How to Dress Like Elvira

Naturally, when you're as beautiful and glamorous as I am, people are just dying to get your recipe for success, but there's no need to go to such an extreme. With a little thought and a few bucks, even you can look almost as good as I do.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wear black. For a look that is both mysterious and macabre, black is truly the only way to go. Add midnight black nail polish for a diva look that says "nobody messes with me."

2. Remember the hair. Big hair is definitely in, so tug, tease and spray to your heart's content. Focus on height, width and sheen.

3. Apply blood-red lipstick. Forget the pinks and toss the cranberries; blood red is the only acceptable hue.

4. Combine black eyeliner with smoky eyeshadows for a dark and sinister look. As I always say,"You can never be too rich, too thin, or wear too much eye makeup."

5. Show your cleavage. Any good diva worth her weight has learned the essential cleavage-baring techniques: Push-up bras, low-cut blouses and (in a pinch) gym socks.

6. Experiment with fishnet stockings and black leather bodices. Only you know your limits, so push them!

7. Add a touch of rubber or leather and a few metal studs to create a ghoulishly enchanting outfit. Remember, being ghoulish doesn't rule out being naughtily girlish.

8. Spritz yourself with perfume to create a strong and long lasting impression. My favorites are "Evening in Pittsburgh" and "Catch of the Day," but you can choose your own special scent.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply sunscreen at all time. Halloween divas pride themselves on their milky white complexion.
• Use a trowel for applying all spreadable makeups. It's the tool of choice for ghouls who want to have fun.
• Beware the risks of looking like a diva. Those who do not understand your power may try to take advantage of you. Carry your weapon of choice at all times (hairspray can double as a viable weapon if you're desperate!).

on 11/22/2005 First off, goth is NOT about how you look, rather a mentality. That said, don't over-do it. Don't cake on tons of crap and don't go overboard with the black. Keep it simple. A t-shirt and jeans can do the trick 8/10 times if you do it correctly.
- Ripped jeans/Chained pants
- "Rude" t-shirts (try and go with black for that one/Black wife-beaters
- B;ack studded belt
- Stray Piercings
- Chokers, skull jewelry, etc

As for make-up, just go with the eyeliner (black) and, depending on your complexion, blood red lipstick. If your skin isn't naturally pale, don't add to it. If you DO have naturally pale skin, applying a pale base can lighten it a bit more.

on 11/22/2005 Are you sick of everybody thinking you're "Ms. Perfect?" Do you want to add some spice to your life? If so, go Goth. Its what I did, and now I have a boyfriend. All Goths aren't dark and gloomy. I'm a sparkle Goth (a Goth who isn't dark or gloomy and has a sense of style and fun). Go out there and sell your clothes on Ebay and buy gothic skirts, gothic shirts, or whatever! You can wear black, hot pink, lime green, red, grey and white dresses. Get a sexier look and have no one calling you "Ms. Goody Two-Shoes" again!

on 11/22/2005 Before applying dark eye and lip makeup, and after the basic cover up or foundation, use baby powder instead of face powder. It is translucent, and will give you a very pale complexion without looking fake. Dust it onto bare skin with a big soft brush, being careful not to get it on your black outfit. Don't forget tops of shoulders and arms, neck and collarbone, and the top of cleavage.

on 11/22/2005 If your goal is not to offend any Goth who might run into you, you could peruse the multitude of Gothic clothing stores online...You'll end up looking three times sexier and a thousand times less foolish.