Advice and Insight Areas being added to MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com
That's right, as of yesterday, we are adding advice and insight from our store managerment to the MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com website. Featured are Stella, Gabby, Oriana, and SkyeBlu. We plan to make video Q&A's from our team, as well as some text based FAQs and helpful images. Stella has been the first to submit a series of Questions and Answers regarding costumes. Find them on Stella's page.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Inside the Halloween shopping RUSH!
We were trying to document the Halloween shopping rush a bit from the store, and we did get a good bit of footage on Friday, Oct 30.
But your humble narrator was drafted to help out as a cashier during CRUNCH time on Saturday, Oct 31. So, unfortunately, we have no video footage from the absolute madness of shoppers trying to meet all of their Halloween needs before the eve itself.
We were so jam packed with last minute costume shoppers, that we had to hold a line outside the store, letting people in only in small bursts. And our store covers a lot of square footage! That being said, the line ran all the way to the back end of it.
While I was doing my time on the cash register on the 31st, I worked furiously alongside 5 other cashiers. It was the kind of onslaught that really gets you going.
It was like a well-oiled machine, actually. I would have loved to have gotten a photo of the line of us working during the height of the rush. I did, however, get a shot of the line outside, as you can see at left there.
It was a mad, mad rush, and yet tons of fun to surf!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Zombie Invasion Report, Rain, and Halloween Weekend to Come!
So, the fearless undead Thriller-seekers of ZombieCon 2009 shambled around Manhattan despite the rain last Saturday (Oct 24), invading Midtown East, Grand Central Station, Sephora Times Square, and eventually pouring into our Halloween Adventure Times Square store here on W 43rd street before heading downtown to cause more of a stir.
A little after 5 pm last Saturday, 43rd Street Halloween Adventure shoppers heard a scream and a growl before they were instantly overwhelmed by a sea of about 350 zombies. The zombies crowded on into the store, where they proceeded to inspect the Halloween merchandise, attempt to recover from their pub crawling, startle shoppers, pose for photos, and, interestingly enough, snap photos of their own.
We played Thriller over the store's sound system, but your humble narrator was too crushed into the back portion of the shop to be able to see how the dancing went. However, the amused response from customers told me that some interesting antics were definitely going on.
In order news... It rained on the zombies, and it's raining again on us today. However, a little rain on a Wednesday does not stop Halloween shoppers. They just kindly drop off their umbrellas once they come on in, and continue on their merry spook-seeking missions.
Note the eye-witness photo of the umbrella "parking garage" box.
Luckily, the forecast on weather.com predicts only cloudiness for Friday and Saturday, with only a 10-20% chance of rain. Looks like dry skies for Halloween, but the rains are predicted to make a return to New York City on Sunday, Nov 1.
Whew. We can only take so many bouts of soggy zombies, you know!
Friday, October 23, 2009
ZombieCON to swoop in on us Tomorrow Oct 24. !!
While NYCZombieCrawl is hitting the downtown area on Sunday, Oct 25, the crew for ZombieCON NYC will be shambling about Times Square on Saturday, Oct 24.
Whoa. That's a lot of undead in one weekend! And we at Masquerade / Halloween Adventure will be in for it, for sure!
And the ZombieCON folks will be stopping by our store at 311 W 43rd Street in search of brains, blood, beverages, and, of course, baile. Dance, that is. Yes, those Zombies will be coming overe to dance the Thriller outside our store on Saturday the 24th.
They will be coming by around 4 pm ("zombie time"), reports Costume Jim.
What is ZombieCon? Here's what zombiecon.com has to say:
"ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009...
the zombies will rise in their disgusting annual search of bloody marys, brains, and braaaands. The glorious undead of New York City will join this, our fifth annual ghoulish spree of shopping, bar-hopping and horrifying Manhattan street theatrics."
Join them and us!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Orange is the New Black
The ladies of Halloween Adventure Times Square make a statement in ORANGE.
A bit of silliness to brighten this otherwise cold and rainy October Friday!
Friday, October 16, 2009
More Crawling Zombies in NYC this October
The latest announcement from the good folks at NYC Zombie Crawl:
Greetings Zombie Lovers!
Halloween is soon upon us and our main crawl event is coming to NYC on Sunday, October 25th in Manhattan!
Sunday, October 25th – NYC Zombie Crawl 2009 – Starts at 5pm!
This is the official 2009 NYC Zombie Crawl Event for Halloween! While we are sponsoring and promoting many events this month, this is our main event! This one is 21 + only, since we are doing bars please bring your ID, below are the details, stay tuned for more!!
