Which is why we're covering costuming in advance. In just a few weeks, all the best rentals will be reserved, the pre-made costumes will be woefully picked-over, and Internet suppliers will be out of sizes. And those Simplicity patterns are more complicated and time-consuming than you think. But don't let that cramp your creativity. One stroll through the Halloween Experience is sure to inspire.
A far cry from the drug-store selection of our youth, those poor representations of cartoon characters in painted plastic masks and vinyl coveralls, Halloween Experience's seasonal stores are a cornucopia of costuming goods for everyone. Guys can finally live out their comic-book fantasies as every imaginable super hero, military man, skilled martial artist or gothic avenger. Or pretend they're the star quarterback, a Power Ball ticket or Chewbacca.
Couples can team up in unexpected combinations: the sexy jailer and her escaped convict, or vice versa, depending on who looks better in the Day-Glo orange jumpsuit. The farm boy or girl and their bovine pal. ATM Man and his Money Honey. Gal pals can be the entire Wizard of Oz entourage in skimpy Tin Girl, Scarecrow Cutie and Sexy Lion outfits. A half-dozen guys can be a six-pack of beer, foreign or domestic, in bottles or cans.
You won't need cohorts to get a reaction if you pick from the store's comical collection. It brings off-color jokes, puns and one-liners to life with blow-up suits, plush animal heads and more than one poop reference— you've got to see them for yourself. But don't dawdle or you're sure to be disappointed.
Halloween Experience
Where: Multiple locations.
Info: www.halloweenmart.com.
Jennifer Henry already has her Halloween costume. Contact her at [email protected].