It's Halloween in San Diego, ladies. So what's your Halloween costume going to be - Devil or Angel? Actually, since the advent of the sexy angel costume, that question is no longer relevant. The new quandary: Sexy or Clever?
Women's Halloween costumes fall into one of two camps.
The Sexy Camp: Sexy Halloween Costumes in San Diego
The Sexy Camp believes Halloween in San Diego is an opportunity for good girls to go bad - if only for a night. It's the one time of year a respected high-powered lawyer can dress as a dominatrix complete with whips, corset and knee-high leather boots, and still show her face in court the next day. These women see flaunting their sexuality in a Halloween costume as a mark of independence, security and confidence. Why not use the Halloween holiday as an excuse to shed a few inhibitions?
We found that Party City and San Diego's Spirit Halloween Superstores had the best selection of inexpensive and sexy costumes including "Sponge Bath Betty" (sexy nurse), "Mile High Captain" (sexy pilot), and the standout hits of the year: the new Marie Antoinette and Courtier costumes (much hotter than anticipated).
The Playboy Company has gotten in to the game this year with the Playboy "Girls Next Door" modeling the costumes on the packages for Sexy Scholars, French Maids, Pirates and of course, The Playboy Bunny. Playboy Halloween costumes wildly popular, and San Diego Halloween shops are having trouble keeping them on the shelves.
If you're looking to get extremely naughty, you might want to consider Hustler Hollywood or the Barnet Adult Bookstore. To take your fetish to the next level, The Crypt in Hillcrest is the place to go - just make sure you're a legal, consenting adult.
Where to get your sexy on:
1. Party City, Point Loma and Clairemont
When asked what he does when a cute girl comes in looking for a flirty costume, jovial Party City employee Terrell exclaims "I swoop up on 'em like the Flash!"
Party City is where you're going to find your deals. It specializes in fun, clever, and sexy Halloween costume options for purchase at reasonable prices. Halloween costumes can be sold as a set or piecemealed together. You can also find unique supplies to throw your Halloween bash, as well as spooky décor to scare the heck out of the trick-or-treaters.
2. Spirit Halloween Superstores (seasonal), Various Locations
It is common to find places around San Diego that are exclusive to only selling Halloween paraphernalia during the pre Halloween season. Spirit Halloween Superstores are the largest and most widespread. These places feel temporary, like the persona you are trying to capture. While being slightly chaotic, they are well stocked, and a great place to find what you are looking for. Visit the Spirit Halloween website to locate a San Diego Spirit store.
3. Hustler Hollywood, Downtown; Barnet Adult Superstore, Point Loma
Hustler Hollywood and Barnet Adult Superstore are adult bookstores that carry lingerie and costumes. Do not go here if you are easily offended. Hustler keeps all the really naughty stuff on the 3rd floor, however, so you can shop without embarrassment. Must be over 18.
4. The Crypt on Park, Hillcrest
Rubber, vinyl, rubber, chaps, dresses and corsets this is the place to find your inner dominatrix. Not for the faint of heart - you have been warned. 18 and up.
The Clever Camp: Clever Halloween Costumes in San Diego
The Clever Camp either sees sexy Halloween costumes as degrading, impractical, or simply played-out. Included in this section are the Halloween purists who still see it as a holiday for kids, and believe Halloween clothing should be kept appropriate.
Ironically, or perhaps predictably, this crowd is going to have a tougher time finding Halloween costumes. They're either going to have to think up something incredibly witty, or spend some cash on a high-end rental costume to compete with the aforementioned Sexy Camp. A mental encyclopedia of pop culture and up-to-date current events knowledge is essential when trying to come up with wearable proof that clever is better.
For the more traditional sect, a costume rental shop is exactly what you need. You can dress in theatrical quality garments, complete with period-appropriate fabrics, sometimes made on-site (like at Gypsy Treasures). Depending on which you choose, these Halloween costumes can be incredibly intricate - and sometimes even glamorous.
Clever, glamorous, well-crafted costumes can be found at:
1. Gypsy Treasures, La Mesa
Gypsy Treasures is a year-round shop in the heart of La Mesa Village that carries a mind boggling array of costumes for rent/purchase, as well as accessories, wigs, makeup, and basically anything you can think of to round out your perfect Halloween costume. That being said, the most valuable asset of this costume shop is its exceptionally helpful staff.
2. Buffalo Breath, Old Town San Diego
Buffalo Breath is a serious costume shop that specializes in theatrical quality costume rentals. If you are set on being something you've never been - or never seen - Buffalo Breath will know what you are going for, even before you do.
Insider Tip: You have to check out the two-person TJ Donkey costume - your boyfriend will find it hilarious.
Check out our recommendations for San Diego Halloween Costumes for Men, or visualize our favorite Halloween apparel at the DiscoverSD.com San Diego Halloween Costumes Photo Gallery.
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