Get a Head Start on Halloween Safety

Halloween is still a few months away, but there's no time like the present to teach your kids some street smarts in preparation for the spooky October holiday. We've put together an informative article on how to keep children safe while they have a ton of fun trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Take some time with your family to read and share our lessons on Halloween costumes, candy courtesy, and understanding dangerous situations. If we've left off any of your favorite tips, share them with our other blog readers by posting a comment at the end. By exchanging ideas and discussing potential hazards before they arise, we're sure to make this the best Halloween yet!

Costume Check-Up Checklist

On their own, annual dress-up occasions such as Easter, 4th of July, and Halloween are months apart, but combine those holidays with birthdays, school plays and themed parties and inevitably your costumes will start to become a little worn out. The good news is a costume doesn't have to be brand new to look spectacular at the next social event. A little routine maintenance and preventative measures are all it takes to keep your costume in tip-top shape. Read our article filled with tips to help keep your outfit from deteriorating midway through the night and if we've left off any of your favorite costume care secrets, be sure to add them in our comments section.

Summer Simplicity

Let's be honest, costume shopping has become a little complicated. You've found one perfect piece of the outfit, but the look isn't complete without the right gloves, boots, belt, or jewelry to go along with it. To avoid a potential Halloween headache this year, why not try a one-piece costume? Use the tips in this article on one-piece costumes and watch other partygoers shake their heads in disbelief of how simple and easy a great costume can be. As always, we invite readers to submit their suggestions through a comment to our blog. Beat the heat and take the interactive plunge, the water's fine.

Make It Up As You Go Along

In the search for that perfect Halloween, holiday, or party costume, often overlooked is a key ingredient to any character's appearance: Costume Makeup. Even so, makeup is an added expense that might not fit into everyone's budget. That's why we've written this article with eight tips on how to use makeup to give your costume a boost along with some homemade makeup recipes for the do-it-yourselfers. If any readers want to share their costume makeup secrets, please don't be afraid to leave a response at the end. We promise not to bite!

Plentiful Party Possibilities

Theme parties are an undeniably fun way to bring guests together through costume and decoration; they can be employed during almost any celebration from birthdays, holidays, rainy days, the dog days of summer, and everything in between. It's just a matter of picking the right one with enough time to collect the necessary costumes and accessories. We've written a list of 10 great theme party ideas for adults and kids alike - check out the article here and if we left off any of your favorites, please join in the discussion by leaving a reply.

Hands-On Hollywood History

Universal Studios has opened up its movie-making vaults for visitors to their Hollywood theme park with a new attraction: "The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures." The pieces of memorabilia on display from the company's 95-year history include props from the summer release Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Steven Spielberg's classic E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and To Kill a Mockingbird as well as special effects artifacts from The Birds, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and The Mummy, to name but a few. Best of all, guests will see plenty of authentic costumes from Elizabeth, Atonement, Apollo 13, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Seabiscuit, and The Sting, among others, along with additional treats like interactive trivia kiosks and at least one Best Picture Academy Award statue. For more on this rare chance to revisit cherished film memories from up close, visit the website here.

A Small World After All

The world's most famous beauty pageant, Miss Universe, is being held in Vietnam this year and this past weekend contestants participated in the National Costume Show. 80 international beauties wore lavish and colorful outfits inspired by their respective countries' cultures as part of the opening ceremony to the competition that culminates with the grand finale televised on NBC July 13th. 10 finalists were chosen in the category of Best Typical Costume, including Miss Dominican Republic in a baseball-themed uniform. Take a look at more of the creative outfits by visiting the gallery here or on these YouTube clips and browse our own selection of sexy women's costumes to find that perfect look certain to take home first prize at your next costume contest.

