by Donna MacMeans
Part of the problem (beyond the obvious procrastination) is that I wasn't sure what I wanted to be -- a sinner or a saint... wings or a devil's horns...what would you choose?
Now I have to admit a certain affinity toward a sinner costume. It's a well accepted assumption that bad girls have more fun, right? Quite honestly, I've never been a bad girl and I'm running out of time to try (grin).
Would God strike me dead it I went as this guy (minus the beard, of course)?
I have a dilemma.
I'm leaving Friday for Lora Leigh's reader event in Huntington WV known as RAW (Readers Appreciation Weekend). The event has a theme of Sinners and Saints complete with a costume dance on Saturday night.
I have no costume.
Part of the problem (beyond the obvious procrastination) is that I wasn't sure what I wanted to be -- a sinner or a saint... wings or a devil's horns...what would you choose?
Now I have to admit a certain affinity toward a sinner costume. It's a well accepted assumption that bad girls have more fun, right? Quite honestly, I've never been a bad girl and I'm running out of time to try (grin). However, all the sinner costumes show more skin than costume and, quite frankly, God created some bodies to be covered. Such a body is mine (sigh).
I thought about reviving my pink corset, and using that to promote the sort of bad girl image necessary for a proper sinner. (You may recall that corset inspired the observation from my daughter as she tightened the laces, "Mom - it's like you have a butt crack that goes right up your back!") 
However, I'm a little concerned about the potential for a wardrobe malfunction. I love to dance. Once the music starts, it'll be hard to keep me off the floor. It's difficult enough to breathe in that corset much less dance. If the girls escape ... well... just the thought is enough to nix the corset.
So maybe I should go as a saint (though I'm not sure anyone would actually
buy that). I've certainly seen enough angel wings on sale and I imagine a halo wouldn't be too difficult to construct out of tin foil. I have enough years of crafting kid's costumes to let such a small thing as a halo deter me. But wings are something of a pain when you're dancing. They have a mind of their own. Hmmm...not sure an angel costume will work.
buy that). I've certainly seen enough angel wings on sale and I imagine a halo wouldn't be too difficult to construct out of tin foil. I have enough years of crafting kid's costumes to let such a small thing as a halo deter me. But wings are something of a pain when you're dancing. They have a mind of their own. Hmmm...not sure an angel costume will work.So what about some other sort of Saint.
Val Kilmer played a thief known as The Saint in a movie by the same name. I don't think I could make a costume to resemble Val Kilmer - but I liked the idea of having an excuse to use his photo.
I found a group known as SAINT for Saving Animals In Need Together. I think I could make a convincing old dog.
Would God strike me dead it I went as this guy (minus the beard, of course)?So help me out? Any ideas out there to save me from being excluded from the fun? If you're going to RAW - what are you going as? If you're not going to RAW - what would you go as if you could?
If you leave a comment, you've a chance to win a copy of Tracy Spear's Heart of the Wolf or Suzanne Enoch's Before The Scandal. So help a poor sinner...saint...out.
78 comments:
Mine?
Yay Lynz - The GR is heading your way!
Hmmm...you know the GR will be coming with me. He already has his vampire cape so I guess he'll be a sinner. How apropos... Do you think they have little rooster sized angel costumes?
I'm off to bed. Catch everyone in the morning.
Congrat Lynz on nabbing the rooster today! Have fun with him and don't work him to hard. I would say he's headed to the RWA also!
Personally Donna I think you should go as a Saint. You could always be the little angel that hasn't earned her wings yet! You could be an angel in the makings! Earning those wings takes a while you know.
Lynz, congrats on the chook!
Donna, I think you're a saint - and a sinner! ;-) All the Banditas need a little bit of sinner in them, I think. It was one of the requirements of joining! Oh, and the rooster is the biggest sinner of us all!
Laughed at your daughter's butt crack, um, crack! Mean but funny! Good luck with coming up with a great costume! By the way, I definitely appreciated the picture of VK. I loved the Saint - thought it was a really luscious love story.
I'm not going, but if I could go, I'd dress as a fallen angel. It's the best of both worlds! I've been dying for an excuse to do Misschievous' Fallen Angel look since she posted it, except that I think I'd go with blue lips instead of black... I'd pair it with a babydoll-style dress in black and a pair of high black heels. No need for wings or a halo, as a fallen angel would've lost them, right?
Congrats on the GR, Lynz.
