Take Back Halloween!

I recently came across a fanstastic website, http://takebackhalloween.org/ which is dedicated to taking back Halloween for women.  What do they mean by "Taking Back Halloween?" Taking it back from the sexy nurse, sexy doctor, sexy this, sexy that, sexy-anything options that are so prevalent for women and championing costumes representing strong women through history like Queens, Activists, and Movie Stars.

What is even more amazing, is for each listing, they include links to purchasing items to complete your costume.

But I have a suggestion.  Many of the links to various pieces of rhinestone jewelry are links to buying the pieces off of Chinese re-sellers. I personally don't think this is the best idea, as these pieces are shipped across the world, we don't know under what conditions they are made, and they aren't the most enviornmentally friendly option.

If I were them, I'd link to an Etsy search of vintage rhinestone jewelry!  Going vintage is much more environmentally friendly, not to mention, much more likely to be period appropriate. AND the quality of the pieces is going to be a lot better.

I did a quick search on Etsy and found some great pieces that could be used for many of their costumes, including Queen Victoria, Carlota of Mexico, Audrey Hepburn, Josephine Baker, or Rita Heyworth.

Looking to do costumes that are more Egyptian / Middle Eastern like Isis, Hatshepsut, Jezebel, Puabi, or Zenobia? Here are some suggestions...

Regardless, my suggestion is, before purchasing reproduction or faux-vintage rhinestone pieces off of Amazon or some other costuming website, check Etsy first for true vintage! You'll find pieces that will not hurt your wallet, and will be a little more forgiving to the environment.