Countdown to Halloween

October is a big month for my family, most specifically, the end of October. My son was born on the 29th, and came home from the hospital on his daddy's birthday, Halloween. So even before they were old enough to get into the fun of trick or treating, we tended to get all excited about the whole dressing up process.

This year, my daughter has decided that she wants to be Dorothy. As the costume she picked out didn't have shoes with it, her father told her that she would have to ask me to make her ruby slippers. Now, my first impulse was to find some cherry-red patent leather stompy boots for a "Just try and take these off me, witch!" look, but she wants pretty, sparkly ruby slippers. She has also informed me that, since we have agreed that a being a witch is not an option, because her aunt really is a witch, and they therefore are not a costume, I am to dress up as the wizard for her. Of course, this means my wheels have been spinning and I've got a half a dozen ideas. I'm really not sure how well my spin on the "wizard" would transalte.

Mainly, the idea I've got is a victorian-ish, kind of steampunk type suit, with a bright, emerald-green corset or waistcoat, and a little mini-tophat decorated with green flowers and tulle, perhaps with a medal, diploma, and heart-shaped watch. I'm not sure where I'm going to come up with half of it, because I'm not entirely sure my sewing skill is at that kind of level, and actually buying those sort of clothes would be pretty expensive.