Archive for February, 2010

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

More than meets the eye…

That’s right ladies you can be sexy Autobots in disguise. Get ready to transform into Bumblebee or Optimus Prime this year! Keep checking back at BuyCostumes.com for the arrival of the New for 2010 Sexy Transformers Costumes.

Sexy Transformers Costumes

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Who’s Madder than the Mad Hatter?

Who’s Madder? Johnny Depp, featured left starring in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland moviedue in Theatres on March 5, 2010? Or a look alike, our very own Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Haight, who donned the costume (early!) this past Halloween?

Alice - Mad Hatter Mad Hatter Costume

Working in the costume industry certainly has its perks. Especially because vendors love to send us samples! And when you’re making big financial decisions around here, it’s no surprise that a.) Dan gets dibs on the best costume and b.) goes ‘mad’ by the time Halloween is finally over and we get a chance to celebrate a season well-done!

While the Mad Hatter Costume won’t be available until after the movie’s debut, it’s incredible how various aspects and the product’s quality can transpire from the ‘real’ version to the commercial version of the costume. See what a little white make up and yellow colored contacts can do? Everything from the Mad Hatter Hat to the character’s huge orange eyebrows. From the texture of the jacket to the satin in the bow!

And it should be reassuring for you sitting at home or work that yes, you can be anything you want to be! Afterall, Halloween is about bringing out that special character in you… it shouldn’t drive you ‘mad.’

Stay tuned to see all New for 2010 Alice in Wonderland Costumes and Accessories here. Plus, don the Mad Hatter tote, available online now, a perfect accessory and who doesn’t want Johnny on their shoulder?

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Friday the 12th err…13th

Well, it’s Friday the 12th and that, my friends, is just not going to “cut it” for iconic horror film character, Jason Voorhees. Jason Voorhees is a fictional mass murderer who appears in the Friday the 13th series of films. His character is depicted mainly by the hockey mask and jerseyand don’t be caught “dead” without Jason’s machete. It’s his hacking tool of choice.

Friday the 12th

Friday the 13th’s Jason – What’s under the Mask?

  • Jason’s original hockey mask was “sliced and diced” from a 1950s Detroit Red Wings hockey mask.
  • Jason was not the killer in Friday the 13th – not until the sequel, Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981).
  • The Director originally called for Jason to have hair, but Tom Savini and his crew opted to make him bald.
  • In Part 2, Jason wore a bag over his head. It was in Part 3, Jason would wear a mask to cover his face.
  • In 1992, Jason was awarded the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the first of only three completely fictional characters to be given the award. (The other winners were Godzilla and Chewbacca)
  • Jason has made an appearance in three video games.
  • Eminem will sometimes wear a hockey mask during concerts.
  • On October 13, 2006, a Friday the 13th game was released for mobile phones.
  • Ari Lehman played Jason as a child in the first film (1980) and later founded a band called FIRSTJASON, with one of the band’s songs is entitled, “Jason is watching.”

Photo Credit here.

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Mardi Gras 2010- Justice, faith, and power

Mardi Gras CostumeWhile doing some research online (http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/), I realized that there is a lot I don’t know about Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, which is also known as N’awlins, NOLA, the City that Care Forgot, or New Orleans, LA. Celebrating Mardi Gras in the French Quarter is something that is on my bucket list, and I would like to accomplish it sooner than later. But first, I think I need to learn some of the vocabulary that I’m not familiar with. The Celebration we all know as Mardi Gras, begins with Carnival season which starts at the tail end of the Christmas season, January 6th or the Twelfth Night.

Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday”, is the day before Ash Wednesday, which is when the Catholic season of Lent begins. Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and sacrificing, which is why the celebration is necessary. The organizers of the event and the parade are the krewes, and they elect a king, a queen, maids and dukes as the governing decision-makers. Each Krewe has an insignia and a theme that they stamp on doubloons, or aluminum coins to hand out at the parade. Krewes also hand out favors such as cups, beads, and trinkets, also called “throws” because they toss them out during the parade.

You should also expect some Lagniappe (pronounced lan- yap) when you are in New Orleans. This is that little extra that locals throw in to “sweeten the deal” and out of the kindness of their hearts. It’s the southern hospitality of the bayou. Think of, a “Baker’s dozen”.

Mardi Gras BeadsSo if you are lucky enough to be in New Orleans during this all-out party, especially this year since the New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl, keep a few things in mind. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green andgold. These Colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of the Carnival, Rex. The colors represent Justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold).

