It is October and New Yorker’s are settling into their fall schedules.  Part of the schedule is thinking about and preparing for Halloween at the end of the month.  This is a notable holiday in the city with parties, parades and then some more parties.

Retailers recognize the demand and starting mid-September any previously vacant storefront will be temporarily occupied with a Halloween costume pop-up business.  These stores encompass the standard outfits and will charge a premium for the opportunity to be a pirate, cat, cheerleader or clown on the 31st (standard and “sexy” options are always available.)

If you want to really embrace Halloween, I suggest checking out Abracadabra on 19 West 21st Street.  I had never heard of this store until yesterday when I decided to wander around the city for a bit and was drawn in by some creepy figures peering out a window and staring at me from across the street.  Not sure what that says about me, but I went anyway.

Abracadabra is a three-level, prop, magic, costume, accessory, you name it store.  You can rent or buy or in my case just walk around and check out all the great life-sized creatures in the store.  I even saw a sign offering a scary special effects make-up course for $35 (which seems like a great deal.)

This store is also open year around so you can get your fix of cosplay anytime you want.  Enjoy.