It’s been a good long while since I’ve written a post here, and not for nothing, friends! Between hunting down all the best deals there are to shop on USA Today for Reviewed and writing gift guides for the site (you’re welcome, budget gifters), I’ve been up-to-my-eyeballs-swamped. The one thing irresistible enough to bring me out of blog retirement? Halloween. My love for spooky season knows no bounds, and no virus or mountain of work could ever stop me from waxing poetic about it.
With the countdown on to the big day (less than a week now, people!) I’ve rounded up nine Halloween-themed things I’m particularly excited about for 2020, all of which can be used long after the holiday has ended … BOO. Keep reading to nab all my favorites for yourself.
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1. Wooden Ships Big Skull Crew Chunky Sweater ($125)
I’ve been drooling over these Wooden Ships jumpers for years, and after finally (finally!) pulling the trigger on the Big Skull crew, my only regret is that I now have an addiction to $100+ sweaters. This thing is everything sweater season dreams are made of: It’s super soft (no scratchy, itchy fabric here), it’s oversized, so as to envelope you like a blanket, and somehow, it’s still shapely, so you won’t look like you’re wearing a unflattering sack. For a gal with alternative style, such as myself, the giant skull graphic also happens to be entirely appropriate for year-long wear.
2. Little Rooms Nevermore Ring ($75)
While much of Little Rooms’ uniquely eclectic brand features futuristic, extraterrestrial designs (see: these alien studs or Spaceship necklace), its more recent offerings harken back to the hauntingly beautiful 19th century. Inspired by the late master of mystery, Edgar Allan Poe, this Victorian signet ring features the bird from one of the American author’s most famous poems, “The Raven,” along with the famous phrase the bird repeatedly croaked: “nevermore.” Pick it up in the pictured sterling silver, or, for all you warm-tones out there, the sterling-silver option that’s plated in 18K yellow gold.
3. Apothic Wine (From $8.99)
As any wine lover can attest, much like a book cover, a bottle’s label art can not only make all the difference in which one you choose at the grocery store but set the mood for your wine-drinking experience. Apothic wine, which boasts some truly captivating Gothic artwork in any season, is taking things one step further this Halloween with an interactive experience the brand is calling an “evening of intrigue”—and it’s hosted by none other than the ultimate demon-killer herself. That’s right, friends: Through All Hallow’s Eve, Sarah Michelle Gellar—a.k.a. Buffy the Vampire Slayer—will read you a choose-your-own adventure-style story that will send tingles down your spine and ultimately lead you to an Apothic wine recommendation that will best suit your tastes. My brand recommendation? Apothic red ($8.99): “smooth, with a hint of intrigue, just like me”—at least according to SMG. She certainly wasn’t wrong about the “smooth” part—even the brand’s ominous-looking Apothic Dark ($8.99) is as palatable as they come, with hints of ripe blueberries and blackberries besides. When paired with the spooky tale, it was just I needed to get into the Halloween spirit.
4. Lil SpoOky Instagram filter (Free)
Photo via Nicole Briese
Anyone who’s ever seen Corpse Bride—a Tim Burton masterpiece among Tim Burton masterpieces—will geek out over this genius Instagram filter, which can instantly transform you into the film’s deceased heroine, Emily—see my own crossover above. Blue skin? Check. Cartoon googley eyes? Double check. Created by AR/XR makeup artist Paige Piskin of Bratz filter fame, it’s as close to a Burtonized version of yourself as you’ll get, which, if you know me at all, is basically my life’s dream. What can I say? The animated undead suits me, if I do say so myself. Pro tip: Tap the screen before taking your photo for an even more ghoulish glow.
5. Michaels Halloween Blush collection (From $1.19)
Forget the garish oranges and blacks that are typically associated with Halloween. This year, Michaels is giving the holiday a serious makeover with a spooky line of pink-and-black décor that marries skulls, cobwebs and all things macabre with flowers and muted cream and blush tones (see: this ghostly tabletop typewriter). I’m not the only one that’s obsessed with this collection, either—far from. In fact, much of it is already sold out online and in many local Michaels stores. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this romantically eerie collection, however, it’s one to be cherished.
6. His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allan Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined ($14.29)
Speaking of Edgar Allan Poe, I’d be remiss not to mention this collection of short stories that pays homage to “The Tell-Tale Heart” author. Now, I’ll be frank: I’m not a short story fan. In fact, I typically loathe them. But these modern-day retelllings, which reimagine 13 of Poe’s most famous works, not only held my attention all the way through, they had me thinking about them long after I’d finished the book—particularly “Metzengerstein,” by Kendare Blake and “A Drop of Stolen Ink” by Emily Lloyd-Jones. In fact, I’d venture to say that these stories rank right up there with the best writing I’ve read in the last two years. I will caution, however, that Poe’s original short stories, which are included in the book, will be like reading stereo instructions for anyone born in the 21st century—you’ve been warned.
7. Bath & Body Works Vampire Blood candle ($24.50)
The sinister artwork and name of this three-wick candle instantly drew me in, though I was admittedly a bit hesitant to spend $25 on it without a clue as to whether I might like the scent. The solution? A test-drive on the far less expensive hand soap (on sale for $3.95). So what, you might ask, does vampire blood smell like? Instead of the overpowering, heady floral scent I had anticipated based on the description of “blood-red strawberry,” midnight-blooming jasmine and dark Transylvanian plum with essential oils, Vampire Blood smells … surprisingly sweet. This soy wax blend of is light and even, dare I say, fruity—like a lotion from my middle school days of yore. In short? It’s definitely worth the investment—especially if you wait for the store’s frequent “two for $24.50” three-wick candle sale.
8. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Scarlet Spell Lipstick ($34)
When the seasons change, so too, does my lipstick. All summer long, I live for Chanel’s hot pink L’Exuberante ($38), but when the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to tap into my dark side. So far, my favorite witchy hue is Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution lipstick in Scarlet Spell. This deep, berry color is a tinge darker than average but not so dark you’ll scare your coworkers. C’est parfait!
9. The Craft: Legacy
The Craft is one of, if not my favorite, movie of all time—I literally wrote an entire post ode to the ‘90s witch largely centered on my love for this film. The fact that it’s getting a remake is blasphemous, to say the least. Still, I’d be flat out lying if I said I wasn’t the least bit curious. While I’m fully expecting to hate it, I also fully intend on watching it when it’s released via On Demand on Wednesday, October 28.
What spooky season essentials have you uncovered this fall? Share them with me in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
