Stella's Advice and Insights

We are in the process of adding to our new "Advice and Insight" section of MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com.

Our first team member to contribute some Q&A info is Stella! Here is a link to the advice she offers regarding toy guns, mascot costumes, and licensed costumes: Stella's Costume Advice and Insight

More FAQs and Q&As are yet to come, from Stella and the ladies on her management team at Masquerade Times Square.

Couples Mask Ideas for Valentine's Mardi Gras Fun

Continuing along on the theme of a "Valentine's Day Mardi Gras," since in 2010 Valentine's Day is its usual Feb 14, while Mardi Gras is Feb 16, we will investigate some nifty couples' masks for masquerading and mischief.

Whether you are a part of a couple or seeking to be (perhaps with the help of Cupid's arrow), couples' mask sets leave many opportunities for get-together games.

The obvious choice would be for a pair of lovers to show up together at an event - say, a Valentine's Day ball - in matching couples' masks. Or, perhaps the pair might even stay at home and wear their masks there, even so.

If a single is looking for his or her love on an evening out, he/she could wear one of the masks and carry the second to give to his/her mate or mate-to-be. Hide and seek type games or scavenger hunts for one or both of the masks are also possible games to play.

Maybe a single guy or gal who is pursued by many suitors will carry the mask that matches his/her own and then, with all competing suitors assembled, place that matching mask on the mate is his/her choice. Wow, now that sounds like something out of a fairy tale!

Let's have a look at some popular couple's masks...

There are the red feathered Mardi Gras couples masks with gold trim and dangling lace. There is the male masquerade mask version and the female masquerade mask version. There are headband masks.




There are also black feathered Mardi Gras couples masks of a similar style to the red one mentioned above, except that they have a bit more of an "elven" eyebrow shape and the "female" verison of the mask has glittery gems between the eyes. Both male and female versions of this mask have ribbons attached. They are also headband masks.



Then there are the deep maroon masquerade couples masks. These are simple yet regal, covered in velvet texture. The "female" version comes with feathers attached, while the "male" version maintains an even greater simplicity. These are another pair of headband masks.




Another version of the red couples masks come in devil-esque style. Both sport a similar base design, but the female red devil couples mask sprouts feathers while the Mardi Gras male red devil mask keeps a simpler style.




Transparent masks also make great options for couples. There are old man, old women, young man, and young woman style.




Actually, there are so many combinations for couples masks, I'm just going to have to open a separate blog entry to continue counting them off! Chew on these velvet ones and the transparent one for now!

Mardi Gras Valentine's for 2010

Mardi Gras is coming early in 2010! This coming year, Mardi Gras will be on Tuesday, February 16.

Whoa! So soon! And with Valentine's Day 2010 coming on its usual February 14, there is such great potential for a Mardi Gras style Valentine's Day. Here are a bunch of ideas so that you don't get caught off guard when these two very distinct holidays collide:

Masks are the Mardi Gras trade mark, and masks also make great mystery fun for love birds. Classic romance-style masks naturally suggest the color red, with lace, feathers, golden trim, and hearts. Imagine two secretly wooing love birds, one in a graceful red and gold masquerade Mardi Gras mask and the other in a classic black and gold venetian Mardi Gras mask. Or a regal masked princess wearing a golden Mardi Gras mask with ribbons and jewels listening to the love songs sung by a wooer in the mysterious midnight masquerade Mardi Gras mask.


Real Valentine's mystery can be had with full face masks of Mardi Gras flavor. Full face black and gold masquerade masks give a lover a spooky and serene look. And then there is the reveler-lover with the very potentially deceptive plain white full face masquerade mask.

This is definitely a festive idea that you can develop further and further. If your a lover of revels, it's actually very lucky to have Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras falling so near to each other for 2010!

New Years Eve 2010 - Celebrate in Style!

2010 is approaching, and we all want to celebrate in style for the marking of the start of a new decade.

New Year's Eve in New York City poses seemingly endless possibilities - Where to go? What to do? There are so many games in town, it's hard to choose... or even to know what's out there to choose from.

Luckily, New Year's Eve Central can offer you a clue into your New Years nightlife options in NYC. Premium parties, open bars, lounges, clubs, and a variety of celebrations can all be found in the New Year's Even Central directory. And from the looks of it, there will be parties almost everywhere to ring in 2010!

When the Elves Come Marching In

We talked quite a bit about Santa in the last blog entry, particularly because of the upcoming SantaCon. But what about the little guys who keep Mr. Kringle up and running?

Let's talk about elves, baby. In particular, let's talk about elf costumes and some great options for dressing the part of one of Santa's helpers.

For starters, there is the classic Red and Green Velvet Elf Costume, which makes a splendid stand-alone costume or a base for holiday elven attire. Slip on the velvet one-piece red and green tunic, wrap the golden cord belt around your waist, on with the included hat and shoes, and off you go! There are golden belts and pom poms attached to the garment as well.

Not in the market for velvet elvishness? There's also the simpler, matte style Red and Green Elf Tunic to serve as your base garment or stand-alone. This tunic comes with a hat, cord belt, and shoes, all in red and green alternating colors. There are no bells on this one, but there are certainly pom poms! Bells can be added on to the belt, hat, or shoes with a bit of do-it-yourself needle and thread work.

For elvish wear of a solid color, there's the Green Peter Pan Costume, which comes with a tunic, hat, and tights, all in green. And of course, since elves like cord belts (so it seems?!), there's a white cord belt included as well. This tunic has dagged edges on the hem and sleeves, as well as a folded collar and a lace-up neck.

An even simpler green elf can be created with the Simple Green Elf Costume. Really to the point: green pull-over tunic without sleeves, a black sash, and green hat.

Already got an elf costume base? Looking to accessorize, perhaps?

Though not technically an accessory, the green adult long-sleeved bodysuit adds form fitted style to an elf ensemble. Also in the form fitting vein, there are Red and Green parti-colored tights and children's seamless green tights.

