Lords and Ladies Fair
Some RCC staffers also participate in Raleigh's annual spring Renaissance Faire, and it's this clothing period where the shop shines. Buy or rent entire outfits or individual pieces, from elaborate Elizabeth I gowns to simple peasant attire.

Walk Like an Egyptian
RCC also offers Egyptian and Biblical ensembles, complete with angels' wings and shepherds' crooks.

"The Patriot," Anyone?
If Mel Gibson's your thing, garb yourself in Colonial gear, from hats and powdered wigs to shiny shoe buckles.

Save Your Pennies
Yes, the costumes here will set you back a bit, but you're getting velvet, satin, silk and cotton instead of wear-once-and-toss 100-percent polyester. With proper care, you'll have an outfit you can wear Halloween after Halloween--sit back and smile as your friends scurry on Oct. 30 to find something that's not mom's cast-off sheets.