Halloween costumes on a student's budget
Igor Studenkov
Issue date: 10/20/08 Section: Halloween
Media Credit: www.centerstage.comLost Eras is one of the most unique costume shops in Chicago, that features everything from vintage wear to more modern variations of adult costumes.
As the Halloween draws closer, it seems like you can't walk a block without seeing a Halloween-themed window display or a temporary costume store. Unfortunately, if you come to those places looking for an interesting, decent-looking costume, you will probably have to shell out quite a bit of money. A trip to a major chain store would yield the same results. But don't despair. It's still possible to find creative costumes without putting too much strain on your wallet. You just need to know where to look.
Thrift stores have a wide variety of cheap clothes. A look through the racks reveals many unusual, eye-catching options. With a little creativity, they can be used to create unique costumes. A group of Milwaukee Avenue thrift stores between Armitage and California avenues in particular offers a wide selection of trenchcoats, hats, ties, scarves, belts with unusual buckles, gloves, boots and other interesting clothing and accessories. Sometimes, you can even found discounted Halloween costumes.
Vintage clothing stores provide another good source of costume ideas. Whether you are looking to dress up as hippy, a flapper, a disco dude or a 1980s fitness enthusiast, chances are that vintage clothing stores will have something for you. Ragstock (812 W. Belmont Ave.) offers a particularly wide variety of options, and its prices are fairly low. It also has a decent selection of somewhat pricier pre-made costumes. Clothes Optional (2918 N. Clark St.) offers another affordable alternative, though some of their merchandise can be a bit expensive.
If you are looking for something more military style, stop by Belmont Army (855 W. Belmont Ave.). The first two floors are full of stylish, if overpriced, outfits, but the third floor is brimming with more affordable army surplus clothing, boots, belts and miscellaneous military gear. And if you are leaning towards a mad scientist look, check out American Science and Surplus (5316 N. Milwaukee Ave.). It offers a sprawling variety of all sorts of science-related stuff, including, but hardly limited to, test tubes, electronic components, goggles, lab coats, microscopes, bizarre toys and medical bags, all for remarkably affordable prices.
If you are looking to spruce up your costume with interesting accessories, stop by Lost Eras (1511 W. Howard St.). The store is overflowing with fake jewelry, prop weapons, wigs, walking sticks, old books, fangs, cloaks, masks and other curious, eye-catching objects. The store also sells and rents costumes, but those tend to fall under a higher price range.
Putting together a cheap costume in Chicago requires an open mind and great deal of creativity. And, since many of those stores don't have credit card readers, it never hurts to have some hard cash on hand. But ultimately, none of this means anything if you don't enjoy yourself, so, no matter what costume you will end up with, be sure to have a happy Halloween.
|
Thrift stores have a wide variety of cheap clothes. A look through the racks reveals many unusual, eye-catching options. With a little creativity, they can be used to create unique costumes. A group of Milwaukee Avenue thrift stores between Armitage and California avenues in particular offers a wide selection of trenchcoats, hats, ties, scarves, belts with unusual buckles, gloves, boots and other interesting clothing and accessories. Sometimes, you can even found discounted Halloween costumes.
Vintage clothing stores provide another good source of costume ideas. Whether you are looking to dress up as hippy, a flapper, a disco dude or a 1980s fitness enthusiast, chances are that vintage clothing stores will have something for you. Ragstock (812 W. Belmont Ave.) offers a particularly wide variety of options, and its prices are fairly low. It also has a decent selection of somewhat pricier pre-made costumes. Clothes Optional (2918 N. Clark St.) offers another affordable alternative, though some of their merchandise can be a bit expensive.
If you are looking for something more military style, stop by Belmont Army (855 W. Belmont Ave.). The first two floors are full of stylish, if overpriced, outfits, but the third floor is brimming with more affordable army surplus clothing, boots, belts and miscellaneous military gear. And if you are leaning towards a mad scientist look, check out American Science and Surplus (5316 N. Milwaukee Ave.). It offers a sprawling variety of all sorts of science-related stuff, including, but hardly limited to, test tubes, electronic components, goggles, lab coats, microscopes, bizarre toys and medical bags, all for remarkably affordable prices.
If you are looking to spruce up your costume with interesting accessories, stop by Lost Eras (1511 W. Howard St.). The store is overflowing with fake jewelry, prop weapons, wigs, walking sticks, old books, fangs, cloaks, masks and other curious, eye-catching objects. The store also sells and rents costumes, but those tend to fall under a higher price range.
Putting together a cheap costume in Chicago requires an open mind and great deal of creativity. And, since many of those stores don't have credit card readers, it never hurts to have some hard cash on hand. But ultimately, none of this means anything if you don't enjoy yourself, so, no matter what costume you will end up with, be sure to have a happy Halloween.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ehrle's Costumes
posted 8/28/09 @ 8:29 PM CST
Shop at CostumesPartyandEvents.com for the best Halloween costumes available on the web...even on a student budget.
Post a Comment