More formally an accessory: Green plush elf shoes. And then there are green elf suspenders and red fuzzy Santa hats, for outfitting the mini helpers in the style of their boss man, Mr. Kringle. And for your bag of goodies, use a velvet Santa Sack. Red and gold, with a shoulder strap - perfect for hauling gifts for the big guy.

And these are only a few ideas for holiday elf attire. Go classic... or even go wild. Assemble a basic elf costume, and then add some punk rock accessories for a "hardcore" look, or a mardi gras mask for an even greater festive look, or maybe even some hippy accessories to send a Peace on Earth message all around!

SantaCon is coming to town. What to wear?!

SantaCon is coming to town, and sooner than you think! For this wild street-roving spectacle of Santas, what's a well-dressed Chris Kringle to wear?

The key to Santa style is, as with all splendid attire, the basics plus the right accessories. Basic Santa suits come in a variety of materials. For example, there are flannel Santa suits, plush Santa suits, velour Santas suits, and even velvet suits. All of these give you your basic color scheme and shape: red jacket and pants trimmed in white fur (most often faux fur), red hat trimmed in the white fur, and a nice wide belt. Some suits come with Santa boot tops as well, which is a plus.

For those of you Santas on a budget, consider the economical complete Santa suit made of felt. It makes a great low priced Santa suit option.

But where do you go from here? Accessorize!

What first? The beard! There's always the classic white Santa beard, which often comes with an accompanying white wig. But if you are looking for a Santa beard that only slightly defies the expected, there are Uncle Sam beards for a slightly pointier look and Super Deluxe Santa beards for a really full-coverage type mega beard effect. Then there economy Santa beards, often called the "Xtra Long Beard and Moustache," which give the basic Santa beard look.

To deviate a bit from the "classic" Santa beard, there are beards in colors other than white, of course! A slightly younger looking Santa might go for a Character Beard in light brown or grey, or even a blond full coverage beard. And a more WILD Santa would be well suited to have a spiky Caveman beard and wig! Furthermore, there are Abe Lincoln beards to consider, thick and curly black beards, and even pirate goatees and moustache sets, for a really non-traditional look.

Once you've got your Santa facial hair under control, you can look to other important accessories.

Gloves make a great addition. White polyester gloves provide one simple option, as do white nylon snap close gloves. There are also the classic black leather-looking gloves with cuffs. And for funkier Santas - whom we see especially during SantaCon! - there are black studded leather-looking gloves, Glow in the Dark Skeleton hand gloves, and even gloves that look like black hairy monster hands!

For reading those lists of wishes, Santa glasses come in handy. Ben Franklin glasses make great Santa glasses, with their golden square frames. Character glasses with round frames offer another basic option for Santa Claus attire. For the cool-kat Claus, there are funky sun glasses in any variety of shapes and sizes.

Other splendid accessories include boot tops, as mentioned above, for those Santas who don't have tall riding boots of their own. The belt is another biggy to consider, and not just because most Santas have considerably waist-lines! How big will your buckle be? And what color? Will it be a belt with the classic gold buckle? Or maybe a belt with the buckle in black? Or maybe you'll forgo the belt and jacket and go with Santa suspenders instead?

And the hat! You can't forget the classic Santa head covering red fur trimmed hat. There are basic Santa hats, for Santas on a budget, and there are fuzzy Santa hats in the same red and white color scheme. From there, there are Santa hats in colors other than red, ranging from blue to green, to camouflage even.

Once you've got your basic suit and accessories taken care of, you can take your Santa Claus even further, if you like. Biker Santas, plumber Santas, pirate Santas, and even gorilla Santas are all entirely possible to help make your SantaCon crawl into an even greater spectacle. The sky's the limit, so get on your sleigh and get out there to see what kind of Chris Kringle costume you can put together for this year's festivities!

Moustache Party? All the Rage!

Whether you call it a moustache or a mustache or perhaps even a mini beard, one thing is for sure - the Moustache Party is a theme event that's slowly taking the party scene by storm!

It seems that many people have more fun at parties where everyone has a "party moustache" (or "party mustache," depending on how you prefer to spell it!). But...

What if you can't just grow a moustache in time for the party?!

Well, Character Moustaches provide one possible, realistic solution. These types of fake facial hair stick on to your upper lip with spirit gum or double sided tap (such as Topstick or Toupee Tape). These are made with real human hair and come in Black, Blonde, Dark Grey, Light Brown, Light Grey, Medium Brown. The Rubie's Character Moustaches are probably one of the most realistic looking costume moustaches you will find.

Then there's the European style Moustache, the Handlebar Moustache, the Mandarin Moustache, the Winchester Moustache, and the Zapata Moustache, all from the Rubie's line.

But, what if you have MULTIPLE moustache parties coming up? What if you need a different moustached look for each of the thrilling facial hair festivities? There's always the very versatile 6-Way Moustache that clips to your nose. It's specifically billed as a "party moustache," in fact, and you can "shape it any way you like."

And if your moustache party happens to require that you go that extra yard, there are always fake sideburns to stick on with spirit gum or double stick tape, and fake goatees to give you that extra-dashing look.

We've been seeing moustache party-goers increasing in numbers. Why, just this morning, someone came into New York Costumes to purchase 200 moustaches! It's wild.

So, are you getting your moustache party groove on?

Inside the Halloween shopping RUSH!

We were trying to document the Halloween shopping rush a bit from the store, and we did get a good bit of footage on Friday, Oct 30.









But your humble narrator was drafted to help out as a cashier during CRUNCH time on Saturday, Oct 31. So, unfortunately, we have no video footage from the absolute madness of shoppers trying to meet all of their Halloween needs before the eve itself.

We were so jam packed with last minute costume shoppers, that we had to hold a line outside the store, letting people in only in small bursts. And our store covers a lot of square footage! That being said, the line ran all the way to the back end of it.

While I was doing my time on the cash register on the 31st, I worked furiously alongside 5 other cashiers. It was the kind of onslaught that really gets you going. It was like a well-oiled machine, actually. I would have loved to have gotten a photo of the line of us working during the height of the rush. I did, however, get a shot of the line outside, as you can see at left there.

It was a mad, mad rush, and yet tons of fun to surf!

