Moon Costumes Blog

Steampunk Themed Cosplay at TusCon

2009-11-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

A citizen journalist/blogger wrote about TusCon, a sci-fi, fantasy and horror convention that took place in Tucson over the weekend--this year with a Steampunk theme. This was her first con, so she shared her discovery.

“I admit while I am a die-hard sci-fi/scary book and Star Trek fan, I have not ever attended a convention for their genres.
“This little convention has a 36-year history and has usually been small with no advertising and is mostly centered on the literary arts. This year they had authors, panels and readings...an art show... dealers, movie screenings, anime, computer gaming, and CosPlay.
“I mostly saw costumes that were kind of western, kind of futuristic and didn’t understand why at the time…CosPlay is short for 'costume play' or in other words dressing up with an opportunity for role play. This year they had a CosPlay competition with a steampunk theme. Steampunk? What the hec is that?
“Just then I came across…Gary Hayes, all 6 feet 6 inches of him, in steampunk attire… I asked him, okay, what the hec is steampunk. He asked if I had ever read Jules Verne. Of course! Or seen the Wild Wild West series or movie. Yes! Well, that’s steampunk – futuristic western themes. Ahhhh. (If you have never read Jules Verne, you better get on it).”

In an earlier post to our costume blog entitled “You Might Be a Steampunk”, we explained that storylines and characters that fit in the genre come from the era when steam power was still prominent. The written works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne are central to the subgenre, but themes found there have been played out in anime and manga, film and role playing games, among other places.

Our Southern Gentleman costume would be a good fit, especially if accessorized with shiny brass retro-futuristic gadgets! Or we can always create a custom costume to your specifications....

When Costumed Characters Get Cash Crazy

2009-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

The L.A. Times’ Hero Complex column -– a great one for comic fans -- reported that a man dressed in a Spiderman costume was arrested in Hollywood last week. Distressing indeed, but apparently, it's only the latest in a string of incidents involving movie characters and celebrity look-alikes who vie for space -- and attention -- along the tourist-filled corridor that includes Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Performers in superhero costumes, Elvis costumes, and others have worked on Hollywood Boulevard for years. They collect tips from tourists by posing for pictures or performing in front of the theater.

But sometimes the fun has turned violent. Tourists have complained that some costumed characters become abusive when the tourists refuse to pay them to pose for pictures. There have also been brawls. Two years ago, authorities convened a "superhero summit" designed to reduce tensions among the performers.

The meeting was prompted in part by an incident in which LAPD officers arrested a man in a Star Wars costume, dressed as the furry brown Chewbacca, for allegedly head-butting a tour guide who complained about the impersonator's treatment of Japanese tourists.

In other incidents, actors dressed as the superhero Mr. Incredible, Elmo the Muppet and the dark-hooded character from the movie "Scream" were arrested for aggressive begging. A man dressed as the horror film character Freddy Krueger was also taken into custody for allegedly stabbing someone, although no charges were filed.

This time, the victim, who said he had been hit on the face and arms, refused to press charges against the costumed performer. But when they discovered the warrants, Loomis was booked, and it appeared that the suspect and victim knew each other.

"Typical Hollywood; it's always something different," said Lewis, an officer at the LAPD's Hollywood station. As she spoke, Loomis, still wearing his Spider-Man outfit, sat nearby, handcuffed to a bench.

Get Furry with FurFest 2009

2009-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

This video takes you into the world of the Furry with a news story on AnthroCon in Pittsburgh from a few years ago. It’s a con for anthropomorphic cosplay, as well as for anyone fascinated with anthropomorphics--or humanlike animal characters. This could include artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers, and just everyday fans who enjoy cartoon animals and their kin.

For those of you in the Midwest, you can go to FurFest 2009, coming up November 20 -22 in the Chicago area. Other furry cons include the Furry Fiesta, coming up in Feb 2010, the Furry Weekend in March and the Halloween-themed FurFright.

The website Therianthropes.com explained that a furry lifestyler is generally considered to be a person who has one or more of these characteristics:

• Integrating a perceived animal nature into one's persona (gait, use of voice, personality, instincts, etc.)

• Totemistic beliefs, specifically with regard to animal spirits

• A belief that animal instincts exist within humans, regardless of whether they are separate, immaterial spirits, part of the genetic code, caused by reincarnation from a previous animal life, or anything else

• A furry lifestyler may also take on physical attributes of an animal, although this is rare. Such attributes may be: hair style (including facial hair), tattoos, articles of clothing (e.g. a tail or ears), or jewelry. In a few extreme cases, some wealthy lifestylers have used elective surgery to affect a physical transformation.

• The practices and viewpoints of some Furry Lifestylers have some similarity to the ideas of Otherkin and Therianthropy.

Therianthropy, Wikipedia tells us, refers to the metamorphosis of humans into other animals, which have long existed in mythology, appearing in ancient cave drawings such as the Sorcerer at Les Trois Frères.

