Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Finds: Culture Vulture
Story by TeenAngster
Published on October 10, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

LoulouLovesYou

alison_square_small_etsyfinds2.jpgWhen it comes time to assemble a Halloween-worthy costume, I worship at the altar of the visual bon mot. Zombies and sexy nurses — I can take 'em or leave 'em. The costumes that get my attention tend to be elaborate puns ("Freudian slip," anyone?) and clever pop culture references. There's something so thrilling about running into a beloved character from stage or screen on a witch and vampire-laden sidewalk (I almost had a panic attack when I bumped into a sassy Officer Dangle lookalike a few moons ago). Today's Etsy Finds were inspired by the many pop culture references ripe for reinvention. Peruse the Halloween Costumes style guide for more out of the box ideas.

 

Lady Gaga

If there's one musician whose wardrobe beckons imitation, it's Lady Gaga. Her over-the-top getups have revived the lost art of costumes as showmanship. Gaga is infamous for her "hair" bows, dresses composed of plush animals and three dimensional geometric outfits.

Giant Bow Head Band

By TheLibertarian, $40.

View Item | View Shop

Monster Dress all sizes

By devaniweaver, $335.

View Item | View Shop

Devil girl SPIKE SKIRT pvc gothic

By melissae, $150.

View Item | View Shop

Lavinia Feather Collar

By LoulouLovesYou, $155.

View Item | View Shop

Gaga for Gaga Hairbow

By Imagined, $14.

View Item | View Shop

Bat Wing Neck Corset

By idolatre, $50.

View Item | View Shop

LADY GAGA INSPIRED MINI GLOVES

By youneedunique, $20.

View Item | View Shop

Masquerade

By juliaemily, $50.

View Item | View Shop

Fancy Feather Eyelashes

By intrinsicimagination, $25.

View Item | View Shop

Ruffle drama mama

By crutch, $8000.

View Item | View Shop

The Disco Ball Bra

By mleiladast, $80.

View Item | View Shop

Josephine Baker

By BoringSidney, $850.

View Item | View Shop

 

Tim Burton Inspired

If you're looking for a font of Goth-friendly costume inspiration, look no further: Tim Burton's oeuvre will not disappoint. Be it a "bio-exorcist" with a penchant for stripes, the muted velvet of a mysterious chocolate purveyor, or his characters' signature deathly pallor, Burton's aesthetic is instantly recognizable.

Black and White Carnival Costume

By CrudeThings, $265.

View Item | View Shop

Whilamena Wonka

By dirtybirdyvintage, $100.

View Item | View Shop

The Evelyn - Victorian Top Hat

By topsyturvydesign, $229.

View Item | View Shop

Gothic Hand Painted Costume Sale

By TheBohemianGoddess, $300.

View Item | View Shop

Black, White, Gray Arm Warmers

By deSamothrace, $17.

View Item | View Shop

Royal Mask-GREAT PRICE

By EnRapturingReVisions, $180.

View Item | View Shop

Two blackbirds Perch Headband

By charmschooldesign, $44.

View Item | View Shop

Beetle - Fine silver ring

By MilicaBubanja, $50.

View Item | View Shop
 

Gothic Lolita Skirt and Coat XS to XL

By gloomth, $140.

View Item | View Shop


Brown Velvet/Satin Top Hat

By GypsyLadyHats, $135.

View Item | View Shop


Vintage Burtonesque Carnival Dress

From modularparallel, $459.

View Item | View Shop

  

Skull and BLACK LACE Hair Clip

By artisansagogo, $14.

View Item | View Shop

 

Michael Jackson

The King of Pop's passing left many a sequin glove to fill. Celebrate your love of all fashions M.J. with your best loafers, cropped pants and jauntily tilted fedora.

Military Inspired Jacket

From joules, $55.

View Item | View Shop

the gloved one

From chainchainchained, $12.

View Item | View Shop

vintage BLACK FELT hat

From greatestfriend, $48.

View Item | View Shop

bed and board buckle oxfords 8M

From persephonevintage, $44.99.

View Item | View Shop

vtg beaded tuxedo jacket

From evamaniadesign, $38.

View Item | View Shop

Michael Jackson Sequin Glove

By PaulaAndErika, $8.

View Item | View Shop

vtg CHAIN BLAZER studded gem

From HoldMyGoldVintage, $34.

