People are predicting that the Balloon Boy will be one of the top Halloween costumes this year. Do you think so?

(photo via Buzzfeed.com)

But how does one go about making a Balloon Boy costume? Well, off the top of my head, I'm thinking aluminum foil and lots of it.

OK, seriously, if I were planning on sporting this costume, I'd probably wear a cardboard box around my waist with a silver sheet draped around it. And of course a nametag that reads Falcon.

UPDATED 10/23/09:

It seems now you can actually buy a Halloween Boy Kit for only $19.99 via Microflight.com.

What's Included:

One 38" Diameter Silver Helium Balloon Envelope, One Laser Cut gondola - tapes together in 2 minutes, 2 Stickers - "Hello, My Name is sticker, As Seen on CNN Sticker, 10 foot string. Everything you need except helium gas and cardboard box.

As I was checking out the selection of Halloween costumes in a local store recently, I came across one that caused a puzzled wrinkle in my brow: a sexy valet (such as the one on this site). Seriously? Who wants to go out for Halloween dressed as a person who parks cars? Where's the fun and creativity in that?

Truth is, there is none. The key word in that costume description is "sexy." It seems the appeal in Halloween nowadays for women (and perhaps due to the expectations of men) is that it's our one night a year to hike up our skirts to where the sun shouldn't shine, pretend our fish-net stockings are doing a bit of good protecting us from the cold, and tantalize the male masses with a chaos of cleavage  — all with the confidence that we won't be judged.

A recent article on BostonHerald.com talks about this: "A quick glance at the latest Halloween garb reveals that almost every imaginable profession is being fetishized. It’s like an erotic game of Mad Libs. You can’t just show up to a costume party as a cop. You have to be a sexy cop. You can’t be nurse. You have to be a naughty nurse. Want to be an insurance claims adjuster? Sorry, you gotta be an exotic insurance claims adjuster."

Whatever happened to the creativity that goes into picking out Halloween costumes?

Malina Boone wonders the same thing. Boone runs the 30-something-year-old shop Magic Maze, located in Dilworth, in which you can rent costumes, anything from Renaissance outfits to vintage '60s and '70s garb.

I asked Boone to pull some of her favorite and/or most popular pieces, and this is what she had to show. Note that the women's costumes shown are sexy but classy, and because these are all one-of-a-kind outfits, you're not likely to run into someone Uptown sporting the exact same look.

The 1920s flapper outfit. Adds a flair of sexiness without having all your girly goodies falling out.

A strapless saloon girl costume. Remember Mae West from Gunsmoke?

Do you know what day it is? It's October 6th! ...Which means you have less than a month to get your super-duper Halloween costume together. Chop chop!

Whether you need a pre-assembled outfit courtesy of a plastic-bagged kit, fabric to DIY, or even an elaborate rental costume, here are your Charlotte Halloween supply stores:

Earth Angel

They carry sexy costumes, lingerie (that you can turn into a costume) and accessories.

Coliseum Shopping Center

3728 Independence Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28205

704-532-8360

Fire My Desire Boutique

Out in the University area, they've got a selection of sexy Halloween costumes for the ladies — and even some on sale!

Priscilla's

Yes, "it's where fun and fantasy meet!" Get your Halloween sexy skirts, lingerie, and other needs at this naughty store.

4903 South Blvd # B

Charlotte, NC 28217-2259

(704) 679-9604

Morris Costumes Superstore

They have the mother-lode of costumes. Morris carries rental costumes, along with pre-made costumes for children, adults, and dogs alike. If you need a whip, sword, fake boobs, sunglasses, hats, wigs, leggings, nude body suits or the like to complete your costume, they have those too!

4300 Monroe Rd

Charlotte, NC 28205-7712

(704) 333-4653

University Place Store

9014 JM Keynes Drive

Charlotte, NC 28262

704-593-0711

Red Door

If it's a sexy costume you are looking for, the Red Door's probably got it.

200 W. Woodlawn Rd Suite I

Charlotte, NC 28217

(704) 523-5332

5301 E. Independence Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28212

(704) 566-8898

Michael's

Thinking about doing it yourself? Well aren't you crafty! This arts and crafts store is perfect for DIY costumes. They carry feathers, flowers, yarn, glue, boas, paper, markers, and probably whatever else you need. And remember, the hot glue gun is your best friend.

8716 JW Clay Blvd

Charlotte NC 28262-8471

9571 South Blvd

Charlotte NC 28273-6901

8120 Providence Rd

Charlotte NC 28277-9750

Hancock Fabrics

If you are a stitchin' bitch looking to sew yourself a costume, you can get your materials at this fabric store. They also carry Velcro, thread, stuffing and notions such as buttons.

5407 South Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28217-4119

(704) 523-6353

ANDDDD... if you're looking for someone to do your Halloween makeup, check out this special from Flawless Make Up Art.

When I heard that the Queen City was going to be hosting its 1st Annual Full Figured Fashion Week, I knew I had to check it out. The event started last Wednesday, but I was only fortunate enough to catch the last piece of the action at the Silhouettes of a Woman fashion show, held at The Blake Hotel on Saturday. Hosted by the comedian Kashauna from Chicago and with performances by Giselle Greyson, the night was full of more than just figures and fashion. The laughter was non-stop and the energy was more like a big family reunion or roast than an actual fashion show, which probably helped since professionally, there were more than a few kinks that needed to be ironed out.