Otherkin are a primarily Internet-based subculture of people who identify in some way as non-human. Common creatures otherkin identify with include angels, demons, dragons, elves, extra-terrestrials, fairies, kitsune, lycanthropes, and vampires, among others.

Gogo Yubari Halloween

2009-11-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of me in my Gogo Yubari costume I purchased from you a few months ago. Enjoy & feel free to post this pix up on your site. Thanx!
-Sin

Wicked...
- Erik

Assassin's Creed

2009-11-13T07:49:00.001-08:00

"I thought you might like a picture of the costume. thank you sooo much. I love it" - Becca

The Wonderful LARP of Oz

2009-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

In an earlier post to our costume blog, we mentioned this year marks the 70th anniversary of the movie, The Wizard of Oz. So it’s therefore timely that an Oz Larp would be about to take place, November 13 – 15! Here’s a paraphrasing of a description from a post to LARPspace.com:

With the Wicked Witch destroyed, the Wizard passed his crown to the Scarecrow, widely believed to be the most intelligent creature in Oz. Then the girl and the Wizard returned to their own lands, leaving the Scarecrow to rule.
Devices left behind by The Wizard have been studied and improved upon by those of the Tinsmith-trade, leading to the creation of a complex art of steam and gears, whose power rivals that of magic.
The Constructs, those timeless servants of Oz, have become more common in the land. While only a scant few, like the Scarecrow, are beings animated by the Powder of Life, many others are once living creatures saved and given new life by the Wizard's Sciences. Beings sustained by complicated machines and strange devices are called the Tin Men.
The animals in Oz have always been able to talk, but now most wear clothes and carry weaponry, like any other respectable Ozian. Now The Lands north of The City of Emeralds are in peril once again and a new summons from the Scarecrow King is put forth:
"Adventurers from all across Oz, bring your might--be it sword, spell or craft to aide this troubled land. Beasts have become uncommonly savage, Constructs have begun malfunctioning, Rumors of a terrible power amassing strength are whispering among the other territories. The time for the great deeds of heroes has returned."

Check out our Wizard of Oz costumes and accessories, not to mention masks, hats and wigs, and check out LARPSpace.com for more information. The pictures were borrowed from the LARP’s Facebook Event Page.

Time for Pacific Media Expo!

2009-11-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Media Expo is coming up this weekend, so get ready to experience “The Crossroads of Asian Pop Culture”. Pacific Media Expo considers itself a new generation of convention for a new generation of fans. PMX, for short, it brings the cutting edge of Asian entertainment to America, whether it is the newest anime from Japan, the hottest bands from the Pacific Rim, the latest street fashion from Harajuku, or the most disturbing horror films from Asia. PMX seeks to create an entertainment community for artists, industry, and their fans.

We mentioned to you in our costume blog in September that the cosplay Fan film, Fanime, would be filming interviews at PMX. But you can also look forward to the PMX CosFest, their Official Cosplay Competition.

They’re planning for this event to truly be a cosplay extravaganza, with great skits, special performances, and amazing costumes. They welcome costumes from J-Rock to J-Pop to Anime to C-Pop to Asian film, Asian animation, Asian comics, Asian-origin video games, or Asian music stars. They also welcome EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) and EGA (Elegant Gothic Aristocrat).
Online CosFest registration is now closed. But you can still sign up for the event at the convention. For more info, see their website.

Also, though not cosplay, it is a chance for girls to dress up…there will also be an Angelic Pretty Wonderland Tea Party for everyone who likes clothing covered in lace, frills and ribbons like that of the fairytale princess. Light snacks, tea, and entertainment with your friends, plus get a chance to talk with Maki and Asuka from Angelic Pretty about the creative process behind your favorite designs and learn what inspires them. L.A. fashion designer Tarina Tarantino will be attending the Wonderland Tea Party as a special guest of Angelic Pretty.

Check it out!

Costumes to Celebrate Thanksgiving

2009-11-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween may be over, but we can still dress up for Thanksgiving! We’ve got almost a whole month to plan, so here we go!

Do a search on Thanksgiving from any page on Moon Costumes.com and you’ll find a Men’s Pilgrim costume, and some children’s costumes: a pilgrim and a Native American warrior. There’s also a mascot costume of a turkey carrying a pilgrim. But that’s not all we have!

In our Early American History Costumes section and you can find more costumes that help celebrate the first days of America. But you should know that though we want to use politically correct terminology to acknowledge the contribution of the Native Americans to Thanksgiving, not all costume names reflect this. So please don’t take offense, or think we intend or encourage any disrespect. Many costumes are named using terms that were accepted in the past. For example, you’ll find an adult male Indian warrior, a Native Brave, American Indian Man, a Brave, an Indian Man, Indian Maiden, Little Fawn Leather, along with a Colonial Man, Colonial Shirt, Colonial Breeches.