Starting at Beauty Bar - 231 E 14th St - New York, NY 10003 (Btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave) from 5-6:30pm for the pre-game, zombies will then crawl around the Lower East Side to several bars then come back to the Beauty Bar for an open Domaine de Canton bar from 10-11pm!
Since this event is taking place at bars, everyone must be 21+ for this event! Please come as a member of the undead, we will not have official makeup stations at this crawl. You are invited to bring your own makeup and help zombify yourself and others if you'd like.
We'll be doing a can drive again, zombies feeding the homeless with NYC
It all ends at 10pm at the:
4th Annual Zombie Beauty Pageant at the Beauty Bar-
Hosted by Michael T (Rated X) and Doug Sakmann, Zombie Ringleader of the NYC Zombie Crawl
www.beautybar.com
Additionally, on Halloween, October 31st we have teamed up with the videogame ‘Plants vs Zombies’ to bring the NYC Zombie Crawl into the 36th Annual Halloween Parade (ALL AGES)! The official meet-up spot for Plants and Zombies in the Parade is on Dominick St. between 6th Ave and Varick St. between 6 and 6:30 pm on the 31st.
10pm - Rated X Undead Halloween X-travaganza! - After the parade is through, everyone is invited to Don Hills for the official afterparty with the Rated X Undead Halloween Party hosted by Michael T, Theo and Zombie Ringleader Doug Sakmann! Anyone in costume will receive an extremely reduced rate of only $5 before Midnight! Details to be announced!
Don Hill’s - 511 Greenwich St. at Spring St. NYC – 21 + - $5 before Midnight!
Check out the FULL CALENDER OF ZOMBIE EVENTS right now at www.nyczombiecrawl.com, there is something zombie related every weekend leading up to Halloween!
Until we bleed again, remember, Blood is Law!
Doug Sakmann
Zombie Ringleader, NYC Zombie Crawl
Join us on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/nyczombiecrawl
On September 30, the street team at Masquerade / Halloween Adventure 43rd street went to visit the NYC Zombie Crawl through Times Square.
Below are some photos of the street team members who participated in Sept 30. They finish up in their "day time" costumes and then head out to get zombified at Mean Fiddler on 47th street to join in on the Zombie Crawl to see the sneak preview of Zombieland.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Off to a Busy Start! Bring on October!
We are off to a great busy start of the Halloween season here in the Times Square area. We've been so busy, in fact, that we have been only able to make status updates via facebook and twitter, as opposed to giving attention to our dear store blog!
So, what's new for the end of September 2009? Lots, actually!
NYC ZombieCrawl will be making tracks through Times Square on Wednesday, September 30, and we will be joining them. Here's a little bit about that event: Zombies-to-be will be meeting at Mean Fiddler (266 W 47th ST New York, NY 10036) from 6-8 pm to get "zombified" with ghoulish make-up effects. Following the zombification, newly minted zombies will crawl and shamble their way through the Times Square area, arriving eventually at the AMC movie theatre for a sneak preview of Zombieland. Members of our street team will be shambling about with the rest of the ghoulish participants.
And speaking of street team, we officially mobilized our street team yesterday (Friday, Sept 25). The Friday crew was kind enough to pause for a group photo out on 7th Ave and 43rd street:
Our 100-Dollar Bill Road Cone-Heads
They caused quite a stir yesterday, and they hit the streets again today, where they were pleased to find a HUGELY crowded Times Square. The guys tooted their own horns and reported that they were rather photogenic with tourists.
Our street teamsters also paid a visit to the New York Anime Festival at the Javits Center. They were only able to stay for a short time, but they reported seeing some really crazily costumed characters there. And I would point out that we had several people stop in to the store today asking about blue and purple wigs. Hmm. Blue hair? Anime Festival? Yeah, I gotcha.
More to come. We are officially into the fall season now. Only a few more days until October. Everyone is feeling a little touch of the madness that hovers around before the real insanity sets in. Stay tuned for the Halloween season.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Now hiring for Halloween 2009
Hello Halloween fans!
Here at Masquerade, Times Square Halloween Adventure, we are now hiring for the 2009 Halloween season.
We are looking for sales associates knowledgeable about...
We are seeking fun, hard-working, creative, motivated individuals.
To apply or for more information, stop in and speak to our store manager Stella. We are located at:
311 W 43rd street (between 8-9th Ave) in Manhattan.
Or call our store: 212-247-0104
Monday, August 31, 2009
Our Halloween Adventure Make-Over Video is LIVE!
We are proud to say that our Halloween Adventure Make-Over video is now live and up on our youtube account. Enjoy!
