I love Bruno Mars. I think he is an incredible talent with a powerhouse voice and effortless dance moves. And, oh how he makes me melt when he flashes his pearly whites. I will say, though, it is not lost on me that he has been accused of cultural appropriation and repurposing the sounds of past artists but I love how joyous and happy his songs make me feel.

So, for Halloween I decided that I wanted be the ‘24K Magic’ singer in his current embodiment, dressed in Versace baroque print shirts, dripping in gold chains, and topped with his signature white cap. I think my boyfriend was a bit skeptical about this costume idea but I was pretty confident that I could pull it off.

This is definitely one of my simpler Halloween costumes I have done compared to some of my past ones but it was still fun to comb the internet for a ‘silk’ shirt that looked like Versace without the Versace price tag and gold jewelry that would not make my skin turn green. And it would be my first time dressed as a man.

I got my shirt, sunglasses and gold chains from Amazon. My friend helped get me the iconic XXIV hat via Taobao, the Chinese Amazon where you are literally buy anything including cleaning services. I added my own gold rings, necklaces, and even a chain off of a Tory Burch bag. Threw on some black pants and white kicks and I was transformed into a “dangerous man with some money in my pocket…keep up.”

I almost forgot that I got a curly wig and was hoping to trim it and sew it to my cap but that was a big fail as it immediately became apparent that there was no way my already huge head and a wig would fit inside a cap without sliding off to reveal my wig cap.

I had so much fun photoshopping the below picture while imagining what it would have been like to be Bruno’s sidekick in this music video. But, who am I kidding? If I ever had the opportunity to be on the set of his music video I would be probably awkwardly standing in the corner completely starstruck and speechless. Sigh, a girl can still fantasize…

Bruno Mars & her Bruno Earth

I, of course, had to include my boyfriend in the fun so I made him a graphic t-shirt, ironing on gold heat transfers in the shape of the earth. So that he would be Bruno Earth to my Bruno Mars. Get it???

Yes, I know I am sooo lame. lol.

Bruno Rose Vs. Bruno Mars. Who wore it better?

October 2018 Update: I decided to splurge and get tickets to the Bruno Mars concert in Brooklyn. I knew I wanted to repurpose my costume for the show, but was a bit apprehensive about wearing it as I am a super shy person who does not like to attract attention. But, as they say ‘YOLO!’

I was probably the only person who dressed like a crazy super fan and once Bruno hit the stage I was so glad I did. I was on cloud nine singing my heart out and dancing like there was no tomorrow. The night went by too fast but I tried to savor every second of it and bask in the simple luxury of seeing one of my favorite singers live.