For women, you’ll find costumes for a Pilgrim Lady or two, a Native Princess, Colonial Girl, Prairie Woman, Tiger Lily, Indian Maiden, Indian Princess, Indian Lady, Pioneer Dress, Colonial Lady, Indian Princess, and Pocahontas.

If you search for “Turkey” you’ll find two more team mascots to complete the collection with the costume mentioned above.

And if you go to our Kid’s Historical Costumes section you’ll find a couple of Colonial Girl costumes, and Indian Girl, a few of Colonial Boy costumes, a Pilgrim Girl, and American Indian Girl, a few Indian Boy costumes, and a Pilgrim Boy.

So put on a family play re-enacting the first Thanksgiving, and then be sure to join our Facebook group! Happy November!

Theme Parties Need Themed Supplies

2009-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

So you want to throw a different type of get-together for your friends. Check out our Party Supplies section and get some fun ideas!

We have 50’s cutouts, cheerleader pom poms and a rock’n’roll record centerpieces. Use our 3-packs of vinyl records to hang from above or place wherever you need a little something. A “Rock ‘n‘ Roll Banner” tells everyone that rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay.

A disco ball may be from the wrong era, but what the heck? Our 20th century costumes section has 50’s pink ladies jackets, sock-hop outfits or T-birds costumes, OR a variety of hip, disco ensembles. Choose one era or both!

A Hawaiian themed party could use our inflatable palm tree, or click on Luau for more great additions like grass skirts, plastic leis, straw hats, temporary hula girl tattoos and Hawaiian print clothes, even for your dog!

A witches’ hat that sings “Do you Believe in Magic?” might be a cute twist for a Harry Potter party – like the Sorting Hat’s cousin! We've got a Hogwarts Banner, a few different cauldrons and even Dobby the House Elf in our Props and Décor section, plus costumes like school robes, and accessories like scarfs and glasses.

And don’t even get us started with the Halloween decorations! We’ve got a classy skull chandelier and a nicely matching skull wreath with black leaves for the door... new labels for your wine or soda bottles to make them seem like “witches brew” or other scary concoctions... and Whisper the Ghost’s eyes to cover your windows, plus much more in our Props & Décor section!

At Moon Costumes, we’re not just about costumes, but we’re all about the fun.

All A Twitter About the New York Anime Festival

2009-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Twitter made it possible for the New York Anime Festival to be enjoyed in real-time by those who weren’t there. Examiner.com’s Twitter Entertainment reporter, Tammy Todd was our go-to girl for info and pics.

On Saturday, Sept. 26th, she told us that the NY Anime Festival (NYAF) was a trending topic for Twitter buzz within minutes of it's opening. Thanks to photo sharing Twitter applications like Twitpic, eye-popping pictures of cosplay were available for anyone who wanted to see.

A photo from the article's slideshow. On Sunday, Sept 27th, she reported on the climax of the Festival for many attendees—The Yume Cosplay Masquerade Contest. Participants competed for prizes, with the grand prize being a trip to Japan. Dressed in costumes of their favorite Anime, Manga and video game characters, cosplay performers acted in skits, dance routines and performed comedy bits around their characters. Flicker and other photo sharing services were sent a barrage of photos of cosplay performers only to be re-tweeted or re-posted on Twitter.

Number 4 of 10 from the article's slideshow.

Twitter continued it's weekend love affair with cosplay. Check out the trending topic on Twitter using the hash tag #NYAF. Posts included:

@EF Elmer "Final Fantasy cosplay group strikes a pose http://twitpic.com/j5wji "

@kart21 "Cosplay Not just your nerdy pimpleface boy http://bit.ly/Pwggl "

@ethics gradient "Arrived around 7 for #NYAF, caught...not much except the epic Cosplay Variety Show. I approve!"

@RockLoveJewelry "Was stopped for a ton of photos at NY Anime Fest - and interviewed for the steampunk documentary. Great evening with that krew! Thanks guys!"

@victoryfarm "A few photos from NY anime con... http://is.gd/3H2fT Farmhand was stopped for photo's countless times, including japanese anime mag."

@Deathstriker182 "Yes, I do! All those looking for #NYAF photos from Friday, look no further! http://supakitsune.djcubanking.com/nyaf/ "

Be Prepped and Ready with Halloween Décor

2009-09-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re like me, you like to decorate for Halloween on October 1st in order to squeeze the most fun out of the holiday. If you’re not yet ready to put up the decorations, check out our Props & Décor section for Indoor and Outdoor Decorations.

This blogger’s favorites are:

Skeleton Hand Wine Glass – the ultimate gothic table glassware, the stem is the skeleton’s radius and ulna, set into a pentagram pedestal with the bony hand holding the glass. It’s even packed in a coffin shaped box!

