I had no intention spending my day yesterday altering a dress to fit my version of Belle from Beauty and the Beast-but that is what I did.  The dress was a prom reject from Macy’s still new with tags still attached, (worth about $400.00), I got it for $25.00.  As I perused the rest of the store I found a matching scrap piece of yellow fabric that cost .99 cents for the sleeves.  I rummaged in my costume closest at home and found a brown wig, a little sprits here and few boby pins there and wala !  Instant Belle Halloween costume.  Sometimes I surprise even myself with my resourcefulness.  Feel free to leave a comment if you like.  I would love to hear your stories of thrifting.

UPDATE!

Thank you to everyone who is interested in my costumes, patterns, and tutorials.  I have been overwhelmed by your compliments and support.  I have to admit, that though the interest is there, it may not be feasible for me to make the patterns or do commissions.  You see, I am directing a movie.  Costuming has always been a bit of a hobby for me, and initially in my directing career I was unable to pay someone else to do the costumes, and thus had to do them myself.  Which led to the survival job of commissions, which led to recreations of costumes from movies, to wit, my lovely Bellatrix costume and the Snape costume.  I had no idea posting this costume on line would get so many fans.  I must admit I am pleasantly surprised and humbled by your support.  Perhaps as time passes and more interest develops I can do a tutorial for the cloak if not a pattern.  But, right now my time is for my feature film project, which I am so excited about.  It’s called Surely You Jest, an epic fantasy adventure!  There’s romance, wit, adventure, and a bit of dark magic.  Sounds like fun huh?  I think so.  For those of you who follow my crazy adventures and have not yet checked it out here is the website,  www.surelyyoujestthemovie.com.  If you are a potterhead it should be your type of project.  I wish you all well.  Happy creating.