View Item | View Shop

Polka Dot Red Bow Tie

From putonthatdress, $7.

View Item | View Shop

vtg JUMPSUIT slouchy pant

From HoldMyGoldVintage, $20.

View Item | View Shop

Black Sequined Bolero

From GingerKisses, $75.

View Item | View Shop

Vintage 80s stretch JUMPER

From vintagemarmalade, $34.

View Item | View Shop

Studded Black Leather Slip On Flats

By twostringjane, $85.

View Item | View Shop

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Items Tagged "Halloween" | More Halloween Posts | Halloween Gift Guides

Halloween Category | Search for Costumes

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Tags 1980s, accessories, celebrities, clothing, costumes, culture vulture, Etsy Finds, halloween, jacko, jewelry, king of pop, lady gaga, michael jackson, music, pop culture, shopping, Spotlight, SPOTLIGHT, tim burton, vintage
All articles in Spotlight
Related Items
This article was reported by:
Etsy Admin
TeenAngster
shop . profile . contact

137 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. WhiteFlagDesigns

LOVE the hair hairbow!!! :D

Oct. 10, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. jessjamesjake

Amazing find!! Great article.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. tootsweethandbags

blackbird perch headband. nice.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. thevintagecloset

fun, fun!

:o)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. pandawithcookie

Ha ha! Monster dress!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. Morado

Wow! I found some amazing shops here.

http://twitter.com/MoradoShop
http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. pinkytoeclothing

Wow Wow! Fun stuff :)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. VixVintage

Who's having the party?

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. VintageEyeFashion

ooooh! those feather eyelashes are toooo much!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. SimpleJoysPaperie

Wow ~ we have some very imaginative and talented etsians!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. ChudCity

This has inspired me! Thanks!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. BeadinBabe

Those eyelashes are amazing!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. LaveMeSoapCo

i have fallen in love with this page. marry me?

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. nat1489

These are great, I love the little glove pin!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. aimeesarmoire

Some incredible finds! I'm wondering if that bat wing neck corset would help me blend w/the locals here in rural Vermont. Well, they already think I have bats in my belfry... why not wear 'em, too?!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. ArtDecoDame

love the top hat and bow!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. evihan

wowwww extraordinaryyyyyyyyy

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. artsyclay

my friend has made some awesome Halloween brooches to top off some of these outfits....

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. elizandaxel

Love these picks! Wouldn't it be fun to dress like this everyday and not just for Halloween. :)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. QuiltFinger

Wonderful! Love the title! Very amusing weird picks!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. Tias

I always get amazed with how many different things can be found on Etsy! Love the fancy dresses...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. Lilley

wow such amazing finds!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. BargainHeadbands

zaracarpenter your pictures are "oh so beautiful"

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. norakaren

wow,the spark skirt has an awesome design!
I have masks and many more cool outfits!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. akaCINDERS

Alison,

What a great statement on the effect of contemporary pop culture on style. I just love the selection of merchandise available here. We can all be Lady Gaga, MJ or a Burtonesque character for a day!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. VintageZen

SO awesome!!!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Love Burton Inspired collection! Cool picks!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. TheCottageCheese

My sister in law dressed as a "pun" a few years ago. She put spinach between her teeth, stuck toilet paper to her shoe, smeared her liptstick,and tucked her the back of her skirt into her pantyhose. When people asked her what she was supposed to be, she replied "I'm embarrassed". Clever girl.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. thebestvintage

Cool!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. girltuesdayjewelry

I'm gaga over the Gaga collection! Great finds! Again, I am amazed at the genius running rampant here on etsy!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ConservationClothing

Basically, my whole life, I’ve only worn used and vintage clothes for Halloween, accessorizing with gloves, jewelry, scarves, belts, and lots of makeup. Then after, I would still wear the clothes normally.

MICHAEL JACKSON PARIS JACKET:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
COBRA GOLD SLINKY…
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 10, 2009 at noon JoyandWhimsy

I saw a sequin bra top in glitter black (like the white one above) in the vintage section where there's lots of Halloween ideas. Selling 2 Hitchcock literary collections for Halloween…

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S STORIES of the OCCULT, WITCHES, MAGIC….
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. zwzzy

Holy hell, there's some awesome pieces there!