Iron Maiden Sofa Cover - pull this cloth piece over your sofa and it’ll look like a skeleton is resting (in peace?) across an open, spiked, Iron Maiden-style coffin. Nothing says welcoming and cozy like that!

Dead Ringer Head - a frightened miniature woman’s head hangs from a rope at the top of her head, while her dark hair dangles below. She’s kinda cute, like a good-looking shrunken head!

Skull Wreath with black leaves – smiling skulls alternate with smaller skull & crossbones figures over a bed of black leaves, welcoming people into your haunted house.

Crypt Creeps –Medusa – is great to decorate any haunted house, or to go with one of our four Medusa costumes! Be sure to scroll down to see her Crypt Creep cohort, Mr. Usher. We have gargoyles and cemetery angels too to add to the gothic allure.

Tombstone 3-pack - hard foam realistic-looking stone tombstones, and they’re packed together with 6 black long stem roses! We have a good variety of tombstones to choose from as well.

Pirate Host Figure Prop - can stand at the door, welcoming guests into a scary pirate hideout. Add the Pirate Treasure Chest and our Jolly Roger Sign and you’ve got yourself a theme!

And of course, there is much, much more to choose from. Happy shopping!

Feminists and the Men who Love Them OR Fun with 20th Century Costumes

2009-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Browsing our 20th Century History costumes is surprisingly fun. There’s an eclectic mix of everything from flapper dresses to 80’s legs warmers, and from keystone cops to southern belles.

Probably the most interesting are some unlikely female counterparts to male characters. These would be great for the lady who likes to challenge the concept of women’s roles. Or fun-loving couples might have a good laugh with them.

There are two that are the most unusual: one is the Pimpette. She might want to be surrounded by men who look like her…um…stable of employees, shall we say? Or, as shown above, with a Pimp partner. Perhaps the couple that pimps together, stays together. The next oddity is a female Elvis in the white jumpsuit. She can swivel her hips alone or have a jumpsuited partner. Hey, why not?

Some of the cooler ones for liberated women to enjoy are the Gunslinger, a sexy female version of our our Bounty Hunter. And then a female gangster can be paired with a zoot suit wearing man. We’ve got two really cute gangster chick outfits – Mobster Minx in white and Brass Knuckles Betty in black.

A more traditional pairing would be a flapper with a zoot suit guy. We’ve got a wide variety of flapper dresses, as well as Betty Boop costumes and other 20’s era dresses. Other traditional pairings: a Southern Belle with the Southern Gentleman, or a 50’s greaser with a pink lady or a sock hop girl. Or choose from our array of hippie or disco outfits for men and women.

For guys who want to get the ladies, this female blogger found herself swooning over the Southern Gentleman and the Bounty Hunter. But if you want to look like you’ve already got the ladies, try the Playboy Hefs Smoking Jacket.

Be in the FANIME Cosplay Movie

2009-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

The producers of a feature documentary film called “Fanime” are seeking devoted and diverse anime fans who are ready and willing to be interviewed and filmed. The professionally shot, on- camera interviews will focus on how anime films and series have impacted and influenced fan’s lives.

According to their press release, they’re really looking for people who have a personal story about the social impact of anime on their lives. For example: someone whose job or time-intensive hobby is related to anime—like perhaps collectors, or competitive cosplayers. Maybe you’re a hardcore otaku, but you date or live with someone who either doesn’t get it, completely mocks or actively hates anime. If you feel anime has changed or impacted your life in a significant manner, and can express it well, you may be just the type of person they’re looking for.

The interviews will be filmed during the Pacific Media Expo, November 6, 7 & 8 at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel. PMX brings the cutting edge of Asian entertainment to America. Their cosplay CosFest promises to be an extravaganza of costumes from J-Rock to J-Pop to Anime to C-Pop to Asian film, Asian animation, Asian comics, Asian-origin video games, or Asian music stars. They also welcome EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) and EGA (Elegant Gothic Aristocrat).

Cosplay costumes and props related to anime and the culture are encouraged for the interviews, of course. Keep in mind that for the only compensation for the hour or so of interview time you give will be a snack and soft drink and a free DVD of the completed movie. But if you end up in the film, the compensation may be eternal glory!

If you’re interested, send a brief description of yourself, why you feel your perspective is unique, a list of some of your favorite anime and characters, plus a recent photo or video to: info@fanimemovie.com . Good luck!

Time for the New York Anime Festival

2009-09-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

The New York Anime Festival starts this Sunday, Sept 20th! Okay, so it officially starts on the 25th and runs through the 27th, but there are a few events to enjoy even before the official opening, while you’re getting your cosplay costumes prepped and ready.

First, on Sunday, September 20th it’s Eureka Seven Day at Kinokuniya Bookstore. Celebrate the theatrical release of Bandai's Eureka Seven and the New York Anime Festival with giveaways, guests, maids and Gothic Lolita clothing sale.