Hi Donna,
I have an angel costume from several years ago, but my cousin made the halo crooked and told everyone that I was a fallen angel. The naughty nurse costume is always popular.
Oh sweetie, go for the sinner!! Hey, you have an awesome corset, a great look to not only promote the naughty look but to tie in with your books. Sin, I say. Sin and enjoy every dancing second of it :-D
Not that I'm a bad girl enabler or anything.
I, of course, could never be considered anything but saintly.
heeheehee
Hi Donna! I hope you have fun at the event. It sounds wunnerful!
You only live once. Go as a sinner! I think you should wear the corset. It looks good. If you feel self-conscious about it, wear a black cape or a long jacket, even a smoking jacket will do. You can buy the red devil horns that light up (battery operated) at Walgreen's.
Have a great time.
p.s. for some reason, this event sort of reminds me of the "tarts and vicars" party from Bridget Jones' Diary. =:)
I think you should make a headband with one horn and half halo, also a tail half of which is forked, a split tail if you will. You could also find some small dolls, dress one as devil and one as angel and wear on your shoulders.
I was hoping to come but we are in an overtime crunch at work so that put the nix on that.
Congrats Lynz
Donna
I would believe you are a saint and I do love you in the corset.
If I were you I would go as an Arch Angel top of the line and I am sure that you could get some light wings that could be taken off when the dancing starts.
Have lots of fun Donna and I hope you get lots of photos to show us
Have Fun
Helen
LOL Donna - I'd definitely choose sinner! Like Tawny, I'm not a bad girl enabler, though (much!).
I see your point about the corset and dancing, though it is fab!
I love Lynz's idea of a fallen angel - perfect!
And, you know, having lots of skin on display isn't a pre-requisite for a sinner - think of Michelle P as Cat Woman! (I know, would that we could all have her body, but you get my point.) Leather and lace, studs and zips, red & black and totally sexy.
And a halo tilted over one eye!
I was going to say, Pink Peony, that we have a version of that party over here called 'tarts and vicars' (there's also actresses and bishops), as in Bridget Jones. You beat me to it!
Donna, you could do what I did once and go as half-tart, half-vicar (Dog-collar and fishnets!)
Just wanted to check our Aussie pals are doing okay with that red storm - please check in and let us know how you're doing.
Oh, goodness, Donna. I am not a costume person! For some reason, costumes make me uncomfortable. I would rather just be me than someone else! I'm sure I would dress as a saint. That way, it could be all wings, glitter and a halo. *g*
Though you could go as St. Francis of Assisi, complete with wool robe, sandals and tonsure. *g* Or how about Joan of Arc? It's always fun to play a martyr who gets burned at the stake! Or, since according to the Bible "saints" are simply all believers in Christ, you could dress as the Church Lady!
The possibilities are endless.
I'm not a costume person eithe. But, I love your corset picture so definitely go as the sinner...
hookerware..makeup, high heels, the color red!!
Definitely, go for the sinner! But here's an option for you, if you can't decide: http://www.offthemark.com/search-results/key/purgatory/
Bananarama - Venus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbw8CJFJwcI&feature=related
Eurythmics - There must be an angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAxzZuGNSq8
Hi Virginia -
An angel that hasn't earned their wings - like bumbling Clarence Odbody, angel second class from It's a Wonderful Life - I like that. I can do bumbling (grin). Of course, I'll have the GR with me and he has enough wings for the both of us.
Donna, you're such a sinner :)
You definitely need a sinner costume. Have fun and don't let the GR get into too much trouble.
Anna -
Definitely, all the banditas have a little sinner in them - we could be called saintasins (he-he). Yes, one of my daughter's more memorable observations - but she was right. Somehow I don't think those corset were meant to be laced THAT tight (or compress quite so much).
I'm not the biggest Val Kilmer fan but he was fabulous in the Saint. Didn't he have a calling card that showed a stick man with a slightly askew halo? Hmmm...I could do that. Askew halo, I mean, not the stick man (grin)
Lynz - As long as that fallen angel had a lot of bounce, I could do that - although I'd have to wonder about a babydoll dress on a fifty year old. Would a Baby Jane look qualify (he-he)?
This is a possibility. Thank you Lynz
I'll expand on what Caren suggested. Go as St. Joan (ie) of Arc. Not only was she a saint, she was "hot". (I know ..that's BAD)
And the Church Lady is a FABULOUS idea. She purported saintliness but I highly suspect was a closet sinner.