Self-Made Superhero

It's no Light Cycle, but computer programmer Jay "TRON Guy" Maynard now has his own airplane to match the neon blue and green form-fitting costume inspired by the 1982 Disney film that has earned equal parts praise and mockery worldwide. Read all about it in this article from Wired.com. Jay designed the exterior of his new two-seat aircraft and got a custom paint job, bringing this character from primitive cyberspace into today's airspace. In the spirit of turning yourself into a high-flying movie hero, go ahead and live out your own fantasies in one of our adult Halloween costumes like Neo from The Matrix, Superman, Aladdin, Spider-Man, or Harry Potter. As Jay's saga goes to show, if you use a little imagination when thinking about a costume, the sky's truly the limit.

Winging It

For nearly 40 years, Sesame Street has enriched children's lives through educational programming and colorful characters like Bert, Ernie, The Count, and Big Bird. The entire time, puppeteer Carol Spinney has been underneath that iconic 8' 2" yellow bird suit and this recent interview found in the Washington Times is a rare glimpse at the man behind those famous feathers and inside the garbage can (he also portrays Oscar the Grouch). The residents of Sesame Street also make for some of the best kids' costumes, so take a look at our Cookie Monster or Elmo outfits and share in the fun from one of the longest-running public television shows.

Know Your Hammer Price

The Hollywood Roadshow rolls into town this summer solstice weekend with thousands of authentic film costumes, production-used props, and movie-themed arcade games set for auction in El Segundo, California. Memorabilia and outfits from popular films such as Star Wars, No Country for Old Men, The Love Guru, Cloverfield, and Armageddon will be featured alongside The Incredible Hulk star Edward Norton's personal collection of items from Fight Club, American History X, and Keeping the Faith, among others. Unable to attend in person? There's no need to fret because anyone can enlist in this bidding war by visiting either eBay or the Hollywood Roadshow website starting at 11 am on June 21st, with a second day of auction excitement to follow on the 22nd. Prospective buyers, best of luck in finding that perfect artifact forever immortalized in movie history.

Rocky Mountain Array

Movie buffs and fantasy aficionados take note, a new motion picture and television costume exhibit at Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana opens this Saturday, June 14th and runs through early September. Organized by Seattle, Washington's Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, Out of this World amasses 30 costumes and props from films such as The Wizard of Oz, Ghostbusters, Batman and Robin, the Star Wars and Indiana Jones series' and Star Trek TV series for visitors to get an up-close look at. As the museum website's description alludes to, character wardrobes such as these have a lasting impact on our psyche in helping shape what we perceive as a hero's look as opposed to a villain. For those in the Northwest area, this is a great chance to get a first-hand glimpse at some of these famous outfits and perhaps learn a little about ourselves in the process.

Sizing Up the Competition

The first day of summer is little more than a week away and the change of seasons is always an exciting time in the world of costumes. The Incredible Hulk, the newest action-packed movie from Marvel Studios, smashes onto the big screen this Friday the 13th and the genetically-altered superhero's appearance is, as expected, accompanied by an abundance of character outfits, toys, and masks for parents and children to track down. For a run-down on a few of these green goodies making their way to store shelves, read up on this article we found from the St. Petersburg Times. Also keep your eyes peeled for 9-foot tall Incredible Hulk statues at select theaters across the country, as well as promotional tie-ins with Burger King and 7-Eleven, and don't forget to check back with Hollywood Toys & Costumes for officially licensed costumes from the movie, available soon.

Disguises for Dads

Father's Day is next Sunday, June 15th, and it goes without saying that time is running out to find that perfect gift to show your love. Moms and kids, let us make your last-minute search a whole lot easier, choose from any of our funny, frightening, and classic character men's costumes and watch Dad's eyes light up with joy as he unwraps the presents. A Batman, Spider-Man, The Flash or Superman costume will let Dad know he's the real superhero. If something scary is more his type, choose from our Friday the 13th Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, or Frankenstein outfits. Tickle the funny bone with a Fred Flintstone, Barney Rubble, Comical Cow, or The Cat in the Hat costume. Take a family journey to a galaxy far, far away in a Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Stormtrooper, or Jedi Robe costume. There are plenty more to select from including Captain Hook, Krusty the Clown, Aladdin, Buzz Lightyear, Jack Sparrow, and others; order one today to make Father's Day 2008 the best one ever!