Masquerade Costumes NYC

311 W 43rd Street

New York City

Zombie Invasion Report, Rain, and Halloween Weekend to Come!

So, the fearless undead Thriller-seekers of ZombieCon 2009 shambled around Manhattan despite the rain last Saturday (Oct 24), invading Midtown East, Grand Central Station, Sephora Times Square, and eventually pouring into our Halloween Adventure Times Square store here on W 43rd street before heading downtown to cause more of a stir.

A little after 5 pm last Saturday, 43rd Street Halloween Adventure shoppers heard a scream and a growl before they were instantly overwhelmed by a sea of about 350 zombies. The zombies crowded on into the store, where they proceeded to inspect the Halloween merchandise, attempt to recover from their pub crawling, startle shoppers, pose for photos, and, interestingly enough, snap photos of their own.

We played Thriller over the store's sound system, but your humble narrator was too crushed into the back portion of the shop to be able to see how the dancing went. However, the amused response from customers told me that some interesting antics were definitely going on.

We've got some photos of the zombies in our store in our Facebook gallery, here: Masquerade Costumes / Halloween Adventure Facebook Photo Gallery.

In order news... It rained on the zombies, and it's raining again on us today. However, a little rain on a Wednesday does not stop Halloween shoppers. They just kindly drop off their umbrellas once they come on in, and continue on their merry spook-seeking missions.

Note the eye-witness photo of the umbrella "parking garage" box.

Luckily, the forecast on weather.com predicts only cloudiness for Friday and Saturday, with only a 10-20% chance of rain. Looks like dry skies for Halloween, but the rains are predicted to make a return to New York City on Sunday, Nov 1.

Whew. We can only take so many bouts of soggy zombies, you know!

ZombieCON to swoop in on us Tomorrow Oct 24. !!

While NYCZombieCrawl is hitting the downtown area on Sunday, Oct 25, the crew for ZombieCON NYC will be shambling about Times Square on Saturday, Oct 24.

Whoa. That's a lot of undead in one weekend! And we at Masquerade / Halloween Adventure will be in for it, for sure!

And the ZombieCON folks will be stopping by our store at 311 W 43rd Street in search of brains, blood, beverages, and, of course, baile. Dance, that is. Yes, those Zombies will be coming overe to dance the Thriller outside our store on Saturday the 24th.

They will be coming by around 4 pm ("zombie time"), reports Costume Jim.

What is ZombieCon? Here's what zombiecon.com has to say:

"ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009...
the zombies will rise in their disgusting annual search of bloody marys, brains, and braaaands. The glorious undead of New York City will join this, our fifth annual ghoulish spree of shopping, bar-hopping and horrifying Manhattan street theatrics."

Join them and us!

Masquerade Costumes / Halloween Adventure Times Square
311 W 43rd Street
between 8-9th Ave
Manhattan, New York City

Zombies to invade East Village Halloween Adventure!

ZombieCrawl NYC makes a pit stop at our East Village store during their undead crawling escapades this Sunday. Here's the latest from NYCZombieCrawl leader Doug Sakmann:

Greetings Ghouls!

The day is almost upon us! This Sunday, October 25th Zombies will once again take on Union Square and the Lower East Side! Our main base will be the Beauty Bar NYC (where we’ll begin and end) and we’ll be crawling to Union Square, Whole Foods (for a canned food drive), Halloween Adventure, Astor Place, The Continental and more!

We’re going to be joined by a lot of press, including CBS Sunday Morning & Japanese network Nippon TV and more so we’re asking everyone to come already dressed as their Sunday Zombie Best! We’ll have very limited zombie makeup stations too for those who need to be zombified, but supplies are limited!

Here are all the details…and don’t forget to join us in the Halloween Parade on the 31st!

Very Truly
Doug Sakmann
Zombie Ringleader
www.nyczombiecrawl.com

Sunday, October 25th – NYC Zombie Crawl 2009 – Starts at 5pm!
This is the official 2009 NYC Zombie Crawl Event for Halloween!
Starting at Beauty Bar - 231 E 14th St - New York, NY 10003 (Btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave) - from 5-6:30pm for the pre-game, zombies will then crawl around the Lower East Side to several bars then come back to the Beauty Bar for an open Domaine de Canton bar from 10-11pm and the Zombie Beauty Pageant!

Since this event is taking place at bars, everyone must be 21+ for this event! Please come as a member of the undead, we will have very limited makeup stations at this crawl. You are invited to bring your own makeup and help zombify yourself and others if you'd like.
We'll be doing a can drive again, zombies feeding the homeless with NYC Food Bank and Halloween Adventure! More info coming soon! And it all leads to:

10pm - 4th Annual Zombie Beauty Pageant at the Beauty Bar NYC
Open Domaine de Canton Bar 10-11p!
Beauty Bar - 231 E 14th St - New York, NY 10003 (Btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave)
Hosted by Michael T (Rated X/Motherfucker) and Doug Sakmann, Zombie Ringleader of the NYC Zombie Crawl
http://www.beautybar.com

Saturday, October 31st – NYC Zombie Crawl in the Village Halloween Parade
6:30pm – ALL AGES - NYC Zombie Crawl and Plants vs Zombies at the 36th Annual Village Halloween Parade
10pm – 21 + - Rated X Undead Halloween Party at Don Hills with Michael T and Theo!

6:30pm - NYC Zombie Crawl in the Halloween Parade – ALL AGES - We’re teaming with PopCap Games, the creators of the hit video game ‘Plants vs Zombies’ to assemble a throng of plants and zombies to march in the 36th annual NYC Halloween Parade! There will be PvZ give aways and anyone who comes as a plant or zombie will be invited to join in the parade themselves! Halloween revelers who join the PvZ contingent will be eligible for the costume contest which will occur immediately following the parade. PopCap will be digging up some great prizes for best plant and best zombie costumes based on the game!

The official meet-up spot for Plants and Zombies in the Parade is on Dominick St. between 6th Ave and Varick St. between 6 and 6:30 pm on the 31st.