The venue was a great location, but with the horrific lighting, some of the finer garments were not able to be showcased as well as they deserved. The dim light on top of the feedback-filled sound system and a few fashion blunders made the event seem quite amateur-ish, but nothing is going to be perfect right out of the gate. Hopefully next year will be a bit more organized and publicized.

Regardless of the shoddy structure, the heart of the show was more than I expected. Silhouettes of a Woman chose to not only showcase career, casual, and evening wear, but also jewelry and lingerie. This was a well-rounded show, with flattering clothing for every body type and taste. Sponsors included Ashley Stewart, Torrid, Scarlett Plus Size Boutique, EnV New York, Adam and Eve, Fire My Desire, and Big Girls Inc., among others.

Although we were privy to figure-flattering fashion, there was also a bit more skin than I think was necessary. As a big girl myself, I can understand the need to want to feel trendy and sexy in my clothing, instead of feeling like I’m wearing a tent. I was thrilled to see so many pieces that accentuated the curves instead of hiding them, but some pieces carried it a bit far. I don’t believe that just because you are bigger means that you should cover up, but leggings with the sides cut out and lace mini skirts just don’t seem respectable to me. If we are going to celebrate the body, let's put it in its best light, not mock it. There are just some things that people just shouldn’t do, and this is not limited to us big girls. Cut-out leggings and lace minis just don’t scream fashion to me.

Overall, I was pleased with the diverse trends and styles exhibited in the show. There was everything from clubwear and business casual to loungewear and costumes, and plenty more in between. With this being the first time the fuller figure has been honored with its own week here in the Q.C., a few flaws were to be expected. I only envision this event becoming bigger and better.

Slideshow Full Figured Fashion Week

51 slides

Full Figured Fashion Week

By Kimberly Lawson

Click to View 51 slides

A priest, a prostitute, and a leprechaun walk into a bar. No, this isn’t the beginning of a lame joke. It’s Halloween! Pimps, whores, and white trash are welcome. Whether you’re going dancing or laying low this Halloween, why not crank up the costume volume?

Sure, maybe it's a little early to be thinking about Halloween costumes ... heck, it isn't even October yet. But true costume connoisseurs know that to really set yourself apart from the pack, planning has to begin hella early.

The majority of Halloween costumes fall into three categories. Flash back to last year: were you scary, sexy, or silly? According to the National Retailer Federation, 2008’s top 10 adult Halloween costumes were angel, ghost, political figures, Batman, nurse, fairy, cat, vampire, pirate, and witch. Yawn. Cut the crap — since when did Halloween have to be safe and child-friendly?

People don't often think of Charlotte as being a city where fashion thrives. Sure, Charlotte NC Fashion Week was no New York or Paris, but hey, the folks behind the 3-day event did their best, and I applaud them their efforts. Giving up-and-coming designers and boutiques, who probably couldn't make it to New York last weekend, the opportunity to showcase their designs is stellar in my book. And while I may not have been crazy about all of the looks — ultra skinny jeans on men? Uh, no — there were some fantastic outfits and trends that I'm sure will be seen off the catwalk soon (and in stores near you).

Check out our coverage:

• Charlotte NC Fashion Week Day 2 Recap

• Charlotte NC Fashion Week Day 3 Recap

This past weekend, the Mint Museum of Art held the 2nd Annual Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week right outside its front door. Pulling up to the parking lot, seeing the white tents billowing in the wind, women and men running frantically carrying garment bags filled with fabulous clothes, I felt a surge of excitement rush over me. I was about to partake in the viewing of some of Charlotte's, and the world's, best fashions.

Perhaps I set the bar too high, but the excitement I felt first entering the lot was not the same feeling I had upon my exiting. While a few pieces really stood out in my mind as true greats, it was difficult to forget everything else that had left me desiring more. It seemed that there were plenty of unique and beautiful concepts that simply fell short in their execution and final product.

The night began with a couple of boutique shows, LA East and Reign Fine Apparel. The hip, savvy fashions of LA East were very fashion-forward and urban oriented, with the model’s attitudes coordinating well with the apparel. All in all, the runway show was well organized and carried a nice concept behind it, and kept me entertained as well as my eyes busy taking in the fun, youthful clothing.

This is where Reign seemed to leave me high and dry. When the host of the event Barbara McKay was talking about the boutique, I was on the edge of my seat, ready to see gorgeous gowns and cute cocktail dresses, but instead ended up feeling as if I were in attendance at a high school prom fashion show. The silhouettes of the dresses seemed stiff, obviously because of the choice of material, but also in the cut of the bodice. While the vibrant colors of some pieces were refreshing in the designs, the wrinkled, curtain-like feel of the fabric ruined any chance that the dresses may have had. The cheap-looking lace accents didn’t help either. Amidst slips turned into evening gowns and ice skater wedding dresses, the occasional gem, like the beige lace and chartreuse green gown with pockets, popped up. But even a formal dress with ample storage compartments couldn’t save face.