Then on Thursday, September 24th is the official NYAF Pre-Party. The New York Anime Festival and Del Rey Manga are partnering in a joint celebration. Free and open to the public, they welcome NYAF attendees, anime fans, manga readers, industry professionals, and casual New Yorkers interested in the world of Japanese pop culture.

And after all that partying, there’ll be plenty of time for cosplay competitions. There’s a Masquerade where you can win a trip to Japan, five nights in a Tokyo hotel, VIP tickets to the Tokyo International Anime Fair, and $1,000 in prize money. And a Hall Cosplay Contest for those who don’t want to perform.

An Anime LARP is happening too, about which the NYAF website says, “An Anime Convention LARP is equitable to the most ridiculous and at times over-the-top mass crossover mash-up you could imagine.” Sounds fun! Costumes aren’t mandatory but are more than welcome, and pre-registration is required online.

A non-competitive Cosplay Variety Show, is available to showcase the “big, bold, daring, and experimental acts”. Registration is closed, but it’s sure to be a good show. And there'll be a Cosplay Dating Game! (Of course if you don’t find your perfect match there and then, you can always check out Soul Geek.com--the dating site for fans of Anime, Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy, Animation, Comics, Video Games, Conventions, Cosplay and Fan-Fiction. )

Gothic Women Ooooo

2009-09-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you look in our Adult Costumes section, you’ll see a heading for “Gothic Women”. Ooooo….. The word “gothic” can describe a style of architecture, painting, sculpture, music or other arts produced between the 13th and 15th centuries or the Medieval or Middle Ages. According to Dictionary.com, Gothic can also mean, “noting or pertaining to a style of literature characterized by a gloomy setting, grotesque, mysterious, or violent events, and an atmosphere of degeneration and decay”. Creepy! For most of us, it just means “dark”.

You’ll see what we mean when you browse the Gothic Women costumes section . There are historical pieces, great for Renaissance Faires or LARPS, costumes that would rock any Gothic Lolita event, and outfits that would be great for Halloween.

Some favorites are:

Ghouldilocks – as you can see above, she’s the biggest, because she’s this blogger’s favorite! A ghoulish twist on a childhood tale—the wolf in grandma’s clothing better be scared!

Nightmare Black Widow – very scary and webby, she’s even got web-wings!

The Wicked Queen – click on her picture and we’ll suggest an even scarier crown.

Vampira Gothic – She could be one of the Wicked Queen’s ladies in waiting.

Bat Noir – for when you want to look more sexy than scary.

Edwardian Banshee – She’d only scream in a classy haunted house.

Goth Ann – Another dark turn of a childhood favorite.

We also have things like Asajj Ventress from Star Wars, Coventina the Club Vamp, Midnight Mistress French Vamp, some Gothic Brides, an assortment of spellcasters and vampiresses and of course, classics like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and Morticia.

Celebrate The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary

2009-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Technicolor masterpiece that is the film “The Wizard of Oz” was released in 1939. The grand Hollywood musical-fantasy film was based on the 1900 children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, and has continued to make an impression. If you need proof, just see the musical film “The Wiz”, the movie “Australia” or the musical “Wicked!” and you’ll understand.

According to Wikipedia, on September 23, 2009, the film will be re-released in select theaters for a one-night only event in honor of the film's 70th Anniversary. And a 70th Anniversary Edition of the film on DVD will be released on September 29th.

You can become part of the magic by dressing the part! Our Wizard of Oz Costumes for Kids section has costumes for Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, plus a dress up trunk set for girls that’s good year 'round.

Do a search for “Wizard of Oz” from our search box on the left and you’ll see we also have a Glinda the Good costume for older girls, Accessories like Toto in a basket and ruby slippers, plus our Wigs section has Dorothy and Glinda wigs.

For adults who are off to see the Wizard, we’ve got Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch, The Wicked Witch, The Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow. The are even saucy versions of Dorothy’s costume, and a Cowardly Lioness. If you do a separate search for the Tin Man you’ll also find a latex mask and a oil funnel nose.

Plus, you can use our Fantasy FX silver makeup to be the Tin Man, or a few different types of green face makeup if you want to be The Wicked Witch, and you won’t have to go through what cast members did back in the old days of Hollywood.

Masks and Hats and Wigs Oh My

2009-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all you need is a mask, hat or wig to make a great costume while wearing whatever you feel most comfortable in. Other times, they’re the finishing touch that makes a good costume into a great one.

Under our Masks, Hats and Wigs section, you’ll also find categories like “Fun and Funky” and “Wacky and Wild”, which include items from all the categories, sometimes in combination!

For example, in Fun and Funky, you’ll find things like the Sorceress Deluxe Theatre Headwear--a gorgeous mask with glitter detailing and a matching glamour style wig.

