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In Store:Halloween Costumes
With Janet Bennett
washingtonpost.com
Friday, Oct. 26, 2001; 3 p.m. EDT
Janet Bennett, shopping producer for washingtonpost.com, talks to Amy Bergman of Stein's. Bergman is a professional makeup artist who has previously worked for
CNN, the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra. Her work has been
featured in People magazine and on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.
Got questions? We've got answers to your Halloween dilemmas.
For 60 years, Stein's has been Washington's premier provider of makeup and
costumes to professional dance and theater companies. During Halloween, Stein's
caters exclusively to the needs of trick-or-treaters with costumes for all ages
and makeup from basic to elaborate. The store's staff can help shoppers decide
what costume to choose and teach them how to apply makeup.
Bennett was born in New York and considers it her birthright to
shop. She inherited the shopping bug from her mother and grandmother
before her who were regulars at the original Loehmann?s in Brooklyn.
After leaving the Big Apple, Bennett proudly took up the gauntlet in
D.C. and has been pounding the pavement here for washingtonpost.com
since October 1999.
Below the transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Janet Bennett:
Hi, all. Welcome to our discussion about how to dress your best for All Hallow's Eve this Wednesday. And welcome, Amy, makeup artist extraordinaire, from Stein's in Arlington. We're delighted to have you with us. So, everyone ready? Ask away!
Janet Bennett:
So, Amy, the question of what's an appropriate costume this Halloween looms large. Do you have any thoughts on the subject?
Amy Bergman: Nothing to do with current events right now is a good idea. Most people find that unsympathetic and distasteful. However, retro is big as is Harry Potter , Planet of the Apes and Blue Man Group as well as Pimps and Devils and of course gore and blood
Alexandria, Va.:
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I just love getting all dolled up! My question is, with the new-hot trends in glittery makeup, what is the best way to get glittery stuff out of clothes, carpet, your hair, or your dog. I could go on and on and I am sure you get the picture.
Amy Bergman: We have a great make up remover for face called hydra cleanse and other than that a good vaccuum!
Janet Bennett:
I don't want to wear anything fussy or complicated. Do you have a suggestion for something simple?
Amy Bergman: Retro and especially '70's is great!
Washington, D.C.:
I'd like to become Marilyn Monroe for Halloween. Where can I find a good costume and wig?
Amy Bergman: Come in and see us at Stein's!
Silver Spring, Md.:
My daughter wants to be a deer for halloween. I'm not an especially creative person. Do you have any ideas how I can make a deer costume? I'm desperate!
Amy Bergman: Try a brown leotard and tights. You can make ears out of felt hot glued onto a headband. For the antlers try paper mache painted brown, or use tin foil and hot glue felt over it!
Waldorf, Md.:
I cannot locate a hand-held device that makes a ghost sound to use on trick or treat night. Help.
Amy Bergman: Try a technical theatrical shop. But we have some cool spooky music on cd!
Janet Bennett:
Is there anything that you would consider bad taste for Halloween?
Amy Bergman: Anything to do with Sept. 11th!
Janet Bennett:
People always have questions about what they should wear for a costume party. Do you have some innovative suggestions?
Amy Bergman: Vampires are always fun without being a lot of trouble. You can always dress as yourself with a different nose, or wig, or in an outlandish costume!!
Arlington, Va.:
Hi Amy,
I really miss Stein's old larger building that it was originally in up the street. Will you all be moving into a larger shop so, you have more room. In the old shop you had breathing room in there. Also, I liked the older looking building.
Steve
p.s. Is there a web site or place where one can find older holloween masks from the 60's & 70's ? Janet Bennett:
Have you looked at ebay for older Halloween masks? It's a possibility.
Amy Bergman: Hey Steve, we did too! Are you offering us a donation?
Janet Bennett:
Amy, Janet here. I'm just wondering; do you have any tips about safety as far as costumes go?
Amy Bergman: Reflector tape is a great thing for Halloween costumes. Also don't forget glow sticks and flashlights..You need to see as well as have people see you!
Washington, D.C.:
Do you have any non-dance related costumes? Your website says you are only open til 7 p.m., do you have later hours for the next few days? Thanks.
