Halloween is finally here! A day where we can dress in whatever we want and no one judges us. A day of laughter, plain old fun and candy, if you're still into that. And for all you party go-ers its HalloWEEK. So if you need a costume or two, there are a few places around town you can go.

Champion's Party
If you haven't been by Champion's Party, located on Denny in Queen Anne, you should check it out. It's open and stocked full of costumes and fun stuff all year. The staff is super friendly and helpful. They have an enormous selection of costumes averaging $30.00-$65.00. With all costumes organized by category (oddity, occupational, horror, through the decades, sexy, etc.), it's pretty easy to get in and find what you're looking for. They have everything from Guitar Heroes to Superheroes, sexy "Evil Alice" to mail order brides, even a couple's "handcuffs" costume. Ladies, this place kills with the sexy costumes, ranging from "cute but not showing too much skin" to "how is that supposed to cover anything?" They have all the accessories and makeup you could ask for; with cheap basics to some pretty realistic looking, more expensive items. If you're searching for fun stuff to make your Halloween party extra special, they have great decorations too! I wouldn't say it's the cheapest place, compared to second hand stores or DIY, but if you have the budget, give them a look. If you don't, go browse for some good idea's and pick up some accessories for a killer costume you can make at home!

Redlight
Located on University Way, between 11th and 15th, Redlight has everything from your burlesque-esque flapper to your beat-boxing 80's outfit. They have sections labeled conveniently by time period, so you are sure to get what you want if you're shopping for a period piece. Their shoes and accessories all come at a relatively decent price. All costumes and accessories are new, and range from about $10, for accessories, up to around $80 for the higher end costumes.

Goodwill
There are several Goodwill stores in the area (check their website or Google maps) and they all stock costumes. They are more on the conservative side, though, so if you're planning on showing skin, don't get your costume here unless you want to cut it. If you are looking for a wig or fake facial hair Goodwill is the place to go. They even have Snookie, and Pauly-D wigs for all you Jersey Shore lovers!

Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a step up from Goodwill in terms of quality and variety of costumes. Even though they are used, but they are in good condition and there are a variety of categories (although not as clearly labeled as in some stores). Aside from costumes, they also have a good selection of accessories. If you want to create your own costume, Buffalo Exchange is a great place to get the parts to create your masterpiece.

Value Village
Value Village claims to have a great selection of both new and used costumes. The used costumes … not so much. Not only do they look unappealing, some of them are just plain hard to figure out (what they are supposed to be) or they're missing items. On the other hand, there is an entire section of all new (and pretty well priced) costumes ranging between $15.00-$60.00. Now again, for the ladies, if you're looking to get all dolled up and sexified, you'll probably only find props and accessories here, as most of the girls costumes were either pretty conservative or just the same costumes we've seen over the last 10 years (bumblebees, lady bugs, etc.) If you're in the market for a wig they have a good selection with purple Kickass style superhero wigs and Gothic Raggedy Anne black pig tails. The tights and leggings are decent, if you're on a budget, but there are probably better ones at a different location. Now for the guys ,there is more of a selection but not much... werewolves, Frankenstein, etc. There were some pretty decently priced costumes and masks; I'll admit I couldn't resist picking up the $5.99 creepy gas mask! The best thing Value Village had going for them besides low prices. Angry Birds costumes, that's right, we all know we love Angry Birds and I seriously hope to see some out this year on all hallows eve.

So, no matter what you want to be for Halloween, there are many stores around the Seattle area where you can find what you're looking for. And if you can't find what you're looking for, then your costume idea is just too original, in which case you'll just have to improvise. If you don't want to waste too much time looking for your outfit, the shops above are where you'll find variety of options at a decent price. So go put together that perfect costume you've been thinking of and have a fun and safe Halloween!

Alyxis Light and Kendra Hayes

Staff Writer and Webmaster