Jane -
I have this aversion to buying costumes which makes absolutely no sense. I can only credit it to 1) being incredible cheap (it comes with the accounting profession) and 2) having made my kids costumes for all those years. Nevertheless, I may venture out this afternoon to see if I can find some early Halloween costumes out and see what they have. As long as Joan and Suz don't take me to task for the stereotype of nurses - I might give that a try.
Thanks Jane
Tawny - I knew I could count on you for sin (big grin).
I'm not sure that corset is wearable anymore. My husband bought it as a birthday gift for me when Mrs. Brimley cam out. His plan was to frame the large (made in China) size corset behind glass with my cover. However, the corset arrived too late for framing (ast leaset for my birthday) so I decided to wear it.
Now had I ordered the thing, I'd have put some XXs in front of that L. As it is - what was once a mostly straight up and down garment now has this huge crease and bulge midway up. I'm afraid the poor thing will never be the same (grin).
So I have three saints, one sinner, and one in-between.
PinkPeony -
Thanks for the tip about the light-up horns. I'll have to check those out. Hadn't thought to look at Walgreens.
The problem with wearing the corset is the distinct possiblity of a wardrobe malfunction. Gravity is a b@#tch. The last time I wore it I only stood around and did some shallow breathing. Even then I felt it slipping down. Plus sitting really hurt. I want to be comfortable and not worry about flashing my assets to the group (grin).
But a sinner would be fun if I can come up with something appropriate.
Bummer Dianna - I was hoping you could make the public signing on Sunday. Ah well - gotta do what you gotta do to pay the bills, you know? I'll catch you another time I'm sure.
What an interesting idea for a costume! I like the marriage of both sinner and saint. Have to see what I can do. Maybe I can use the GR instead of the red doll. He's a little devil even without his costume.
Hi Helen -
Top shelf angel - do you think anyone would believe it (grin)?
You're a sweetheart to think so.
I'm leaning toward a nun. Total coverage and no wings to fuss with.
Anna - You've inspired me. I do have a tight black leather sweater/top that I bought a while back to appease my inner Harley. Maybe I can do something with that. It zips up front, so I can leave the zipper down dower than usual. But I'll need to carry something to change into - or restraint my dancing. That leather look would be hot.
Anna - You could totally pull off that look. I'm afraid if I wore fishnets I'd look like the catch-of-the-day.
Caren - great ideas. I tend to think of saints as requiring wings, but not so. Have to admit, though, that the sinner costumes have more fun potential than the church lady (grins).
I think you'd make a great sinner Caren - though it may run agaisnt your saintly nature (smile).
Okay, so most of my current costumes are out.
A saint and a sinner...
Well, there is the tried and true "Pregnant Nun" costume.
Or you could go as Johnny Cash--dressed in black. The sinner who pretty much died a saint.
Or one of the Popes who used to run a brothel and had a mistress--pretty sure he qualifies as both sinner and saint.
I'm trying to think of girls who qualify as both sinner and saint.
*grins* I might go as Mae West. All sinner, but damn, she'd be fun to play.
Laurie -
Slutwear. I haven't much along those lines...but every wardrobe should have some slutty items in it, right? Hmmm...I wonder if I can borrow Aunt Cindy's crop...
Minna - Another vote for sinner. My count is pretty well split down the middle: six for saint, six for sinner, and three for both in one costume.
Ms. Hellion - What great ideas! I honestly hadn't thought of the pregnant nun. Like that. What a hoot about the Pope, more sinner than saint I suspect. I like the play on combining both aspects. May have to give that a whirl.
Christie - Ah...but I'm a repentive sinner - always the morning after I repent that I had too much to drink the night before.
Joan - Not sure I could find the armor to pull off Joan of Arc - but I could probably find a lighter (sad...sorry).
In the immortal words of Billy Joel, The sinners are much more fun. So definitely bring out the leather and horns and high heeled boots.
I'd definitely suggest going as a Saint - regal white robes, golden adornments, the faint outline of a black leather bustiere, maybe little satin loop to hold your whip! Everyone knows that under all the fluff and stuff of a "good girl" beats the heart of a "very naughty girl". Either way have a great time.
Oh, I am so jealous. I soooo wanted to go to that!
No question, I'd want to go as a sinner! Although I would have had to be thirty years younger to wear the kind of costume I'd want to pick.
Donna, I think you have a little of each. Maybe you should go with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other!
Hey Lynz!!1 great nab on the chook. :>
Donna, you crack me up. Hahah! I loved Kilmer as the Saint, BTW.
