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Halloween: All dressed up and someplace to go

Shops and costumers help you suit up for the big day when you release that inner pirate, princess or Hollywood starlet.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published October 13, 2006

It's that time of year when it's okay to be seductive, glamorous, diva-like, demented, creepy, or even dead.

Yes, Halloween lurks just around the corner, and it's not just for children anymore.

According to the National Retail Federation, about one-third of adults will dress up for Halloween and nearly two-thirds of the 18 to 24-year-olds will be donning costumes.

And, not surprisingly, the young and young-at-heart are turning to Hollywood for much of their inspiration.

Remember this summer's blockbuster, Pirates of the Caribbean; Dead Man's Chest, starring Johnny Depp? Well, experts say pirates are the new ghosts and goblins.

"The pirate costume is really hot because of the movie," said Nicole Grandelli, a corporate spokesperson for Party City. "People want to emulate their favorite movie icon or superhero; Superman is also huge this year."

But you'd better start shopping. Otherwise, you may be wearing last year's Harry Potter getup.

At Countryside's Party City, at 26252 U.S. 19 N, assistant manager Lisa Webb said customers started snatching up Halloween costumes in early September.

"These are our two biggest months of the year," she said. Store employees said they had advised those that procrastinated last year to come in early while there is still a large selection.

For Iliana Patterson, 3, it was too late to find a miniature buccaneer costume - her size, toddler, was sold out. Before the staff could say "rain check," she changed her mind. "I'm going to be the Pretty Kitty," she said modeling the black and pink fur outfit.

While pirates, superheroes, and even pretty kitties will be seen on doorsteps this year, princesses, fairies, and vampires remain strong with the younger set, Webb said.

She added older girls are going for the "graveyard fairy" look and older boys still want to be "gory, scary and creepy."

"Teens like the sexier versions," she said. Think Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz with a plunging neckline, thigh-high stockings, and lace trimmed miniskirt.

Those who crave a custom look, but don't have the sewing skills required, can rent a costume from the House of Make Believe at 1001 N Hercules Ave., in Clearwater.

Yvonne Bernard, who opened the shop with her mother in 1978, has accumulated thousands of outfits over the years, many that have been hand-sewn for theatrical events, festivals, private parties and corporate promotions.

The result is 10,000 square feet of just about every kind and size of costume, makeup, wigs and accessories imaginable. Women can be hippies, mermaids, flappers, Greek goddesses, belly dancers, saloon girls, French cancan dancers, senoritas, cowgirls and Southern belles with hoop skirts.

Men can become matadors, pimp daddies, prisoners, physicians, admirals, Roman warriors, and medieval knights.

Jason Brady, 25, of Clearwater has been coming into the store every Halloween since he was 13, he said. Usually, he looks for "blood and guts" costumes, but this year he plans a more sophisticated look. He will be the Phantom of the Opera and his girlfriend will be Christine.

He found the perfect costume, a Victorian-era suit, and was looking at the latex makeup and masks.

"A little blood and some scars on the face and it will be perfect," he said.

Tom Strauser, 43, of Tarpon Springs chose to be a pirate this year. The staff helped him pick out a black jacket with burgundy brocade trim, epaulets, a gold sash, and a musket. They found him a matching pirate hat with chains, gold coins, and black and burgundy feathers.

"The people here really work with you to get the right look," he said.

His companion, Jeanette Quinn, selected a wench outfit with a gold coin necklace, bandana, black miniskirt and vest, and a blouse that laced up the front.

"Yes, it's because of the movie," she said.

Bernard said if people can't find the costume they are looking for in the store, not to worry.

"If we don't have it and if they give us enough lead time we can make it," she said.

And what story about costumes would be complete without mentioning our four-legged friends this Halloween.

At PetSmart in Countryside, assistant manager Nicole Reichert said customers were purchasing costumes for both dogs and cats.

"They bring their pets in and try on the outfits to make sure they fit," she said. "It's really cute."

And what's selling this year?

"The fireman and ballerina for dogs," she said. "For cats, our most popular item is the little devil costume."

[Last modified October 12, 2006, 22:43:59]