I finally got smart about shopping long distance. I brought the big suitcase with extra space so I could pack up my goodies to get back home safely.
And while it worked beautifully…I probably shopped a little too much at Creep It Real OC. 😬
Then again, there’s no such thing when you’re supporting spooky small businesses, is there?
I’ve skipped out on Halloween hunting at the big box stores this year since I knew this event was coming up…and it didn’t disappoint. AT ALL.
Here’s a quick snapshot of everything that came home with me, from a few dream items to tricks and treats from new-to-me businesses.
Creep It Real OC 2024 Haul
The full haul — so many good things!
We’ll start with the purchase I was most excited to make this weekend: a Halloween lantern from October Rds!
I really love Christopher’s classic Halloween work, but he also had a ton of gorgeous 90s-inspired pieces based on “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Hocus Pocus,” too. (See more in my recap.)
Thrilled this little jack-o-lantern is mine.
Another must-have item I had seen floating around social media: this Midnight Mischief dress from Black Mast.
The longer I look at the design, the more I fall in love with it. I will definitely be wearing this to a few events in October.
James (@thathalloweenbro) did a little shopping with Major Crimes Division Saturday, and after he did I kept thinking about this ghost hat. I’ve been slowly collecting baseball caps for weekend mornings when I don’t want to do my hair, and I’m thrilled to have this little ghostie on my hat rack now.
Another item I’m collecting these days: keychains. I especially love a retro-style hotel keychain, so this one (loved the handwritten cabin number!) and the button were impulse purchases with Major Crimes Division.
Alex from Sweets Magic Treats gifted me this spooky tea bomb, and I can’t wait for my first cool fall day to enjoy it.
Unfortunately, she doesn’t sell online for shipping because these tea bombs are pretty fragile, but if you’re in SoCal, keep an eye on her Instagram for what event she’ll be at next.
Pretty sure Mr. John Wayne Comunale saw me coming from a mile away with this book. It drew me right into his booth, and I even got it personalized! Definitely the most unique purchase of the weekend.
Another dream item: anything from Deadly Sweet! After hearing Chelsea (@cheers.withchelsea) rave about them for the last few years, I finally got my hands on a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie and a brownie sandwich…which I ate before getting around to taking these photos but you can see it on Instagram.
Both were KILLER.
P.S. They ship! 😉
It’s been a while since I’ve checked out Gladracket, so I was excited to see their booth with their sister shop, Monster Posse.
There were some really good “spooky little” Halloween designs at their booth, but this ‘It’s Halloween somewhere’ shirt was my fave.
I also couldn’t resist a “Midsommar” post card design for just $1.
The first thing I bought…within 30 mins of arriving Saturday: this cute little coin purse from Black Thorn LA. 😂 What can I say? I know my personal brand!
Their black-and-orange striped cardigan was my favorite purchase from Midsummer Scream 2023, and I had to resist going back through their booth every time I walked by. So many CUTE things!
I LOVE when I find new small businesses that scream my name, and Witchy Hollow Co. absolutely fits the bill. By the time I shopped with them Sunday, I knew space was shrinking in my suitcase, so I went with small, flat items.
I especially love the tie-dyed tote bag.
A close-up of the stickers from Witchy Hollow Co.
And the “Beetlejuice”-inspired scrunchie!
Of course, I added to my spooky handbag collection. These new candy corn bags from The Punkin Shop are SO damn cute in person and are perfect for those who like smaller bags or just being on-the-go. It comes with two straps so you can turn this into a crossbody moment or a backpack.
I also couldn’t resist the tiny globe candy corn necklace. The chain is extra long, which I love for wearing with all my Halloween dresses.
And, no surprise here, I grabbed two of the new satchel bags from Backstitch Bruja because I can’t resist an adorable black purse any time of the year.
Which purchase is your favorite?
And if you were at Creep It Real OC 2024, what was your favorite thing you brought home?
For more about the event, be sure to check out my recap!