Author: Kara McVey
It’s that time of year again. With all the midterms, grueling essays and arduous reading assignments, it’s clear that school is in full swing. But don’t let a busy schedule fool you into thinking that you don’t have time to enjoy yourself. You still have time to deck yourself out for Halloween-that is, if you know where to shop. Many of L.A.’s best costume shops are ready and willing to cater to your last-minute Halloween needs.
One great place to look is Aaardvark’s Odd Ark. This chain has locations up and down the west coast and has been in business for decades. Their Pasadena store is located at 33 W. Green St., less than 15 minutes from Oxy. Aaardvark’s has a huge selection of vintage apparel, especially clothing from the last half of the 20th century. Their variety of costumes is limited, but if you are looking for some cheap 1970s threads, this place has got you covered.
Starmakers may be a somewhat more traditional Halloween store, but they’ve got a flair for going all out. Located at 1380 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, Starmakers owns several different buildings next door to one another, taking up most of a block. They have a limited number of costumes for sale, but they have a huge array of rentals available. Their back room contains costumes ranging everywhere from Ancient Egyptian to Victorian, Colonial to Star Trek and Baroque to Glam Rock, as well as old standards such as Dorothy Gale and Peter Pan. They also offer wigs, make-up and accessories to finish off every costume. Costume rentals are a bit pricey ($65 and up), but if you choose Starmakers they’ll bring you the full package.
Though it isn’t purely a costume shop, Owl Talk is a great choice for people without easy transportation. Owl Talk is just a fifteen minute walk off-campus at 5060 Eagle Rock Blvd. It has some fantastic vintage pieces and would be a great place to polish off any woman’s costume. The small shop mixes old-fashioned and new clothing, and stocks a selection of beautiful accessories and jewelry.
Because it’s a boutique, its costume selection is limited. However, if you’re resourceful and creative enough, you’ll be sure to find something great. The store has been owned and operated by sisters Kathleen and Sharon Kroner for around 15 years. Need more incentive to check out Owl Talk? They offer a permanent 10 percent discount to any Oxy student who presents ID!
But if what you really want is a good selection of different costuming possibilities, then The Glendale Costume Shop definitely takes the cake. Located at 746 W Doran St in Glendale, this warehouse has an absurd number of costumes available for rental. They have thousands of different options in every size, color and style. They have bins full of 1920s head-pieces, aisles of old-fashioned faux-fur coats and rows of hats arranged by decade. They have zuit suits, pin-striped suits, Coca-Cola suits and a selection of two dozen-odd rabbit suits. They have such an enormous selection that customers perusing the store are assisted by store clerks who are seemingly employed as navigators. Rentals start at $35, so if you don’t mind renting instead of buying, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to look for a costume.
Don’t spend this Halloween wishing you had a better costume-go out and get yourself one! Ditch the witch hat. This year, do Halloween in style.
This article has been archived, for more requests please contact us via the support system.
