Halloween in Chicago

This is your day to dress up as whatever you like. The sky's the limit when it comes to Halloween costumes. There are literally thousands of different costumes to choose from for kids and adults. You may even want to include your pets in the fun. Maybe your little one wants to dress up as a classic vampire or they want to be the latest movie or cartoon character like Harry Potter or Dora the Explorer. For adults, she might want to be a Super girl or maybe she wants to be a little more adventurous this year and be a Vixen Pirate Wench. And for him, how about a nice pimp suit with a lot of bling or maybe he's a total geek and has been dreaming of dressing up as Anakin for as long as he can remember. And don't forget about the pets. Sparky will be the talk of the town if you take him out in a Pirate or even a Buzz Light-year costume. Here's a list of Halloween shops that you are sure to find something for yourself or for the whole family.

In Chicago:

Fantasy Costumes Headquarters - Located at 4065 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, Il. 773-777-0222. This costume shop specializes in masks and wigs. They have over 300 different types of costumes to choose from that include all your favorites. Hours - 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday hours extended to midnight Sept. 30 through Oct. 31.

Lost Eras - Located at 1511 Howard St. Chicago, Il. 888-747-7677. If you're looking for a costume that's a little more unique, you will want to stop in to browse at the mens and womens costumes here. Some of them are a little pricier but you'll make quite an entrance when you show up to the party as a Southern Belle ($149.95). If you don't' have time to stop in and shop, don't worry, they have an excellent web site you can order from. http://www.losteras.com/ Hours - Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Silver Moon - Located at 1755 West North Ave. Chicago, Il. 773-235- 5797. This vintage shop has some beautiful formal pieces from dating back to the 1890s. With both mens and womens clothing you will be able to find some really cool costumes in their collection. Check out the 1940s Fedora hat. It could be a dapper addition to any costume. And take a look at the 1890s Walking Dress. It's absolutely beautiful and will make for the perfect costume. You can view their whole collection at http://www.silvermoonvintage.com/about.htm. Hours - Tuesday - Saturday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Belmont Army Surplus - Located at 855 W. Belmont Chicago, Il. 773-975- 0626. This thrift store has three floors with its third floor full of Vintage Army Surplus. Also find new Japanese and European fashions here. Who knows, maybe a Geisha is in the making for this Halloween. They moved over the summer to this new location. So, don't get it confused with their old location at 945 W. Belmont. Hours - Monday-Saturday, 11 p.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Suburbs:

Spirit Halloween Stores - If you're in the suburbs, this is the store for you. Spirit is a big chain with a lot of locations. They have every type of costume here, from dorky to sexy. They sell every accessory you could imagine; make-up, wigs, hats, decorations. You will easily be able to spend a couple hours in this store if you bring the kids with you. They have a couple dressing rooms in the store so you can make sure you have the perfect fit for yourself. Check out their web site for hours and locations at http://www.spirithalloween.com/.

Lover's Lane - Conveniently located throughout the Chicagoland area, log on to http://www.loverslane.com/ for all their locations and hours. Bring out your sexy side with one of these skimpy outfits. With a full line of Halloween costumes to choose from, you will have a great time trying on all the classic costumes in teeny tiny versions. You'll turn up the heat playing Miss Muffet or Alice in Wonderland. Don't forget to add the five inch stripper stilettos to one of these ensembles. Your guy will go Crazy!

Lula's Vintage Boutique - Located at 221 E. State St. Rockford, Il. 815-962-5852. If you're out in the Rockford area, it's worth it to stop in for some shopping and a visit at Lula Mae's store. Her store is packed with vintage goodies. You'll find dresses, purses, sunglasses, big feathery scarves and much more! Hours - Wednesday - Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and occasionally by appointment.

Spencer's - For Halloween treats, stop at just about any mall located in the Chicagoland area and you should be able to find one of these stores there. They have a large variety of costumes for men, women and couples. Slip on one of their school girl costumes and spin around on one of their Peekaboo Pole's. Pole dancing is one of the latest trends and now you can do it right in your living room. Have a Halloween party that your friends won't stop talking about. If that's not your cup of tea, maybe you'll want to head out to that Halloween party in one of their Priest or Nun costumes. For more information click on their web site at http://www.spenceronline.com/.