In Wacky and Wild you can find, among other things, the very strange Little Brother Wig that will have people saying to you “No wonder you have a splitting headache—there is a freakish little guy growing out of your head.” It’s an eye-catching, conversation-starting piece that allows you to wear whatever you want.

Of our various Hat sub-sections, we’ve got Hats from around the world, Crowns and Tiaras (and who needs to wait for a reason to wear those?), Top Hats and Derbys, Witches and Wizards, TV/Movie Hats, and also career hats, historical hats, holiday-related hats, and hats for kids.

If you’re looking for a mask, you’ll find feather masks and half masks along with masks of aliens, animals, elderly people and skulls, along with horror, humorous or political masks, or masks from TV & Movies.

And wigs include Moustaches and Beards, Hair Pieces and Bald caps, Sideburns, Goatees and chest hair, TV & Movie wigs and wigs for kids, men, women, or unisex wigs.

So basically, we’ve got you covered…at least your head.

Schoolgirls and Mobilesuits

2009-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Coming up September 25 – 27 at the Minnneapolis College of Art and Design is a gathering that is not a convention, nor a conference. Schoolgirls & Mobilesuits: Culture and Creation in Manga and Anime has developed over time to become a casual and intimate interaction between audience members and speakers.

Their website explains that their event combines the fun of cosplay, Otaku bazaars, fashion shows and anime screenings with the presentation and discussion of academic papers and the demonstration of artistic techniques, resulting in freewheeling discussions between guests and participants.

They tell us it’s a bit of a carnival as well — celebrating Japanese anime, manga, fan arts and the Otaku who love them. It is aimed at the Otaku who wants a bit more than the average fan event; who hungers for a deeper – more profound investigation into the complex narratives and amazing art of these forms. If you are either a high school or college student, you can receive a transferable college credit for attending the workshop.

SGMS has been devoting the first night of each conference to the exploration of connections between fashion and lifestyle and/or costume and anime/manga. A significant part of this evening is the runway fashion show—Fresh Fruits Basket fashion show. (This year, they’re having a contest to rename the event.)

It started as a small cosplay event, but has mushroomed in the past few years into a major fashion event featuring the work of many avant garde fashion designers whose work ranges from cosplay and Loli, to Steampunk and other amazing work by designers from all over the country. This has been the hard work of Samantha Rei of Blaspheminas Closet.com and Megan Maude of Megan Maude.com, who have expanded the discourse for SGMS in terms of the very important fashion aspect of the world of anime and manga. Photos from their

respective shows are shown above to entice you to check it out!

Ha Ha Halloween Humor

2009-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re in the mood for laughter this Halloween season, don’t miss our Humorous Costumes section!

We’ve got comedy pairs for friends or spouses--like a Bowling Ball & Bowling Pin, Ketchup & Mustard bottles, or a Martini glass & a Margarita glass or Thing One and Thing Two from Dr. Seuss.

For groups, we have three comical suggestions:

1) Beach theme: You can have a Hawaiian tourist with a Shark Fin Shirt wearing guy, the Aloha Gorilla with his grass skirt, and then a Shark Attack couple – one for a girl and the Man Eating Shark for a guy.

2) Gambling Theme – Another group of costumes would be for card players -- The King of Hearts, The Queen of Hearts, the Royal Flush and the Money Man—a man dressed as a 100 dollar bill.

3) Sweet Treats -- Or you could have a tasty group of edible costumes: a Tootsie Roll, a Blow Pop Costume, Frankenberry (the mascot of a sweet children’s cereal), and a Pez Costume. And if that’s too many sweets, you can bring in the Tooth Fairy to warn against cavities. Perhaps even to suggest a more healthy sweet treat like a Banana or a heartier meal in a Hot Dog Costume.

Some cute costumes for singles would be the Chick Magnet which includes a giant magnet around the neck of a guy’s shirt, the Killer B costume, which is basically a giant letter “B”, a ladies’ Twister costume might invite a hand’s on approach, or The King Kong Got Me! Costume might attract men who like the damsel in distress.

If you’re in the mood for more risqué comedic costumes, there are plenty to choose from, so check them out!

Which Greek Goddess Are You

2009-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you go to our Roman/Historical Costumes section, you’ll see a fair number of Greek goddesses represented, though many do not specify which goddess. But we have a few accessory suggestions to help you develop your character.

We do have specific Athena costumes—perhaps because she may be the best known goddess. Athena was the goddess of wisdom and of war, among many other things, so you may want to carry a large book, and/or a weapon of some sort.

We also have one Aphrodite costume that is revealing enough that no one will doubt you’re the goddess of love and beauty.

Other goddesses you might want to be are:

Artemis – she was the goddess of the hunt, so you’d want to carry a bow and a quiver of arrows. She was also the protector of young women and was quite the feminist.

