A look back at my costumes of the last decade of my 30s and 40s

I love a reason for a costume. Halloween party? Fantastic. Theme party? Bring it on! I only wish I’d done a better job of documenting ALL of my costumes over the last four decades. I’m sure if I were to pull out the good old scrapbooks and photo albums from the days pre-digital everything and social media, I could find some really good ones.

For example, here is one oldie but goodie from when my son Jakob, now almost 23, was a toddler and I made him dress up as a dalmation puppy so I could be Cruella Deville. He was even less excited about the second time I asked him to recreate the look a few years back. That said, he’s always been a good sport when it comes to some crazy idea I want to do. Sometimes it requires a little bribing on my part, but he’ll always be my ride or die and my main guy.

In my mid-30s, and a good 30 lbs lighter, I opted for a more sexier vibe of Sexy Pirate and Sexy Alice in Wonderland, which I naturally renamed to Alysse in Wonderland. My sister likes to point out that it’s basically the same dress, just different fabric. In my mind, I’d found an outfit that worked with my curves that I could feel good in. At the time, I probably would have worn 20 more costumes just like it. (and I’m pretty sure I’ve still got the Alysse in Wonderland costume in storage for when my future me drops the excess weight and decides to re-create that look.) I also remember spending back to back years on Oahu for our Halloween vacation with my dear friend Somer. The first year we thought we were “SO CREATIVE” being pirates on an island. Newsflash, there were thousands of pirates that year.

As the years have gone by, I’ve tried to get more creative with my costumes and they have become noticeably less sexy. HA! As I’ve gotten older and more comfortable in my own skin, it’s easier channeling my inner nerd and letting her nerd freak flag fly. Take for instance the year I was Elliott and ET for Halloween and the “Wedding” themed birthday party I was the Melissa McCarthy’s character from Bridesmaids. These were a far cry from my sexy pirate days and noticeably much more comfortable.

Did someone say THEME party? I love that I don’t just have to wait for Halloween to come around every year for a reason to dress up in a costume. Thankfully my circle of friends feels the same way. There have been SO many decade parties including the 60s when I was Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the 70s Disco Gala, and the 80s and 90s themed birthday parties.

The was also the year I went as the Barbie Styling Head Doll because I was inspired when someone told me my headshot reminded them of Barbie.

You’ve likely noticed by now, I don’t really do “scary”. It’s just not my thing. I don’t like scary movies. I don’t like being scared. I’m not into goth or zombies or vampires. But I do love to support a good cause, so when the Seattle Goodwill asked me to be styled for a costume contest that would be voted on by the community at large, how could I say no? I came in 2nd place behind a TV Anchor for Q13 Fox News. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

What’s my favorite? I can’t say I have just one, but I absolutely LOVE a group costume theme. I’ve gone as Thelma with my Scooby Doo Gang, and over the last two years working for KING 5 NBC, we created Run NBC & Aerosmith, and KING 5 NBC Sweeps to play off the brand.

What’s next? Great question! I’m hoping to throw myself a themed birthday party for my 45th birthday in 2020. I’ve got a list of themes I’m considering and some decisions to make. In the meantime, I’ll just be chillin at home with my family of four which includes myself, my son Jakob, and our two Boston Terriers Roxie & Bella.