10pm - Rated X Undead Halloween X-travaganza! - After the parade is through, everyone is invited to Don Hills for the official afterparty with the Rated X Undead Halloween Party hosted by Michael T, Theo and Zombie Ringleader Doug Sakmann! Anyone in costume will receive an extremely reduced rate of only $5 before Midnight! Details to be announced!
Don Hill’s - 511 Greenwich St. at Spring St. NYC – 21 + - $5 before Midnight!
http://www.halloween-nyc.com
http://www.plantsvszombies.com
http://www.myspace.com/ratedxthepantyparty

MORE INFO TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON! STAY TUNED TO:
http://www.nyczombiecrawl.com

Join us on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/nyczombiecrawl

Sponsored by Halloween Adventure (104 4th Ave @ 11th St, NYC) Mention "Zombie Crawl" when buying makeup and props and you'll get 10% off your purchase all year long!

AND DON’T FORGET THE OTHER ZOMBIE EVENTS ON FRIDAY in PHILLY and SATURDAY in NYC!
Friday, October 23rd – Splatterhouse: Fake Blood Party at 941 Theater – Philadelphia
941 N Front Street, Philadelphia PA 19122
This isnt your regular costume party! We suggest that what ever you wear is COVERED in fake BLOOD. No, dont come with real blood you disgusting SICKO! Tip: Wearing all white ensures you’ll look the BLOODIEST.

Music includes: West Mansion - Evol Intent LIVE 12:30-2, JEFF HEART 2-3, Seraph and Royce 11-12:30, Smoke 10-11, Gaje 9-10, Eric Lubin 8-9

Host MC's: Messinian, Sharpness, and IQ equals MC
And in the womb: Industrial, EBM, Future Pop and Noise
Rotating DJs Include: Dyztort, Dr.Octo-Pussy, Sacrifice, and Mighty Mike Saga
www.941theater.com

Saturday, October 24th – Two Zombie Events!
Time TBA – Manhattan - Zombiecon 2009 – Sign up at www.zombiecon.com for all the details!
Details will only be announced to those who sign up on the Zombiecon website on the day of the event! You may have noticed that something hideous is happening--a plague has enveloped the globe, striking the young, rich, beautiful and famous with rotting flesh and oozing sores...celebrities are dying all around us and rising from the grave to take their revenge and devour us as we devoured them. Putrid Patrick Swazye, fetid Farrah Fawcett, mephitic Michael Jackson and more are ready for their last close up as they feast on ripe human brains. More to come...start working on your undead celebrity persona (from ANY era!) and get ready for braaaaaains!

8:30pm - Thrill the World NYC – Astoria Park, Queens
Thrill The World Is An Annual World-Wide Simultaneous Dance Of "Thriller" For World Records And Charity.
A Global Tribute to Michael Jackson!
Thrill The World NYC will be held on Saturday October 24th 2009 at 8:30pm in Astoria Park, Queens. Go to www.thrilltheworldnyc.com to sign up to be a part of this historic world wide event, there are FREE classes teaching Michael Jackson’s Thriller all month all over the city leading up to the big dance on the 24th!! Thrill the World NYC is currently raising money for its event as well as for Vh1 Save the Music. See the website and register for more details.

More Crawling Zombies in NYC this October!

The latest announcement from the good folks at NYC Zombie Crawl:
---------------------------------------------------
Greetings Zombie Lovers!

Halloween is soon upon us and our main crawl event is coming to NYC on Sunday, October 25th in Manhattan!

Sunday, October 25th – NYC Zombie Crawl 2009 – Starts at 5pm!
This is the official 2009 NYC Zombie Crawl Event for Halloween! While we are sponsoring and promoting many events this month, this is our main event! This one is 21 + only, since we are doing bars please bring your ID, below are the details, stay tuned for more!!

Starting at Beauty Bar - 231 E 14th St - New York, NY 10003 (Btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave) from 5-6:30pm for the pre-game, zombies will then crawl around the Lower East Side to several bars then come back to the Beauty Bar for an open Domaine de Canton bar from 10-11pm!
Since this event is taking place at bars, everyone must be 21+ for this event! Please come as a member of the undead, we will not have official makeup stations at this crawl. You are invited to bring your own makeup and help zombify yourself and others if you'd like.
We'll be doing a can drive again, zombies feeding the homeless with NYC
It all ends at 10pm at the:
4th Annual Zombie Beauty Pageant at the Beauty Bar-
Hosted by Michael T (Rated X) and Doug Sakmann, Zombie Ringleader of the NYC Zombie Crawl
www.beautybar.com

Additionally, on Halloween, October 31st we have teamed up with the videogame ‘Plants vs Zombies’ to bring the NYC Zombie Crawl into the 36th Annual Halloween Parade (ALL AGES)! The official meet-up spot for Plants and Zombies in the Parade is on Dominick St. between 6th Ave and Varick St. between 6 and 6:30 pm on the 31st.

10pm - Rated X Undead Halloween X-travaganza! - After the parade is through, everyone is invited to Don Hills for the official afterparty with the Rated X Undead Halloween Party hosted by Michael T, Theo and Zombie Ringleader Doug Sakmann! Anyone in costume will receive an extremely reduced rate of only $5 before Midnight! Details to be announced!
Don Hill’s - 511 Greenwich St. at Spring St. NYC – 21 + - $5 before Midnight!

Check out the FULL CALENDER OF ZOMBIE EVENTS right now at www.nyczombiecrawl.com, there is something zombie related every weekend leading up to Halloween!

Until we bleed again, remember, Blood is Law!
Doug Sakmann
Zombie Ringleader, NYC Zombie Crawl

Join us on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/nyczombiecrawl

Sponsored by Halloween Adventure (104 4th Ave @ 11th St, NYC) Mention "Zombie Crawl" when buying makeup and props and you'll get 10% off your purchase all year long!

Zombie Crawl Times Square video footage!

Enjoy some footage from the NYC Zombie Crawl Times Square crawl to view the Zombieland sneak preview. Great clear footage of people getting make-up done.

Note the cameo by our nifty postcard at 0:52. That's the right idea!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFUj5z3gyL0

Where will YOU Party on Halloween Night?

