Photo by DEVAKI KNOWLES
Austin features many megachain retailers with costuming gear, but you know our hearts bleed local. Consider these independent retailers (culled from various "Best of Austin"s, guide entries, and personal experience):
The Bazaar
Just a skip off of I-35 is the coy, stylish boutique, where those in search of a variety of identies have guiltlessly dropped dough to feel sexy and accessorized. Right next door is the costume annex, which carries every type of disguise (Santa suits, wigs, facial hair, tiaras, etc.). 1605 & 1609 E. Riverside.
www.thebazaaraustin.com.
Terra Toys
In addition to toys (which make great costume accessories), Terra's got an entire costuming nook for kids. 2438 W. Anderson Ste. C-1.
www.terratoys.com.
Fashion Outlet
A warehouse-sized treasure trove of imported gaud. On one side, pick up wigs and weaves on the cheap and sparkle lip gloss in every color. On the other, be prepared for the weirdest fashion on Earth. 7112 Ed Bluestein #110.
Lucy in Disguise
Summer's a great time to shop, because during costume-frenzy season, people cram in, vying to get the perfect beard for their Sigmund Freud getup, or the just-so chapeau for their Pharrell impression. Plus, they sell Morph suits. Why wait? 1506 S. Congress.
www.lucyindisguise.com.
Costume World
With a dizzying array of theatrical quality rentals and outfits for sale, Costume World even alters any purchases for free, even if you buy from the cheap, made-in-China wall. 8207 Burnet Rd.
www.costumeworld.com.
Coco Coquette
Wig architect, designer, and all-around creative costumer Allyson Garro recently expanded from the small shop in the back into the front of Maison d'Etoile when Charm School Vintage moved to a larger space. Let those wigs breeeeeeathe, mama! 2109 E. Cesar Chavez.
www.coco-coquette.com.
SewFits.com
Totally customized outfits made to order by a nice lady who moved here after Hurricane Katrina. Renaissance fair gear, a speciality.
www.sewfits.com.
Morphsuits
Imported from the innovative British co., MorphCostumes, these skin-tight onesies are available locally at Lucy in Disguise and some chain costuming retailers, but the most extensive variety is available direct, online.
www.morphsuits.com.
