Leg Avenue Section Expansion for Fall

We keep it dynamic here at the 43rd street Halloween Adventure Shop. This week we have been redesigning the shop a tad bit further - some of the items from the Bliss Avenue section (the lingerie) are heading up into storage to make room for incoming Leg Avenue items.

So, basically, the lingerie is making way for the sexy costumes. Make that quizzical look, it's ok. That was my first response upon pondering the situation.

But, no, really it does make sense.

According to assistant store manager Gabby, Leg Avenue is one of the most popular costume companies for female costumes, and Leg Avenue costumes are indeed in demand by customers this year.

Say hello to Racy Red Riding Hood, ruffled petticoats, and fancily decorated thigh highs. Incoming Leg Avenue.

How We Look at Masquerade in July 2010

We are coming up on our 3rd Halloween season this year. We opened in September 2008. Here's how we're looking in July 2010. Fully stocked and ready to roll!

July 2010 Masquerade NYC Store Gallery

Remodeling in action at 43rd street, and single-handedly!

Today at Masquerade on 43rd Street, Stella and her team of hard-working costume ladies have been sweating it out in the humid weather while laboriously redesigning the store's layout for the upcoming Halloween season.

Preparing for Halloween during late May? Why, yes. And why so?

All the remodeling is a result of several factors:
1. Tons of new items have been arriving all week, and we need to reopen the space in the rear section of the store to store them.2. The items that we inherited from the closed Bliss Avenue store have finally found a home in their own section of our store, creating a need for new storage for new items.
3. The desire to create even more "Costumes by Genre" sections of the store.
and
4. Oriana was struck by a tremendous design inspiration that met with Stella's approval


See above for Oriana's master design plan leaping into action as she reassembles the front make-up display area.

The redesign plan involves fuller development of the make-up counter, including the birth of a make-up area storage closet. The plan also calls for the further development of the "costumes by Genre" sections, including a "Decades" section for classic retro costumes by the decade.


As for the single-handed aspect of the remodeling - see Stella in the photo above. Each of the ladies has been single-handedly putting in her own physical labor in her respective redesign section.

Ok, so Stella and the box carrying photo - maybe it's not exactly single-handed.... but rather, double-handed!

Masquerade Prom is HOT in New York City this year!

We here at Halloween Adventure 43rd Street have made one BIG observation this past week:

Masquerade masks are definitely IN with the high school and teenage crowd here in the Times Square area. Masquerade Prom, masquerade school cruises, masquerade Sweet Sixteens (and Fifteens). That means it's been a very busy week for us here at Masquerade Costumes!

Floor managers Gabby and Oriana report that at least 3 schools in the area are having masquerade themed proms (junior and/or senior proms), according to information they've gathered from teenage shoppers this week. Oriana says that masks are being bought by both male and female students. "It's not just the girls," said Oriana, "but the females have been more into feathers."

When asked what sort of masks the teens have been buying most, store manager Stella reports "Mardi Gras, definitely." She goes on, "I've been getting groups of kids in here all day buying Mardi Gras masks. Definitely." Stella said she would certainly call this a feeding frenzy.

Gabby spoke a bit about the development of the masquerade mask popularity among the teenagers. She said the mad dash for masks this week started with a small burst of student shopper activity on Monday, and by Thursday the rush was in full swing.

Gabby also added that she has noticed the masquerade mask popularity gradually increasing with young people since New Years this year.

The masquerade rush has been keeping the Masquerade staff on their toes this prom season, and Stella and crew have been in top form throughout it all!

Masquerade Costumes
Halloween Adventure Times Square
311 w 43rd street @ 8th Ave
New York, NY

May 2010

Bliss Avenue Spills into Masquerade

With the recent closing of the Bliss Avenue lingerie store in Philadelphia, a slew of lingerie, mini hats, and new mannequins have arrived here at Masquerade. Gabby and Oriana have been working hard all day today, wrangling all of the underwear and new goods, and getting them prepared, stored, and finally up for sale.

And there's been a lot arriving!

MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com
311 W 43rd street, NYC

Spring has Sprung at the Costume Shop!

Spring has sprung here in New York City.

And that means incoming warm weather :) seasonal allergies :( and upcoming holidays and themed events!

It also means that we've been doing some spring cleaning here at Masquerade NYC. The ladies have done a fine job revamping the floor layout and decorating the ceiling with creepy hanging things (like wraiths, skeletons, and a giant golden Buddha).

Stella's been stocking some more funky sunglasses and party supplies, not to mention sombreros for Cinco de Mayo and Graduation caps.

But back to the store decor for a moment, because there is this thing sitting right in front of me. The new gargoyle...

...he's a recent addition to the store "staff" for this year. The gargoyle keeps an eye on the front of the store, perched on his pedestal with rubber rats hanging out on his knees (don't ask). He's got a huge pair of wings that spread out and make an impressive display in the center of the store.

In addition to the snazzier interior decor, the ladies have also been arranging the window display for the season:

Gabby got the western window (and herself) fitted out to represent Independence Day, the Mermaid Parade, the Pride Parade, Fleet Week, and Cinco de Mayo.

Bring on the spring time, bring on the summer, bring on the warm weather and the celebrations to come for the season!