Hera – she was Zeus’ wife, which made her the queen of all the gods and goddesses, so a crown of laurel leaves in gold might be a nice touch. Her other role is the protector of marriage, and it was often her own marriage she had to protect from her constantly philandering husband. So maybe a “wanted” poster with Zeus’s face on it would be a handy item to have on you!

Gaia –as Mother Earth, she’s less of a goddess and more the actual earth, but for the purpose of costuming, you could accessorize with planetary jewelry, hold a globe in your hand, or just accessorize with greens and blues to look like the Earth from space. We have one goddess costume that has a lovely blue accent that might be just right!

We even have a villain from Greek mythology too – Medusa. Use our search to find all four--and all include awesome snakey headpieces!

Hollywood Style Cosplay

2009-09-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

You may know actress Kirsten Dunst for her role in the Spiderman films, but now she’s playing a hero—from Sailor Moon.

MTV’s splash page tells us that actress Kirsten Dunst appeared to have some aptitude for full-on anime cosplay in the recent photographs taken in Tokyo's Akihabara otaku shopping district.

The stylelist says “Looking like she just stepped out of a manga comic, actress Kirsten Dunst got her Sailor Moon on…for a video directed by McG (of "Terminator Salvation" fame).

No stranger to anime, Dunst previously provided the voice of the main character in the English version of Hayao Miyazaki's "Kiki's Delivery Service." McG has also expressed a fondness for Japanese anime—particularly "Sailor Moon," a series which seems to inspire Dunst's outfit.”

According to Ideeli, the project is a "manga inspired pop video" scheduled to premiere in an exhibition later this year at London's Tate Modern museum of modern art.

Wikipedia explains that the Japanese title for Sailor Moon is Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn, officially translated as Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon. The story revolves around the battles of the defenders of a kingdom that once spanned the solar system…reincarnated as teenage girls wearing the sailor style of girls' school uniforms popular in Japan. They’re named for the moon and planets (Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, etc.) and transform into heroines when needed.

Of course, you too can dress up as any of the Sailor Moon characters, or any other anime character for that matter. You don’t even need a reason. You may not have a Hollywood director filming you, but you can still have plenty of fun.

Fabulous Medieval and Renaissance Villains

2009-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Take a look through our Medieval and Renaissance Costumes and you’ll find some witches and vampires among them!

Witches and Sorcerers
From the Middle Ages, off and on through the Renaissance, people believed in magic and witch-craft.

Sorceress - tattered dress with overlay and drop sleeves. V-neck front and bottom, matching hat with "all seeing eyeball" medallion necklace as well as matching eye hand piece. Dramatic!

Sorcerer costume includes : black robe with elongated sleeves (floor length!), white stand up collar and black hood.

Mystic Sorcerer - Full length robe, hood with attached cape collar, waist sash, and jeweled bat medallion.

Vampires
Since vampires are immortal, it stands to reason that they could come from any historical period.

The Blue Vampiress - is a beautiful blue satin dress with drop sleeves, ribbon stitch detailing and a stand up collar.

Flocked Vampiress – a long-sleeved dress with sheer red lower overlay, low cut front, stand up collar and gothic style choker.

Gothic Lace Vampiress - An elegant, long black gothic vampiress gown with stand up gothic collar & choker, and burgundy gothic lace sleeves with tassels and tassel tie belt.

Velvet Victorian Vampiress - Black lace up dress with red inset, and stand-up collar with attached choker.

Velvet Renaissance Vampiress - a velvet black lace up dress, a high red collar.

Renaissance Vampiress - black and red dress with a high red bat-wing collar.

Dark Royalty
These suspiciously-named royals were surely up to no good.

Queen of the Night – Black velvet gown with wire hoop, silver sheer gothic sleeves, silver detailing, headpiece and choker.

Blood Rain Countess – Black velveteen gown with red hood and gothic lace sleeves.

Wicked King - Full length robe with ornate bat wing design chestplate on front. Very stunning! (Crown and goblet not included.)

Queen of Darkness - sleeveless full length, low cut dress with red medieval style cross on front, red-lined stand up collar and cape.

Too Cute to Be Scary

2009-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Check out our Witches and Monster Costumes for Kids section and see how cute little monsters can be!

Here are some of our favorites:

Skeleton Zombie – It wouldn’t be so cute if it weren’t so little, but it’s a cool costume that combines the tattered zombie look with bones showing through—there’s even moss hanging off of him.

Fairy Tale Witch – Too cute! Pretty purple and stripey accents, it’s what Glinda the Good Witch would have worn for Halloween when she was a little girl, and she would have looked just as un-scary.

Werewolf Child – This fella is furry and huggable, just like Eddie Munster’s doll, but maybe not quite as well-dressed. That’s partly from his sudden transformation tearing up his shirt, but you can give him a nice pair of pants and some fancy shoes if you want.

