Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean you can't express yourself creatively through fashion. Sexy nurses, witches, and cats are all old news. This Halloween, step out of the ordinary and into original! Take a look at some of the unique options for 2010 that you can find at costume shops in Charlotte.

Morris Costumes

9331 N. Tryon St; 704-595-9810

Photo Credit: Morris Costumes

Princess in Prison: Why not join the prison pack along with Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and whoever else ends up in the slammer. Don't forget your pocket size Chihuahua ... Who knew jail could look so good?

Photo Credit: Morris Costumes

Neytiri from Avatar: Don't dress up as a human ... You already are one! Go as a human- hybrid blue creature and step in to a time far, far away. Hello, 2154.

Photo Credit: Morris Costumes

Cheetah Woods:  A picture's worth a thousand words. All you need is the hat and a kiss on the cheek; if you own a collared shirt, some slack and sneakers ... your costume is complete!

Or, from Goodwill, we should say.

Numerous people on my Twitter feed have mentioned Goodwill as a prime place to look for cheap Halloween costumes, and I couldn't agree more.

Here are some posts to get you started:

• Six unique Halloween costume ideas, including Crazy Cat Lady, Pinocchio and a NASCAR fan.

• Goodwill has put together a 33-page Costume Guide, which includes ideas on how to be a Garden Gnome, a character from the Twilight series, or someone from the cast of Glee.

• Stylist Melissa Lamkin was on WCNC this morning with Larry Sprinkle, talking about how you can get costumes from Goodwill for less than $20. Here's the video.

Of course, nothing beats checking out of the 20 area stores and seeing what kind of stuff you have to work with.

As the Telegraph reports, the BP boiler suit splattered with oil is becoming a big hit this Halloween.

"Its manufacturer claimed the success of the costume showed people across the US remained angry at the oil giant for its handling of the Deepwater Horizon disaster earlier this year," the article stated.

More than that, it's one of those costumes where people know immediately what it is.

SpicyLegs.com has the costume on sale for $48.53.

Fall is here and fashion is near! If you’re looking to spruce up your fall fashion wardrobe, look no further than your local Charlotte boutiques. Fall’s most festive trends are right under your nose (along with that pumpkin spice cake lurking in the coffee shop.) From off the runway to “ready to wear” from local boutiques … take a look at some of the great pieces you’ll want to indulge in this fall.

Faux Fur

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Michael Kors)

L.A. East Get the Michael Kors look at L. A. East with a faux fur vest (it’s funky, versatile and it will keep you warm!). Pair it with Rock Revival jeans, a long sleeved T-shirt, an oversized leather bag, and a rhinestone cuff to add some glam. For this look, check out L.A. East here.

The Military Jacket

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Burberry Prorsum

Ivy and Leo Left ... right … left ... right … left! You’ll be seeing military-inspired coats left and right this fall. Pair this black military jacket by Kut with a belt and a pair of sweater leggings (cute and comfortable ... how could you go wrong?) Finish it off with a suede bootie by Paprika and you're ready for war ... fashion war, of course. For this look, check out Ivy and leo here.

The Poncho

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Petal For a casual yet fashionable occasion, turn to the poncho. Ponchos are a hot look this fall and Petal's got you covered. Pair one with a pair of skinny jeans and chunky wrist bangles. An easy, inexpensive look ... yes please! For this look, check out Petal Boutique here.

Black leather mini dress

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Imaxtree

Sloan Leather is back! From rock bands in the '80s to today on runways and beyond. Don't miss out on one of the most popular trends for fall. Spice up your nightlife with a black leather mini dress. To add even more rock 'n' roll, pair it with a multi strap leather platform with studs from Step by Sloan. For this look, check out Sloan here!

As you can see, you don’t have to travel far and wide to dress like a fall fashionista! You can find these local boutiques online; but why not just pop in to check out all of the exciting new fall arrivals!

Photo by Jon Strayhorn/Media Arts Collective

Charlotte NC Fashion Week (CNCFW) concluded Saturday night at Founders Hall in Uptown, and the Queen Bee had the Queen City buzzing. Hip-hop icon Lil Kim was in Charlotte headlining events all weekend in promotion of her new hair salon.

While CNCFW was three days filled with workshops in the afternoon and fashion shows at night, as expected, Saturday night’s event drew the largest crowd. Several hundred people filed into Founders Hall, which had been transformed into a perfect setup for a fashion show, complete with bright lights and a catwalk.

The purpose of the night was to put the spotlight on the featured designers: Foxx Skynz by Design, Jen Jessica S. Designs, Green Label Designs, Huckle and Gatsby, MEI Designs, Gini by Elizabeth, Bill Evans, and Alana B. Couture. And while many of these designers showcased lines that drew applause from the crowd, it was Lil Kim who most people left the event talking about.