You could go as a spy - all black (leather optional) and gadgets, and stuff which can be sinner or saint. :>
Me? I'd go as a sinner for sure. I have a nice long red tail and horns that compliments any outfit, no malfunctions possible. Ha!
Donna, what a hilarious and fun dilemma to be in!
Wow, that corset looks so great on you; forget the butt-crack crack and go with that one!
Devil costumes are so much more intersting. Why is that? Angel ones seem, well . . . just plain boring.
I'd love to see you as a bawdy house madame. You've got the perfect voice for it LOL!
Lynz, congrats on the rooster! Yes, he's already an expert in the sin department. Even if he had an angel costume, I'm not sure he'd behave. *sigh*
Donna, tough choice on the costumes. The sinner ones do tend to be much more detailed.
Maybe something along the saint line, as in someone who's part of the forces of good. Glinda the Good witch, Joan of Arc (actually a saint)--armor and a sword into the bargain--a super-heroine. I know you'll come up with something fabulous!
I hope you have a great time at RAW.
Joder - I think you're right. The sinners definitely have more fun. Not sure I could handle the high heels anymore (sorry Tawny). After so many years of working out of my home, I'm lucky to find any shoes, much less glamorous ones.
Everyone knows that under all the fluff and stuff of a "good girl" beats the heart of a "very naughty girl".
Cybercliper - I think you have the right of it. Perhaps a little of each, then. I like the idea of the white robes to pull over the bustier. It's a possiblity.
Becke - You will be missed. I like Ms. Hellion's suggestion of Mae West. I think I could pull that off and I already have a feather boa. I'd just have to practice the hip thrusting walk.
Jeanne - Why does it not surprise me that you thought of a spy - or have horns and a tail in your wardrobe? (grin) Good Idea, though. I'd have to wear a halo though or no one would make the connection.
Jo - Now that's a new compliment for me (er..that was a compliment, right?) Yes, I think I can channel Mae West - Is that a pistol in your pocket or are you just glad to see me. Wonder if I can pull it together in time?
Nancy - I think YOU would make a great Joan of Arc. I can easily see you in armor wielding a sword (and maybe a light saber on the side).
Why is it the sinner costumes have much more detail, I wonder? All that cinching to show off curves, perhaps? And why must the saints be so shapeless - no temptation with a teasing curve? Something psychological in all that, I'm sure.
Congrats Lynz! :)
Costumes are fun! My pick would be Saint. Joan of Arc sounds great(yay weapons!) but I'm not sure how you could do the armor. Angel sounds fun too(gotta love wings and flowy fabric). It would be so cute to have a little angel doll on one shoulder and the GR on the other! Though maybe problematic when it comes to dancing. Hmmm...if you wanted to go the sinner/saint route but didn't want cumbersome wings, you could always find a top with a low back and draw/paint some little wings on your back with waterproof makeup.
VK did indeed have that calling card. I thought that film was seriously underrated - the reviews were awful and I really enjoyed it. Love the early scenes where he's out to seduce her and then can't go through with it - real romantic hero stuff!
Anna, very strange weather here yesterday. We had pinkish grey dust unlike Sydney which turned Mars red. Not sure what's going to happen today. Too early for a news and it's dark outside!
Pissinlit -
Actually I have a top with angel wings outlined on the back. The front says "Hopeless Romantic". I figure I can always wear that in a pinch - but it's not like a full fledge costume. I may have to create something to get me in the door, then strip down to my wings for strutting on the dancefloor.
Fo - Watch out for swarms of locusts!
Seriously, that's a freaky mess going on down under. I remember when Mt. St. Helena decided to belch up a volcanic dust and ash - they say the inability of sunlight to penetrate the raining dust affected crops, temperatures, etc. I wonder if this red dust storm will have similar results.
What about one of those combo outfits? Maybe wings with devil horns, a halo and forked tail. I think that's what most of us are anyway. Half & half. lol
Deidre
Anna
Yesterday was the strangest day I woke up to a red glow and red dust everywhere our white car is just a mess and everything is covered in the dust.
Today all is good back to normal although I have a lot of cleaning to do as I tend to leave windows open a busy weekend coming up.
Donna
There are some great costumes suggested I do like the sound of a Nun.
Have Fun
Helen
Deirdre - I think that's what most of us are anyway. Half & half.
A costume of a life-sized carton of light cream just came to mind. :D
How about your corset and hat with pink wings? You could be the Angel of Romance. That way, you could be a naughty angel (and satisfy the devil in you) and be the beatific angel (and well pray that it finds that miniscule saintly cell in you).
