Store Rents Adult Costumes for a Month of Fun for Halloween

Halloween has become an opportunity for adults to don some wild or romantic outfit and enjoy the festivities as much, if not more, than the kids do. And why not?

Valley residents are fortunate to have Magic World, one of the best sources in Southern California for quality costumes for all ages.

Owner John Tolson described what’s hot this year.

For adults, “Molly Brown dresses from ‘Titanic’ are popular, as is Rose’s dress from the same film,” says Tolson. Molly’s dress rents for $75 and Rose’s for $55, with the fabled faux necklace.

For men, turn-of-the-century outfits rent for $55. Rhett and Scarlett outfits are still popular (Rhett’s is $55 and Scarlett’s $65). And the swing era’s zoot suits ($55) and swing skirts ($40) are in demand, said Tolson.

Rentals are for a month, so you can attend several parties before the costume has to be returned. “My competitors thought I was crazy to do this, but the customers love it,” Tolson says of the practice.

Kids’ costumes are purchased rather than rented, and those most requested are Zorro and Superman for $17.99. Small Soldiers are $19.99 to $28.99, and Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” is $28.99. For toddlers, there’s the Hershey’s Kiss at $16.99 and the Cat in the Hat for $24.99.

You can find cheaper costumes around town, but the quality and authenticity of Magic World’s inventory, some of it recently purchased from Varieties International, make the extra few dollars worth it.

For a cheaper alternative, there’s always a mask with a black sweat shirt and pants. Skull masks are $9.99 to $12.99, Ninja Turtles $11.99 and a chilling Frankenstein is $6.99. You’ll find accessories such as tiaras and wands (to make a party dress into a princess costume) priced under $5.

Magic World, 10122 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, (818) 700-8100; 904 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, (818) 848-8100. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours may vary, so call first.

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Weekend Super Sale: If you’re looking for quality home furnishings, take a trip over the hill to Westside Furniture. The prices are always some of the lowest in town for upscale merchandise, but, through October, traditional dining-room and bedroom furniture by Stanley is 50% off retail.

Westside Furniture, 10201 National Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 836-8061.