Last Minute Halloween Shopping

If you’re anything like me, every year you swear up and down that you’ll be ready with a fantastic Halloween costume weeks in advance, only to wind up frantically searching for something–ANYTHING–to wear the day of. Mmhmm, I see you.

I’m a big proponent of DIY costumes, thanks to the fabulous things my mom whipped up for me when I was a kid–none of that fake plastic-y stuff for me, no ma’am! Thanks to those memories, I like to mix finds from traditional costume shops and vintage & thrift stores.

COSTUMES

Cappel’s (downtown) – Cappel’s is a no-brainer. The have traditional costumes plus make-up, accessories, wigs, party favors, decorations–everything you need.

Costume Gallery Newport (Newport, duh) – Costume Gallery supplies costumes for theater and opera all year long, so you can find some pretty authentic-looking period pieces here. They also carry props, body paint, hair pieces, fake teeth, prosthetics…it’s that serious.

Talk of the Town (Reading) – This is actually a vintage clothing wonderland, but go up the stairs in the back and you’ll find yourself in costume heaven. Everything you’d need to be a genie or a vampire or a 1940’s military officer is arranged according to theme–and you can RENT.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

NVISION (Northside) – The basement is filled with REAL vintage (which can be a little pricey), but you can put together something funky at a reasonable price if you stick to the items on the ground level.

Atomic Number 10 (OTR) – Tell Katie what you’re looking for, and she’ll have you decked out as a ‘50s hausfrau or ‘60s swinger in no time.

Chicken Lays an Egg (Northside) – If you want funky, they GOT funky. Lame’ jumpsuits, floor-sweeping paisley dresses, butterfly collars–disco central.

HAIR

Sun Wigs/Newberry’s/Jade Wigs (downtown) – I’m partial to what I like to call the Lacefront Trifecta: All located within a one-block radius, you can get a full-on wig or a $5.99 weave (like I did) to finish off your look.

So…what are you gonna be this year?