"LaQuisha, your favorite personal costumer shopper, is at it again at Masquerade Costumes, the Times Square Halloween Adventure shop. Enjoy this fun short film written and directed by Stella Sensel and her "Afterhours Talent Crew" at Masquerade. Disclaimer: Free make-overs are not currently being offered by magical beings that dwell in our store window. "
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Anyone up for a Halloween Adventure make-over?
You read me right. How many of you cats out there would like to let Stella and Oriana get their hands on you for a Halloween Adventure make over?
Following a theme of "Fools to Ghouls," we will be taking a few of you average Joe Schmoes (and of course Jane Schmoes) and transforming you into fantastic Creatures of the Night for a new video. We start filming and making people over next week. Anyone want to come over to Masquerade / Halloween Adventure Times Square next week for a fiendish make-over? You will be gifted with free copies of all photos and video. Contact us for details.
www.masqueradecostumesnyc.com
Monday, July 20, 2009
New Dog and Pet Costumes
Greetings Costume Fans!
We just received a huge new shipment of dog costumes. Woof, there it is. We've added some pictures of them to ourMasqueradeCostumesNYC.com website.
Our new selection includes the following pet and dog costumes: Batman, Robin, the Joker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Sponge Bob, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Pirate Queen, Pirate King, Superman, and Wonderwoman.
The pet costumes are part of dozens of new shipments we have been receiving over the past few days. Why so many shipments? Well, it's late July and Halloween is right around the corner! Don't believe us? Count down August and then September, and then before you know it, we are into the October Halloween season.
Brace for impact! We expect another crashingly big Halloween celebratory season here in the Times Square area. If you inclined toward casual browsing, swing by now before the crowds hit: Masquerade, 311 W 43rd street, between 8-9th Ave, Manhattan, New York City.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Costume Shopping with LaQuisha
Oriana dons the persona of LaQuisha, your favorite personal shopper. Enjoy Vol 1 of the LaQuisha Personal Shopper Saga. Brought to you by the Afterhours Talent Crew at Masquerade Costumes NYC. Filmed at Masquerade, 311 W 43rd street, NYC.
Surely Oriana is going to get picked up by a talent agency one of these days for her on-camera improvisational talent! .. not to mention her inclination for hardcore dressing up.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Albanian Rapper at Halloween Adventure
The ever-talented Oriana and Gabby bust a move at Masquerade today with their parody music video "Albanian Rapper at Halloween Adventure."
Inspired by plenty of talk of ballers and high rollers!
Never a dull moment.
We used the following costume items to make this fun music video:
Gabby
Blong curly character wig (Franco), Red fancy sunglasses with diamond decoration, Stage money, Jumbo breast and hip set, Ladies Night Out silver sequin long coat with silver faux fur collar, cuffs, and trim, Money boa (Rubie's), Spikey thigh high boots (Rubie's)
Oriana
Gangster suit, Black & white pinstriped (Charades), Player's Club pimp chains, Rapper Mask with moving mouth (Be Something Studios)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Oriana's Costume Theme Party Tips, Vol 1
We catch Oriana at Masquerade NYC today to ask her what she suggests to wear for a Luxury & Opulence theme costume party. This surprise interview inspires Oriana to give more theme party costume tips in the near future... a la video blog.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The clever and creative floor staff of Masquerade Costumes NYC took a moment last Friday to express their artistic style. Thus was born another Masquerade home video: Costume Shop Showdown.
This simple 1 min, 45 second video features the creative minimalist talents of 4 staff members. Starring in this video, alongside the lovely ladies who perform all of the action, are props and costume items from around the shop.
We used a variety of items to make this video possible. The props and costumes included in our little home movie shoot were the following:
Our Heroine:
Blue and White boas
The "Sharpey" dress from High School Musical
Thigh high shiny boots from Secret Wishes
Our Villain:
Black monk's robe
White half mask
White and black tear mask
Noose prop
Giant Axe
Our Hero:
Texas Sheriff's Hat
Gunslighter costume
BANG gun
White plastic tommy gun
Black moustache attached with topstick
Including dressing, shooting, and editing, the whole video make-process took about 1 hour. Not too bad! Look for more of our epic minimalist Masquerade Costumes movies at our Masquerade NYC youtube channel
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wild Bachelorette Party Supplies at Masquerade NYC!
Adding to our already expansive collection of party supply novelties and riotous party gags, we of Masquerade Costumes NYC are pleased to announce some newly-arrived bachelorette party gear! Be aware, though, these items are a bit more on the risque side.
