady and the Tramp, food items such as Salt and Pepper or Ketchup and Mustard or even something as simple as temperatures such as cold and hot!

Get your mind thinking a bit, and surely your dress and you would be the talk of the town. By using accessories, you will be able to design an outfit, staying in your budget. The choice is yours - You can be as simple as you want, or go for some frills.

Dress as the star-crossed lovers with Romeo and Juliet costumes for the Halloween. Visit http://halloweencostumesblowout.com/

Renaissance Costumes - Choose the Best Attire

The creative mind's re-invention of Renaissance Costumes is considered a delight to the senses and a gorgeous feast for the eyes. This is the reason why a lot of festivity hosts opt for a renaissance inspired gathering more than any other concept.

Creating a renaissance period atmosphere is a bit challenging especially if you don't have any idea how to provide a real Renaissance look. So, for those who want to know how to choose the best garb for a Renaissance feast, here are few tips to combine high fashion, elegance, and stunning design in one:

1. Search through various Renaissance Costumes found in books

This pertains to different periods and cultures that have a Renaissance touch. Many different books have pictures of various costumes that can be a great concept for your choice. The global zeitgeist reads something like this: take what's indigenous in a specific renaissance period/culture and put in individual and innovative elements to come up with your own vibrant, creative costume idea.

2. The service of a local couturier

You can only have the best garb if you likewise have the best designer to inject fun and flair and design innovation to traditional renaissance costumes. Having your own designer will allow you to choose preferred patterns and styles where you can also ask for a designer's fashion sense in terms of mix of colors, creative embellishments, and fancy details.

3. Consider online resources

With the latest technology thriving each day, it is indeed possible to come across renaissance costume patterns, elegant headwear, and period accessories with just a simple search. So, if you're having a difficult time choosing which renaissance costume will fit you best, the internet will never fail to give you accurate, artistic, and whimsical costume idea.

David L writes for ShopCompareCostumes.com and shares his interest in dressing up with internet readers. He's been writing for costume and Halloween blogs since August 2007 and has been a blog author since September 2005. He loves playing characters and his creative side is most active when he's sharing his ideas with others.

He shares his ideas and recommendations about Renaissance Costumes and other holidays at Shop Compare Costumes. Sign up to receive our free costume newsletter for exclusive discounts, coupon codes, and how-to articles!

How to Cut Costs with Halloween Costumes

There's no reason to overspend on Halloween costumes if you plan ahead. Here are tips for saving money at Halloween.

1. Prepare for next year - of course it's too late now, but check Halloween stores and local drugstores the day after Halloween and stock up on accessories that don't go out of style like face makeup, vampire teeth, and cobweb netting. The discounts are often as much as 90%. Garage sales also net very, very cheap Halloween costumes if you're willing to grab them when you see them.

2. Start early - It is easy to sometimes make your own, but never a good idea to start looking for good budget ideas on October 30th.

3. Look for ideas that don't tie to specific characters. It's hard to make something look like a real good knock-off of Mickey Mouse.

4. Try community sites for previously used Halloween outfits, especially in kids' sizes.

5. Involve your child - ask them what they want to be and use items your kids are already interested in. If you have football or soccer outfits, use them. This is simple and might be easier to sell to your child rather than trying to imitate what they have seen on TV.

6. Take a trip to thrift store and consider these favorites:

• Old prom dresses, along with blood for a "Carrie" costume, or for Beauty Pageant misfits
• Bridal gowns for "Bride of Frankenstein" or cut down as princess dresses
• Old tuxedos for crazy French waiters
• Retro outfits

7. Consider these cheap and easy costumes:

• Wrap a sheet and you have a mummy or a toga costume
• Safety pin odd clothing items to a single colored ensemble and go as "static cling."
• Wrap a red blanket around a child, put on a big cross or other medallion and go as a medieval crusader
• Eye patch, red turtleneck, blue jeans and a red bandana for a pirate
• Attach Smarties to your child's pants with packing tape to create a "smartie(s) pants" costume (familyfun.com idea)

8. Consult websites for ideas. Two of our favorites are:

• coolest-homemade-costumes.com - idea sharing site
• familyfun.com (even a category for last minute ideas)

There are plenty of ideas without the need for a glue gun or sewing machine. Even if you feel you aren't very creative, the websites listed above have lots of ideas of things you can put together mostly using items you have at home.

Halloween doesn't have to be expensive and can be a lot of fun, probably more so, if you use a little imagination rather than buying something off the rack at the store. Put on your creative hat and get cracking because here is an easy method for creating homemade Halloween masks for your little trick-or-treater.

Paul Banas is a founder of GreatDad.com. Discuss about planning a baby, holiday ideas, raising kids, activity with kids and other parenting related topics at his Fathers Forum.