The origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celts, who held a fall festival called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in). It was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth around this time of year. In order to ward them off, the ancient Celts would dress up in costumes generally made of animal heads and skins.

Thus the tradition of dressing up like ghouls and ghosts was born. Of course, today our costume choices generally land somewhere between sexy pirate and sultry vampire. This Halloween, find everything you need to keep the ghosts at bay at one of these spook-tacular stores.

Natasha’s Attic
The costume emporium boasts more than 20,000 complete costumes to purchase or rent. This Halloween, Natasha’s Attic is offering a special deal that lets customers with extensive party lists rent costumes for two weeks for the price of one rental fee. The store also offers modest alterations of purchases and rentals to make them fit just right. They have their own “wigamer” for customers’ wig needs, as well as make-up personnel and tons of accessories.
1238 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.286.7368
Mon-Fri: 10:30am-6:30pm, Sat: 11am-5pm, closed Sundays

Pleasures From the Heart
This mother-and-daughter-owned lingerie and adult boutique is great for customers looking for a steamier selection of Halloween attire. The store offers hundreds of sultry costumes, from hot sailor attire to princess outfits that would make Disney movies R-rated. Pleasures from the Heart also sells the shoes and lacy accessories to go with the costumes.
1565 Winchester Blvd., Campbell; 408.871.1826
Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 1pm-7pm

Affordable Treasures
A great one-stop-shop for anyone throwing a Halloween party. Affordable Treasures offers everything from spooky plates and napkins to cake decorating supplies that will make any treat festive and ghoulish. The store caters to both children and adults, with many costumes for every age group.
15795 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos; 408.356.3101
Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm

Moon Zooom
Moon Zooom specializes in vintage clothing and costumes from the ‘40s through the ‘80s. This store is great for “homemade” costumes that don’t come out of a pre-packaged bag. Whether a customer wants to throw on a poodle skirt and kick up her heels, or dress up like the disco-dudes of the ‘70s, Moon Zooom has it all.
1630 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.5876
Daily: 11am- 7pm

Pierre Silber
Pierre Silber has just opened up a store in Santa Clara. The venue is a warehouse filled with sexy Halloween outfits. The store sells has wigs, shoes and accessories for both men and women wanting to make their Halloweens glamorous and steamy. 
2735 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.844.9380
Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat: 11am-8pm, Sun: 11am-5pm
Oct. 27: 10am-6pm; closed Oct. 28; Oct. 29-31: 10am-6pm