Getting dressed for Halloween in our desert metropolis? Why not “go local”? Arizona-centric costume options abound from local shops.
TACO
Poke fun at stereotypes while looking good enough to eat. “Arizona has great Mexican food, and everybody loves tacos,” says Debbie Easley, owner of Easley’s Fun Shop. Taco costume, $45.98; “Poncho & Sombrero” pet costume, $19.98 (purchase).
RHINESTONE COWBOY
“The rhinestone cowboy goes with Arizona, and it’s easy,” Easley says. “A man can wear it with his jeans, and if you give him a holster and a gun, he’s happy.” Guitar not included. Call for rental rates.
STEAMPUNK SALOON GIRL
“You can do [steampunk] in so many different ways,” says Mario Magana, general manager of Mardi Gras Costume Shop. “We wanted to keep it Wild West, Old West-looking.” Blouse, $29; corset, $59-$99 (purchase). Call for other options and prices.
SAGUARO
Feeling prickly? Climb into a cactus costume. “A saguaro is really indigenous to Phoenix,” Easley says. “You have to be in the desert, or it doesn’t mean anything.” $89.98 (purchase).
ROSE MOFFORD
The former Arizona governor’s iconic beehive is emulated by this Forum Novelties wig ($16.95, purchase) from locally owned small business Arizona Fun Services. The skirt suit, shoes and clutch were all Goodwill finds.
KACHINA DOLL
“That [kachina costume] was actually a prop for Bank of Arizona,” Magana of Mardi Gras Costume shop says. “We have a huge line of mascot costumes.” $75 rental, for 3-day period.
GRACKLE
Created by Boom Boom LaRue owners Sherman Bush and Joseph Paul Rocha. The black sequin base of this bird costume ($325) has beaded fringe and “black iridescent coque feathers shaped to extend the shoulders,” Bush says. The leather mask and mohawk headdress each cost $40. Shoes from Last Chance thift store.
Where to Get Them
Arizona Fun Services
1938 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe
(480) 967-7129, azfunparty.com
Boom Boom LaRue
3606 N. 16th St., Phoenix
(602) 265-3441, boomboomlarue.com
Easley’s Fun shop
509 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 271-9146, easleys.com
Mardi Gras Costume Shop
5895 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale
(480) 948-4030, mardigrascostumeshop.com
