No Kardashian Costume but Party Props Has the Rest

Given that the internet was abuzz with a certain shotgun divorce, the question for Jean Pittman of Party Props on Second Street was: Do you have a Kim Kardashian costume?

Answer: "No. Nobody's asked for one."

And what of the so-called most popular costume requested of Halloween 2011, Charlie Sheen?

Answer: "Also no. Not one person asked for it."

After 20 years as Belmont Shore's go-to costume store, Party Props specializes in giving locals what they want, and it defies trends and stocks the classics: pirate, pimp, vampire, zombie.

"This year there was a run on Alice in Wonderland a few weeks ago," said Jean Pittman, who was in constant motion Monday, Halloween afternoon, and grateful for that.

Jean and Steve Pittman have weathered the economy but it hasn't been easy. That and the emergence of giant but temporary Halloween stores often run by mega-chains have seriously challenged small business costume shop owners nationwide.

"I'd say 50% to 60% of the mom and pop costume store owners have closed this year, and that's in Orange County, L.A. County and around the country," added Pittman, citing the National Costumers Assn.

"I know that it has been hard for an awful lot of the smaller businesses and the NCA has been trying to get the word out and work with them," said Linda Emerson of Emerson Costume in Las Vegas, Nevada, a board member of six years for the NCA. "We try to help them put up signs in their doors saying they belong to the National Costumers Assn., that we are year-round and can take care of their needs through the year. And trying to make (shoppers) realize that (when they buy local), the money goes back into the economy of where we are located."

Back at Belmont Shore's Party Props, Jean Pittman noted that smaller business costume stores actually offer the same prices as the larger stores and actually have as many selections, and they are usually far better quality. Props sells primarily adult costumes, and has been selling make-up like crazy the past few weeks with the Zombie Walk in town this past weekend.

"It comes and goes by the week," said Pittman, swamped at her register by 3 p.m. "Last week for some reason the pimp look was big. Pirate are always big. Sometimes it's just what one person sees and the suggestion is (planted). Then we get a run on something."

Their personal touches add local charm.Husband Steve can occasionally be seen sporting full costume as he sits outside the front door, chatting up costumers. He is tall and fully silver-haired but makes a comical Elvis with full lambchops and 70s shades.

"We're going to help you more than a warehouse," Pittman added. "Now I gotta go."