Several very note-worthy hot bachelorette party products include the following: Cocktail Sippers and Bachelorette Beads from Forum; a suggestive 16 oz sports bottle from HottProducts Unlimited; some equally suggestive breath mints and hard candies also from HottProducts; Bachelorette Bling Rings, Bracelets, and Badges, and a 20-foot long caution tape party banner.
Cocktail Sippers from Forum Novelties, Inc.
From Forum's bachelorette "outta' control" line comes "a hot way to sip a cool drink" (from item package). In one package of Cocktail Sipper's, you will find 8 flexible drinking straws, each with a suggestive adult-themed decoration attached. Set these party favors out in your guests' drinks for some drink-sipping silliness.
Bachelorette Beads from Forum Novelties, Inc.
Imagine gold Mardi Gras beads of an adult nature. We have two different varieties of these suggestive party bead necklaces, each with suggestive dangling decorations.
Party Mints and Hard Candies from HottProducts Unlimited
Candies in fun shapes quite appropriate for a wild bachelorette's night out. These candies are available in the following flavors: banana, strawberry, cinnamon, orange, spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint.
Dicky Chug Sports Bottle, 16 oz. from HottProducts Unlimited
The labels on these hysterically shaped sports bottles say "enjoy your favorite beverage while amusing your friends..." We've got a number of these scandalously shaped sports bottles in a wild neon blue color.
Bling Rings, Bracelet Set, Bachelorette Badge from Forum Novelties, Inc.
More from Forum's "Bachelorette Outta' Control" line: Pink light up "Bling Rings" in one-size-fits-most. These rings come in a set of 6 with batteries included! One clockwise twist of the jewel, and the bling ring will stay lit for up the 8 hours. Great also for engagement parties, bridal showers, and other events!
The "Bachelorette Outta' Control" bracelet set comes with 6 pink, beaded party favor bracelets, each with a different fun message, such as "Hurry. Kiss Me! I'm getting married!!" and "Last Fling - Let's Swing!"
The "Bachelorette Outta' Control" badge makes a fun party accessory. These silver badges come one-a-piece, are decorated with pink and red gemstones, and proudly proclim the wearer to be an "Official Bachelorette Outta' Contol."
Come on over and amuse yourself with these silly new bachelorette party items. We've got an entire display rack dedicated to them!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Make Way for the New Wig Display
We're pleased to announces plans to build a new wall to accommodate our expanding stock of theatrical wigs! We have got walls of wigs: afro wigs, Elvis wigs, sparkle wigs, neon wigs, werewolf wigs, surfer dude wigs, yarn wigs, and many more from there.
Our masquerade masks and Venetian masks have been moved to the right of the entry door to make way for the larger wig display. Keep your eyes out for plenty of disguise-wearing people in the Times Square area; there will certainly be enough wigs to go around!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
All About the Theatrical Make-up. Issue 1
We are pleased to say that we at Masquerade, Times Square's Halloween Adventure store, are all about the theatrical make-up lately!
Over the past week, we've gotten in several large shipments full of theatrical make-up supplies, make-up special effects, latex ears and noses, scar kits, gore kits, bald caps in various colors, fangs, cone head bald caps, roll-on glitter, horns, press-on nails, all sorts of fake eye lashes, ClearNeon blacklight spray-on body paint, and more.
At this point, I will take a moment to talk about some of the more unique make-up effects we have here in stock at Masquerade NYC on 43rd street. First installment is......
Frozen Stiffs - Ice Effects Makeup
From Rubie's
Rubie's has put out a kit for the "frozen vampire." A novel idea, and one that blends an old favorite - the vampire look - with a nice new edge. The kit includes white, black, and blue base make up, as well as a pair of silver metallic fangs, Ice Gel (blue sparkle gel), Ice Crystals and Ice Powder (used to create "Frozen effects"), a make-up sponge, sponge applicator, and make-up brush.
The Ice Crystals look like little broken shards of ice, and the Ice Powder gives more of a frosty effect. Either of these can be used on your body or face, or in your hair. Hair gel would be a perfect compliment here to create a "frozen on end" effect. The Ice Gel is used to get the Ice Crystals and Ice Powder to stick.
The fangs are custom-fitted sorts. The kit includes directions on how to custom fit them yourself.
All make-up in this kit is completely water washable. The Ice Gel effects can be peeled off. Of course, only do this when you are ready to return to the mundane world!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tons of Wigs, Eyelash Effects, and Huge New Banners
Whoa, we have a lot of wigs all of a sudden. And lots of make-up supplies, including lovely metallic eyelashes and lovely flesh wound effects.
