Local shops have plenty of treats in store for DIY Halloween costumes

Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle once said: "If the cut of the costume indicates intellect and talent, then the color indicates temper and heart." If that's the case, I'm not sure what my homemade Smurfette costume communicates about me, but I do think a handmade Halloween costume speaks volumes. In a world of from-the-box getups and annual repeat performances, it really spices up the season to showcase your creativity by crafting a costume from scratch (or at least seriously altering something pre-existing). 

In hopes of inspiring some truly unique aliases this year, I interviewed friends and acquaintances whose past handmade costumes have inspired me and asked them to divulge their local costume resources. Here is the list of stores where they found some inspiration:

If you want to show how much of a dawg you are, head to the UW Surplus Property Store. Stocking authentic surplus University of Washington clothing and supplies, this resource offers treasures like lab coats and authentic sports uniforms (prices vary). Open to the public Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m. and periodic auction days (next auction day is Oct. 17), the store will help get you in the game.

The University District-based hardware store Hardwick & Sons is a rich resource for handmade-from-scratch costumes. The nearly century-old, family-owned store is stocked with supplies like paint, cardboard and paper as well as oddball parts like aluminum-ducting "robot arms" ($2).

A wide variety of military gear and accessories like flight suits ($40), sailor uniforms ($29.99+) and "Lara Croft" holsters ($32) can be found at the Federal Army and Navy Surplus store in Belltown. It's a sure bet for Goose and Maverick gear.

Help your daughter become a truly original fairy princess, with costume-ready items like wings ($4-$8), wands ($3-$4) and play shoes ($3-$4) from Greenwood children's clothing store Rising Stars. If ruling the stage instead of the kingdom is on your daughter's list, visit Sweet Peas in Columbia City for ballerina costume ingredients like ballet flats ($4.99+) and tutus ($5.99).

Rhinestone Rosie is the go-to store to find reasonably priced antique jewelry. With a large selection of earrings, rings, brooches and much more, the Queen Anne jewelry store will help you channel classic vintage looks like the flapper or old-Hollywood movie star.

Since wigs are often the most expensive part of your costume, save some money and buy a brand-new overstock wig at Capitol Hill discount store Value Village. You can find never-worn wigs ($6-$14) in popular styles like mullet, witch and Goldilocks.

The used costume racks at Capitol Hill vintage store Red Light are a great jumping-off point for first-time costume crafters. The discount costume racks offer huge price breaks (about $12 per item) on previously owned costumes. The vintage store's used costume sections, including pirate, goth, '80s prom and cabaret, are a great place to source supplies you can redesign for a do-it-yourself look this year.

Do you have a good, local resource for a DIY Halloween costume? Please share your recommendations below.

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