Halloween Fiends 2009

Creepy crawlies, grim ghouls, and all that goes bump in the night have slithered out of their haunts and into our realm as the 31st of October looms on the horizon. Halloween has come knocking to 2009, and few can deny its call: for one month, the world celebrates the dead, deviance, and - above all - being different. This holiday, the throne for the favorite fiend has a number of competitors, offering the living a variety of options to create their own unique monstrosity-

The Vampire
Since Twilight took the silver screen in 2008, the fanged-ones have dominated the entertainment scene throughout the past year. Not surprisingly, vampires are a big contender as the most popular choice of costume this year. They are a versatile breed, allowing the masquerader to be as dressed-up or as dressed down as they want; be advised, though, that if you want to veil yourself as a Child of the Night, you will need to don the appropriate dark, mysterious, predator airs. In addition to fangs and a thirst for blood, true vampires are connected by playing on the sensual and emotional taboos of humanity.

Second Life's crypts have been a buzz with items catering to the Nosferatu, particularly in the realm of skins: DEN-DOU, Dreamin’g Alice, Nomine, and Tuli all have their own lines focused on these creatures, and Beauty Avatar and Exodi have offered bloodied gifts to the public. For the nobility, rich gothic attire is in high demand, paritcularly with cuts the accentuate the neck; for the street prowlers, dark, concealing leather that flows silently with the body is a necessity. Blue Blood will happily cater to those with regal tastes, while Nomine and the House of RFyre offers attire for both types.

The Zombie
Ready to leave a foul taste in its competitors' mouths, the living dead have grabbed their own share of the spotlight recently. These loved-from-afar monsters took hold of society through American pop-culture, developing from the reanimated controlled by a Voodoo sorcerer to the rotting, brain-craving masses of today. Hollywood's most recent rendezvous with them, the comedy-horror Zombieland, currently holds a 'Certified Fresh' standing by the Rotten Tomatoes community, adding to their appeal this season. The downfall lies in that, if they want to blend in with a groaning hoard, a still-breathing needs more than a mindless demeanor- a believable zombie has at least a green- or dirt-brownish tint to their skin, and more often has flesh missing. Furthermore, their overall appearance is grungy and tattered from crawling out of the earth and attacks by hunters.

Fortunately, the virtual world is no stranger to the deceased's needs. A number of creators have actually created full avatar sets, including The Body Politik and Dernier Cri. If you're looking to piece together your own ghoul, Chai, Frick and Nomine all offer their own range of decomposing flesh, and redQueen can top off one's rotting skull with just the perfect, crazed style. In the clothing department, Dark Eden, Grim Bros., and Worldwide Industries have a great selection of gritty and ragged products.

The Witch
While this character has not made a splash in cinema, the witch is still making a strong showing in the fashion realm. The magical figure has two major advantages: she's a Halloween classic and her staple color - black - is always in style. What the witch lacks in gender versatility she makes up for with an array of accessories: hats, boots, charms and trinkets, even pets can be added, swapped and mixed with each other upon the base frock. Over the years, the wicked woman has swapped the warts and crooked nose for more physically appealing looks, but she has always maintained a sly, other-worldly charm.

Flying past Linden's multiple full moons are a variety of enchanting options. In addition the traditional long-skirt dress being available, the tutu and long-striped socks combo is bubbling up in shops across the grid. Cupcakes, Evie's Closet and Wishbox are just a few shops offering this short and sassy style, while BareRose, Ezura and Rebel Hope carry traditional ensembles. For accessories, Dark Eden, Illusions, Lassitude & Ennui, and Schadenfreude will curl your toes, bedazzle your fingers, and top it off with the perfect pointed hat.

The Fairy
Speaking of tutus, a certain magical creature may be to blame for the short skirt. Amongst all the spooks, the fairy has fluttered in to steal its own spotlight. And why shouldn't it? Halloween is about stepping beyond reality, and it does not always have to be in the realm of terror. The whimsical, joyful nature of this fantasy being is one of its great advantages, and its appeal to multiple ages with its colorful costuming makes it a triple-threat (or triple-treat, depending on how you look at the matter). Whether wearing a thigh-length dress, ankle-length gown, or a pair of pants, the fairy carries a cheerful disposition, if not a handful of mischief behind its back.

A plethora of pixels and polygons await those that wish to adorn their avatar as a fae- within Second Life, users can choose to dress up their regular shape or opt for a tiny-prim based body. In the clothing department, the witch vendors also offer fairy decor; those seeking more options may venture to Caverna Obscura, Deviance, or Nicky Ree. Avalon and Seven's Selections are two of the more widely known for miniature avatars, while Fancy Fairy and Material Squirrel carry top of the line wings in a wide variety.

As the grandest witching hour of the year approaches near, what will you be for this Hallow's Eve? A dashing noble with blood-stained lips, or the swaggering undead with a grisly aroma? Perhaps an old favorite with a trusted broom and black cat, or fluttering bit of fantasy that just stepped out of a dream? Or maybe, just maybe, you'll disguise yourself as something completely different from all of these. Whatever you do this holiday, step out of the ordinary and celebrate unique.

The Vampire
Dress: The Red Death LIMITED EDITION! from Morbid's Consumption (AKA Morbid Mausoleum)
Jewelry:  *Crimson Shadow Collection* - "Queen of the Shadows" from *Cailyn's*
Hair: Gibson Girl Hair – Raven from (Miriel)
Skin: Lily Vamped "First Blood"; (Halloween 2009) from :: Exodi ::
Eyes: Liquid Amber – Freebie from Poetic Color Eyes [limited item]

The Zombie
Top: Dirty Girl T from :::Sn@tch:::
Bottom: *DPS Corpse Jeans
Hair: Rage(M).v.o1~CACAO/ONYX from [redQueen]
Skin: Zombie stage 1 – pale from Nomine
Eyes: CS Eyes Of Pain – Slicedg

The Witch
Dress (including Hat): Witchy Halloween Gift  *Cursed* from *Evie's Closet*
Hair: Lux Black Coffee from {Heading To Dreamville}
Skin: October Daydream Halloween Gift <3 - Daydream - Copper - Fairy 2 Pink (Freck) from *CUPCAKES
Eyes: Easter lilac - freebie from Poetic Color Eyes [limited item]

The Fairy
Dress (including Wings & Wand): Spring Fairy (Tulip) from * Deviance *
Hair: Aphrodite strawberry from Exile
Skin: Succubus – Pink from {Frick}
Eyes: Spectrum: Tropicana, halo from ][ . House of Ruin . ][