photography by Lisa Ahrens

Reena Newhall, owner of the quintessential costume store, A Chorus Line (253-0300), has some important reminders for future trick-or-treaters. "Halloween is on a Friday this year, meaning that there are two party weekends, starting on October 25," she states. If you have a heavy social calendar, this might convince you to buy, rather than rent, your costume this year.

As for 2008's popular costume options, Newhall checked in with some fellow National Costumer Association members to develop "an educated guess." Adults, she says, will lean towards reliving the "good times" of their youth by sporting duds from past eras (think disco, hippie, day-glo '80s) - but kids of all ages might bring back the Roaring '20s and the poodle skirts of the '50s. Lastly, expect to see lots of political figures (Obama, McCain, etc.) during the election season.

For the little ones, Rochelle Cherie, owner of Enchanted Kids in Canyon Country (250-3308) reminds us that sometimes, "traditional" is best.

Decades from now, won't you (and your child) want to gaze reminiscently at photos depicting them as a cowgirl, cowboy or dragon? Timeless costumes, unlike "flash in the pan" cartoon characters might be the sentimental option. And for the really little ones, Cherie says that this year, it's all about pandas and elephants for infants and toddlers.

Mom doesn't have to be left out of the "dress up" fun. Sharon Dallas, owner of Naughty but Nice (222-2359), has the inside track on flirty, feminine options. "We have had a lot of requests for French maids, referees, race-car girls and nurses, but I do think that we'll also see a lot of pirates this year," she informs.

Log on to www.insidescv.com/calendar for spooky fun all month long!