Whether a mask will suffice, or you're going for a full costume disguise - here's how to shop outside the big box for Halloween.
LACE FACE: Whether you want to be a little lacy or a little lazy, these masks have got you covered. A stunning top-off for a full costume or a single accessory to dress up your not-in-a-costume state, you can add instant interest to your look with these webby face-coverings. $3.99, Art and Soul of Sebastopol, 156 N Main St., Sebastopol, 707-824-4837, artandsoulsebastopol.com
BELIEVE IN THE UNICORN HEADBAND: Unicorns are so magical that this headband might be costume enough for Halloween. Combined with a horse suit (if you have one handy) or with otherwise offbeat attire, this rainbow accessory could give you some sparkling sweet style. $3.99, Art and Soul of Sebastopol, 156 N Main St., Sebastopol, 707-824-4837, artandsoulsebastopol.com
SUITED AND SINISTER: This magician costume is sold by Disguise the Limit, supplier of costumes to Sonoma County for 36 years. The business is under new ownership, and the current staff is expanding the store's offerings to make it more of a destination. In addition to a vast supply of costumes for rent and purchase, you'll find enthusiastic employees in costume, items designed and made in-house, and novelties, too. Disguise the Limit, 129 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-575-1477, disguisethelimitsr.com
GOTHIC AND GROSS: For those wishing to accessorize in ways that creep others out, Disguise the Limit has this pewter finery by Alchemy England. Disguise the Limit, 129 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-575-1477, disguisethelimitsr.com
PURPLE MANE: Disguise the Limit has a rainbow's supply of wigs available. The matching headband is made in-house by one of the store's many inventive designers. Disguise the Limit, 129 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-575-1477, disguisethelimitsr.com
STEAMPUNKED: Get your futuristic Victorian-era mask and goggles here. Disguise the Limit, 129 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-575-1477, disguisethelimitsr.com
GHOULS OF THE GALAXY: Another "made in-house" piece, in this case, an intergalactic being of some sort that has an extra eyeball. Disguise the Limit, 129 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-575-1477, disguisethelimitsr.com
HEAD KRAKEN: Funk and Flash can be your year-round go-to store for deliciously offbeat style, and items like this sea monster and shipwreck hat are available in all seasons. But Halloween might be the time to dive in and give your head a storied appearance. Match it with a majestic cloak, a grand tunic or, hey, why not Bermuda shorts. $333, Funk and Flash, 228 S Main St, Sebastopol, 707-829-1142, funkandflash.com
BIG TOP BOTTOMS: Funky, frilly and fun. Find an excuse to wear these Circus Pants. From a small batch maker in San Francisco, these pants will make any outfit scream a little louder. $120, Funk and Flash, 228 S Main St, Sebastopol, 707-829-1142, funkandflash.com
DIY DECALS: Simplify your make-up routine with these stickers which provide a framework on which to build your look. $3.99, The Toy Shop, 201 W Napa St. #1, Sonoma, 707-938-1197, sonomatoyshop.com
BARE BONE ACCESSORIES: Don't you dare forget to accessorize, especially if you're not dressing up. Match these with a necklace or earrings and you're good to go. $3.99, The Toy Shop, 201 W Napa St. #1, Sonoma, 707-938-1197, sonomatoyshop.com
With Halloween around the corner, you might be needing a costume for yourself or your child. For some, this means a true retail adventure, while others feel burdened by the task. Sonoma County stores can answer the call in either scenario, and that doesn’t mean you’re limited to the “big box” offerings. Here are some finds to help you achieve maximum or minimum levels of disguise. Click through the slide show above for details.