This is a time to be someone that you would not normally be, so go crazy! We offer tons of masks and costumes to disguise yourself during the parties and parades. Also keep in mind your footwear. Wear comfy shoes since Mardi Gras attracts more than a half million visitors to the New Orleans area. Chances are you will not be sitting down. This is a time to NOT be yourself. Be crazy! Bring a camera to document the celebrations and collect lots of beads. However, depending on how outgoing you are, perhaps it’s best to get your own beads ahead of time.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

On your mark. Get set. GO!!

The 52nd Annual “Great American Race,” the Daytona 500, is slated to take place on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Located in Daytona Beach, FL the Daytona 500 is considered one of NASCAR’s “biggest, richest and most prestigious races.” The Daytona 500 gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate, including the beginning of another NASCAR Sprint Cup series.

According to NASCAR, a couple of rule changes are being put into effect for this race and each race this year. First, bump drafting will be permitted along the entire 2.5 mile track. This is exciting news, as drafting is a strategy racecar drivers’ use to their advantage. This is when the cars are racing lined up in a row and using the lead car’s aerodynamics to go faster. “Bump drafting” is when a car taps the car in front of it, pushing the lead car ahead, and increasing its own momentum. Second, NASCAR is allowing cars to install larger restrictor plates that will allow for increased horsepower and speed in each car. These two new rules should make the race more exciting for fans to watch!

Usually, a trip to Daytona Beach would require the use of sunscreen and flip flops, but not this year. The weather (according to weather.com), might not cooperate. It looks like it’s only going to be in the mid-60’s with clouds and drizzle. Last year, the race was even cut off early due to a slippery track from caused by rain. Even if it does rain on your parade, or race as the case may be, BuyCostumes.com has plenty of supplies to help you make the best of it! The NASCAR Full Throttle Party kit has everything you need, with plates, cups, napkins, invites, balloons and more! Don’t forget the black and white checkered flags for the finish line! And of course, we know that no party is complete without costumes. We have pit crew costumes for the entire family. You can also dress like your favorite driver! And for a party favor, these Racing Beads and other trinkets will help you to cheer your favorite to the finish line.

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

BuyCostumes.Com’s “Best Kept Secrets”

As a marketing team member at BuyCostumes.com, it isn’t uncommon to know the products on the website like the back of your hand. Going through the site day-to-day, I will, however, still find products that make me laugh, smile, or make me wonder, “Who came up with this?!”
The following collection is by no means complete and can be added to at anytime.

1- Cubicle Kit- BuyCostumes.com makes it so easy to embarrass your co-worker on his or her 50th birthday. Buy this kit and VOILA! Instant premise for the “over the hill” and “older than a dinosaur” jokes.

2- Gigantic Light-up Ring- Intended for the “last fling before the ring,” this gem is obnoxious in every way. Don’t forget we have other Bachelorette Party Supplies like tiaras, buttons and games.

3- Blue Sailor Heels- These shoes are so cute! I love the sailor and anchor theme, and these heels are just right. They are patriotic and go PERFECT with the life preserver handbag!

4- P.L. DeCarrot Mascot Costume- First read this guy’s name. P.L. DeCarrot… get it? PEEL the Carrot?! Pretty darn clever. While P.L. is a special order mascot costume that sells for $699, he still is one of my favorite products on the site. And if you have more money to spend on human-sized veggies, well Bundle O’Broccoli is your man!

5- St. Patrick Spinner Medallion- What a deal! This beaded necklace will make you best friends with everyone in the pub on St Patty’s day. Spin the wheel to find out what you have to do next… “Dance a Jig, Kiss a Leprechaun, Tell a Limerick, or Chug a Pint.” At the end of the night, you might need the “Who’s your Paddy?” napkins.

6- 80’s purple pizzazz wig- This thing looks ELECTRIC. I wish I could wear it every day. Purple IS my favorite color, and I bet people could see me coming from miles away. The Wild! Adult Wig is a runner-up and pretty comparable in fashion sense.

7- Grasshopper Child Hat- Kids in hats are pretty much the cutest thing ever. I wish we had it in an adult size. This guy’s beady eyes and perky antennas make anyone smile.

8- Little Trees Car Freshener Infant Costume- Need to freshen up?! Your baby will forever smell like evergreen (even though the costume is NOT scented…bummer!). This is definitely one that makes me wonder “who thought of that?!” And don’t worry, there is an adult version!

That’s the end of my list. Any other recommendations? Do you have any stories about these products? How about pictures?