Howzat for readily insulting someone in the name of answering their honest question?
ddurance - Half & half. Yes I think that's what most of us are. Have you noticed that sin is part of saint? Must be a reason for that (grin).
Helen - Glad to hear things are back to normal. It was just a fluke then? If you guys have rain now, it'll look like blood running in the streets (grins). (Who says Australia doesn't celebrate Halloween. You just got your dates off.)
Pissenlit - LOL on the big carton. If I had the time, I might actually try to make that.
Keira! How good to chat with you!
"and well pray that it finds that miniscule saintly cell in you"
My dear - you know me too well. LOL
Sinners of course !!!
what a pic ;-)
Emmanuelle - It is a keeper pic - not to be repeated as long as I maintain an inch of sanity! Even if I wear the corset again, I'll have someone with a more humane touch doing the lacing. (grin)
Hi Donna, how cool! The Lora Leigh event sounds like a lot of fun. Someone has probably already suggested this, but what about a fallen angel, with your halo a be askew and your wings torn off, etc.
Have a great time, whatever you do!
Wings TORN off?? What sort of Wicked Little Game are you playing, Christine?(Grin) Sounds like a violent de-flocking ceremony.
So far the count is:
seven for something saintly
seven for something sinful
and five for a combination or something in-between.
I would try Elvira. A long flowing black dress (usually low cut) with black nail polish and dark lipstick.
Hmm... I think that in the interest of comfort and ease, saint is the way to go--and maybe you could go with minimal wings, so as to avoid having to hassle with them much that evening. Don't want them to interfere with the dancing! Can't wait to hear what interpretation you finally end up wearing this party, Donna :)
Back with you, Lynz ! And I KNOW the GR will be the hit of the event, Donna. Take photos of his bad self with all of those saint's and sinners!
You could always go as St. Matthew dressed as a tax collector - the sinner before he became a saint! LOL
I still think Mae West is a great idea. If you've got "the girls" flaunt them. I just remember my favorite Mae West quote when she arrived at a hotel covered in jewelry and the receptionist said "My Goodness!" Mae started up the stairs, turned and said "Goodness had nothing to do with it." I can see you delivering that line, Donna!
Linda -
So you think I should go with the sinners. They are a much more fun bunch (grins). We are, of course, talking about a rather plump Elvira. I might look more like the caldron than the witch!
Fichen - Yes - comfort and ease, which I suppose should include the other parties on the dance floor that could be poked with pointy wings. You know - I never realized how many different kinds of wings are available for purchase. There's angel wings, fairy wings, vampire wings and butterfly wings. Hmmm....I wonder if somewhere someone is selling a really big net!
Louisa - Love that line! Here's another "A hard man is good to find." I could do her, I could really do her - I'm not sure I have a Mae wardrobe, though. I'm afraid that would fall more in the St. Matthew category. Guess tomorrow I'll have to see what I can improvise - wouldn't hurt to have some seriously big hair.
Had to chuckle at the St. Matthew suggestion. I can relate. Though my mission is to keep as much away from the tax collector as possible.
LOL, Donna. Big hair and for Mae you would definitely need a big .... hat! And some big jewelry, but I KNOW you could do her!
Ah, so you see you could play St. Matthew AFTER he reformed !
Reformed sinners make the best saints. Or is it reformed rakes make the best husbands. Never can keep those straight.
Whatever you decide you MUST post pictures, please!
How about Dolly Parton? That is what I went as a few years back, and it was so funny, everone got a kick out of it!
Louisa - I'm packing my camera. There will be photos. But will they be of me? We'll see (grin).
Louisa - I'm packing my camera. There will be photos. But will they be of me? We'll see (grin).
Mari - Is Dolly Paton a sinner or a saint? I'm not sure. She looks like a sinner, but her reputation is of a saint. We're talking definite wig here.
Drumroll...
The two winners from today's blog are Cybercliper and Linda Henderson. You have a choice between any of my backtitles or Heart of the Wolf by Tracy Spear or Before the Scandal by Suzanne Enoch - first person to contact me at www.dmacmeans.com gets to choose which book they want.
I'll let you all know how RAW went next month. Till then - Happy Reading!
Thank you so much.
Drat - That'll teach me for posting so late. The correct website is www.DonnaMacmeans.com. Sheesh - you'd think I'd know that one in my sleep.
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