But where did it all start? That’s something that I’ve always been curious about but have never looked into. I just recently found out that Halloween was introduced to North America in the 19th century when the Irish immigrants came over.

Here’s what Wikipedia says: “Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain. The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes regarded as the ‘Celtic New Year.’ Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the alive and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.”

So that explains where the ghosts and goblins come from, but what about the frisky cop and enticing witch? As time has slowly changed the traditional events of the day, the costumes that women wear have slowly become more scarce, not scarier. I’m not saying I haven’t worn those “sexy” costumes (I’ve been a bunny and “sexy” referee) but I think there comes a time when you realize that it’s not really a costume.

I think that Lindsay Lohan’s character in Mean Girls says it best, “Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” Yet, knowing that we’re all going to talk about each other later, we still choose to be a provocative pirate. Why not go back to the original costumes? It’s Halloween, not a beauty pageant. Ladies, don’t choose a costume on the basis of who you’ll look better than, pick one that you really want. Even if it’s not the sexiest one out there.

Maybe this year I’ll be something extra scary.

What’s everyone else dressing up as?

Photos credits: Photobucket and FrightCatalog.com

Owner Claudia Prado opened an online boutique in 2005 selling chic clothing to women worldwide.  Last Saturday, after conquering Web site retail, Claudia held the grand opening of The Runway Boutique in the city of Brea in Orange County, California. While shopping, I had a chance to meet Claudia herself. 

Here’s what Claudia shared with me:
 
Stephanie: What inspired you to open The Runway?
Claudia: I have worked in the fashion industry for the past five years and have always had a strong passion for fashion and a desire to bring my favorite style of clothing to women all over the country with my boutique and online store.
 
Stephanie: How did you get started in the fashion industry?
Claudia: My mother has been in the fashion industry for almost 20 years and it’s all I know. Just like my mother, I developed a love of fashion.

Stephanie: Is The Runway the only store you have?
Claudia: At this time, yes, hopefully, I will open more in the future.

Stephanie: As much as fashion trends changes, is there one thing that always seems to remain the same?
Claudia: Season trends change, but the constant is the colors.  Bright and vibrant colors will always be around in the spring and summer time; warm, earthy tones will always be favored in the fall. So that’s a mainstay in fashion that really doesn’t change.
 
Stephanie: What do you think is the hottest fall fashion must-have this year?
Claudia: Jewel-toned, sexy, fitted dresses that can be worn as a party or red carpet dress. The Runway carries plenty!

If you would like to see what The Runway Boutique has to offer, check out their Web site.  You may also want to visit the upcoming fashion show that The Runway is holding at the Red Room Lounge in West Covina, California (info also found on her site).

Photo credits: Leeann’s camera

Christina Applegate looked stunning post-mastectomy. The whole world is cheering this amazing woman on right now.

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick receive my nomination for “best looking couple.”

Felicity Huffman dazzled in this sparkling gown. She looked absolutely vibrant.

The classic black and white look, but with a twist. Vanessa Williams was glamorous as always!

P.S. One of our friends, prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and YourNewBodyBlog.com weekly contributor, Dr. Stuart Linder, contributed to the swag bags! His book, titled “The Beverly Hills Shape,” was one of the fabulous gifts given to celebrities. And guess what? Beauty Chat blogged about the book last year when it became available. Check it out!

Photo credits: MSN

Now, this is not your everyday pen; it is a multi-functional pen. Packed with manicure bliss, this handy device includes an emery board built into the pen cap, a cuticle pusher, and sharp point to clean under your nails. Now I can get a mini manicure right at my desk!

According to the Spiffer Web site: “This new patented multi function manicure pen is the ultimate portable, discreet, and always accessible fashion accessory. The cap of this high quality ball point writing pen has a built-in emery board, cuticle pusher, and nail cleaner. It is the ideal portable accessory for hangnail emergencies, quick grooming touch-ups, or just to fiddle with while on the phone. Approved for airline carry-on!”

Features and Benefits:
• Durable emery board lasts 20x longer than other emery boards
• Cuticle pusher with concave shape to offer more control
• Pointed tip for precision cuticle grooming or fingernail cleaning
• High quality ball point writing pen always available

I think this is a great little invention; every girl should have one! Check them out!

Photo Credit: Spiffer.com

Rock & Republic launches cosmetics line! Visit Beauty 411 to learn more.

Join the Gossip offers a AG Hiar Cosmetics Giveway! So what are you waiting for? Head over and sign up. A winner will be announced October 1.

