Why Irene O’Brien is the Halloween Hero We Didn’t Know We Needed
Gather ’round, Halloween enthusiasts and frugal fashionistas! You know that moment when you stare into your closet, searching for something — anything — to wear for the spookiest night of the year and all you can think is it might be easier to just go as your bank balance? Well, fear not! Irene O’Brien, stylist extraordinaire and the fairy godmother of DIY costumes, has swooped in to save our pockets from the fright of overpriced costumes.
The Cost of Costume: Let’s Face It
Irene graced the scene at The Glass House Bar in Dublin recently, dishing out wisdom on how to conjure up an eye-catching Halloween look without selling a kidney. “Why spend a small fortune on a costume you will only wear once?” she quipped. Good point, Irene! Unless you’re going to a gala in October every year, that clown suit isn’t getting a lot of use post-Halloween.
Instead, she advocates raiding your own wardrobe, which, quite frankly, is less scary than most Halloween costume aisles. There’s a great selection of things you might’ve forgotten you even owned — like that glittery top your friend lent you two Halloweens ago or that odd pair of wings you got from a failed angel costume attempt. You might even unearth that leopard print jacket you swore would make a comeback!
A Wardrobe Wonderland
Irene emphasizes thinking outside the box, or rather, outside the already overstuffed closet! “Start thinking about maybe something you remember that you saw on someone else before,” she advises. Yes, remember that friend who always manages to look effortlessly cool? She might just be your next costume inspiration. Steal, I mean ‘borrow’ her essence — we won’t tell.
The genius doesn’t stop there; O’Brien also spills the tea on where to find gems online. Sites like eBay and Etsy are treasure troves for those who dare to dig. You can often find artisan pieces that scream uniqueness — or at least shout something at a volume that makes them noticeable at a party.
Putting It All Together
Now you’ve got your bits and bobs — you’re probably feeling a rush of excitement thinking you might be the most original ‘something’ at any party this year! Put your hat on and channel your inner stylist. Make it up as you go along!
“It doesn’t have to cost a fortune,” O’Brien insists, and let’s face it, you could even turn it into a friendly competition among friends — a DIY costume challenge! Just imagine everyone showing up, arms full of thrifted treasures and creative madness. You might just create the next viral TikTok trend for Halloween!
The Final Word
So this Halloween, let’s embrace our creativity, empty out that closet, and strut our stuff dressed as something completely unexpected. And if anyone asks about your costume, you can just say it’s an haute couture piece inspired by, well, life itself! After all, it’s not what you wear but the confidence you bring. And that folks, is priceless.
Happy Halloween, and may your costumes be weird, wonderful, and—most importantly—budget-friendly!