After an hour-and-a-half reception, the fashion show was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. But with lots of chaos going on behind the scenes as models were styled and dressed, and in the front of house additional chairs were brought out to seat guests, the show began at about 8:40.

About 15 minutes later, Lil Kim quietly arrived through a side entrance with entourage in tow. Much to the eyes delight, included in that entourage was actress Meagan Good. Also in the large group were Katrise Jones, Kim’s cousin and partner in their new Charlotte hair salon, Salon Se Swa; Meagan’s sister and fellow actress La’Myia Good; teenage R&B/pop group Lil Ms; a few of Kim’s family members and friends; and security guards.

Lil Kim and company were escorted to the back, where all the models, stylists, and designers were moving at the frantic pace that’s needed so that a fashion show goes off smoothly on stage. But that didn’t stop several of the participants from whipping out there camera phones. Lil Kim was ushered over to a corner to meet with her team and discuss last-minute details of the presentation of her clothing line, 24/7 Star: Goddess Collection, onto the runway.

While the fashion show went on, Lil Kim never made it to her reserved, front-row seat. After a brief intermission, the show resumed with two more designers presenting their lines, and then 24/7 Star: Goddess Collection went up. Event host Erica Bryant (of WSOC) introduced the line as being Lil Kim’s and you could see the audience perk up and become more attentive. Such the way it is, a celebrity-backed clothing line garners more attention than one created by more-established but lesser-known designers.

Putting on a fashion show is never easy. Between designers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists, lights and cameras, it takes a lot of work to finally get to “action.” Putting on Charlotte NC Fashion Week is no exception. Plitzs Fashion Marketing Inc. put its best foot forward in organizing such a large fashion event in a city fairly new to fashion.

Seven designers were showcased in the finale of CNCFW on Saturday evening. Some designers were locals who have day jobs at places such as Bank of America and Scott Jaguar. Others were only a short drive away — natives from Columbia, S.C. And one designer actually came all the way from Paris. In case you missed it, take a look at a few pieces from each designer here.

The opening line, “Alana B. Couture Designs,” included an assortment of short and long formal dresses. From ruffles and bright prints to solid black gowns, the line had a little bit of everything; the bright prints went slightly overboard but the solids were worn beautifully.  The fit of the dresses was impeccable and the finale wedding dress was stunning, fitting the model as well as a custom-made dress should.

The show moved on to the self-taught French designer with her featured line, “Jen Jessica S. Designs.” The designs were made for both thin and curvy women, which was a relief from the typical “one fit” lines. The segment started with simple, neutral color designs focusing on clean lines. It then moved to pastels and on to bright colors and metallics. Unfortunately, as the designs became more unique (with sequin accents and neck collar accessories), they also started to look a bit costume-like (It’s not Halloween yet!).

In the fashion shows I've attended in my short time dealing with Charlotte's fashion and shopping scene, I've always found that the organizers usually save the best for last. The first designer showcased is usually the warm-up — he or she has some decent designs, but nothing to really wow you. The line that will blow you away will always be the finale. But on day two, Sept. 24, of Charlotte NC Fashion Week, I didn't really find this to be the case.

The first line to parade down the runway at the Bank of America Urban Garden was SACCHI Designs, courtesy of Denise Sparks. Anna Kooiman described the line as "sophisticated and versatile" and I have to agree. The first few outfits boasted a True Blood, sexy vampire look, (if not the sexy vampire costume found at Red Door) with the bright red and all black, slim cuts. Throw in some polka dots (from the big, 1950s style dress to a baggy tube top with black glitter polka dots), a cowgirl outfit and, my favorite, an ornate, heavily ruffled white dress that screams Dracula's bride, and you've covered pretty much gone full circle.

Polka dots and vampire-esque outfits were definitely not seen in the line of Odelia Rouse. She believes "the less complicated, the better." Most of the outfits seen here were simple — the cuts were clean and each outfit had a primary accent that drew your eye, whether it was the heart-shaped bust line or an off-the-shoulder sash. I do have to admit though that I appreciated her island dress the most: a green-tank top with ruffles and abstract, every-which-way patterns on the long skirt. My least favorite outfit? The fish-scale dress.

The 3rd annual Charlotte NC Fashion Week "strut its stuff" last night at the opening night of the weekend long event. The night began with a cocktail reception in the Bank of America Urban Garden ( a new eco-trendy spot in Charlotte) and followed with a fashion showcase from local boutiques. Take a look at what your Charlotte boutiques have to offer...

O1NE Boutique

A skate inspired theme, urban & causal with a rebellious edge.

LA East

Sexy and trendy day & night wear,  straight out of Cali.