Snapshots and Slapshots

For a hearty laugh, check out the photos that accompany this "Ten Weird Outfits for Babies" article found on the Divine Caroline parenting website by way of Digg. The lobster in the cooking pot is hilarious along with the stuffed turkey costume, although it's found far too low on this funny compilation that's certain to embarrass the children pictured as they grow up. Hockey enthusiasts know the Stanley Cup Finals are happening this week and there's still enough time to prepare for a potential game 7 between Detroit and Pittsburgh with our selection of red wings and the Pablo penguin outfit. We're still working on the oversized lake costume to help root on the Lakers against the Celtics in the upcoming NBA Finals, so be sure to check back daily for it!

Scaredy Bat

Three years after Batman Begins effectively re-invented the franchise, Christian Bale reprises his role as the Caped Crusader when The Dark Knight glides into theaters on July 18th. However, as a recent interview with the English star revealed, the Gotham City defender's skin-tight costume almost prevented him from accepting the coveted role in the first place due to its claustrophobic trappings. Conquering his fears, Bale successfully used relaxation breathing techniques while shooting to endure long hours confined inside the form-fitting suit. Fans eagerly awaiting this hotly anticipated sequel are undoubtedly thrilled to hear that amidst enormous action set-pieces and death-defying stunts, the actor portraying this nocturnal hero was able to overcome his trepidation towards the outfit on the way to becoming arguably the most popular Batman since Michael Keaton of the two Tim Burton-helmed films.

Like a Phoenix From the Ashes

Four costumes worn by The Beatles commanded $130,000 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas over the weekend during an auction to benefit Music Rising, a charity started by U2's The Edge to aid musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. The multi-piece suits were previously on display at Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London and joined other rare items of the Liverpool Lads including autographs, drawings, and original animation cels from the 1968 film Yellow Submarine. A little closer to home, disaster was narrowly averted at Universal Studios Hollywood when a massive early morning fire consumed backlot sets, video libraries, and even the popular King Kong attraction. Fortunately, no costume or wardrobe archives were destroyed in the blaze and none of the films lost were irreplaceable. Our sincere thanks go out to the Los Angeles firefighters and police officers, whose bravery prevented any further damage to the historical movie studio and theme park.

Animal Repellent

Teddy Scares, the grotesquely dressed and decorated stuffed bears, descend upon Philadelphia this weekend as part of the Wizard World Philly comic book and fantasy entertainment convention. Visitors to booth 1110 from May 30th to June 1st will have the opportunity to meet the creators of these soft zombie toys as well as the writer and artists of their ongoing graphic novel series. What makes the gruesome plush collectibles so appealing is not just the detailed costumes and expressions on the figures, but also the morbidly creative back story that each character comes with. The second series of Teddy Scares, comprised of the disturbing Granger Evermore, wretched Rita Mortis, horrible Hester Golem, and slimy Sheldon Grogg among others, are available in either the 12" full size or the Morgue Minis 6" versions and can be purchased here.

The Fashionable Four

Nearly 10 years to the day after its debut on TV, the Sex and the City full-length feature makes a grand entrance in theaters this weekend. In what has to be a movie record for the number of unique costumes, audiences will see their favorite quartet of metropolitan ladies in a staggering 300 different outfits throughout the film. Leading lady Sarah Jessica Parker's character, writer Carrie Bradshaw, has 81 wardrobe changes in all, so just try and keep up with all the splendid styles on the big screen. For more on the wickedly well-dressed women about to earn box office gold, here are a few articles, an interview with the costume designer, and of course the trailers and photo gallery at the movie's official website as well.

Whack That Gavel

It's been almost one year since The Sopranos ended its six-season tenure on HBO and star James Gandolfini has arranged a charity auction from his personal collection of production-used costumes this June through Christie's of New York. 24 of Tony Soprano's original outfits will be on the block with proceeds going to assist the Wounded Warrior Project, a Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit group that helps injured soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The most popular items are expected to be a blood-spattered shirt and pants from the final season episode where Uncle Junior shoots Tony and the memorable bathrobe, white tank top, and blue boxer shorts seen in the pilot as the mafia boss got his morning newspaper and fed ducks in a pool. Another 37 other outfits from the show's supporting characters will also be included in the pop culture lot; take a look at all the authentic costumes at Christie's website here and happy bidding!