Oriana's Take on Elmer Fudd

Oriana's Take on Elmer Fudd

... and Gabby's interesting bunny impersonation. Presenting Gabby's and Oriana's latest crazy "AfterHours Crew" store video:

NYC Purim Parties 2010

Purim Parties coming up in NYC for Purim 2010....
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Manhattan Jewish Experience Presents :: PURIM PARTY 2010 ::
Join hundreds of Young Jewish Professionals to celebrate the festival of Purim at the hottest new venue in NYC :: Carnival Presented by Bowlmor ::
Event Details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=274567371436&index=1
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Purim Party with Hadag Nahash at (Le) Poisson Rouge
When: Feb 27, 2010 11:00 pm (Saturday)
Where: Village Theatre, 158 Bleecker Street, New York , NY 10012

Hadag Nahash, meaning Snake Fish, is one of the most successful acts in Israeli popular music today. Though usually described as hip-hop, Hadag Nahash music also incorporates funk, jazz, electro, rock and even Middle Eastern sounds.

Event details: http://eventful.com/events/purim-party-hadag-nahash-le-poisson-rouge-/E0-001-028431052-0
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Chabad Prospect Heights presents it's 6th annual community Purim party!

Saints Win! Saints Win!

In what is being described as the biggest upset in history, Mordechai and Esther, true saints, beat out Haman and Achashverosh in an amazing display of defense and offense, rarely seen before by the Jewish people! Join us as we celebrate.

Saturday, February 27
At Cong. Kol Israel of Prospect Heights 603 St Johns Pl.
Havdalah service 7:30
Megillah Reading: 7:45
Light Buffet | No Fee

Sunday, February 28 - 10:30am-1:30pm | Megillah reading 11:30am
At Franklin Park Bar & Lounge 618 St. Johns Pl. Subway: 2/3/4/5/6 to Franklin Ave.

Experience the sweetest Purim you’ve ever had! Featured entertainment by the world famous Danny the clown, performing his renowned show of Magic, Juggling, Animal balloons and face painting.

Masquerade in Costume contest with prizes
Sumptuous Purim feast
Assorted Hamentashen bar
Dance to the beat of Live Music by Shmuli!
Danny the clown's Magic show & Juggling act *Animal Balloons
Face painting

Suggested donation* $18 Adult $10 Children
*No one is turned away due to lack of funds

Sponsors welcome! Contact Rabbiari@brooklynyid.com
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FIDF 2010 Purim Party
When Thu, February 25,8:00 pm - 2:00 am
Where B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

Description
Save the date! Last year, hundreds joined us at the FIDF Young Leadership Purim Party. This year, this highly anticipated event will take place at the legendary BB Kings Blues Club... When? Feb 25, 8:00PM-2:00. Arrive early for an open wine bar Proceeds from this event will go to the DIGNITY Program. To learn more about the dignity program, visit: www.israelsoldiers.org.
To purchase tickets now, visit: http://www.israelsoldiers.org/store/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=598
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At 92Y Tribeca, the Purim Party 2010 features a Purim spiel by The Shushan Channel, an original play created by comedy writers from The Daily Show, the Tonight Show, and 30 Rock.

Full details and more here: http://www.villagevoice.com/events/purim-2010-1669179/

Purim is coming at Masquerade 43rd Street

Purim is coming at Masquerade 43rd Street!

Purim is February 28 this year! Coming early. We'll help you get your Purim costumes together here at the midtown Halloween Adventure shop. Purim for a New York state of mind.

http://www.masqueradecostumesnyc.com

Mardi Gras Musical Video!

New Masquerade Masks for Mardi Gras and 2010

We just got a bunch of new masquerade masks in this week here at the Halloween Adventure on w 43rd street, NYC. Or doesn;t it seem like we are always getting new masquerade masks in? Ah! Hence the name Masquerade Costumes NYC, you see!

Blogging is tough lately due to so much busy-ness and the coming of the micro blog. Ahem. Twitter. We'll keep blogging, but we are actually much more active on facebook at the Halloween Adventure / New York Costumes page.

The Mardi Gras specific masks and items that have come in this week have been added to our Mardi Gras Supplies 2010 page and other new masks have been added to our Masquerade Masks, Venetian Masks, and Fancy Masks.

Enjoy!

Mardi Gras Masks at Masquerade

Today's edition: Mardi Gras Masks at Masquerade Costumes NYC

Enjoy these, and more! Masks at Masquerade

Mardi Gras vs Masquerade Ball. The difference matters.

In honor of Mardi Gras 2010, Oriana (of 43rd street Masquerade) speaks about the difference between "Mardi Gras" parties and "masquerade" parties:

She would like to remind readers and party-makers that while a Mardi Gras theme party may be a masquerade party, not all masquerade parties are Mardi Gras parties. Both Mardi Gras and masquerades often call for elaborate masks and finery, but the Mardi Gras party has a more specific focus; Mardi Gras conjures up images of jesters, beads, Bourbon Street, New Orleans, green and gold and purple, and drunken revelry.

On the other hand, "masquerade," while technically defined as any party where masks are worn, often calls up images of a masquerade ball - finely dressed ladies and gentlemen dancing and adorned in Victorian style, chandeliers, ornate decorations, and high formality.

Oriana suggests that shoppers and party-makers have a good idea of whether they want their parties to have a "Mardi Gras" feel or a "masquerade ball" sort of vibe. She then suggests that shoppers use the most appropriate terminology that will help them in their search for masks and party supplies.

Is your masked theme party a Mardi Gras bash or a masquerade ball?

Or is it somewhere in between? Even if the masquerade party to are planning doesn't fit into the categories of a ball or a Mardi Gras bash, you can use these examples as ends of a spectrum to describe the party to are creating. It will help you shop, and it will help your sales associates to serve you better.

This note is from Oriana's page on Masquerade's website:
http://masqueradecostumesnyc.com/oriana.html

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?