So many costumes, so little time... Costume shops nationwide are B-U-S-Y!

With that in mind, we called a costume shop in the south, where they pride themselves on their hospitality. And, boy, was Jimmy Gough, owner and doer-of-all-things at Costumes Etc. in Atlanta, hospitable.

Asked about what costumes kids are choosing this year, he revealed his favorite thing about his youngest costumers. "You never know what a kid's going to do," he said. "They'll come in, see a hat they like, a cape, some makeup, maybe a weapon and put it all together, ending up looking like some strange nightmare."

Still, there are some more easily-described costumes hot with kids this year:

Boy Stuff:

• As we've heard before, "Star Wars is still huge." At Gough's shop, Jango and Boba Fett have been perennial favorites for years. "It's funny because they're each only in the movies for about five minutes." He does see some kids dressing as Anakin and Jedi Knights. Also echoing what we've heard from other stores, boys at Gough's shop tend to favor "anything that comes with a sword or a gun."
• For the last five years, Gough has been getting many requiests for superheroes, particularly Batman, Spider-man, and Superman.
• Pirates have been big for many years now, said Gough. "Pirates are like the superheroes now; they'll always be here."
• Einstein and mad scientist get-ups have been doing well of late, too. Gough says the simplicity is attractive for parents: "You just need a lab coat and a crazy wig."

Girl Stuff:

• "Where boys are drawn to the scary stuff or weapons, girls are universally drawn to glittering, long, flowing dresses," Gough said. With that in mind, it's no surprise that princess costumes do well in his store. some little girls go back as far as Guinevere for their royal gear. Also, being that his shop is in the South, Southern Belle costumes are a perennial favorite. "Out here, Scarlett O'Hara will never go away." Asked if a Southern Belle really qualifies as a princess, Gough didn't hesitate: "At our store, it definitely falls under the princess category."
• Hippie gear is becoming a trend, among both boys and girls -- especially the younger ones. Said Gough, the kids are going for peace symbol necklaces, bell-bottoms (if they aren't already wearing them), and long-hair wigs.
• Wings! Girls go for anything with wings, said Gough. Angels, butterflies, fairies. He's seen quite a few girls even trying out the "dark angel" look with jet black wings and dark tights.
• Just so you don't think girls only go for the pretty stuff, Gough said two customers this season took him by surprise. Two sisters, about 10 and 12, came in determined to be Freddy and Jason of Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th fame. Of course, he obliged.

One More Thing:

No matter the age or the gender, Gough said that people in the last few years are "fascinated with fake mustaches." This could be worth looking into....at least we'd have something to twirl deviously as we hatch Halloween plots.

Thanks to Gough for his hospitality and insights. Check out the Costumes Etc. web site, or visit the store in Atlanta if you live nearby.