The Costume Scene, 1710 Liberty Street, Trenton, NJ
M-T, Th-F (11AM-6PM); Sa (11AM-3PM). Closed W, Su. NOTE: During October, the shop is open 10AM-9PM, 7 days a week
(609) 394-7788   Website    Google Maps

Gravitas:   Proximity:

Say you’re going to a costume party, maybe for Halloween. Sure, you can go to one of the big-box party stores or the pop-up Halloween shops. You can buy the 500th Elsa costume (from Disney’s Frozen) that they’ve sold that week, and look just like everyone else as you glide around in your scratchy, cheap, dress with a plastic camisole. If you do that, you’re on your own when it comes to hair, makeup, and accessories. And you can be sure that you’ll be finding glitter all over the floor for weeks.

Or, you can wow everyone at that costume party with a creative outfit designed just for you by Amanda Sharp, the extraordinary owner of The Costume Scene. Amanda is a young entrepreneur. She’s a sought-after professional theatrical costume designer in our area, and decided her skills would best be used if she purchased a costume shop. Fortunately, she found the perfect one in Trenton (she grew up right nearby), and now is running a thriving local business.

What can you find at The Costume Scene? In the front section, you’ll find wigs, hats, and special effects makeup galore. Move further into the friendly store and you’ll find a room full of bagged, pre-made costumes (the same as you can buy at Party City).  But you should skip right over those and go talk to Amanda behind the counter (or her mother, who staffs the shop as well). Tell Amanda what you’re thinking about, she’ll size you up, and she’ll disappear behind the counter into an enormous warehouse room in the back, full of authentic period pieces, unique costumes, and imaginative outfits. Think genuine 1920’s flapper gowns, real military uniforms, hilarious mascot outfits, and absolutely everything in between. If you can imagine it, she’s got it (or can build it for you).  And she’ll make sure your outfit is complete. Are you a Victorian Gentleman? You’ll definitely need a pocket watch and a set of good sideburns, as well as that perfect top hat. The whole rental package will run you $40-65, but will be a complete set and made of genuine vintage clothes, perfectly fit for you. This is a level of service that you just can’t get anywhere else in the area (the closest competitor is in Philadelphia), so it’s definitely worth the trip.

Amanda has a wide selection of stage makeups as well, and can design your makeup to perfectly match your outfit. She’ll even design custom prosthetics for you, if the occasion calls–when I last visited she was in full zombified gore. Having a professional design your makeup and either apply it (or show you how to put it on yourself) is sure to take your costume up to the next level.

The good news is that The Costume Scene isn’t only for Halloween. During the rest of the year, Amanda specializes in costuming local theatrical troupes (Actors Net, Kelsey Theater, and McCarter Theater’s Education programs all use her services). She is available to costume local schools, camps, and other theatrical endeavors as well. And, of course, if you have to head to a flappers themed party, you’ll find everything you need at The Costume Scene.

If you want to win “best costume” at the party, this is the best option not only in town, but in the region. Shop locally and visit The Costume Scene.