“Queen Linda” Semple standing out front of her costume shop The Laughing Queen, disguised as the big bad wolf.
Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Gary Carnivele
Special to the Sun
Take a good look around and you cannot help noticing the warning signs. That crisp autumn nip is in the air. The once-green foliage on many trees is now blushing or tarnished and poised to be swept away from their branches. Those carved orange vegetables have already started popping up on front porches. Halloween is upon us.
Ignoring those party invitations or your children’s excitement isn’t going to get those costumes assembled. Fear not. You need travel no farther than Sonoma Plaza to find everything you need to transform you and yours into the belles – or beasts – of the ball. The selection is plentiful and inspiration unavoidable. Schedule a few hours and venture out with an open, twisted, and whimsical mind.
How fortunate we are to have an establishment like the Laughing Queen in our midst. More than half of the novelty store has been transformed into an extraordinary costume shop that rivals those temporary retail outlets that started springing up in suburban strip malls weeks ago. The enticing merchandise is stacked as high as the ceiling and fills every possible display case, twirling rack and shelving unit.
Supremely crafted rubber masks and headpieces are certainly the focal point. Demonic creatures, hairy werewolves, glowing skeletons, imposing apes, terrifying clowns and even Herman and Grampa Munster are yours for the asking (starting at $59). Unique bubble-eyed alien masks, which distort the wearer’s eyes to creepy effect, are available in putrid purple, ghoulish grey and ghostly white. To complete the horrific look, add the appropriate rubber hands ($10 – $40), to co-ordinate with any mask.
“The huge success of the film version of ‘Hairspray’ has made the ‘50s look very popular this year,” said “Queen Linda” Semple, who has owned Laughing Queen for 14 years. “We’ve stocked poodle and crinoline skirts, colorful beehive wigs and even an enormous foam flip wig for women and nerdy vintage clothing, horn-rimmed glasses and more for the guys.”
The 40th anniversary of San Francisco’s “Summer of Love” may be commemorated with an ensemble of clothing from the Laughing Queen’s collection of theatrical costumes, colorful feather boas, priced from $9.95, a trippy grouping of large plush hats by Elope ($29 – $36), including a furry top hat in psychedelic colors and a plethora of wild wigs, the most impressive of which is the “Super Size Wig,” by Franco Costume Culture ($54).
The Laughing Queen has everything required for the more industrious and creative costume makers, including a colorful collection of crème-make-up, glittery false eyelashes, goofy teethe, Goth and bling-licious jewelry, furry facial hair, enticing eyewear and even goofy rubber feet. Whether one chooses to go glamorous or ghoulish, just about anything you might need to pull together that perfect Halloween costume is available here. Store hours have been extended, but the popular shop will become much busier as the big day approaches.
Sonoma Girlie Stuff has brought sexy back with a scintillating collection of skimpy costumes, some of which are displayed in the shop’s window. “The Peacock Princess,” “Sexy Security Officer,” “Gangster Outfit” and “Embroidered Geisha Kimono” ($50 each) are certain to steam up even the chilliest fall evening. Complete the look with cascading Jessica Simpson hair extensions in a variety of colors ($75).
For those on a budget, the Church Mouse offers a Halloween costume department at the rear of the Sonoma Plaza store. Previously owned children’s costumes are available for prices as low as $1.95. The colorful collection includes many pumpkins, fairy princesses, wizards and more. Mix an embellished, veiled witch hat, one style is in purple shades and the other in black and white ($19.95), a witch’s broom ($4.95) and some scary make-up (beginning at 95 cents), and you’re a cape away from being bewitched. Feathered and fabulous Mardi Gras masks are priced from $2.50. A wide assortment of wigs ($6.95), hats, vampire teeth (25 cents), fairy and angle wings (from $3.95) and much more is now available.
If you plan on canine accompaniment while trick or treating, first swing by Three Dog Bakery and outfit your pet accordingly. The diverse and adorable costume selection includes a fairy princess, replete with wings, ($25.95), a Count Dugula Harness ($23.95), an angel gown with halo ($18.95), a bumblebee with antennae ($24.95 – $30.95) and many more. Snatch up a special, fresh-baked Halloween treat for your pooch like a “Bat Bite” in orange or black (two for $1.75) or “Growl-o-ween Cookies” in ghost, pumpkin or scary cat shapes (three for $2.75).
The Laughing Queen is at 122 E. Napa St. in Sonoma and may be reached at 707.935.6611. Store hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sonoma Girlie Stuff is at 124 W. Napa St. and may be reched at 707-935-1261. Store hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Church Mouse is at 15 E Napa St. in Sonoma and may be reached at 707.938.9797. Store hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week. Three Dog Bakery is at 526 Broadway in Sonoma and may be reached at 707.933.9780. Store hours: Mon. – Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