Dig Out the Red Carpet

Located in an active salt mine 650 feet beneath the city of Hutchinson, the Kansas Underground Salt Museum is obviously a one-of-a-kind location to learn about mining and geology. However, hard hat-wearing visitors can also view movie props and memorabilia in an expanded gallery arranged between Sony Picture Studios and Underground Vaults and Storage. The newest items on display come from the films Charlie's Angels, Ali, Men in Black II, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The racing suits, helmets, boxing gloves, and sunglasses join authentic Superman and Batman costumes from Warner Bros.' archives in this subterranean shrine to the stars' styles. For a tour reservation, visit the website here.

There's No Escaping Destiny

George Lucas' space odyssey Star Wars opened in Japanese theaters on June 24, 1978 and to commemorate the upcoming 30th anniversary, the recurring Star Wars Celebration will be held for the first time on these Asian-Pacific islands. July 19-21 at Makuhari-Messe Convention Center near Tokyo is the place to be for Jedis, Wookiees, and Nerf Herders alike with appearances by original Darth Vader actor David Prowse, Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher. Along with plenty of exhibits and vendors, there will be a Star Wars Collectibles Road Show where fans can get their rare merchandise appraised as well as daily costume contests. A limit of 75 costume entries per day has been set, so give a look at the Star Wars Celebration Japan website and register in advance here. There's also a trio of parades that anyone in costume can participate in, so we encourage all who attend to pick their favorite character and dress up to help make this event the best one yet. For those intrepid travelers heading to the Land of the Rising Sun next month, "May the Force be with you!"

Buzzer Beaters

Sometimes it just feels good to give back if people reach out to you. When the Assistant Director at Indian Mound Recreation Center in Columbus, Ohio asked whether we could donate Afro wigs to their '70s Night Basketball Tournament, no doubt inspired by the recent Will Ferrell comedy Semi-Pro, in the spirit of good sportsmanship and funky hairdos we gladly agreed. As it turns out, the kids literally had a ball; we can just envision them dribbling down the court while trying to keep the hair out of their eyes. Trophies were handed out and as these three photos go to show, even a costume as simple as a curly black wig, headband, tank top, shorts, and tall white socks can score a slam dunk all year-round.

Homecoming in the Heartland

Metropolis, Illinois hosts the 30th Annual Superman Celebration from June 12-15, a cornucopia of events organized in tribute to the idolized comic book hero from Krypton. Over the four days, attendees will be able to join in seminars with DC Comics artists and writers, enjoy interviews with Superman II actor Ned Beatty and Smallville actress Allison Mack, test their knowledge in trivia competitions, and take home rare memorabilia via auction, all culminating in a Guinness World Record attempt for the Most People Dressed as Superman. Men, women, and children who dress in store-bought or home-made costumes with the classic "S" chest emblem, cape, and boots will have their outfits approved by Guinness officials before the final number of participants is tallied in hopes to set the record. Visit the Superman Celebration's website for more information on this ultimate gathering for fans of The Man of Steel.

Ancient Treasures

Costume and memorabilia auctions are a great way for fans to get their hands on genuine wardrobes and props from their favorite films. This summer, Profiles in History is holding a public sale that includes cherished items from the oeuvre of Charlton Heston. The actor, who passed away on April 5th in Beverly Hills, won an Academy Award in 1960 for his starring role in Ben-Hur and bidders will be able to vie for the actual five-piece outfit worn during production. Among the other 1,000 memorable cinematic riches in the lot are two engraved tablets used while filming The Ten Commandments. The auction will be through eBay Live Auctions on July 31st and August 1st with more information on the other collectibles forthcoming.

