"I take both halloween and Cheap Challenges very seriously. That said, this was a bit more difficult to nail down than I'd anticipated because it had to be just right. I wanted something a bit recognizable but not too recognizable. Weird is better. So, I put two greats together for one big WTF. First, I got the mustache and the cowgirl hat, easy peezy. Then, I decided to make a surrealist clock and label it with Dolly's great hit '9 to 5.' I wish I could have hung this from a necklace, but alas. Finally, the most difficult part was finding something to enhance my bust size. Green brain molds had to do the trick. I think it all worked in the end."
Piera Gelardi, executive creative director
"The Richard Avedon cover for the April 1965 issue of Harper's Bazaar is iconic! Or at least, so I thought. I've learned that this costume is for fashion and photo nerds only and that there is a slight risk of being misunderstood. That being said, if you ARE into it, it's incredibly easy to pull together without spending too much money at all. Cut a big pink circle out of your poster board and then cut a smaller circle for your face. Sign Avedon's signature onto the top portion, apply lashes and lipstick, and you're good to go! Just remember to use a tight crop for all your photos."
Naomi Nevitt, shopping and market director
"I walked into KMart not really knowing what I would find or what I wanted my costume to be. I immediately spotted the cotton balls, and while perusing the tall section, I noticed a series of sky-blue mock turtlenecks. At last, inspiration struck: I could dress like a clear day! I quickly found a shirt that was oversized enough to act as a dress (I looked for matching bottoms, but light blue sweatpants aren't big this season, so I had to make do with this 'tunic'). I wanted to find glasses to mimic the 'sun wearing glasses' archetype you see in little kids' drawings. Surprisingly, the sunglasses were almost the most expensive item on the list! I finally tracked down this men's pair that had cool, yellow reflective lenses; perfect for looking like a star! I nabbed some glue to tack down the cotton balls in a Mario-inspired fashion, and added a construction-paper crown of sun rays. I'm ready to shine!"
Chloe Daley, associate home editor
"Recently, Piera told me that from a distance she had mistaken me for an 80-year-old woman (based on my outfit). Yes, it was basically the highest compliment! I've been a longtime fan of the impeccably and fearlessly dressed women on the blog Advanced Style. And, with the documentary just coming out, I thought it was high time I paid my homage. Of course, I knew it had to be all about the accessories. I spray painted a white drop cloth (fashioned into a turban), PVC pipes (bangles), nuts and bolts (statement rings), clear tubing (necklace) and chair-foot covers (embellishment for the glasses). The result was not too far-fetched from what I actually wear (I have a penchant for turbans), but the look did make me feel fabulous! I hope Ilona and Iris would be proud."
Connie Wang, style director
"Naomi and I actually bumped into each other in the hallway while we were both wearing our costumes, and now I'm 100% convinced that we're spending way too much time together. What can we say? Working on the 23rd floor has made us more tuned in to the sky.