If you are like me, you've been preparing for this Halloween since last November. You've had your costumes set for weeks, now, and they are all unique and perfect for you. You even helped plan and craft your friend's group costume. 

But, if you are not like me, you may be checking your calendar, right now, to see how many days you have until you are forced to come up with something. We all know how easy it is to yell down the hallways asking if someone has an extra pair of cat ears to wear with your black shirt. But, if you want to stand out this year and create something unique, in a short amount of time, follow my procrastinator's guide to success for Halloween.

Look through your favorite shows and movies. Maybe you'll be able to better picture yourself as one of these characters for a night. Maybe a side character that you didn't give much attention to you will stick out and inspire you. The good thing about looking through entertainment like this is that you might already own what they're wearing, and don't have to go out of your way and wallet to complete the costume. Most of them are in normal clothes with something specific that makes their look unique.

Pinterest! This is my salvation when it comes to any crafting idea. While you are trying not to doze off in ISS210, look up Halloween costumes on Pinterest and start scrolling. You might have to add some extra words in there to cater more to yourself like, "college," or "diy," but the further you scroll, the more unique the costumes will get! Yes, Franzia bags are cute! But be ready to look like a Wine Wednesday social with the 30 other girls you see in them.

Look through magazines or news websites. Maybe a celebrity had a little too much fun with an outfit at an award show, lately, and it doesn't look to hard to pull off with a few craft supplies. Maybe someone went just crazy enough, and it kind of looks like something in your closet -- in a pinch. Does someone's make up stand out like something you could do? Maybe a political figure with a dash of something that makes them unique, besides a suit. Someone in Hollywood can always help you come up with an idea to dress up as, even in their everyday life.

Your favorite athlete or book characters. Athletes are easy because all you need is a jersey. You can make it your own by adding a player's name to the back. It's comfortable and warmer than wearing, basically, nothing in Michigan. Throw on some eye black and you look like you went all out. Have you read a book where a character has stood out to you, lately? Go back and look how the author described them, physically, and it could make a great costume!

Inanimate objects. Walk around your house, or class building, and look at everything -- literally, everything. From loofas and beer boxes, to office supplies, you're bound to find something that you can accessorize well enough to make it viable. Even bring out the poster board to paint and become any Meijer item in minutes. Just make sure it dries before you have to wear it!

There are lots of potentially unique and easy Halloween costumes right in front of you, you just have to look in the right places! If all else fails, and you find yourself with only a black shirt on Friday, the cats and the Regina George's have just as much fun at the party as the hand-crafted ice cream cone.