cat's meow

I want to know something regarding the psychology of leotards on men vs. women:

1. Why is it acceptable in comic books for men to be outfitted in leotards, underwear (on the outside) and masks, when it reality it just translates to a Halloween parade in West Hollywood?
2. ...And when women wear leotards it's extremely sexy, exudes confidence, and mostly in the comic book world, a sense of independence and badass?

We don't need to debate those. But in lieu of Halloween and everyone who has procrastinated with his/her costume, you can wear a leotard and some underwear on the outside, fasten a blanket to your shoulders and dub yourself a superhero.

There is one comic book-turned movie character I had in mind to dress up as last year: Catwoman (the Michelle Pfeiffer one). If you have a leotard, or even just some form of bikini/swim top, and perhaps some wire hangers, you can still get away with half-assing a Halloween costume.

I did a little bit of research on the Catwoman character throughout her years. Did you know her character was inspired by Jean Harlow?

(Catwoman and all her 2-D incarnations)

The "Catwoman" comic book still runs today (I read a little bit of it--she is just as badass as Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman; you know Halle Berry's character didn't really count...) and throughout her comic book years, Catwoman has gone through 8 outfit changes.

Throughout her television/movie years, she's had a mere 3.

TV/Movies:

1966-1967 : Julie Newmar

1966 (movie) : Lee Meriwether

1967-1968 : Eartha Kitt

What's that? You've got a glittery leotard hiding around in your closet? Affix some black triangles onto a headband, find some black booties and a thick belt: 1960's era Catwoman

1992 : Michelle Pfeiffer

OH, so do you also have a pleather coat hanging out in your wardrobe but don't know what do with it? This outfit would work with the thigh-high boots of this fall season, or just any old knee-high boots.

2004 : Halle Berry

If you have a swim top that doesn't quite provide enough coverage, then you could be Halle Berry-era catwoman. You can also take this opportunity to shred up some black pants that you aren't too fond of. Though, I actually prefer her outfit on the right: she can stick on a mask and call it a day! Because we all know how impractical it is to fight in a bikini top, leather pants and open-toe booties. ...Where does Catwoman find time to give herself a pedicure?

Catwoman is truly a versatile character--transcending race, hair color, and the times... yes, all of these women transform once they don the catsuit, becoming powerful and strong. This notion is also much too familiar among our favorite style icons: it isn't always about the clothes you are wearing, but how you wear them. (that old cliche)

Well, you've got to be pretty brave to be strutting around in just your leotard, mask or no mask.

Catwoman today: (left - issue #73/January 2008; right - issue #24/December 2003)