Los Angeles has already established itself as a place where day in and day out nothing is as it seems. Why would Halloween be any different?

If anything, it's the one time of year when heavy makeup and cheesy get-ups actually make sense. To follow is a list of places where you can go to find all of your costume needs.

HOLLYWOOD TOY & COSTUME

6600 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

(323) 464-4444 www.hollywoodtoys.com

This Hollywood establishment, in business since 1950, houses some of the craziest and most outrageous wigs, accessories, costumes and props. Best-sellers include silver screen icons Catwoman and Darth Vader.

URSULA'S COSTUMES INCORPORATED

2516 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica

(310) 582-8230

Though thoughts of The Little Mermaid's gigantic sea witch might come to mind, this place isn't limited to seaworthy fare only. There are plenty of affordable prepackaged get-ups, but if you really want to make a statement, you can design your own with the help of the tailor.

CINEMA SECRETS BEAUTY SUPPLY

4400 Riverside Dr., Burbank

(818) 846-0579

No Halloween costume is complete without the right cosmetic accoutrements. Major movie players frequent this beauty supply and professional makeup store for just the right look, and so can you. They also sell costumes and wigs and there's a full-service salon on the premises.

HUBBA HUBBA

3220 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank

(818) 845-0636

Proprietor Pat Taylor is a bit gruff, but that's probably just because so many customers have wanted to get their hands on her one-of-a-kind costumes for the past 22 years. No plastic bagged get-ups here; the store specializes in vintage from the1930s through the '60s.     

HALLOWEEN CLUB

13310 Firestone Blvd., Ste A, Santa Fe Springs

(562) 407-3284

The Halloween equivalent of Sam's Club or Costco. If you can't find a thing to wear here, we don't know what to tell you; the place houses over 2,000 costumes. Goods also include coffins and other gruesome props for your house/apartment party.

AARDVARK'S ODD ARK

7579 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood

(323) 655-6769

1253 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 583-9109

There's a little something for everyone at this vintage shop that specializes in garb from the 1940s to modern times. Channel Madonna or Cyndi Lauper with the quintessential '80s prom dress – taffeta, sequins, fringe and lace finger gloves included. Smoking jackets are a big hit with the guys.  

Aahs

8878 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

(310) 657-4221

1090 Westwood Blvd., Westwood

(310) 824-1688 www.aahs.com

The one-stop mini-chain for all your Halloween needs. Over 200 new items have arrived this year, including plenty of pirate-themed booty and loot.

ATTENTION UCLA STUDENTS AND STAFF! Bring this article in to receive an additional 10 percent discount on costumes only. Must show valid BruinCard. Only one article per person, please. Valid only at Westwood location. Offer expires 10/31/06.  

OZZIE DOTS

4637 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

(323) 663-2867 www.ozziedots.com

You just never know when you might need a retro flower petal swim cap or a DEVO energy dome. There are even rubber chickens available here. This bamboo-laden vintage and costume shop has been in business for the past 20 years.

THANK YOU MART

1138 Westwood Blvd., Westwood

(310) 208-8963

www.thankyoumart.com

For those of us on a budget, this is a wonderland of deals and steals. Everything in this Japanese imported vintage clothing chain – from vintage dresses to J-pop jewelry and Mexican wrestling masks – is priced at a measly $3.99 (that's $4.32 with tax).