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OC's Best Places For Halloween Costumes

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(credit: gasolinealleycostumes.com)

Halloween is just a few weeks away, and since dressing up is all the rage, the perfect costume is a must. This is one of the few times where both adults and children can use their imagination and be anything or anyone they desire. To rent or to own? That is the question! Check out the most popular places for costume shopping in OC.

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Rental Bootique

2227 S. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 241-0907
rentalbootique.com

With more than 2,000 costumes in stock, Rental Bootique is the place to find unique, period, hand-made costumes. Whether you're looking for a Victorian gown or simply a Letterman sweater to complete your 50's look, check out the venue's expansive selection of costumes, wigs, makeup and accessories for men, women, and children. And if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, be sure to inquire about the store's custom costumes.

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(credit: stepintimecostumes.com)

Step In Time Costumes

27635 Forbes Road Suite F
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 582-2974
stepintimecostumes.com

What once began as a dancewear store has evolved into a year-round destination for custom dancewear, rental costumes, wigs, and other props. With more than 2,000 costumes in stock, you'll find a diverse selection including some of the more unique time periods and themes.

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Stray Cat Vintage & Costumes

108 North Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92832
714.738.5680
www.straycatvintage.info

Vintage looks have regained popularity and remnants of it can be seen in today's fashion. Whether you're looking for a modern vintage look or something more traditional, check out Stray Cat Vintage & Costumes for new and hard-to-find costumes. The store, which is located in historic downtown Fullerton, is your source for specialty costumes from a variety of decades.

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Halloween Bootique

Multiple Locations
shophalloweenbootique.com

With six seasonal Orange County locations, Halloween Bootique offers both traditional and one-of-a-kind costumes and accessories. Some locations carry limited stock in order for customers to own something unique. Many of the stores offer tips and advice on costume fitting and accessorizing, including make-up ideas. Since the stores are seasonal, be sure to check out their sale section for additional savings.

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(credit: queenofheartz.com)

Queen of Heartz

4745 E. Bryson St.
Anaheim, CA 92807
www.queenofheartz.com

While not a traditional costume store, Queen of Heartz is your source for '50s-ish vintage dresses. Sold at fine boutiques across the country, designer Letty Tennant's line is in high demand because of her use of fine fabrics and pristine construction. If you're looking for an authentic vintage look, be sure to check out the designer's gorgeous collection of dresses.

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(credit: thecostumecastle.com)

The Costume Castle

23811 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 588-9929
www.thecostumecastle.com

While Halloween and the weeks preceding the holiday are the most popular time for costume shopping, dressing up is actually a year-round activity. There are a variety of occasions when the perfect costume is in order, including your child's school play, themed parties, a day at the Renaissance Faire and more. The year-round destination for costumes and accessories opens an additional temporary location each fall at The Market Place, to meet the increased demands. The store's selection includes costumes for men, women, and children which can be purchased or rented. Be sure to inquire about their theatrical makeup application if you're looking to authenticate your look.

gasolinealley
(credit: gasolinealleycostumes.com)

Gasoline Alley

3804 E. Chapman Ave., Suite D
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 639-6550
www.gasolinealleycostumes.com

What began as a vintage furniture shop is now a popular Orange County location for unique vintage clothing and costumes. The store is open year round and while costumes are available for purchase, they offer rental options for half the price.

Caryn Bailey is a mother of two and a writer in Orange County. She blogs at Rockin' Mama.

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