Halloween Costumes Along the Light Rail

By Tony Arranaga, www.lightrailblogger.com

Creating a super fun and clever adult Halloween costume is easy-breezy thanks to a variety of stores along the light rail in Phoenix. Whether you want to be a sexy doctor, slutty nurse, or some take on pop culture, then you’ll find it on my list of Halloween Costumes Along the Light Rail.

Easley’s Fun Shop (McDowell Rd at Central Ave Station) is the granddaddy of all costume shops. Family owned and operated, the store has everything to complete your ensemble. In fact, most Yelp reviews made the comment you can find almost anything here, even when you think there’s no way they’ll have what you need. Sales associates can even show you how to apply makeup, as Marty F. noted on his review. Easley’s is located at 509 W McDowell Road, which is just a short bike ride or walk from the McDowell Station. (http://yelp.com/biz/easleys-fun-shop-phoenix)

Retro Ranch (Campbell at Central Ave Station) is a Melrose District landmark which specializes in vintage styles, funky pieces, and retro looks. Heidi P. on Yelp says RR has a “crazy awesome clothing section!” Heidi also says the store is packed to the gills with great finds at shockingly low prices. Retro Ranch is located at 4303 N 7th Avenue, seven blocks west of the Campbell station. Take your bike or be prepared for a good walk. Find this business on Yelp here: (http://yelp.com/retro-ranch-phoenix)

Seconds 2 Go (Camelback Rd at Central Ave Station) is a great place to find gently used clothes and feel good knowing your purchase will help victims of domestic violence. S2G is not in the business of costumes: Seconds 2 Go will help complete your look with everyday clothes at thrift store prices. Seconds 2 Go is located at 4747 N Central Avenue in Phoenix, across the street from the light rail station. Find the business on Yelp here:

(http://www.yelp.com/biz/seconds-2-go-phoenix)

The following two items on my list are for mature audiences, so please tell the children to leave the room.

Castle Boutique (Camelback Rd at Central Ave Station) will help bring out your inner bad girl or boy. What’s inside? Just read Jetta R‘s Yelp review to find out. Here’s a quick rundown: Handcuffs, naughty nurse outfits, and blow up dolls. Surely, there’s a costume here! The store is located at 300 E Camelback, which is three blocks from the light rail. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/castle-megastore-phoenix)

Off Chute Too (Indian School Rd at Central Ave Station) is also for mature audiences. The store caters to the alternative crowd where men and women will find trendy clothing lines, jewelry, leather, shorts (or leather shorts?), and fetish wear. However, that description on their website misses the mark. Judging from the fierce lace gloves and tough boots,  <Yelp profile picture (LINK)>

(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/gjZHX20bL4fYtAAduQEfpA?select=P_FaOzZ3QaqvgHzYUXnTAQ), I see Off Chute Too as the place to go for an 80s punk or glam rock look, no? Off Chute Too is located seven blocks from the Indian School Station, so take your bike or be prepared for a bit of a walk. Store information can be found here. (http://yelp.com/biz/off-chute-too)

I stress out over Halloween because I’m costume challenged. I can come up with a plan, but committing and executing the plan are difficult. This year, I really have to find something good since I’m helping to promote Freaky Tiki – a costume party at Hula’s Modern Tiki (http://eventbrite.freakytiki.com) on Sunday night. I’ve got four days… I better go shopping! See you at Hula’s!

Most of the stores above are local and independently owned. The car-free lifestyle has taught me many things, especially the importance of buying at local. More tax dollars go back into the community when you shift the way you shop. Learn more about the Shift Arizona Campaign here: (http://shiftarizona.com).