Culture Vulture: http://www.last.fm/music/Chicks+on+Sp... (my favorite group!)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:06 p.m. FemmeFataleVintage

Terrific!! Inspiring and fun!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:11 p.m. withlovebunny

amazing picks! how inspiring!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. blueskyclouds

Dang, there are so many people out there with such style and flair! Wow!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. kristensteinfineart

SO MANY GREAT PICKS. Alison!!!! You have outdone yourself girl. I love this post and the picks are sensational!

Great job!
kristen

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. OpulentOddities

LOoooove the feather collar!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. Iammie

Nice picked!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. PunchDrunkPrincess

I want a freudian slip!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. congcongdesign

wow.very charming.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. BellaLili

love it! All so different. I love seeing such a departure from the norm.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. vintagehomerecycled

So many pieces to fall in love with, all of them.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. zaracarpenter

Yey thanks for including me :D

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. Amievoltaire

Cool!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. baconsquarefarm

great finds enjoyed my peruse, I'll say it again over and over such talent is found on Etsy~

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. seababejewelry


Wow, what fun finds!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. simplyworn

I love it when people take an idea and really get into it
and use things in their wardrobe...thrift the rest...and
their costume is unique...instead of typical rent-a-costume! Love the main photo...feathers,feathers.....

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. lovelygifts

Very creative.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. worksofwhimsy

How about using Katy Perry as a pop-culture inspiration next time? I love her bright and whimsical style.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. dutchfeltart

Wow, love these ideas and admire the picks!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. ManicManx

Fun fun fun!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. MelroseFields

Cool eyelashes

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. SASessories

this is hot...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. mgfashionjewelry

Love it.

BOGO deals in my store and free shipping!
http://www.mgfashionjewelry.etsy.com

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. mtcoffinz

So many fantastic things! It makes me a little sad that Halloween is over so quickly :(

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. BlackStar

Too Cool! I love the disco ball bra! :)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. jbeaudet

I love these costumes! Halloween is so much fun!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. soule

Love all the Black and White Stripes!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ocasiocasa

Ingenious ideas! So much creativity, frivolity and fun; the talent here amazes me.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. CutieDynamite

Super cute! Great costume ideas...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. retrothreadz

love lady gaga, her fashion is out of this world

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. poppyfox

I love all this unique stuff!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. HeyChica

Great stuff, love the blackbird and day of the dead headbands!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. zebracakes

I've loved that Gloomth outfit since I first laid eyes on it! <3 <3 <3

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. stockannette

Fascinators like these by ElephunksTrunk make me think of Tim Burton AND Lady Gaga: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. IceCreamCandy

i love the lady gaga hair bow!!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. warpedLaurie

great picks.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. Aquanetta

Wow! fun finds :)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. craftpile

I showed my hubby the disco ball bra and he wants to get that for me for Christmas :)

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. craftpile

That said, Loved! The Elvyn victorian tall hat is beautiful.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. pinkparchmentsoaps

Wow! Love this one!!!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. PlastikWrap

Love at first sight!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

Absolutely fantastic finds,
so cool!!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. LavenderField

Those Fancy Feather Eyelashes are really somethin'!!!! Love them!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. moonstr

looove everything!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. kalicat

these items are absolutely amazing! It makes me wish that there was nore than just ONE halloween each year. So many items to choose from to create an unique look!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 6:03 p.m. LuttrellStudio

Wild!! The neighbours would drop dead of a heart attack if I showed up in some of these!! Perfect unique ideas!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. jenharruff

Very inspiring! Loved this article, especially the Tim Burton inspired things.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 6:34 p.m. shesbattydesigns

I love the Gothic Lolita Skirt and Coat !! <3

Oct. 10, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. metrostation

cool picks!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. hollywoodspotlight

awesome ....simply awesome ...and totally etsy !!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

Fancy!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. BayMoonDesign

Too hard to pick a favorite--all very cool.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. rollerscait

I love the monster dress, and of course the MJ style

Oct. 10, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. vivikas

really fun!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. PeekoApparel

AMAZING... i love these picks!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. BellyDancePrincess

What amazing items! Love the horns!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. Annilys

so many fascinating items...love this

Oct. 10, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. Lelikat

Cool stuff! etsy sellers rock!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. katiearms

ALISON, YOU'RE A DANG GENIUS!
Awesome post, lady.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. DreamzBoutique

check this one also... so unique and so cheap..and also free shipping this weekend.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 10, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. Vintage50sEyewear

So uniquely beautiful. Love it!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. whitemetal

awesome!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. LeLapinTriste

utterly fabulous!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. Lily1010

Utterly devine! WOW!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. recycledwares

oh my gosh!! what elaborate costume pieces. now i just need a party to attend.

