by Erin Schneider

(At the request of a MNSoC member, I’m putting together a series of posts on accessories.  Where to shop, what to look for, how to wear them, etc.  Thanks for the idea, Margaret!)

 

Hat from Claires, Blouse from Savers, Gloves and boots from eBay, Tights from Target, Hair Fall from Variety Beauty. Jewelry from Hopkins Antique Mall. Underbust and skirt made by me.

Where To Shop For Accessories: Bricks and Mortar

You’d be amazed at where I find costume-appropriate jewelry, shoes, and other bits and bobbles.  Here are just a few of my favorite places to look.

1.  ARC Value Village’s Halloween Boo-tique.  The lovely people of ARC make it so easy to shop for pieces like formal vests and lacy shirts for Steampunk, prom dresses to modify into Civil War era gowns, and my favorite, cool shoes to round out any look.  They also carry a good selection of hats and scarves.

Billy the Big Mouth Bass, courtesy of Value Village.

2.  JC Penney’s for jewelry, especially pearls.  If you want a massive ring, pins to deck out a hat, or ropes of pearls to make you look like THE QUEEN YOU REALLY ARE, JCP is the place for you.  I also have found long strands of pearls for cheap (like, $10 cheap) at plus-sized shops such as Avenue and Lane Bryant.

3.  Hopkins Antique Mall.  This is Mecca for inexpensive costume jewelry and beaded purses.  I also look for lacy handkerchiefs to tuck into my bodice.  Perfect for wiping one’s brow on a hot Festival day…

4.  Hot Topic (Northtown Mall).  Sometimes, you need a little Goth action in your costuming gear.  I like their arm warmers – perfect for turning any garb into instant Pirate.

Epic Gloves of Epicness!

5.  Forever 21, H&M, Charlotte Russe.  Teeny-bopper stores are the perfect place to find inexpensive, over-the-top costume jewelry in all the latest trends.  And since the latest trend is Steampunk, you can find all your Fezziwig Party accessories at the mall for minimum bucks!  (Tickets go on sale soon, BTW.)  You can also find tiny top hats, big straw hats to mod into Cavalier hats, and sparkly headbands that look like tiaras but are easier to wear.

6.  Party City.  Yes, Party City.  I buy their cheap plastic stuff, like tiaras or megaphones or water pistols, and mod them into something AWESOME.  All you need is Krylon Indoor-Outdoor spray paint, Rub-N-Buff, and a good imagination.  PC also carries cool hats you can deck out with trims and feathers to make them Fest-ready.

Crown from Party City – modifications by me.

7.  Asian Markets.  We have a large South East Asian community in the Twin Cities, and their markets are an excellent place to find inexpensive fans and parasols.

8.  Target.  Yes, Target.  They carry costume-ready boots, jewelry, scarves, even hats that can be modded into Fest or Steampunk-wear.

Bracelet from Target converted into a stunning choker, by Ashley Walton.

9.  Claire’s Boutique.  Do you want a tiara?  WHO DOESN’T???  They carry lovely, sparkly things under $20 a piece.  Plus, you’ll find fingerless gloves that work for 18th Century French… or wannabe Madonna.

10.  Payless Shoes.  Let’s face it.  MNRF destroys our footwear every year.  Why spend a fortune on boots that are just going to get covered in Fest-gunk?  My new fave Pirate boots are from Payless for a mere $30, and they are tall enough to keep even the most aggressive dust off my legs.

LOVE these boots. Pink skull socks courtesy of Target.

 

Now let’s hear from the group.  Where do YOU shop for accessories in the Twin Cities and beyond?