Looking for a place to party on Halloween night? Halloween 2009 is just around the corner, and you'd better believe that the bars will be packed! This year, the holiday falls on a Saturday night. No one has to get up for work in the morning, so they'll all be going out.

Why deal with the hassle of waiting in line when you can secure a ticket to an awesome event? Check out Joonbug's Halloween NYC list of events, promotions and ticket deals.

Joonbug's Halloween guide says: It's that time of year again and we have everything you need to know about Halloween night and the weeks building up to it. Halloween parties NYC at Joonbug.com will give you the inside scoops on all things Halloween. With information on Halloween parties, restaurants, clubs, nightclubs, bars, lounges, costume shops, Halloween tickets and promotions, discounts and blogs; this Halloween 2009 events guide truly is the ultimate and only guide to the best Halloween night of your life. Also check out HalloweenNYC.com.

They're featuring events at hot nightlife spots like Amalia, China Grill, Aspen Grill, D'or and more! They even have hour long open bars. Check out all of their events and more HERE.

Happy partying, Halloweenies!

On September 30, the street team at Masquerade / Halloween Adventure 43rd street went to visit the NYC Zombie Crawl through Times Square.

Below are some photos of the street team members who participated in Sept 30. They finish up in their "day time" costumes and then head out to get zombified at Mean Fiddler on 47th street to join in on the Zombie Crawl to see the sneak preview of Zombieland.

Off to a Busy Start! Bring on October!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Off to a Busy Start! Bring on October!

We are off to a great busy start of the Halloween season here in the Times Square area. We've been so busy, in fact, that we have been only able to make status updates via facebook and twitter, as opposed to giving attention to our dear store blog!

So, what's new for the end of September 2009? Lots, actually!

NYC ZombieCrawl will be making tracks through Times Square on Wednesday, September 30, and we will be joining them. Here's a little bit about that event: Zombies-to-be will be meeting at Mean Fiddler (266 W 47th ST New York, NY 10036) from 6-8 pm to get "zombified" with ghoulish make-up effects.

Following the zombification, newly minted zombies will crawl and shamble their way through the Times Square area, arriving eventually at the AMC movie theatre for a sneak preview of Zombieland. Members of our street team will be shambling about with the rest of the ghoulish participants.

And speaking of street team, we officially mobilized our street team yesterday (Friday, Sept 25). The Friday crew was kind enough to pause for a group photo out on 7th Ave and 43rd street:

Our 100-Dollar Bill Road Cone-Heads

They caused quite a stir yesterday, and they hit the streets again today, where they were pleased to find a HUGELY crowded Times Square. The guys tooted their own horns and reported that they were rather photogenic with tourists.

Our street teamsters also paid a visit to the New York Anime Festival at the Javits Center. They were only able to stay for a short time, but they reported seeing some really crazily costumed characters there. And I would point out that we had several people stop in to the store today asking about blue and purple wigs. Hmm. Blue hair? Anime Festival? Yeah, I gotcha.

More to come. We are officially into the fall season now. Only a few more days until October. Everyone is feeling a little touch of the madness that hovers around before the real insanity sets in. Stay tuned for the Halloween season.

Masquerade Costumes / Halloween Adventure Times Square

Now hiring for Halloween 2009

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Now hiring for Halloween 2009

Hello Halloween fans!

Here at Masquerade, Times Square Halloween Adventure, we are now hiring for the 2009 Halloween season.

We are looking for sales associates knowledgeable about...

- theatrical make-up
- costume sizing
- customer service
- creative costuming

We are seeking fun, hard-working, creative, motivated individuals.

To apply or for more information, stop in and speak to our store manager Stella. We are located at:

311 W 43rd street (between 8-9th Ave) in Manhattan.
Or call our store: 212-247-0104

Our Halloween Adventure Make-Over Video is LIVE!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Our Halloween Adventure Make-Over Video is LIVE!

We are proud to say that our Halloween Adventure Make-Over video is now live and up on our youtube account. Enjoy!

"LaQuisha, your favorite personal costumer shopper, is at it again at Masquerade Costumes, the Times Square Halloween Adventure shop. Enjoy this fun short film written and directed by Stella Sensel and her "Afterhours Talent Crew" at Masquerade Costumes NYC.

Disclaimer: Free make-overs are not currently being offered by magical beings that dwell in our store window. "

Anyone up for a Halloween Adventure make-over?

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Anyone up for a Halloween Adventure make-over?

You read me right. How many of you cats out there would like to let Stella and Oriana get their hands on you for a Halloween Adventure make over?

Following a theme of "Fools to Ghouls," we will be taking a few of you average Joe Schmoes (and of course Jane Schmoes) and transforming you into fantastic Creatures of the Night for a new video. We start filming and making people over next week. Anyone want to come over to Masquerade / Halloween Adventure Times Square next week for a fiendish make-over? You will be gifted with free copies of all photos and video. Contact us for details.

www.masqueradecostumesnyc.com

New Pet and Dog Costumes at 43rd st Halloween Adventure!

Greetings Costume Fans!

We just received a huge new shipment of dog costumes. Woof, there it is. We've added some pictures of them to our MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com website.

Our new selection includes the following pet and dog costumes: Batman, Robin, the Joker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Sponge Bob, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Pirate Queen, Pirate King, Superman, and Wonderwoman.

View them here: Masquerade NYC New Pet Costumes Page

Holy pet fur, Batman!

The pet costumes are part of dozens of new shipments we have been receiving over the past few days. Why so many shipments? Well, it's late July and Halloween is right around the corner! Don't believe us? Count down August and then September, and then before you know it, we are into the October Halloween season.

Brace for impact! We expect another crashingly big Halloween celebratory season here in the Times Square area. If you inclined toward casual browsing, swing by now before the crowds hit: Masquerade, 311 W 43rd street, between 8-9th Ave, Manhattan, New York City.

Oriana's Costume Theme Party Tips, #1

We catch Oriana at Masquerade NYC today to ask her what she suggests to wear for a Luxury & Opulence theme costume party. This surprise interview inspires Oriana to give more theme party costume tips in the near future... a la video blog.