Bamboo-zled

The 61st annual Cannes Film Festival on the picturesque French Riviera began yesterday and with hundreds of films being screened for critics and the press over the next 10 days, standing out from the pack is paramount. Jump starting the publicity machine was production company Dreamworks who, once again, staged a lavish stunt to generate interest towards a new animated movie. In 2007 it was Jerry Seinfeld flying through the air dressed as a bee to promote Bee Movie, but this year, to celebrate the upcoming release of Kung Fu Panda, star Jack Black arrived via water taxi flanked by dozens of actors dressed in panda costumes. Martial arts demonstrations and general hilarity ensued; take a look at one of the videos we found on YouTube here. Kung Fu Panda, whose cast also includes Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Angelina Jolie, David Cross, and Seth Rogen, reaches stateside theaters on June 6th.

Strength in Numbers

There are a few striking stills from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull up on the highly anticipated movie's website such as this shot of Indy and Mutt Williams, played by Transformers star Shia LaBeouf, in a foreign market. Wardrobe designer Bernie Pollack was able to expertly replicate Harrison Ford's classic look from the first three films but needed plenty of backups for each item of clothing so he ordered 30 identical fedoras, 30 leather jackets, 60 pairs of khaki pants, and 72 shirts. There's an LA times interview with this costume maven here, reading up on the costumes will surely whet your appetite for action before the newest installment goes nationwide on May 22nd.

A Desert Oasis

Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia fantasy book and movie series take note, June 7th is a date you'll want to circle on the calendar. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian arrives in theaters on May 16th, but Arizona Science Center in Phoenix has an entertaining and educational presentation starting three weeks later that will give visitors a rare glimpse into the fictional universe from these popular stories. Those who attend "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition" will be able to walk through specially designed sets inspired by the films and get a hands-on look at the costumes and props from Prince Caspian as well as artifacts from author C.S. Lewis' private life. With three-dimensional and interactive elements to this state-of-the-art tour, the exhibit is sure to create lasting memories for adults and children alike.

You Can't Hurry Love

Speed Racer wasn't able to knock the mighty Iron Man off the top spot at the box office this weekend, but devotees of the 40-year old manga and anime TV series saw their long-awaited wish fulfilled with an eye-popping big-screen version. Some of them even dressed up as characters like the mysterious Racer X for the screenings, as seen in the video here. For fans of 1960s soul and Motown legends The Supremes, Mary Wilson's collection of stage-used oufits at the V & A Museum in London, England should be plenty enough reason to take a trip across the pond. The costumes are being presented in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and can be seen through October 19th.

The Fantastic Form

If you're in the New York City area anytime between today, May 9th, and the first of September make sure to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibit Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. The display of comic book-inspired bodysuits and authentic film wardrobes spans 70 years of history in print and on-screen since the debut of Superman in 1938, widely regarded as the first superhero costume design. The presentation totals 60 outfits in all, including Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man 3 suit , with the museum space enshrined by Batman Begins production designer Nathan Crowley. For those of us who revere animated heroes and their unique dress, the exhibition is escapist heaven; catch it while you can.

Ozzy Would Be Proud

Iron Man is the number one movie in America this week but ToyFare Magazine jump-started the superhero hype last month when they invited readers to submit photos of their homemade Tony Stark alter-ego costumes. Some were cheap and crude like the cardboard box-based outfits, one of which looked like an oversized LEGO character, while another fan chose to dress his dog up as the Marvel Comics character. The top entries were far more detailed and creative, with the winning design coming from Mike Haze of Topeka, Kansas. Wizard Universe compiled pictures and descriptions of the most impressive submissions, give a look at them by clicking here.

Only the Best at Hollywood Toys & Costumes

Hollywood Toys & Costumes has an incredible selection of Halloween Costumes and Christmas Costumes for Adults, Kids and Pets too! We've got Costumes and Accessories for Holidays available for fast shipping all year-round. Look at our enormous inventory of Haunted House Props and Halloween Decorations, Costume Wigs, Hats and Accessories for all ages and all sizes. Find your superhero costumes, vampire costumes, TV character costumes, Renaissance costumes, pirate costumes, Star Wars costumes and much much more at Hollywood Toys & Costumes, your #1 choice for Halloween and Holiday Costumes and Accessories!