Lots of new shipments have been coming in over here at Masquerade over the past few days. It's keeping us busy preparing all of the new items for the sales shelves!
Wig types include: afro wig, beehive, Biblical beard and wig set, blue starlet, child pop star, a bunch of glamour wigs, judge wig, Marie Antoinette wig, 80s rockers, a variety of neon wigs, werewolf wig....
... and so many others it would be ridiculous to type out a loooong list!
Additionally, we now have a happy lot of Metallic Fluttery Eyelashes just in from Rubie's. We've got them in green, blue, gold, purple, red, and silver. And, not pictured below, we've got natural and feather eyelashes as well.
Get your wig and make-up fix over here in Times Square. And come see our GIANT new banners --
-- We've got a pair of new flag banners for outside our store. Surely these can be seen from both 8th Ave and 9th Ave! And those are a considerable distance apart! So even though we are currently behind a construction site on the north side of 43rd street, we can be found very clearly by anyone looking over from the south side of 43rd.
Regards,
Damien
Masquerade / Halloween Adventure
311 W 43rd street
MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monkey Puppets! .. and then some
You got that right!
We now have hand puppets here at Masquerade / Halloween Adventure in Times Square.
We've got infamous Monkey Puppets as well as parrots and crows. And more types, animals, and characters are on their way.
It ain't Avenue Q, but is could be. If you try hard enough.
Regards,
Damien
Monday, May 4, 2009
Video from Artistic Inaugural Ball with Masqueradee
Masquerade / Halloween Adventure at NYC's Preeminent Inaugural Ball
Last week, I happened across a YouTube video for the Artistic Inaugural Ball which took place this year on January 20 here in New York City. We of Masquerade had a hand in this event: we donated a bunch of patriotic costume items to be sold by our allies of Kostume Kult as a fundraiser for their organization. We also donated make-up for the event's facepainting booth.
Stella, Damien and Damien's wife went to set up the Masquerade / Halloween Adventure supplies and facepainting area. Then Damien and his wife proceded to hold down the fort for Masquerade into the evening, working alongside to Kostume Kulters.
And now, only now, several months later, do I find a video for the event:
Rainy Day Here in Times Square... what goes on here?
Hello Costume Blog Readers!
It's your pal Damien, here at Masquerade in Times Square. You know, the "Times Square area's costume store." My favorite tag line, doncha know?
It's a rainy day here in Times Square. Heck, it's a rainy day in New York City, in general, and I am sure it is rainy in New Jersey and further abroad.
I AM pleased to say that the fact that it is a rainy Monday has not seemed to deter customers today. Indeed, we have had more customers swinging into the costume store today than I would have expected for a rainy Monday in the middle of April. Furthermore, that lovely construction site that sits between us and 8th Ave has put up a scaffold over the sidewalk. No matter, oh dear customers, you have fought your way through anyway!
Anyway, today customers have been buying all sorts of things that are just so varied, I will have to list the ones I remember. Toy handcuffs, fake mustaches, kazoos, "Happy Birthday" banners, elf ears for a Vulcan StarTrek costume, clown noses, and lab coats. Quite a variety! The rest of the product stats got away from me, though I do like to take note of what people are buying.
We had about an equal number of local residents and tourists stop in today. I'm trying to figure out who shops here more - New Yorkers or tourists, since we are located right in between Tourist Central (aka Times Square and the Theater District) and the residential district in the far west 40s.
I'll also take a moment to note that Cinco de Mayo is on its way. That's May 5, for you gringos. We've already had a few people in last week making their early bird Red, White, and Green purchases. We moved some appropriately red, white, and green colored feather boas. A strikingly sweet costume idea and effect. We'll have more to say about el Cinco de Mayo in our next blog entry!
That's all for now. Have a nice day, and look forward to warmer weather yet to come!
Damien
Masquerade
Times Square Costume Store 311 W 43rd Street, btwn 8-9th Ave
Phone: 212-247-0104
www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
Masquerade Website Gets a Facelift
Thus we begin the change over and spring cleaning. Those of you who have been here before will note the change of colors and the addition of Jumpy, the jester from our Halloween Adventure downtown store. We have also added a section for our ebay auctions. We are also adding a Shop Online section for our site, where customers can purchase items that we have here specifically at the Times Square Masquerade location. And we do have a lot of costume items here.
We are continuing to build our Do It Yourself section, and we've also added a Celebrity Sightings page, at the request of our some-how celebrity-magnet store manager Stella.