Do you like Victoria Beckham’s latest hairstyle? View Celebrity Crust this week to see Victoria’s New Look for yourself.

La Couturier features Diane Von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2009. Take a look at the designs from fashion week.

Katie Holmes Hearts New York & Company according to The Budget Babe. Check out these reasonable threads that the actress was seen in.

Shoe Smitten highlights Shoes From Spring 2009 New York Fashion Week. Take a peek to see the frontier of footwear.

Check out Go Fug Yourself this week to see the new cover of Bazaar, and answer the question- Fug or Fab the Cover: Kiki Dunst.

Today will be marked with memorials and moments of silence at ground zero (the World Trade Center), the Pentagon, and across the country. And while none of us can change what happened, we can look back on those who are no longer with us with fondness and remembrance.

Beauty Chat wants to take the opportunity to offer hope and encouragement to everyone who was affected by 9-11. Our thoughts are with you.

God bless America!

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

Verve Energy Drink- This is a great, refreshing, citrus energy drink. Verve is made with vitamins, minerals, organic green tea, and aloe.

MSM Health Solutions- They offered an excellent joint, muscle, and tissue support gel that is ultrapure and will remove inflammation in the tissues leaving you painless for eight to 18 hours. I really like the fact there is no smell or greasy feeling when applied.

Susan G Komen for the Cure- I got some great tips on breast cancer and was able to learn about the upcoming Race For a Cure that will be held on September 28, 2008, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Z-ION Cleanse Detox Foot Spa- If you have not tried this, I suggest you do. You soak your feet in cold water for 30 minutes and the water starts turning colors as the toxins are released from your body. I have honestly slept very peacefully since receiving this treatment.

Well, ladies, after a few hours of browsing around and learning about new things, I have to say I felt really good and refreshed upon leaving the expo. I will keep you posted on the next My Healthy Life Expo; this is definitely something you don’t want to miss.

Photo credits: My Healthy Life Expo and Living Life to the Fullest

My Healthy Life Expo
Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7 from 10AM to 6PM @ the Orange County Fair and Event Center

This event is free to the public and provides an informational day hosted by an array of knowledgeable guest speakers and vendors.
*Open to the public*

What’s Going On?
Thursday, September 11 starting at 6:30 pm @ Bullocks Wilshire Building in LA

If you are concerned with the chemicals found in everyday items and want to learn how to go green, this event is for you!
*RSVP: ewg.org/LAevent*

M. Fredric Opening hosted by Malibu Magazine
Monday, September 15 from 7 PM to 9 PM @ M. Fredric at Malibu Country Mart

Enjoy the opening of this high-end boutique with drinks and light bites. 10% of the evening’s sales will be donated to ACT Today for Autism.
*RSVP: rsvp@malibumag.com*

Book Launch Soiree for the “Chic Mom’s Guide to Feeling Fabulous”
Friday, October 10 from 6:30 PM to 9 PM @ L’Oreal Paris Living Lab, Beverly Center

Meet author Nina Sutton during her book signing. While there socialize, sip wine, and enjoy a makeover.
*RSVP: nina@thechicmomsguide.com*

Each of these events are free — so enjoy! If you know of anything that others would be interested in (no matter where the location is) , please feel free to share.

Photo credits: My Healthy Life Expo and Malibu Magazine

We are enjoying our day off, but look forward to getting back to blogging tomorrow. Until then, be sure to check out our Goji “GoChi” Juice contest.  

Photo credit: Associated Content 

Not a lot of space in your world? FemTalks introduces reader to the Digital Waterproof Mirror TV – another high tech invention to furnish your home.

Glam Boulevard introduces you to the 24-Karat Gold Spa Therapy. If it was good for Cleopatra it must be good for you!

Want to learn about Au Natural: Mineral Makeup? Then head over to Glam Spirit. Not only is the makeup natural, the packaging is as well.

Anything Hollywood has all the info as Michael Phelps Wins Again and Sets World Record!  In case you missed the Olympic gold medalist’s victory, check out this great post!

 
If you love organic and all-natural skin care products, head over to Viva Woman to find out how you can make your own. Read Keen on Homemade DIY Skin Care? for more info!

Looking for a new shaving cream? Then head over to the Beauty Blabber to read all about a new cream they’ve dubbed the Smooth Operator.

Chic Critique has an awesome Weight Watchers Giveaway! Make sure to stop by to find out how you can get a three-month subscription.

Over at With Love…the latest post, entitled Conservative Freak….lol, showcases how you can look fab during a night out — without the skimpy clothing.