Child Fairy Witch – such pretty autumn colors—she looks like a bouquet of fallen leaves and brings a harvest festival to mind. Who knew witchery could be so gossamer and lovely?

Gothic Vampire – He’s so posh with his velvet waistcoat and lined satin cape, and check out the impressive medallion on his chest. That’s gotta mean he’s descended from royalty.

Gothic Bloodstone Vampiress – she’s posed like she’s scary, but she’s too sweet. If the undead looked as cute as this, everyone would want to be bitten.

Reaper – He may be coming for you, but he’s so cute you won’t care.

The favorites mentioned above can be seen in the photo, but there are a wide variety of styles and looks to choose from. We have a number of different children’s vampire and witch costumes, plus interesting and slightly unusual costumes like the Bride of Darkness, the Emperor of Evil, the Countess of Darkness, Evil Outlaw, Sparkling Spiderella, Buccaneer Bones, Celestial Sorceress, and the Vampire Phantom.

Back to School and Halloween Party Planning

2009-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Once school starts it means Fall is here, and Halloween is not far off. One of the best things about going back to school is seeing how the social scene will shape up, and Halloween parties can be a fun chance to show off the secret side of you.

Just type the word “Teen” into our search box and you’ll get a bunch of cool Teen costumes to choose from.

Guys wanting to seem more manly can dress in Spiderman or Wolverine muscle suits, as Captain Jack Sparrow, the Ghost Rider or as a Gladiator.

While girls wanting to look pretty yet sassy have a wide selection of choices. There are cute ones like Pebbles from The Flintstones, a Sunflower Bee, Daisy Bug, Candy Korn Witch, Alice (from Wonderland), and Betty Rubble.

There are wholesome yet alluring costumes like Batgirl, a Sailor, Supergirl, or Wonder Woman.
Then there’s the slightly naughty – like the Heavenly Devil, Marie Antoinette, Betty Boop or a piratey First Mate.

Dark Angels include the Naughty Angel, Angel of Death, and Fallen Angel. And fairies of the darkness have proliferated with Veinia, the Skull Fairy, Devil Fairy, Corset Fairy, Vamp Fairy, Graveyard Fairy, Dark Pixie, Sweet & Sexy Fairy.

For Goth girls we have a lot too - a Corset Maid or Corset Devil, Gothic Goddess, Bloodsucker and Black Rose Vampiress, Gothic Prom Queen, Gothic Lace Vampire, Zombie Cheerleader, Bridezilla and Boodle Bones, the Goth poodle skirt girl.

For full-on naughtiness young women can dress as Demonia, a Naughty Nurse, Dragon Geisha, Classic Bunny or Maid to Tease.

Guys can try scare tactics with creepy costumes like the Undead Stalker, Zombie 3D, Zombie Doctor, Doctor Kill Joy or Pinhead. Or they might try to impress in our Anime Black costume, or be huggable as Bam Bam.

For more costumes check the Young Adult Costumes section or go to the Child Costumes section and click on Teen Costumes.

Be Sexy in Plus Sizes

2009-08-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Check out our Sexy Plus Size Costumes section if you’re a curvy girl who wants to flaunt her assets and see how much fun there is to be had.

You don’t even have to wait for Halloween, or a chance to take part in a LARP game, you can create your own role-playing game at home.

Get the attention of a sporty partner with our Sexy Plus Size Lipstick Referee, Sexy Baseball Player, Sexy Boxer or Racy Referee.

If you or your playmate would prefer a more military or law-related uniform, check out our Midnight Patrolwoman, Madam Sergeant, Private Tease, “Officer Arrest Me”, Gentleman’s Officer, Captain Layover, or be the Gangster Girl, or Naughty Prisoner. Or be superheroes–-dress your guy like Batman and you can be Sexy Robin.

For international affairs, try our Sexy Duchess, Geisha Girl, Sassy Lassie, Queen of the Nile,
Japanese Doll, French Can Can, Frauline, Scottie Sexy, or Belly Dancer costumes.

If you’re into medical drama, try our Plastic Surgeon, Nurse Nancy, Gothic Nurse, or Naughty Nurse. Or if you’re into other positions of professional service, try the Sexy Chef, Flirty Maid, Dust Devil, or Sexy Sexy Maid.

If you want your partner to take a role of authority, you can be the School Girl, Business School Girl, or Naughty School Girl (we’ve got two styles of this one).

Try being a Sexy Plus Size vamp like Vamptessa, or the Sexy Plum Vampiress, Gothic Affair, Black Rose Vampiress, Immortal, or a Goth Bloodstone Vamp. For other types of Halloween-y fun, try the Devious Witch, Gypsy Princess, Wizard Wanda (a la a Hogwarts School Uniform) or enjoy the Pirate’s life as our High Seas Vixen, or Scarlet Swashbuckler.

And there are many more, so let your imagination run wild as you let out your inner vixen!