thedrifter
10-20-05, 08:52 AM
borrowed from Mark aka the Fontman
Move Over, Dracula: Here Comes Keg Monster!
By BUCK WOLF
ABC News
Why go to a keg party this Halloween when you can be the Keg Party? One of the hottest new adult costumes allows you to transform yourself into a beer keg with a functioning "tap" hat to fill your date's mug.
Americans spent $1.09 billion last year on Halloween costumes, and the National Retail Federation now estimates that the average consumer will spend about $50 on trick-or-treat related merchandise, up 5.4 percent from last year. That makes it the sixth-biggest spending holiday.
"Even with gas prices so high and the economy shaky, this is going to be the best year ever," says John Majdoch of Halloween Express, which sells through 118 stores in 33 states. "I think people need a little escapism for themselves and their families."
Kids may be the only ones knocking on doors for candy, but Halloween costuming is just as much a business for adults. The $62 Keg Man costume -- which holds 16 ounces of beer -- is one of Halloween Express's top sellers.
Online companies like Shopping.com say that adult costumes now account for 70 percent of their costume sales, especially sexy costumes for the ladies.
"I think if you're going to be a sexy cop or a naughty nurse, even if you're wearing that outfit to a party, most women are going to be more comfortable shopping in privacy rather than in stores," says Shannon Clouston, chief shopper at Shopping.com.
With adult costumes costing $50 on average -- twice as much as kids' costumes -- it's easy to see why it's the fastest-growing segment of the business. Some are for party-hardy college-age revelers, but many others are for parents who no longer let their kids trick-or-treat without supervision.
Night of the Scary Leisure Suit Guys
The skyrocketing costs are turning more folks into do-it-yourselfers. Goodwill Industries -- which has a national network of nonprofit thrift stores -- now says Halloween sales have turned October into its biggest sales month, accounting for 10 percent of annual sales.
"Goodwill has become a Halloween tradition. People come, find vintage '70s clothing, and they're disco queens or scary leisure suit guys," says spokeswoman Christine Bragale. "When you're done with your costume, you can bring it back to Goodwill and someone will wear it next year."
For those kids who have to stay on the cutting edge, the top movies and TV shows usually account for must-have costumes. "Star Wars" characters -- especially Yoda for the kids and Darth Vader for guys -- are this year's hottest licensed items.
"Batman" and "Fantastic Four" are making a comeback, thanks to hit summer movies, but many retailers are saying that last year's No. 1 seller, "Spider-Man," is still going strong, as is a host of characters from the "Harry Potter" series.
While girls go for "Harry Potter" and various super heroes, too, Disney princesses and Barbie themes are still perennial top sellers for young ladies.
You'll also likely see a parade of dapper birds at your doorstep. "March of the Penguins" and "Madagascar" have turned a flightless-yet-lovable Antarctic bird into a high-flying seller.
Also sneaking up this year are such characters as Lava Girl and Shark Boy from the Robert Rodriguez summer film, and the Fanta Girls, from the fruity soda commercials, according to Dean Tsouvalas of Lycos, the Internet search engine, which now lists Halloween costumes as its 10th most-requested search term.
"What's especially cool right now is retro," Tsouvalas says. "I think you'll see even Care Bears making a Halloween comeback."
Here's a look at some of this year's most interesting costumes:
1. Gas Pump Terror -- Meeting Frankenstein and Dracula in a dark alley is nothing compared to the sheer terror of paying $3-a-gallon to fill up your car. Nearly every costumer is offering a menacing Gas Pump costume this year. Interestingly, they're all made out of plastic -- a petroleum product -- so they probably cost twice as much as they did last year and half as much as they will in six months.
2. Pirate Wench -- Dressing like a swashbuckler has been Halloween hip, even before Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean." But these days, it's gotten a whole lot sexier. The Pirate Wench outfit from Halloween Express really puts the "Ho" into "Ho-Ho-Ho."
When you see this off-the-shoulder lace-up bodice, skull-and-crossbones hip scarf, with heavy-gauge fishnet stocking, your eyes will pop right of your socket. Arghh! That may explain why so many pirates need eye patches!
3. Sexy Candy Corn -- Adult Halloween costumes, especially for ladies, have put a sexy spin on nearly every character, from Wonder Woman to Tinkerbell. This year, we even have Miss Dorothy (presumably from the raunchier part of Oz, where everyone goes way beyond the yellow brick road).
Now, even Halloween candy is being sexualized. The Candi Korn costume -- an extra short dress in orange, yellow and white, worn with a flaming candy-corn wig and white thigh-high boots -- makes you look like the last of the punk rockers, or the holiday treat that always get left at the bottom of the pumpkin basket.
4. Trophy Wife -- For women who want to make a provocative statement without wearing a costume that's virtually lingerie, Rasta Imposta offers the Brick House -- a sturdy disco-era reminder of how the ideal lady should be built.