Brought to you by the ever-ready staff at Masquerade Costumes, Halloween Adventure Times Square, NYC

Costume Shop Showdown! And then some.

The clever and creative floor staff of Masquerade Costumes NYC took a moment last Friday to express their artistic style. Thus was born another Masquerade home video: Costume Shop Showdown.

This simple 1 min, 45 second video features the creative minimalist talents of 4 staff members. Starring in this video, alongside the lovely ladies who perform all of the action, are props and costume items from around the shop.

We used a variety of items to make this video possible. The props and costumes included in our little home movie shoot were the following:

Our Heroine:
Blue and White boas

The "Sharpey" dress from High School Musical
Thigh high shiny boots from Secret Wishes

Our Villain:
Black monk's robe
White half mask
White and black tear mask
Noose prop
Giant Axe

Our Hero:
Texas Sheriff's Hat
Gunslighter costume
BANG gun
White plastic tommy gun
Black moustache attached with topstick

Including dressing, shooting, and editing, the whole video make-process took about 1 hour. Not too bad! Look for more of our epic minimalist Masquerade Costumes movies at our youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/MasqueradeNYC

Wild Bachelorette Party Supplies at Masquerade NYC!

Adding to our already expansive collection of party supply novelties and riotous party gags, we of Masquerade Costumes NYC are pleased to announce some newly-arrived bachelorette party gear! Be aware, though, these items are a bit more on the risque side.

Several very note-worthy hot bachelorette party products include the following: Cocktail Sippers and Bachelorette Beads from Forum; a suggestive 16 oz sports bottle from HottProducts Unlimited; some equally suggestive breath mints and hard candies also from HottProducts; Bachelorette Bling Rings, Bracelets, and Badges, and a 20-foot long caution tape party banner.

Cocktail Sippers
from Forum Novelties, Inc.
From Forum's bachelorette "outta' control" line comes "a hot way to sip a cool drink" (from item package). In one package of Cocktail Sipper's, you will find 8 flexible drinking straws, each with a suggestive adult-themed decoration attached. Set these party favors out in your guests' drinks for some drink-sipping silliness.

Bachelorette Beads
from Forum Novelties, Inc.
Imagine gold Mardi Gras beads of an adult nature. We have two different varieties of these suggestive party bead necklaces, each with suggestive dangling decorations.

Party Mints and Hard Candies
from HottProducts Unlimited
Candies in fun shapes quite appropriate for a wild bachelorette's night out. Referred to as "dick tarts" by their packaging, these candies are available in the following flavors: banana, strawberry, cinnamon, orange, spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint.

Dicky Chug Sports Bottle, 16 oz.
from HottProducts
The labels on these hysterically shaped sports bottles say "enjoy your favorite beverage while amusing your friends..." We've got a number of these penis shaped sports bottles in a wild neon blue color.

Bling Rings, Bracelet Set, Bachelorette Badge
from Forum Novelties, Inc
More from Forum's "Bachelorette Outta' Control" line: Pink light up "Bling Rings" in one-size-fits-most. These rings come in a set of 6 with batteries included! One clockwise twist of the jewel, and the bling ring will stay lit for up the 8 hours. Great also for engagement parties, bridal showers, and other events!

The "Bachelorette Outta' Control" bracelet set comes with 6 pink, beaded party favor bracelets, each with a different fun message, such as "Hurry. Kiss Me! I'm getting married!!" and "Last Fling - Let's Swing!"

The "Bachelorette Outta' Control" badge makes a fun party accessory. These silver badges come one-a-piece, are decorated with pink and red gemstones, and proudly proclim the wearer to be an "Official Bachelorette Outta' Contol."



Come on over and amuse yourself with these silly new bachelorette party items. We've got an entire display rack dedicated to them!

Masquerade Costumes / Halloween Adventure Times Square
311 W 43rd street
between 8-9th Ave
New York City

Make Way for the New Wig Display

Masquerade Costumes, the Times Square branch of Halloween Adventure, announces plans to build a new wall to accommodate our expanding stock of theatrical wigs!

Masquerade masks and Venetian masks have been moved to the right of the entry door to make way for the larger wig display. Keep your eyes out for plenty of disguise-wearing people in the Times Square area; there will certainly be enough wigs to go around!

www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com

All about the Theatrical Make-up! Issue 1

We are pleased to say that we at Masquerade, Times Square's Halloween Adventure store, are all about the theatrical make-up lately!

Over the past week, we've gotten in several large shipments full of theatrical make-up supplies, make-up special effects, latex ears and noses, scar kits, gore kits, bald caps in various colors, fangs, cone head bald caps, roll-on glitter, horns, press-on nails, all sorts of fake eye lashes, ClearNeon blacklight spray-on body paint, and more.


At this point, I will take a moment to talk about some of the more unique make-up effects we have here in stock at Masquerade NYC on 43rd street. First installment is......


Frozen Stiffs - Ice Effects Makeup
by Rubie's

Rubie's has put out a kit for the "frozen vampire." A novel idea, and one that blends an old favorite - the vampire look - with a nice new edge. The kit includes white, black, and blue base make up, as well as a pair of silver metallic fangs, Ice Gel (blue sparkle gel), Ice Crystals and Ice Powder (used to create "Frozen effects"), a make-up sponge, sponge applicator, and make-up brush.

The Ice Crystals look like little broken shards of ice, and the Ice Powder gives more of a frosty effect. Either of these can be used on your body or face, or in your hair. Hair gel would be a perfect compliment here to create a "frozen on end" effect. The Ice Gel is used to get the Ice Crystals and Ice Powder to stick.

The fangs are custom-fitted sorts. The kit includes directions on how to custom fit them yourself.

All make-up in this kit is completely water washable. The Ice Gel effects can be peeled off. Of course, only do this when you are ready to return to the mundane world!

Tons of Wigs, Eyelash Effects, and Huge New Banners

Whoa, we have a lot of wigs all of a sudden. And lots of make-up supplies, including lovely metallic eyelashes and lovely flesh wound effects.

