Julie Fitzgerald, owner of The Costume Connection

Owner Julie Fitzgerald and sales associate Sergio Reyes all dressed upHalloween is the one day a year we get an opportunity to "dress up" in our favorite costume. So, we asked Julie 10 questions about her costume shop to get in the spirit of Hallows' Evening.

1) What are the most popular costumes this year?

Hippies (due to the 40th anniversary of Woodstock), vampires, fairy tale characters, pirates, Romans and bunnies.

2) Assuming Halloween generates most of your business, what brings customers to your shop the rest of the year?

Mardi Gras (we even make customized masks), dress up dinners, parties and school reports, where students portray "living history."

3) Tell us what's in your inventory?

We have more than 10,000 costumes and most of the rooms are organized around themes. We carry customized costumes, as well as the manufactured ones in packages. If a customer wants something we don't carry, I work with a steamstress to hand make it. We have a great selection of wigs and mustaches, too.

4) What's your favorite costume to wear?

I love the French Marie Antoinette period costumes and bustel dresses.

5) What are some popular "naughtly" costume requests?

Heidi Fleiss, drag, nurses and mile-high flight attendants.

6) What's your reservation policy for Halloween costumes?

Customers started reserving costumes in early September. You pay for it in full, and leave a deposit, which you get back when you return the costume.

7) What are your most popular dress up duos?

Sonny & Cher, Batman & Robin, Lucy & Ricky, Scarlett O'Hara & Rhett Butler, Bonnie & Clyde, Mae West & Clark Gable, and sheiks & belly dancers.

8) How do you acquire your costumes?

Mostly from movie sets when they sell off their props.

9) It seems that Halloween has become more people with adults than ever before. Why is that?

Because it gives them a chance to come out of their shell. They can be whomever they want to be behind a mask and it adds an element of mystery.

10) What's the most interesting costume you have? accessory?

Armor, but what was so unique about it, was how it was used. I had a gentleman request it to propose to his girlfriend so he could truly be her "knight in shining armor." Other off-the-beaten path costumes are the distressed, raggedy ones people use to dress up as werewolves, waifs and prisoners. For an accessory, probably a 1920s vintage cigarette holder.

Located in Costa Mesa for 21 years, and at their current site for one year, visit The Costume Connection for all your Halloween and dress up needs. It is located at 110 Broadway, Costa Mesa. It has extended hours now through Halloween, so call them at (949) 650-7279 to check when they're open.