The Brick House frock comes with a door and window in strategically placed areas, and with the real estate market skyrocketing, it only makes you more attractive.
Another costume for image-conscious ladies, the Trophy Wife from Halloween Express, allows you to color your face metallic gold, while your collar doubles as a mantle, bearing a brass plate that reads, "First Place." You might not find this look flattering, but it's sure to make your husband look good. And isn't that the only reason for existing?
5. God's Gift -- If you're a guy who's not wrapped too tightly, Party City has a huge bow, heaps of festive gift paper and a wearable cardboard box. Step into this thing and you're God's Gift to Women. It comes in "one size fits most," presumably because it's designed for massive egos.
But if adult costumes are supposed to be conversation starters, the wearable Kissing Booth -- available for both sexes at Allcostumes.com -- is available. This might be the greatest holiday outfit since primitive man began taping mistletoe to his forehead at Christmas parties.
6. Adam and Eve -- How do you and your Halloween date feel about felt fig leaves? The $50 Adam & Eve couples costume consists of two flesh-toned, body-clinging jumpsuits, reminiscent of what passed for fashion before man and woman ate from the Tree of Knowledge.
7. Doggie Darth Vader -- This year's hottest licensed character is Darth Vader -- and not just for men and boys. Even pets are turning to the Dark Side. About one in five dog owners will dress up a pooch, and some will be choosing the $17 Doggie Darth Vader, available at Party City. Also popular is Doggie Zorro, who will leave his mark on your carpet if there's no treat.
8. A Body Bag With Legs -- At first glance, you might think $25 for a Body Bag costume is a complete waste of money. After all, it's just a black cotton sack that zips over your head and torso. But I've come to think it as this year's best costume.
For one thing, it's truly scary. And if you're a Halloween purist, costumes shouldn't be cute or sexy or clever. They should send chills up your spine -- and that's what you get here. Each Body Bag from Allcostumes.com is labeled "Metro County Coroners Office."
For another thing, it's not so bad to date a Body Bag. The costumes come with handles -- perfect for latching and leading your sweetheart around. And if dressing up completely embarrasses you, just keep the bag zipped up for maximum head-to-knee coverage. Various slits allow you to hold a drink, see where you're going, and get enough air so that you don't end up in an actual body bag.
Best of all, on Nov. 1, when most Halloween costumes get thrown out, this one, at least, doubles as a liner for your garbage can.
Ellie
http://p089.ezboard.com/bthefontmanscommunity
Move Over, Dracula: Here Comes Keg Monster!
By BUCK WOLF
ABC News
Why go to a keg party this Halloween when you can be the Keg Party? One of the hottest new adult costumes allows you to transform yourself into a beer keg with a functioning "tap" hat to fill your date's mug.
Americans spent $1.09 billion last year on Halloween costumes, and the National Retail Federation now estimates that the average consumer will spend about $50 on trick-or-treat related merchandise, up 5.4 percent from last year. That makes it the sixth-biggest spending holiday.
"Even with gas prices so high and the economy shaky, this is going to be the best year ever," says John Majdoch of Halloween Express, which sells through 118 stores in 33 states. "I think people need a little escapism for themselves and their families."
Kids may be the only ones knocking on doors for candy, but Halloween costuming is just as much a business for adults. The $62 Keg Man costume -- which holds 16 ounces of beer -- is one of Halloween Express's top sellers.
Online companies like Shopping.com say that adult costumes now account for 70 percent of their costume sales, especially sexy costumes for the ladies.
"I think if you're going to be a sexy cop or a naughty nurse, even if you're wearing that outfit to a party, most women are going to be more comfortable shopping in privacy rather than in stores," says Shannon Clouston, chief shopper at Shopping.com.
With adult costumes costing $50 on average -- twice as much as kids' costumes -- it's easy to see why it's the fastest-growing segment of the business. Some are for party-hardy college-age revelers, but many others are for parents who no longer let their kids trick-or-treat without supervision.
Night of the Scary Leisure Suit Guys
The skyrocketing costs are turning more folks into do-it-yourselfers. Goodwill Industries -- which has a national network of nonprofit thrift stores -- now says Halloween sales have turned October into its biggest sales month, accounting for 10 percent of annual sales.
"Goodwill has become a Halloween tradition. People come, find vintage '70s clothing, and they're disco queens or scary leisure suit guys," says spokeswoman Christine Bragale. "When you're done with your costume, you can bring it back to Goodwill and someone will wear it next year."
For those kids who have to stay on the cutting edge, the top movies and TV shows usually account for must-have costumes. "Star Wars" characters -- especially Yoda for the kids and Darth Vader for guys -- are this year's hottest licensed items.
"Batman" and "Fantastic Four" are making a comeback, thanks to hit summer movies, but many retailers are saying that last year's No. 1 seller, "Spider-Man," is still going strong, as is a host of characters from the "Harry Potter" series.
