Where to Find The Best Halloween Costumes Online

Online shopping is like Mecca for the geeky: it's a pilgrimage, yet that pilgrimage is literally only a few feet away - to the keyboard. I started out shopping like a normal human, going to the mall, ooo'hing and ahh'ing over window displays meant to entice me into spending my hard earned dollars. Then, I discovered the thrill of shopping online. Life hasn't been the same. The selection is unsurpassed and the stores never close! Yes, there is that time lapse needed for shipping and receiving, but it's like the UPS man in delivering Christmas, or in my case, Halloween, in tidy packaging, complete with the gift that keeps on giving, bubble wrap.

Imagine not having to fight the insanity that is the holiday shopper. You know who I am talking about. They push, they shove, they let their entire buggy take up half the aisle. Let me tell you what else, grandma will fight you over that adorably cute Pea Pod costume they wanted for their first great-grandchild and you for your newborn infant. All bad memories aside, I decided the best way to shop for Halloween is online. There is no other way.

What you need is my quick and dirty list to finding the best Halloween costumes and resources for the little ghouls and goblins in your life. If it's for you, just remember there are people out there, like me, that will be out snapping photos that shall immortalize you in the annals of TwitPic and the Library of Congress forever.

Most people think of Halloween Express when they think of costume fun. They pop up everywhere just in time for Halloween,but have you visited their stores? People think it's funny trying to scare the living daylights out of you. Me? That's yet another reason to accessorize with a taser. So if you're like me, someone that might get scared easily and scream really loudly, I would suggest looking at their website for some great spooky gear instead.

Etsy might be my pick for just about anything. Handmade, custom and vintage pieces made by cottage industries that can be for Halloween and the multi-purposed for everyday life. One of my favorite Etsy shops is babypop Designs. Her baby superhero capes and costumes are awesome. Too bad she wasn't around in my Wonder Woman years. You can also find her over at babypop designs online.

If you are looking for choice, then look no further than Buy Costumes. With 15,000 costumes in stock, chances are you won't be dressed the same as others if you use your imagination.

Lowe's Home Improvement is where I will be picking up the makings of my son's costume this year. He's 10 and pretty much over the whole trick-or-treating thing. However, since I promised to up the ante costume wise this year, I will be buying styro sheeting, special glue, spray paint and LED lights in my quest to make a Nintendo Wii controller.

For those of us that are handy with a needle and thread, you can buy fabric and patterns online from a multitude of sources to create spooky fun. Joann's Fabric and Craft store has a great online experience and features the doyenne of domesticity, Martha Stewart. Hancock Fabrics is another gem. They have an entire Halloween Superstore filled with goodies to make your shopping experience much easier. Hobby Lobby is my final pick for crafty/fabric stores online.

Last but not least, I need to mention a couple of cool vintage shops. Posh Girl Vintage is where I have not only found clothes for everyday wear, but for playing dress-up as well! What could possibly be better than wanting to feel like a movie star while dressed in vintage. After all, who hasn't watched Breakfast at Tiffany's dreamily wishing they were Audrey Hepburn. Nelda's Vintage is my final selection. I love the fact they give you explanations on condition grading and measuring. It's so essential when looking for fit in vintage versus modern clothing.

[Top images courtesy of babypop]

So do you have any favorite places to go buy Halloween costumes from? Let me know your thoughts.

Just remember the immortal words of Ron Burgundy (which is always a great Halloween costume choice) and "stay classy, San Diego."

See more from Clever Girls Collective:
Forget Happy Halloween, Happy Geek-o-Ween!
Top 6 Most Embarrassing Sports Rap Videos
Track Fantasy Football Teams With Mobile Apps

========================================================================

Clever Girls Collective is a social media marketing agency founded by women who wanted to use their deep marketing experience and broad social network relationships for good. We know that women who engage in social media are some of the most authentic, connected, trusted, and vocal influencers -- not only online, but "in real life." That's why we've developed The Clever 1000: an ever-growing, beautifully diverse network of professional, thoughtful social media-connected, natural networkers and influencers who want to engage with and enhance their favorite brands. Lisa Frame lives on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband and 10-yr. old son. She is an aspiring picture book writer, cupcake connoisseur, lip gloss wearing, retro-loving, wine enthusiast. An avid reader, photographer and coffee addict, Lisa also has a knack for coming up with fun ideas for moms and kids, cooking memorable meals (some for the wrong reasons), lives as green as possible, and blogging about whatever comes to mind. You can find more about Lisa over at A Daily PinchMommyality, wrangling city editor duties at Savvy Source or follow her on Twitter @Daily_Pinch and @Mommyality.