Speaking of Stella, she's away for the week, so we've got Gabby steering the ship. She's changing our Easter window display for going forward further into the spring season. What's to come? Superheroes? Vampires? Gags and Novelties? Uncle Sam and Firecracker girl? Memorial Day preparations...?
Meanwhile, the website continues to evolve.
Monday, March 30, 2009
E-Baying it and Do-It-Yourself Masks
We've got a few announcements regarding additions to our store's website, www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com:
We just added a section for eBay Auctions. Stella has placed several costumes, masks, and accessories up for auction on eBay. See what we've got up now and see what you can grab for a potential discount! Our eBay items.
As I write this, we have an Obama mask, a Palin mask, a few lots of Obama play money, and several bunny costumes.
In addition the the eBay news, we've also added a section to the site devoted to Do-It-Yourself printable masks. Examples include political candidate masks, StarWars masks, witches, clowns, and general costumery themes masks. Thank Stella for collecting these DIY links all in one place: Do-It-Yourself Masks.
And there you have our first post. Let's see what goes from there.
Regards,
Damien
Masquerade
Times Square Costume Store
311 W 43rd street @ 8th Ave
www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Easter Bunnies and Body Art
We've got bunnies for the spring season...
And we've also got a new shipment of temporary tattoos in stock...
Bunnies and body art. What a combo. And why not?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Helium Balloons, Party Gags, and St. Patty's Day
We just got our helium tank and balloon supplies.
Having a party in the Times Square area and need some helium balloons and party favors?
Well, we've got 'um now.
Pictures to come soon, for those of you who like visual evidence!... and who doesn't like that?
We also have St. Patrick's Day good in stock, with more on their way. Get ready for the wearing o' the GREEN with us. We've got green hats, big and small, green beads, leprechaun costumes, lucky lassies, green themed sunglasses, suspenders, tights, shamrock riding crops, and more.
We've also got a ton of new party gags and tricks, including the famous snake-in-a-can, fart bombs, smoke bombs, and fart machines.
Isn't it interesting to step back and consider these party gags for a moment? Hmm...
And supplies just keep on growing! Perfect for April Fools Day, just around the calendar corner.
Masquerade
311 W 43rd street @ 8th Ave
New York City
www.MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Silly String
In honor of the new shipment of Silly String that just came in to the store this morning (from "Just For Kicks"), I have decided to do a little research on Silly String.
Did you know that Silly String has recently been used to detect tripwire traps?
Silly String = a life saving device?
"Silly String is strong enough to rest on a thin wire without breaking but light enough not to weigh the wire down." Source: http://www.howstuffworks.com/silly-string.htm
Apparently Silly String comes from the same company that makes those fragrant tree car air fresheners. Just For Kicks is that company's toy division that produces the beloved Silly String.
Silly String is adhesive and cohesive. More the latter than the former. It'll stick to itself and it'll stick to your walls, but it's easier to pull off the walls than to pull off of other strands of Silly String.
Be pleased to know that although Silly String's patent described "dichlorodifluoromethane" (aka Freon-12) as its propellant, "the Silly String manufactured today uses other propellants... Freon-12 is an ozone depleting substance that is no longer manufactured. "
All very interesting information.
And for the record, we've got the following colors: orange, pink, black, purple, yellow, blue, and green. All at $2.99 a can.
Silly String in the NYC Theater District at Masquerade / Halloween Adventure 43rd street.
Masquerade
311 W 43rd Street @ 8th Ave
Phone: 212-247-0104
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
We Have Obama Masks
We just received several Obama political masks in stock. We know quite a few people have been asking about these. They are finally here. They run at $24.99 each
Monday, February 23, 2009
Due for an update!
Whoo, it has been a little while since we've gotten to update the store blog, relatively speaking. I (Damien) have been spending much of our store web time dealing with a server switch for our website, MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com. While the migration to the new server has unfortunately caused me to burn my eyes out a bit more with extra scree-staring, it has also given me the chance to close read all of our website's pages for errors and inconstant tid bits. I am pleased to say that the pages are now looking nice and standardized.
I'd also like to point out that I've created a new link exchange banner for our site. Here you go:
There's more yet to come on the "new" website (it seems new now to me). Oh yes, don't let me forget, we also have a store yahoogroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MasqueradeNYC/. That is our mailing list for events, discounts, sales, and other announcements related to the Times Square store.
And right around the corner now is Fat Tuesday....
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mardi Gras Crafting Night at the Store. Feb 18.
Mardi Gras Crafting Night at Masquerade! Feb 18
Masquerade, the Halloween Adventure branch retail store in Times Square in conjunction with Nolita Mardi Gras Extravaganza (http://www.nolita.us) will be hosting a Mardi Gras Crafting Night.
