I love dressing up for Halloween or cosplay. If you have ever purchased a costume online you know how expensive it can be. After learning about the true cosplay concept at Evansville RaptorCon, I can see the value in trying a DIY costume.

NOX PHOTOGRAPHY EVANSVILLE RAPTORCON
NOX PHOTOGRAPHY EVANSVILLE RAPTORCON
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Pro-Level Cosplay

I had the opportunity to help judge the cosplay contest at Evansville Raptorcon. During the process, I learned that the pros really appreciate any costumes that have been homemade or pieced together from thrift finds.

Royal Thrift Find

What if I told you that you could put together a pretty legit Disney Princess cosplay for less than $30? Now, it will take a little bit of work with needle and thread, but birds and mice do that part, right? LOL.

Disney Store Costume

I did a little price check on the Disney Store site, and the child's version of the Belle dress is $49.99. That doesn't include shoes or accessories.

https://www.shopdisney.com/belle-costume-for-kids-beauty-and-the-beast
https://www.shopdisney.com/belle-costume-for-kids-beauty-and-the-beast
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The Perfect Gown

ERM LIBERTY
ERM LIBERTY
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I spotted this amazing yellow gown at The Thrift Store by Your Evansville Rescue Mission. Immediately, I thought oh my goodness...This looks like belle's dress. It's only $20! In fact, all of the formal gowns are $20.

Golden Shoes

ERM LIBERTY
ERM LIBERTY
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I was so surprised to find gold shoes that matched perfectly for Belle cosplay. This pair is only $6.

What About Flowers?

ERM LIBERTY
ERM LIBERTY
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There are different versions of belle's dress, but I think that this one needs a couple of flowers sewn onto it. I just happened to find a little bouquet and you could easily take the two red ones and make the dress your own. This handful of flowers is only $2.

Grand Total = $28

THE THRIFT STORE BY EVANSVILLE RESCUE MISSION | DISNEY STORE
THE THRIFT STORE BY EVANSVILLE RESCUE MISSION | DISNEY STORE
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I think this is a really cool version of Belle. Honestly, I didn't even look around very long and found all of these pieces. You just never know what magical finds could be out there at our local thrift stores.

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See Inside The Thrift Store by Evansville Rescue Mission [Before and After]

The Thrift Store by Evansville Rescue Mission is now in its amazing new space inside Washington Square Mall. Take a look at the hard work that has gone into this unique new thrift store.

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Awesome Cosplay from the 2022 Motor City Comic Con

I have never been to a comic con before, but I knew going into it that many people choose to wear very elaborate and detailed costumes and garb of their favorite pop culture icons. Whether it was from a Disney movie, an epic comic book, a live-play Dungeons and Dragons show, or somewhere in between, there were plenty of people who put their talent to use to create some awe-inspiring cosplay looks. Check out some of the awesome cosplay in the gallery below, and get a sneak peek at what it's like to attend a comic con.

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