While girls go for "Harry Potter" and various super heroes, too, Disney princesses and Barbie themes are still perennial top sellers for young ladies.
You'll also likely see a parade of dapper birds at your doorstep. "March of the Penguins" and "Madagascar" have turned a flightless-yet-lovable Antarctic bird into a high-flying seller.
Also sneaking up this year are such characters as Lava Girl and Shark Boy from the Robert Rodriguez summer film, and the Fanta Girls, from the fruity soda commercials, according to Dean Tsouvalas of Lycos, the Internet search engine, which now lists Halloween costumes as its 10th most-requested search term.
"What's especially cool right now is retro," Tsouvalas says. "I think you'll see even Care Bears making a Halloween comeback."
Here's a look at some of this year's most interesting costumes:
1. Gas Pump Terror -- Meeting Frankenstein and Dracula in a dark alley is nothing compared to the sheer terror of paying $3-a-gallon to fill up your car. Nearly every costumer is offering a menacing Gas Pump costume this year. Interestingly, they're all made out of plastic -- a petroleum product -- so they probably cost twice as much as they did last year and half as much as they will in six months.
2. Pirate Wench -- Dressing like a swashbuckler has been Halloween hip, even before Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean." But these days, it's gotten a whole lot sexier. The Pirate Wench outfit from Halloween Express really puts the "Ho" into "Ho-Ho-Ho."
When you see this off-the-shoulder lace-up bodice, skull-and-crossbones hip scarf, with heavy-gauge fishnet stocking, your eyes will pop right of your socket. Arghh! That may explain why so many pirates need eye patches!
3. Sexy Candy Corn -- Adult Halloween costumes, especially for ladies, have put a sexy spin on nearly every character, from Wonder Woman to Tinkerbell. This year, we even have Miss Dorothy (presumably from the raunchier part of Oz, where everyone goes way beyond the yellow brick road).
Now, even Halloween candy is being sexualized. The Candi Korn costume -- an extra short dress in orange, yellow and white, worn with a flaming candy-corn wig and white thigh-high boots -- makes you look like the last of the punk rockers, or the holiday treat that always get left at the bottom of the pumpkin basket.
4. Trophy Wife -- For women who want to make a provocative statement without wearing a costume that's virtually lingerie, Rasta Imposta offers the Brick House -- a sturdy disco-era reminder of how the ideal lady should be built.
The Brick House frock comes with a door and window in strategically placed areas, and with the real estate market skyrocketing, it only makes you more attractive.
Another costume for image-conscious ladies, the Trophy Wife from Halloween Express, allows you to color your face metallic gold, while your collar doubles as a mantle, bearing a brass plate that reads, "First Place." You might not find this look flattering, but it's sure to make your husband look good. And isn't that the only reason for existing?
5. God's Gift -- If you're a guy who's not wrapped too tightly, Party City has a huge bow, heaps of festive gift paper and a wearable cardboard box. Step into this thing and you're God's Gift to Women. It comes in "one size fits most," presumably because it's designed for massive egos.
But if adult costumes are supposed to be conversation starters, the wearable Kissing Booth -- available for both sexes at Allcostumes.com -- is available. This might be the greatest holiday outfit since primitive man began taping mistletoe to his forehead at Christmas parties.
6. Adam and Eve -- How do you and your Halloween date feel about felt fig leaves? The $50 Adam & Eve couples costume consists of two flesh-toned, body-clinging jumpsuits, reminiscent of what passed for fashion before man and woman ate from the Tree of Knowledge.
7. Doggie Darth Vader -- This year's hottest licensed character is Darth Vader -- and not just for men and boys. Even pets are turning to the Dark Side. About one in five dog owners will dress up a pooch, and some will be choosing the $17 Doggie Darth Vader, available at Party City. Also popular is Doggie Zorro, who will leave his mark on your carpet if there's no treat.
8. A Body Bag With Legs -- At first glance, you might think $25 for a Body Bag costume is a complete waste of money. After all, it's just a black cotton sack that zips over your head and torso. But I've come to think it as this year's best costume.
For one thing, it's truly scary. And if you're a Halloween purist, costumes shouldn't be cute or sexy or clever. They should send chills up your spine -- and that's what you get here. Each Body Bag from Allcostumes.com is labeled "Metro County Coroners Office."
For another thing, it's not so bad to date a Body Bag. The costumes come with handles -- perfect for latching and leading your sweetheart around. And if dressing up completely embarrasses you, just keep the bag zipped up for maximum head-to-knee coverage. Various slits allow you to hold a drink, see where you're going, and get enough air so that you don't end up in an actual body bag.
Best of all, on Nov. 1, when most Halloween costumes get thrown out, this one, at least, doubles as a liner for your garbage can.
Ellie
http://p089.ezboard.com/bthefontmanscommunity