We can do it!
And I did. Many thanks to Cable Car Couture for giving me the idea of a simple, DIY costume. This Rosie the Riveter look cost me $1.89 (only because I had to buy the bandana at a craft store). I love this look because it’s simple to assemble and instantly recognizable, it’s work appropriate (I can’t go to the office dressed as a French maid!), and it’s given me ideas beyond Halloween.
For example, I want to wear headscarves on a regular basis now. I just might turn rockabilly. This is so fun to wear and a great trick when growing out a short hairdo.
Another reason I liked this costume idea is because of the sartorial and feminist implications. Here, I’m a literal and figurative blue-collar worker. That got me thinking about two things: women in the workforce, and the history of denim. I’ll start with denim: In the 1870s, Levi Strauss created cotton canvas pants. The 501s went on to become the world’s best-selling item of clothing. Perhaps it’s because they were durable, practical, and riveted.
Blue jeans were a working class staple that cowboys and railway workers wore. But by World War II, they were an essential commodity and sold only to people in defense–like Rosie!
Rosie is an icon. She represents the thousands of American women who worked in factories during the War, often replacing positions of men who were off to battle. After the war, women were expected to return to more traditional duties in the home or in secretarial roles. Many did, but not all. It was the beginning of an important shift in women’s economic power.
On a personal note, my grandmother worked in a factory in England during WWII. She was just a teen when she made airplane engine parts. I’ll write about her soon. It’s an incredible thought to be a schoolgirl one day, and building bombers the next.
What a lot of inspiration from a simple costume. Thanks again to Cable Car Couture! Oh, and I joined ColorBlind’s special Halloween linkup. Check out the entries here. I’m also participating in Transatlantic Blonde’s WIWW linkup. All those entries are here.
Happy Halloween!
jeanofalltrades 
Love it! You look great and love the idea.
Thanks Sadie! I didn’t have a lot of time this year, but there’s always an easy costume idea…
Nailed it! I like that you chose a costume with meaning. I was a lipstick giraffe. ha ha. I’ll put it on the blog soon. 🙂
Thanks! I did like the meaning behind the look. Can’t wait to see your costume!
Jean, I hope I’ve said it before, but I know I haven’t said it lately: I love you.
You’re so sweet, Melissa! I appreciate our friendship so much. Even though I don’t see you often, we always pick up where we left off. Love you too xoxo
Love it! Hope very Leslie Knope of you 🙂
Ooh – I should have dressed up like Leslie Knope 😉
awesome costume! happy halloween!
Xo Megan
Thanks Megan! happy Halloween :O
Love it, Jean!
Fabulous outfit, Jean! I love your creativity!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate it! My costume will be up soon!
I love this outfit so much. I may steal it next year. consider it an homage 🙂
What a great idea for a Halloween costume. Very unique.