Amy Bergman: Yes and Yes come see us untill 8:00 tonight and tomorrow!
Janet Bennett:
Any costumes that are particular popular this year, given world events, more than any other? Is patriotic big?
Amy Bergman: Masks are really big especially political masks. See my first answer for more ideas!
Washington, D.C.:
Hi. What are the essentials for an easy vampire and vampire-ess?
Amy Bergman: Good teeth, mouth blood, and accentuated eyes!
re: deer:
Isn't it open season right now?
Bad idea.
Amy Bergman: Get a grip it's Halloween!! Unless this Mom is taking her child into the woods and letting her go, I don't think it's a problem!!
Gaithersburg, Md.:
How can I get my shoulder-length hair to stand straight up?
Amy Bergman: Lots and lots of gel and hair spray!!
Rockville, Md.:
I am planning on being an Egyptian queen or a Greek goddess, but I am having trouble with little details. Any quick and cheap accents I can add for authenticity? Any ideas as to where I can find some good pictures? My party isn't until next Saturday. Janet Bennett:
Janet here. Greek goddess, huh? Good for you. I suggest you look at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) Website. They have a fabulous collection of both Greek and Egyptian art, and I would think their website would have plenty of pix to offer.
Amy Bergman: Come in and see us we have great gold and silver make-up to add authenticity and fun!
Gaithersburg, MD:
Then what should I use to get all the stuff out of my hair w/o pulling out lots of it?
Amy Bergman: What stuff
Woodmoor, Md.:
I'm going to a Masquerade Black Tie Ball with a date. We've decided to go as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda.
Do you have any tips to pull off the roaring 1920's F. Scott Fitzgerald look.
I assume I should start with a tuxedo and slicked-back hair. Any other suggestions?
Where can I find "spats"? Janet Bennett:
Janet here. Hi, Woodmoor. Don't forget there are some very good vintage shops in the D.C. area for finding things like spats, etc. Have you heard of Meeps and Aunt Neensie's on U Street? They have lots of great-looking vintage shoes for men and women.
Amy Bergman: for Zelda it's all about hair and make-up
Washington, D.C:
Worst costume you've ever seen?
Best costume you've ever seen?
Most creative costume?
Amy Bergman: too many to name
Washington, D.C.:
What is your web site address?
Amy Bergman: www.steins-theatrical.com See you there!
Washington, D.C.:
What are some of the most creative or clever costumes you've seen?
Amy Bergman: It's more about how they are put together than what they are. Just remember details are key!
Gaithersburg, Md.:
The hairspray and gel? I don't want to comb or brush it out since most of my hair will come with it. My hair will be so hard and knotting from teasing.
Amy Bergman: Shampoo, shampoo and more shampoo!! don't forget the conditioner on your last rinse cycle or your hair will feel very dry.
Washington, D.C.:
I need to make a mermaid tail/fin for tomorrow night, what's the best solution for a home made job? I have the top half figured out but the bottom. (FYI, former art student here, pretty creative)
Amy Bergman: textured fabric with a hole for the feet so you can move might work.
Arlington, Va.:
I'm thinking of being Medusa for halloween, since I have short curly hair that I think may lend itself to the addition of some snakes. Any other ideas to complete this costume??
Amy Bergman: A pale face with bright metallic eyes, lashes and lips would be great! Don't forget the toga and sandles.
wolf mask:
we're goign to stein's this evening! do you have wolf masks? a la "little red riding hood andthe big bad wolf"?
Amy Bergman: We have some great stuff but it's going fast, come in as soon as you are able!
Janet Bennett:
Amy, one last thing. How are you finding the atmosphere this Halloween this season? Big changes or not?
Amy Bergman: Huge, we are having great fun! Due to the changes in the world I find people being more creative than in past years. Although we are really busy we have been working with people one on one to make sure they leave with something really great that they are happy with!! We'll see you soon!! :)
Janet Bennett:
Thanks, everyone for joining in and thank you, Amy, for enlightening us on how to pull off our Halloween costumes this year. I know things are hectic at Stein's. Have a happy and a healthy!
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