When we reached the meat of the show, the actual designers, things seemed to be looking up. The models were smoother, the concepts tighter, and I was getting a little less of a Project Runway feel. The first was Luis Machicao Couture, and it definitely got my attention. I’m not entirely sure of the theme that the designer was going for, but it was very 1950’s Asian Vampiress, with no shortage of red or Oriental influence. There were some interesting design decisions, such as the sheer top with strategically placed feathers, but let us keep in mind that interesting does not always equal amazing. A lot of the silhouettes felt stale, with the kimono-inspired shapes and mandarian collars, as well as the more modern style halter dresses that seemed awkwardly placed in the collection. And while the audience appreciated the lack of material exhibited in the men’s collection, the juxtaposition between the lavishly dressed ladies and the semi-nude men seemed more than a bit discongruent and as if they were from a completely different designer.

Due to some scheduling conflicts, I had to miss the first day of Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week, which went down at Mint Museum last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ahh, but Friday night, I was front-row with a photographer, ready to be dazzled with fashion. I'll let the photos do (most of) the talking.

Alena Fede Designs (www.alenafede.com)

Women's clothing. Feminine, slinky dresses. Pearl seams. Lots of lace. Romantic.

Slideshow CNCFWDay2-AlenaFede

30 slides

CNCFWDay2-AlenaFede

By Kimberly Lawson

Click to View 30 slides

Transfiguration (http://transfigurationcharlotte.com)

Men's clothing. Stitching on the side of pants stand out. Sequins on a collar shirt? A little stylish ... a little bling-bling.

Slideshow CNCFWDay2-Transfiguration

13 slides

CNCFWDay2-Transfiguration

By Kimberly Lawson

Click to View 13 slides

Lu'Jeanik Swimwear (www.lujeanik.com)

Themes of gothic and gangsta love. Bold prints. Hooded tops and full bottoms. And harem pants? Hmm...

Slideshow CNCFWDay2-LuJeanik

29 slides

CNCFWDay2-LuJeanik

By Kimberly Lawson

Click to View 29 slides

Now that you’ve learned how to find the perfect fitting jeans, it’s time to dig deeper. Sure, your jeans fit, but are they the right jeans for the right occasion? Everyone needs a basic medium wash boot cut, but some desire more. And once you’ve bonded with that favorite pair of jeans and worn it in, what is left for you to do? Meet your local denim experts: Cheryl Little (owner of Black & Blue), Paige McManus (owner of Denim Affair), and Christy Ward (manager of Black & Blue). Here are some tips on styling, accessorizing, and recycling your denim:

Which length for which occasion?

Looking for a jean that works with a variety of shoes? “A lot of our customers wear an ankle jean. They’re very versatile with flats or boots,” says Ward. Don’t be afraid to wear a shorter length at night. “A dark capri, cute blouse, and heels takes you anywhere in this town at night,” says McManus. Don’t own a pair of capris? Try “cuffing a straight leg” jean, recommends Little. If you are in search of a versatile capri, try the “Lotus” jean by Red Engine (www.redenginejeans.com).

Which shade for which outfit?

“Dark denim works best for night,” says McManus, who also sells a light dressy jean. “We sell a lot of darker denim and you can dress it up or down,” says Ward. The experts agree: gray jeans are an up-and-coming trend, and McManus notes that they are often paired “with neon-colored tops.” For a great pair of gray jeans, try “Nikki Dolphin Wash” jeans by David Kahn (www.davidkahnjeanswear.com).

Destroyed denim and embellished pockets: yes or no?

This season, destroyed denim is a yes. “It is hot this fall,” says Little. McManus agrees “that shredded look is in.” On jeans with embellished pockets, look for a design that “comes to the inside of the jean so you look narrower,” says McManus. A great example is the “Bella Donna” jean by Fidelity (www.fidelitydenim.com).

“Skinny belts are in,” says Ward, who appreciates the versatility of belts. “Red is the new black,” McManus says of belt colors. “A good fitting pair of jeans, white T-shirt, and rhinestone belt will take you anywhere.”

When should you ditch your favorite pair of jeans?

Everyone has that favorite pair of jeans, but when is it time to let go? “When they lose their form and shape,” says Little, and when they “don’t flatter or accentuate,” says McManus.

If you’re ditching your favorite pair, how will you recycle them?

If you just can’t part with your favorite pair of jeans, you can send them away to therapy for a full recovery. Denim Therapy (www.denimtherapy.com) is a company that repairs denim by finding the perfect thread match, repairing torn areas, and making jeans good-as-new. If you’d rather give your denim a new purpose, try cutting it into squares for pot holders or sewing squares together to make a homemade quilt.

Has reading about denim made you crave a new pair? Have no fear, denimpulse purchases are always welcome at Black and Blue and Denim Affair. “There’s always an occasion to buy a new pair of jeans,” says Little.

Black & Blue

Morrison Shopping Center

720 Governor Morrison Street Suite E-180

www.shopblackandblue.com

Denim Affair

Blakeney Shopping Center

9848 Rea Road

www.denimaffaironline.com