Why: because Masquerade will help you with discounts to make your own mask, and other goodies to costume you up for the Nolita Mardi Gras party &
Because there are a limited number of discount (pre-sale) tix to the Mardi Gras party for those properly costumed up (reduced from $25 - $15) and those tix will be on sale at the crafting night.
What to bring?
* supplies!! trim, feathers, glue, paint, etc. Things to share with your fellow crafters. There are trim stores nearby on 8th ave below 42nd street. Pick some up on your way in!
*food and drink! BYOB! And bring some to share!
*things that will be available for your use. A hot glue gun, a table, my personal basket of supplies that includes most of everything mentioned in the supplies list, supplies from
our missing pieces box & broken masks(use the pieces to create your own beauty!) We may be short on chairs, so please be comfortable sitting on the ground.
*we will also have some masks for sale that will be great to use as a base for your own creation. Discounts will be given to all crafters for these items, of course.
More Mardi Gras Gear: Beads, Beads, and More Beads
Posted by: Damien
We've got some new Mardi Gras items in stock:
Beads by the bucket, masks, Mardi Gras play coins, strings of beads with masks on them, strings of beads with "rubber" chickens on them. Yes, with chickens on them..
Now I've seen it all...
Masquerade
Times Square Costume Store
311 W 43rd street @ 8th Ave
212-247-0104
Monday, February 9, 2009
Valentine's Day Goodness!
Posted by: Damien
We've got some Valentine's Day gear and goodies here in stock at Masquerade. We've photographed a few things and have put them up here on the website for your viewing pleasure:
Come and Cupid it up, get yourself decked out in heart-y attire, or pick up a toy Voodoo doll for more of a "gothy" Valentine's Day outlook.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Clearance Items, Revisited!
Posted by: Damien
Come and help us clear some things out...
50 % off the following decoration items:
Prices reduced to
Table-top Disco Ball: $15
Fog machine liquid: $12
Table-top Halloween scene (not pictured): $10
Spirit Ball: $20
Witch Wall Hanging: $10
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Get Your Medieval On
Posted by: Damien
Get your Medieval on. We'll help you with that, actually.
We've just added a page of our Medieval, Fantasy, and Renaissance -esque costumes to our MasqueradeCostumesNYC.com website.
We've got a lot of knight and crusader costumes, plus kings, queens, costume corsets and bodices, classic executioners, wizards, crowns, boot tops (to help make black shoes look more period), various Robin Hood costumes, and more.
Feathered Headdresses, Pilgrims, and Bow and Arrow sets - 50% Off
Posted by: Damien
When we say that all Thanksgiving items are on sale, what exactly does that mean?
It means that goods like these are 50% Off ticket price:
Toy Bows & Arrow sets, toy knives, pilgrim costumes, all running from $1-$13.
View more of the "Thanksgiving" items and such related goods here
Spread the word. Spread the madness.
Masquerade
Times Square Costume Store
311 E 43rd street @ 8th Ave
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Masquerade at NYC's Preeminent Inaugural Ball
Posted by: Damien
This took place last night. We were pleased to have been a sponsor! See below for the promo by Costume Jim. We will be making a report from our end soon!
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This coming Monday- please join us for the most colorful inaugural ball anywhere!
A part of a national network of Obama transition team coordinated "Day of Public Service" events, this is unique celebration featuring music, dance and performances with multiple creative activities, in multiple rooms, in partnership with multiple groups… Not just a party-- this is an event with a CAUSE--- Where we will demonstrate the vibrancy of NYC's cultural arts scene in full view of this new administration at this most historic moment.
WHEN: Monday, January 19th, 5pm-2am. Kids activities 5-7, performances 7-10, artistic dance party 10-late with ongoing creative activities throughout.
WHERE: Theater for the New City, 1st Ave, between 9th & 10th streets, NYC
COST: Donation before 9pm and $5/stylish, $10/normal after 9. Cheap drinks all night. Proceeds to pay for event costs with any profits going to participating artists.
WHO: Hosted by Action Arts League with Theater for the New City, please join the Kostume Kult arts collective, Dance Parade, Globesonic, Body Temple, Disorient DJ's, Arts for Art/ Vision Festival, Groove Hoops, Gathering of the Tribes, the Lower East Side Girls Club and Power of Peace Youth Coalition amongst others.