Lots of new shipments have been coming in over here at Masquerade over the past few days. It's keeping us busy preparing all of the new items for the sales shelves!

Wig types include: afro wig, beehive, Biblical beard and wig set, blue starlet, child pop star, a bunch of glamour wigs, judge wig, Marie Antoinette wig, 80s rockers, a variety of neon wigs, werewolf wig....

... and so many others it would be ridiculous to type out a loooong list!

Additionally, we now have a happy lot of Metallic Fluttery Eyelashes just in from Rubie's. We've got them in green, blue, gold, purple, red, and silver. And, not pictured below, we've got natural and feather eyelashes as well.



Get your wig and make-up fix over here in Times Square. And come see our GIANT new banners --

-- We've got a pair of new flag banners for outside our store. Surely these can be seen from both 8th Ave and 9th Ave! And those are a considerable distance apart! So even though we are currently behind a construction site on the north side of 43rd street, we can be found very clearly by anyone looking over from the south side of 43rd.

Regards,
Damien
Masquerade / Halloween Adventure
311 W 43rd street
MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com

Black and Light Ball 2009.. this Saturday, May 9

The Black and Light Ball 2009 -- "part masquerade, part love parade with any form of glowy finery acceptable for this night of art, dancing and full-on black-light."

Fashion and finery meets blacklight-reactivity at this huge dance-party spectacle of an evening.

Our downtown sister store, New York Costumes, is a sponsor for this event.  We of Masquerade are pleased to spread the word about this fine, upcoming, participatory Kostume Kult spectacle!  



The official Black and Light Ball 2009 announcement from Costume Jim:
------------------------------------------------
It will be a wild one on Saturday! Limited presale now $25 ($20 tier sold out) with cheaper scholarship tix a possibility to folks psyched to help out, especially with breakdown/ end of night... (e- Maria, CC'd, to volunteer). For costume stuff & glowy makeup remember there's always a... Kostume Kult discount at Halloween Adventure/ New York Costumes (104 4th
avenue at 11th street)...

*Kostume Kult & Disorient present:*

*BLACK & LIGHT BALL #4*

*A Psychedelic Spring Formal*

-- Flyer/tix: http://www.kostumekult.com/events/BLB/

-- Promo Video: http://vimeo.com/4416432

On Saturday, May 9th we welcome in a new era of psychedelia to NYC and the world. An annual high-tech sendoff of Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball, BLB is part masquerade, part love parade with any form of glowy finery acceptable for this night of art, dancing and full-on black-light.

When: Saturday Night, May 9th, 10pm til 5am+ with a stying pre-party 8-10
Where: Undisclosed location, art gallery/ loft space in lower Manhattan.
Info by presale only.
Cost: $25 via kostumekult.com or disorient.com. ($20 tix sold out). Event expected to sell out but, if not, $25costume/ $30normal at door.

Style: Black light reactive, neon colors and luminescent white, things that glow, blink or leave trailssssssss… Retro chic, future geek or time travel.

The dancefloor will be hot - Less is best!

Psychedelic Styling Salon pre-party (same venue) 8-10pm... Body paint,
costume accessorizing & cheap libations. Sponsored by Halloween Adventure (http://www.newyorkcostumes.com/)

DJs: spinning electro house and groovy breaks until late. Chill upstairs,
dancing down…
Miko (Disorient, NY)
Arrow-Chrome (Disorient, NY)
Lee Mayjahs (PEX, Phili)
Reda Briki (Disorient, NY)
Mic Rage (Kostume Kult)
$mall Change (WFMU)
John O'Connor (Love Tribe)
Justin Aubuchon (House of Yes)

Galaxies by Greg Skolozdra
Electric Sheep by Spot
Mural by Jimsu
Ariel performances by Archer
D9 installation by Soooz
Artwork by 2k from NYCRAVERS
Disorient Black Light Body Cell
Kostume Kult accessory vending

A fundraiser for Burning Man camp projects

Video from Artistic Inaugural Ball with Masquerade

Masquerade at NYC's Preeminent Inaugural Ball

Last week, I happened across a YouTube video for the Artistic Inaugural Ball which took place this year on January 20 here in New York City. We of Masquerade had a hand in this event: we donated a bunch of patriotic costume items to be sold by our allies of Kostume Kult as a fundraiser for their organization. We also donated make-up for the event's facepainting booth.

Stella, Damien and Damien's wife went to set up the Masquerade / Halloween Adventure supplies and facepainting area. Then Damien and his wife proceded to hold down the fort for Masquerade into the evening, working alongside to Kostume Kulters.

And now, only now, several months later, do I find a video for the event:

For the record, the below is an event promo written by Costume Jim.
----------------

FREEDOM'S RING - Dreams for a New Era

NYC's Preeminent Inaugural Ball
Inauguration Eve - Martin Luther King Day
Flyer/ info at http://actionartsleague.org/inauguration

This coming Monday- please join us for the most colorful inaugural ball anywhere!

A part of a national network of Obama transition team coordinated "Day of Public Service" events, this is unique celebration featuring music, dance and performances with multiple creative activities, in multiple rooms, in partnership with multiple groups� Not just a party-- this is an event with a CAUSE--- Where we will demonstrate the vibrancy of NYC's cultural arts scene in full view of this new administration at this most historic moment.

WHEN: Monday, January 19th, 5pm-2am. Kids activities 5-7, performances 7-10, artistic dance party 10-late with ongoing creative activities throughout.

WHERE: Theater for the New City, 1st Ave, between 9th & 10th streets, NYC

COST: Donation before 9pm and $5/stylish, $10/normal after 9. Cheap drinks all night. Proceeds to pay for event costs with any profits going to participating artists.

WHO: Hosted by Action Arts League with Theater for the New City, please join the Kostume Kult arts collective, Dance Parade, Globesonic, Body Temple, Disorient DJ's, Arts for Art/ Vision Festival, Groove Hoops, Gathering of the Tribes, the Lower East Side Girls Club and Power of Peace Youth Coalition amongst others.

