The MomSpeak

I have these fantasies every year about making my daughters’ Halloween costumes myself. But between work and home obligations (and watching Project Runway) it never quite happens. Next thing you know it’s October 30, and I’m picking through the pathetic remnants at the local costume store, trying to decide if it’s worse to make my three year-old a sexy cheerleader to just stick her in a sheet and call her a ghost.

And yes, they really do have sexy costumes for little girls. I’ll spare you a link.

Perhaps you too want to resist the quick ‘n easy appeal of store-bought pvc masks and shoddy quality vinyl capes but also find yourself pressed for time (or, um, skills). If so, it’s easier than ever to find the accessories you’re looking for online. Just a quick poke around some of Cool Mom Picks’ favorite haunts on the web, yielded the following beautiful items.

CAPES AND SUPERHERO ACCESSORIES
There is an abundance of really beautifully made handsewn capes for sale, and what’s especially great is that they’ll hold up in the dress-up trunk for years to come. Our faves come from Panjo Kids, Ellie Belie Kids, and Little Hero. You’ll find them in satin and cotton, with generic symbols on the back like lightning bolts and stars. Some can even be customized with your own children’s initial on the back because really, the only thing cooler than being Superman on Halloween is being SuperOliver.

Pair them with a pair of Baby Pop’s fingerless superhero gloves and a handmade satin mask from Discovery Denim and all you need now are the tights.

But don’t try to make those yourself. Check Danskin.

TUTUS TO MAKE YOU SQUEAL
Etsy is always our first stop for anything handmade at all, and the tutu selection is out of control. I especially like what San Diego-based Tiara’s Tutus is doing with their tutu/wing sets. There’s a great looking Fire Fairywhich is presumably a kinder, gentler, girlier take on a devil costume, and the Tinkerbell-style tutu and pixie wings in a sweet minty green helps you support a work-at-home mom instead of a major conglomerate.

Another tutu-based option comes from Danbury Lane, also in San Diego, who’s offering up sort of a ballerina-witch hybrid costume complete with orange hat, magic wand, and a bright orange tutu with creepy little rubber spiders crawling beneath the layers of tulle.

CROWNS FOR THE REAL KING OR QUEEN OF THE CASTLE
It’s of course easy to have your kid make his or her own crown with construction paper and craft supplies, but if you want something a little more long-lasting, there are some beautiful handmade head pieces available at dress-up category and you’ll find a handknit golden crown for boys or girls, and a needle-felted floral “fall crown” that’s perfect for both dancing fairy meads and ringing doorbells in search of Snickers.

I’m also so happy to have found the handmade tiara-style headbands from Frosting Couture. No way a little princess will be ready to retire hers on November 1.

RIDE ‘EM COWBOY
I cannot believe how cute the faux suede Littlest Cowboy costume is from Saltwater Kids. And at just $28 for the set? Holy cow (boy).

FUN HALLOWEEN EXTRAS
The mermaid tail and tiara set from Lazy Mama Designs is way better than anything I’d have tried to sew myself, that’s for sure.

For a costumed headpiece that keeps the cold out, check out the handknit bear cap. All you need is a brown bunting for your baby and you’re set.

If you’ve got a junior pirate, behold the very cute pirate eye patches is from Chic Baby Rose on etsy. There’s even one for girlie girl pirates who’d rather walk the plank than skip the pink on Halloween.

If some of these special items make you think, Hey! I could make that myself! The great news is…maybe you can. Poke around the handmade sites and you just may find inspiration for that fabulous touch that helps separate your little clown or ballerina or bunny rabbit from all the others in the neighborhood.

Provided you have time to actually make it. -Liz Gumbinner