THE CAUSE: The highest profile inaugural ball in America's cultural capital--- This is an opportunity to speak directly to your new President and he is listening… He is a community organizer. He believes in empowering the individual and he has reached out directly to all of us for help. As his team turns their attention to urban and cultural/arts policy, they will be looking for fresh new ideas and this event is an important opportunity to highlight a platform we have created advocating the arts as a primary driver for this new era (full details at www.artspolicynow.com).
EVENT THEME: "Dreams" – Consider this amazing time and the Dreams of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama and what YOUR dreams are for the future... Costumes, artistic expression and absurdity are encouraged! PARTICIPATE!
SCHEDULE:
5-7pm:
The Lower Eastside Girls Club & The Power of Peace Anti-Violence Youth Coalition are organizing a variety of kids activities with Groove Hoops, Kostume Kult and others contributing.
7-9pm
Theater for the New City curated performances led by Mary Tierney and Crystal Field (full details at http://actionartsleague.org/..inauguration/)
9-10pm:
Jazz Conductions by Arts for Art/ Vision Festival… A spectacular conduction, led by Warren Smith and Joe McPhee, with over thirty artists coming together to illustrate the significance of this moment in history! Come see this grand ensemble including dancers, vocalists and a growing number of musicians on Alto Sax, Flute, Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Guitar, Cello, Bass and Drums. Followed by more performances from 10-12pm… Full details at: http://actionartsleague.org/..inauguration/
10pm-2am
Dreams for a New Era- Costume Dance Party
* 10-11:30: DJ Fabian Alsultany (Globesonic) spinning World Music with Dance Parade rallying diverse dancers inviting all to join in. Featuring Parashakti and the Gatekeepers performing a Shamanic blessing to honor harmony, the arts, creativity and cultural diversity, Dance of Venus (Turkish/ Kurdish belly dancers) and performance by Akim Funk Buddha (Urban Asian fusion performance art)....
* 11:30-Close DJ's Arrow Chrome and Reda Briki (Disorient) spinning House, Breakbeats and Electro with colorful costumery by members of numerous participatory culture arts communities.
ONGOING All Day:
* Take part in the Dreams ..video) Project and speak directly to your new President about your hopes and dreams for this new era
* Help Build the Dream Tree: Add your dream to a leaf for this interactive art project.
* Costuming and facepainting: Stop by the creativity center hosted by Kostume Kult and Halloween Adventure's new 43rd Street store. (located at 311 West 43rd street say "Kostume Kult" for a 20% discount- www.masqueradecostumesnyc.com)
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Metal Tiger (video), ANIMUS (installation), Garth Anthony Allison (painting), Huma Gul (mixed media mosaic), Jason Hackenworth (installation), Jeanette Arnone-K. (sculpture), Jenny Yurshansky (poster), Kiri Bermack (sculpture), Logan Grednel (photography), Maha Saedaway (painting/mixed media), Marie Roberts (painting), Martha Burzynski (photography), Mille Kalsmose-Hjelmborg (video), Mollyne Karnofsky (poster), Olga Alexander (painting), Peter G. Pereira (painting), Philip Foster (experimental music), Rafael Shimunov (video), Robert Israel (drawing), Rosie Sharp (photography), Walker Fee (painting/mixed media).
AFTER-PARTY
Afterwards, follow the kids from Kostume Kult to a nearby watering hole for more music and dance… A grand future awaits--- who can sleep?
EVERYONE WILL BE PLAYING HOOKY ON TUESDAY--- CALL IN SICK NOW!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Mardi Gras is Coming! What Ever to Wear?
Mardi Gras is coming on February 24! Wondering what to wear? Let's take a moment to consider what Mardi Gras is all about.
"Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday," and the day itself is the Tuesday right before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Traditionally, it's the last day to feast and party down before you start your Lenten fast. So get wild while you can.
We've had several people coming into our store lately looking for Mardi Gras costumes, but who were unsure of what exactly to include in said costume. No problemo, we say. Here are some things to consider:
- The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. source: http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/mgcolors.html
- MASKS are the way to go.
- Beads are always a winner for a Mardi Gras costume
- Jesters are popular
- Loud self expression is a winner
For some costume ideas for this year's Mardi Gras, you may want to swing by this site: Mardi Gras Costume Pics
Pssst... by the way, re-using New Year's Eve props and costumes is a great and economical idea for Mardi Gras. Our New Year's Eve stuff is all 50% Off while supplies last)
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Monday, January 5, 2009
BIG Sales at Masquerade Costumes NYC
We are having huge clearance sales on off-season holiday items.
50-60% Off
ALL Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years items, and Halloween props and decorations.
Masquerade
311 W 43rd street
Between 8-9th Ave
Manhattan, NYC
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