THE CAUSE: The highest profile inaugural ball in America's cultural capital--- This is an opportunity to speak directly to your new President and he is listening� He is a community organizer. He believes in empowering the individual and he has reached out directly to all of us for help. As his team turns their attention to urban and cultural/arts policy, they will be looking for fresh new ideas and this event is an important opportunity to highlight a platform we have created advocating the arts as a primary driver for this new era (full details at www.artspolicynow.com).

EVENT THEME: "Dreams" � Consider this amazing time and the Dreams of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama and what YOUR dreams are for the future... Costumes, artistic expression and absurdity are encouraged! PARTICIPATE!

SCHEDULE:

5-7pm:
The Lower Eastside Girls Club & The Power of Peace Anti-Violence Youth Coalition are organizing a variety of kids activities with Groove Hoops, Kostume Kult and others contributing.

7-9pm
Theater for the New City curated performances led by Mary Tierney and Crystal Field (full details at http://actionartsleague.org/..inauguration/)

9-10pm:
Jazz Conductions by Arts for Art/ Vision Festival� A spectacular conduction, led by Warren Smith and Joe McPhee, with over thirty artists coming together to illustrate the significance of this moment in history! Come see this grand ensemble including dancers, vocalists and a growing number of musicians on Alto Sax, Flute, Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Guitar, Cello, Bass and Drums. Followed by more performances from 10-12pm� Full details at: http://actionartsleague.org/..inauguration/

10pm-2am
Dreams for a New Era- Costume Dance Party

* 10-11:30: DJ Fabian Alsultany (Globesonic) spinning World Music with Dance Parade rallying diverse dancers inviting all to join in. Featuring Parashakti and the Gatekeepers performing a Shamanic blessing to honor harmony, the arts, creativity and cultural diversity, Dance of Venus (Turkish/ Kurdish belly dancers) and performance by Akim Funk Buddha (Urban Asian fusion performance art)....

* 11:30-Close DJ's Arrow Chrome and Reda Briki (Disorient) spinning House, Breakbeats and Electro with colorful costumery by members of numerous participatory culture arts communities.

ONGOING All Day:

* Take part in the Dreams ..video) Project and speak directly to your new President about your hopes and dreams for this new era

* Help Build the Dream Tree: Add your dream to a leaf for this interactive art project.

* Costuming and facepainting: Stop by the creativity center hosted by Kostume Kult and Halloween Adventure's new 43rd Street store. (located at 311 West 43rd street say - www.masqueradecostumesnyc.com)

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Metal Tiger (video), ANIMUS (installation), Garth Anthony Allison (painting), Huma Gul (mixed media mosaic), Jason Hackenworth (installation), Jeanette Arnone-K. (sculpture), Jenny Yurshansky (poster), Kiri Bermack (sculpture), Logan Grednel (photography), Maha Saedaway (painting/mixed media), Marie Roberts (painting), Martha Burzynski (photography), Mille Kalsmose-Hjelmborg (video), Mollyne Karnofsky (poster), Olga Alexander (painting), Peter G. Pereira (painting), Philip Foster (experimental music), Rafael Shimunov (video), Robert Israel (drawing), Rosie Sharp (photography), Walker Fee (painting/mixed media).

AFTER-PARTY

Afterwards, follow the kids from Kostume Kult to a nearby watering hole for more music and dance� A grand future awaits--- who can sleep?

MORE INFO:

http://actionartsleague.org/inauguration

EVERYONE WILL BE PLAYING HOOKY ON TUESDAY--- CALL IN SICK NOW!
------------------------------

There you have it. Or had it. Or what have you.

Regards,
Damien
Masquerade
MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com

Masquerade Website Gets a Facelift

Post from: Monday, April 13, 2009

Masquerade Website Gets a Facelift

Thus we begin the change over and spring cleaning. Those of you who have been here before will note the change of colors and the addition of Jumpy, the jester from our Halloween Adventure downtown store: New York Costumes.

We have also added a section for our ebay auctions. We are also adding a Shop Online section for our site, where customers can purchase items that we have here specifically at the Times Square Masquerade location. And we do have a lot of costume items here.

We are continuing to build our Do It Yourself section, and we've also added a Celebrity Sightings page, at the request of our some-how celebrity-magnet store manager Stella.

Speaking of Stella, she's away for the week, so we've got Gabby steering the ship. She's changing our Easter window display for going forward further into the spring season. What's to come? Superheroes? Vampires? Gags and Novelties? Uncle Sam and Firecracker girl? Memorial Day preparations...?

Meanwhile, the website continues to evolve. Check us out and offer critiques... if you dare!

Masquerade / Halloween Adventure
Times Square Costume Store
311 W 43rd street
www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com

Just in - Aquacolor Day Glow UV Make-Up

Just in - NEW make-up effects, including...

Aquacolor Day Glow Effects
Color Palette with 6 UV-Colors



We also have new scars, cuts, wound effects, high end bald caps, and metallic body paint.

Masquerade / Halloween Adventure
311 W 43rd street
between 8-9th Ave
New York City, New York
www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com

Now on blogger.com... next, we take Manhattan!

Perhaps I am putting the horse before the cart, but it doesn't hurt to be ambitious in this arena!

So, Masquerade Costumes (aka "the 43rd Street Halloween Adventure"), Times Square's largest costume, mask, make-up, and theatrical accessory store now has a spot on blogger.com. Sure, why not?

I'll start off by making a few quick announcements regarding additions to our store's website, www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com:

We just added a section for eBay Auctions. Our store manager Stella has place several costumes, masks, and accessories up for auction on eBay. See what we've got up now and see what you can grab for a potential discount! Our eBay items.

As I write this, we have an Obama mask, a Palin mask, a few lots of Obama play money, and several bunny costumes.

In addition the the eBay news, we've also added a section to the site devoted to Do-It-Yourself printable masks. Examples include political candidate masks, StarWars masks, witches, clowns, and general costumery themes masks. Thank Stella for collecting these DIY links all in one place: Do-It-Yourself Masks.

And there you have our first post. Let's see what goes from there.

Regards,
Damien

Masquerade
Times Square Costume Store
311 W 43rd street @ 8th Ave
www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com