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Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Sexy Halloween Costumes

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The Sassy Lassie with the Classy Chassis

She's sexy ... she's sultry ... she's scandalous. She's the Queen of the Macabre. It's not hard to understand why the Mistress of the Dark has inspired the most popular Halloween costume of all time. Women—and a not-so-surprising number of men—have embraced the Elvira look ever since Cassandra Peterson introduced her cleavage-clad character more than 25 years ago. Peterson's professional entertainment career began at age 17, when she was hired as a Las Vegas showgirl. She thought she hit the big time when she got together with Elvis, but the King persuaded her to leave Las Vegas to pursue a singing career. "He didn't say Vegas was a bad thing, but that it was bad for me to stay there for the rest of my life," remembers Peterson. In the '70s she was a struggling actress doing guest roles on shows like Fantasy Island and Happy Days, and performing with the popular comedy group The Groundlings. When offered $300 to host horror films for the nationally syndicated television show Movie Macabre in 1981, Peterson jumped at the chance. The Valley Girl vampire wowed audiences with her tight slinky gown, large black wig, barely watchable horror movies, and well, you know the rest. Want to be the Queen "B" this Halloween? Here's how to turn heads 360 degrees and be the life of the party.

Elvira Mistress of the Dark Canvas Print by Artist Tom Carlton ~ Available on Amazon

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Contents at a Glance

Vampy, Campy, and Oh-So Trampy
How Would You Describe Elvira?
The Quotable Cassandra
Sexy Elvira Halloween Costume
Transform Yourself Into Elvira this Hall...
Elvira Bracelet Set
Elvira Says: Accessories Make the Outfit
Elvira Halloween Costume
Shop for Elvira Halloween Costumes

Vampy, Campy, and Oh-So Trampy

How Would You Describe Elvira?

As Overheard on Movie Macabre and Midnight Madness

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The Quotable Cassandra

Cassandra Peterson is Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Sure, the Mistress is pure eye-candy corn, but it takes more than blood-red lipstick, a ghostly-white complexion, and a set of deadly double D's to pull off the Elvira attitude. Herewith, an assortment of the Queen B's beauty tips, observations, and witticisms to indoctrinate aspiring acolytes.

I need this job like a leper needs a three-way mirror!

On lipstick: Number 1 make-up essential, for lips that say "Watch it dude... I bite!

At least I get my little black dress cleaned once in awhile.

On eye-liner: As you know, eye-liner is my life. You can never be too rich, too thin, or wear too much eye-liner.

And tell them... tell them that I never turned down a friend. I never turned down a stranger for that matter...

On perfume: The best invention since 'Odorama.' Two of my favorites... 'Evening in Pittsburgh' and 'Catch of the Day.'

Well, it is a pot luck. And believe me, when they open that pot they're gonna need all the luck they can get!

On cleavage: Two of the most important things a gal can own. Try using a pair of your brother's old gym socks to push it up, or, if there's nothing there to push up, just grab a Magic Marker and draw some cleavage on your chest!

And if they ever ask about me, tell them I was more than just a great set of boobs. I was also an incredible pair of legs.

On hairspray: Use on your hair or carry with you as a weapon. I use at least a can a day, so go for the cheap junk. 'Hard Hair,' 'Sticky Stuff' or even rubber cement will do the job.

Oh well, there's nothing wrong with G-rated movies, as long as there's lots of sex and violence.

On black nail polish: Black's a girl's best friend, and what could be more attractive than pitch-black fingernails; unless, of course, they got that way because you're an amateur carpenter on the weekends.

And if I get so depressed that I wind up hanging myself in the oven, well, those are the breaks!

On sunscreen: A must for that ghostly-white complexion. I find a sunscreen with an SP Factor of over 5000 does the trick. Better yet, sleep during the day or wear a bag over your head.

If I retire doing the character, I don't think the character has to retire. There will still be caricatures of Elvira. You know, Dracula still works, and he's dead.

Sexy Elvira Halloween Costume

Transform Yourself Into Elvira this Halloween

Here's How to Get the Look ... Male and Female Costumes

Elvira Bracelet Set

Elvira Says: Accessories Make the Outfit

Don't Forget the Stilettos and Black Nail Polish

Elvira Halloween Costume

Shop for Elvira Halloween Costumes

Hauntingly Beautiful Elvira Halloween Costumes

Gothic Vampire Enchantress

Elvira Halloween Costume

necklace not included. Shoes sold separately.

Amazon Price: $23.30 (as of 02/14/2012)

Product Description: Madame Macabre costume includes dress with chain trim and attached collar.

Buy at AllPosters.com

Cassandra Peterson

A Few Facts Courtesy of Wikipedia

Cassandra Peterson is an American actress best known for her on-screen horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She gained fame on Los Angeles television station KHJ wearing a black, gothic, cleavage-enhancing gown as host of Movie Macabre, a weekly horror movie presentation. Her wickedly vampish appearance was offset by her comical character, quirky/quick-witted personality, and valley girl-type speech. In the early 1970s, she moved to Italy and became the lead singer of the Italian rock band Latins Ochanats. During this time, she had a chance encounter with director Federico Fellini which led to a small part in Roma (1972). Back in the United States, she toured nightclubs and gay discos around the country with a musical/comedy act, Mammas Boys. In 1979, she joined the Los Angeles-based improvisational troupe The Groundlings, where she created a valley girl-type character upon whom the Elvira persona is largely based.

Cassandra on Elvis:

I started off as Vegas' youngest showgirl and, if it were not for Elvis, I might be Vegas' oldest showgirl. Thanks to Elvis, I moved and got my career going in a different direction and it really had a big impact. I don't think any other person could have told me to leave Vegas and quit being a showgirl that I would have listened to.

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