Shop Talk is written by OM senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.

Ah, the office Halloween party. We thought it was a sitcom phenomenon, until we received an office-wide memo last week: arrive in costume! Pizza and cupcakes will be served!

Cringes from the editorial department. Enthusiasm from sales and art. Not wanting to be labelled cynical party-poopers, all joined in the fun.

So much fun, in fact, that we didn’t have time to plan a Shop Talk post, you ask? Not at all — there were many fashion points that arose from yesterday’s bash.

On Sarah:

I was having a hard time figuring out what to be for Halloween. With a Halloween party around the corner and no time to pick up any accessories for an outfit, I had to look to my closet for inspiration. I anxiously ordered this dress when Karl Lagerfeld’s line for Impulse (Macy’s) launched at the end of August. Since I had little time to put something together it hit me: why not work with my Karl dress? I love it because of its embellished collar which screams Karl! Fashion Mag helped me with the rest. Some silver jewellery, leather, fingerless gloves, and sunglasses brought it all together. Next time I’ll add a white wig.

On Dayanti:

I wanted to wear this layered mint green skirt to Ottawa Fashion Week last month, but was having trouble pulling off the whole ballerina/pastel look amidst the dropping temperatures. Then I realized a friend had left some glitter at my place following a German Sparkle Party I attended over the weekend. The creative juices started flowing; I found some sheer material leftover from my grandmother’s curtains, added a girly headband, and I came up with an office-appropriate costume : a fairy!

Our co-workers came up with some brilliant ideas as well: a squid demonstrated how a quick Google search can turn into an award-winning costume; our publisher brought back the scary mask; our editor showed off her nerdy side; and the 70s chick — who tied with squid for best costume — wowed us with a great wig … and awesome cupcakes.