• Bring out the princess in you with a simple, inexpensive Halloween costume.princess image by Aleksander from Fotolia.com
  
  As the Halloween costume hunt begins, the search for simple but pretty Halloween costumes starts in earnest. Although store-bought costumes may be easier, with a little imagination and some handy skills, you can make your own costume to stand out from the crowd and enter the best costume contest.
  
  

Thrift Stores

• Look for supplies in your local thrift stores as you scour the racks of wedding, prom and elegant gowns. Pick up items that contain fringe, lace and corsets you can cut for use. Choose from a variety of head gear--such as hats, tiaras, crowns, headbands, scarves and veils--and select props for your costume, such as toy guns with holsters, gold coins, fans or face masks. Other items to select include men's wear, such as ties, shirts and suits. Clean all items before use.
  
  

Princess

• Find your prince charming this Halloween as you become a princess. Dress up in your thrift store gown and transform yourself as you curl your hair, style your makeup and add the tiara to your hair. A set of glass slippers will make you Cinderella, but if you can't find some, choose a nice set of walking heels.
  
  

Gypsy

• Walk on the wild side as you become an exotic gypsy able to tell fortunes by perusing a palm. Wrap a scarf around your flowing locks---wear a wig if you don't have long hair---and tie the scarf to one side under your ear. A low-neckline peasant blouse combined with a long, flowing skirt forms the basics for this costume. Sew on a couple of gold coins to a scarf and tie the scarf at an angle around your hips. Dark eyes and dramatic makeup works best with this costume and don't forget the large hoop earring.
  
  

Western

• Go western and transform yourself into a saloon girl. A low-cut corset with a flowing jean skirt makes this an easy transformation. Gather up one side of your skirt to show your white petticoat as you sling that holster and gun around your hips. Paint on your face with heavy rouge, create a curly updo and the ensemble is complete.
  
  

Coco

• Carry off this look by channeling your inner Coco Chanel, as you wear his button down shirt with a tie and your thrift store suit. Slick back your hair with gel for a clean look as you emphasize your face with red ruby lips and kohl-rimmed eyes. Add some dangling earrings, bangle bracelets and a dash of perfume to remind him you are all woman.