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. poppyandclover

These are great, but I want to see the Officer Dangle lookie-likie!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. auniakahn

I really loved so much of this, fantastic finds. Thank you!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. solsticescents

I think the main photo is really hot and gorgeous! I love eccentric items, and not just for Halloween either!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. jpstyle

what awesome finds!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:52 a.m. Archivia

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Especially the pvc spike skirt.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:07 a.m. MyraMelinda

oh my give me that body tatterdemalion.....
if the outfit would look that good on me, i'd buy 100....(LOL)
Great items....love them all....funkier the better!!!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:12 a.m. LittleLovables

wow, these are some great finds, love the styling of everything!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 4:34 a.m. chewiemonster

great finds! some this id wear year round!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 6:01 a.m. LoulouLovesYou

Thank you for including me!

You can see my whole Lingerie and Accessories range here:

http://www.louloulovesyou.com

Oct. 11, 2009 at 6:53 a.m. RedFenyx

Fun costumes!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 7:07 a.m. congcongdesign

so many fun items.
welcome to my shop.
all items from china and owner's handmade.
www.congcongdesign.etsy.com

Oct. 11, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. lauratoal

Love the feather collar, feathers are very popular this winter!!
www.lauratoal.etsy.com

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. littlewoodpeople

Super cool.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. nitca

A lot of amazing stuff!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. mgilinfo

Very pretty..

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. artisansagogo

Thank you Alison for including my Halloween/Day of the Dead Fascinators. Everyone's creations are magnificent!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. cassidycay

The Tim Burton finds are awesome! I especially love the beetle ring!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. babook

What great items for halloween to prepare ; )http://www.babook.etsy.com/

Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. mythunderstood

Great finds!

I think these may be my last pair of Michael Jackson earrings with the glove!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 11, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. LovMely

love the hat!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. MyMoms

Definitely different and unique. Thanks for sharing!

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. ArtWallah

Recalls a period I don't see enough of these days. Give me a Freud slip, please . . . in red.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. MyPatternedMind

The featured items are just soo Fierce!!! :)

Oct. 11, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. lealerjcreates

wow,very creative!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. thesockgirl

cool stuff. i love the feathers!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. SilverNutmegStudio

Nice!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. EJPcreations

so pretty I need all of them!!!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. 1AEON

good ones! Lady Gaga grew on me, plus she has a cute butt:)

Oct. 12, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. OopisNein

Neat! I wish I had money!

Oct. 12, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. shopgoodgrace

Hee hee!! Officer Dangle! :) A friend of my teenage son dressed up as Dangle for Homecoming. (Pretty brave, considering the atmosphere/mentality of *some* narrow minded kids.) Yes, I much prefer some irony versus pure gore and the "typical" Halloween themes.

Oct. 13, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. LuLusPhotography

AWESOME picks!!!!!!!

I really love the Tim Burton ones :) Very stylish!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. quiltwork

Whoa! Fabulous choices. I love the stripes.

Oct. 13, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. gabeadz

WOWWWW!!! Nice items and pictures!!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. HouserWallis

Incredible work, costumiers!
i wish i were brave enough to wear the disco ball bra!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 3:31 a.m. artdecadence

ooooh yes..gorgeous glamorous and all so very clever...and this post is a work of art in itself...

Oct. 14, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. 2007musarra

I wish I could wear the striped black and white dres all day every day! Super awesome

Oct. 14, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. pipersdelight

I'm loving the BohemianGoddess's gown...and the Masquerade...and all the hats and....to heck with it, I love it all!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. MissMinoes

Wow, love your choices!
=^x^=

Oct. 16, 2009 at 3:07 a.m. intrinsicimagination

The Lady Gaga collection is awesome! I'm so honored that my eyelashes were chosen to be part of it! I loved her VMA performance, she is so twisted!!!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. 35thofMay

I love this etsy find.
I wanna see more!

Previous Page | Next Page