Julie Newmar as Catwoman
So, my boyfriend and I don’t have cable, so most of our television watching comes from Netflix. There’s only really one broadcast show that we watch regularly every week: re-runs of the 1960′s Batman tv show. We’ve kind of become addicted. I love the ridiculous campy-ness of it, and how intense and serious Batman always is in these situations. One of my favorite characters is Catwoman, and while Eartha Kitt was pretty awesome, Julie Newmar is my favorite. So this year, I decided to recreate her iconic costume for Halloween. And here it is:
I originally planned to buy a one-piece body suit, but I quickly learned that a) bodysuits aren’t cheap, and b) getting a good fit is an issue. I looked up Catwoman costumes online, but most were either too scandalous or just not what I was looking for. So I ended up deciding to sew my own costume!
A little blurry, but still one of my favorite shots
I found the fabric on sale at Joann Fabrics. It came from the dancewear sections, so I knew that it would be comfortable and stretchy enough. I made the leggings from the Simplicity 2067 pattern. I improvised the top based on a long sleeved shirt I had that fit well. I added the belt loops to the bottom of the shirt because that seemed to hold it in place better. I also added in front and back darts to help create that cinched in waist that Catwoman has.
I got the ears in a cat costume accessories set, but that was the only ready-made part of the costume. I pieced together the necklace from a thrifted faux gold chain and a super cheap necklace I found at Kmart. The gold belt is thrifted. I already had the gloves, so I bought gold press on nails and attached them. The shoes are Dansko Buffys, which are gorgeous and insanely comfortable. Unfortunately these are a little too big and I can’t return them, so I’m stalking a smaller pair now.
False eyelashes – look gorgeous, but feel like something is in your eye all night
The false eyelashes were probably one of the more interesting aspects. This was my first time ever using false eyelashes, and it took me awhile to figure them out. Even once I got them on, they drove me crazy. Being someone who wears contacts, having something constantly in your peripheral vision is really annoying. But they looked amazing, so oh well.
What were you for Halloween this year? What was your best costume ever?
Nail and belt detail.
9 Comments
I love it! Your costume is spot on and you look fabulous
Great job on the costume. You look great and it looks like you’re having a lot of fun wearing it. I love batman too. What channel is it running on?
you look amazing! well done
Eyeliah .´s last [type] ..Seattle Road Trip and The XX Paramount Theater October 6, 2012
You’re really talented, and your costume looks amazing! I’m wearing a Batgirl costume on my blog today.
Sage´s last [type] ..Quiz: Are You a Superhero or a Sidekick?
Hot damn woman you look amazing, and those sewing skills! I’m glad to see another adult taking their Halloween costume seriously. All adults I’ve seen lately don’t even bother dressing up. It’s so sad!
Colleen @ Mommy Panda´s last [type] ..Small Style: The Bean’s 1st SS!
That costume is AMAZING!!!!!! Fabulous job creating it, and I love that you committed to it all the way, including false eyelashes. You look sexy and fun and very, very original.
Fantastic costume and you look fabulous in it! My favorite adult costume was one about ten years ago when I was part of a 12-person ensemble that dressed up as PAC-man and ghosts. Each costume was constructed from a PVC pipe frame and covered with fabric or cardboard. I was half of a two-person ghost team. We also had one friend walk with us holding a boombox that played the sound effects from the game. Way fun.
Carissaabc´s last [type] ..movie monday: a(nother) walk in the woods
Holy Hannah you look amazing! Gorgeous. =)
Megan´s last [type] ..Halloween
This was SUCH a good costume. The fact that you made it increases my respect exponentially. Plus, I was a huge fan of the TV series when it was first aired (as I think you know).
False eyelashes take a while to get used to. My first few times wearing them they felt like weights on my lids. Eventually, you accept them as normal. One trick I learned to applying them is to cut them in half and put them on in halves; my eyes curve and trying to get the lash to curve never worked: one end always stood up. Plus, gluing them is easier with smaller strips.
For all their trouble, falsies really do increase one’s facial femininity. It’s usually subliminal but we associate long lashes with beautiful women.
Shybiker´s last [type] ..Things I Saw Today