5 Halloween Costumes For Less Than $20
With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to think about the costume you want to wear to those Halloween parties. It has to meet the tall order of being both creative and fun, while still not breaking the bank. What to do? Whether you'd rather tackle a crafty, DIY-type project, pair vintage duds with existing items from your closet or buy a brand-new costume, check out the following list for a roundup of the best places to find sexy and creative costumes in the Twin Cities -- all for less than $20.
Twin Cities Magic & Costume
250 E. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 227-7888
www.twincitiesmagic.comA St. Paul staple, Twin Cities Magic & Costume has been on the Halloween scene for quite some time. In addition to having great costumes available to buy or rent, the store also prides itself on having a knowledgeable and friendly staff who love to collaborate on the perfect, unique costume idea. So if you're stumped on how to outdo last year's idea, consider stopping in to pick their brains for a bit. A new costume might only be a boa and rhinestone away from being an old-time movie star, or pick up your flapper accessories to rock a tried-but-true costume look.
AX-MAN SURPLUS
1639 University Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 646-8653
www.ax-man.com
Ax-Man is the kind of DIY heaven that local Twin Citians know all about, and still can't fully explain. The store carries surplus stock of just about everything from fabric to license plates to home decor to supplies for various projects. Stock changes regularly and prices are rock-bottom so if you are interested in creating a costume from scratch, this is a great place to get started. A cheap, creative idea that is sure to inspire compliments and definitely contains Ax-Man supplies can be easy. Pick up some magnet tape, apply to an all black outfit, "borrow" some of your sister's dolls (which can be duct-taped or velcro-ed on) and introduce yourself as a "Chick Magnet."
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Ragstock
Mall of America
358 South Ave.
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 854-5133
www.ragstock.com
You might know Ragstock, the "new and recycled" clothing store, as the place you go to buy your ugly Christmas sweater for that party, but it's also a great option for Halloween costume ideas. Pick up a flannel shirt and vintage cowboy boots to pair with your cute cut-offs and you've got a cowgirl look ready to rock and roll for the party. Or pick up a Japanese baseball uniform shirt for $20 and be the cool new exchange student in town. Whatever your idea, Ragstock is a cheap and easy way to find pieces to build your perfect costume. Check it out in its Mall of America location or at one of the other Twin Cities metro locations.
SR Harris Fabric
8865 Zealand Ave. N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
(763) 424-3500
www.srharrisfabric.com
If you're feeling crafty about your costume (or even just willing to rock a homemade toga), then SR Harris is the place to head to pick up Halloween costume supplies. With a 30,000-square-foot warehouse full of discounted fabrics and sewing accessories, the store definitely has something that will work for your sexy costume idea. All regularly priced fabrics start at 50-percent off but SR Harris also continually purchases new stock so watch out for great deals and new items regularly. You can also check its website for more money-saving coupons.
Spirit Halloween
Northtown Mall
198 Northtown Drive N.E.
Blaine, MN 55434
(763) 792-2365
www.halloweencostumesmn.comSpirit Halloween is a seasonal store that shows up for a few short months in the late summer and early fall to help Minnesotans get ready for Halloween. Carrying a huge selection of Halloween costumes and decorations, the store boasts some unique and exclusive designs that are sexy and fun, while still being easy on the wallet. Pick up a grass skirt to pair with your bikini to go as a hulu girl or rock an 80's tee with your own miniskirt and big bangle earrings. You'll be set with the perfect party look. Just don't wait too long to visit, things go quickly and won't be replenished due to the seasonal nature of the store.
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Sassy professional by day, men's style expert by night, Bethany Rein is a twenty-something living in Minneapolis. She loves baseball, coffee and the well-dressed male. An avid runner, Bethany also plays recreational sports with more enthusiasm than skill. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.