HALLOWEEN
Costumes take a star turn
An online survey conducted by Savers Inc. reveals celebrity costumes are big this Halloween season.
"There's definitely a focus on Hollywood this year," said Michelle Dutkewych, a buyer for the international thrift-store chain with locations in Waipahu and Kalihi. Both locations will be celebrating Kids Day noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, with face painting, treats and free giveaways, to help families prepare for Halloween.
"With the remakes of many classic TV shows and movies, we are seeing a resurgence of interest in nostalgic characters from both teenagers and adults," she said. Look for several Willy Wonka and Paris Hilton look-alikes to hit the streets.
The survey of nearly 500 U.S. and Canada residents between Sept. 15 and Oct. 3 found 41 percent would be spending $20 to $40 for their costumes, and noted the following:
» Nostalgia: Classic characters are popular Halloween selections, with 45 percent of women drawn to Daisy Duke, the quirky Willy Wonka earning 26 percent of male fans, Darth Vader winning 14 percent, and Batman following with 9 percent.
» Genre: Just behind celebrity costumes are humorous get-ups, with nearly 30 percent of the vote, then frightening apparel (25 percent) and superheroes (9 percent).
For kids the Disney Stores at Ala Moana and Pearlridge offer a quick source of Disney character outfits, plus accessories, such as fairy wings, tiaras and feathered hats, to complete a homemade costume.
Boys have been drawn to Dash (from "The Incredibles") and swashbuckling looks a la "Pirates of the Caribbean." Alas, due to Dash's popularity, the costume is unavailable locally.
Girls, once again, can't resist playing the princess, and Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine and "Sleeping Beauty" costumes are the most popular items in Disney Store's Princess line.
The Disney costumes are priced at just under $40.