Halloween Shopping in Polk Gulch

In a few weeks, the local coverage area of Hayeswire, Haighteration and Uppercasing will be expanding. Today's post is a preview. ************ Anyone who lives in San Francisco knows that October signals the official start of the holiday season. Halloween is serious business here, and with all of the available options, there is little reason to buy from large chain stores. This year we provide you with our hyper-local Halloween shopping guide; all of the stores are within easy walking distance of Polk Gulch.

Once a North Beach institution, we are now proud to claim Rosalie's (1214 Polk) as one of our own. One has to walk into this store to fully appreciate it. Despite its modest exterior, the store is chock full of wigs, along with racks and racks of vintage at affordable prices. The shop's three stylists fashion wigs for some of the Bay Area's best known drag queens, but don't let that intimidate you. Unstyled wigs start at just $35, and the friendly staff are happy to find just the right coif for your needs. Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday, and 11am to 4pm Sunday. While Out of the Closet locations are now found worldwide, the charity offers free HIV and STD testing, as well as a non-profit pharmacy, right here in San Francisco. Their Polk Street thrift store (1498 Polk) has frequently rotating stock that contains a fun selection of both modern and vintage clothing. Out of the Closet is a great source for budget-friendly, one of a kind Halloween outfits. Store hours are 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 6pm Sunday. For a good selection of new costume supplies, as well as a handful of zany vintage pieces, visit Costume Party (1058 Hyde) across from Trader Joe's. The owner has decades of experience in vintage clothing, and while that is no longer the main focus of his store, he is fantastic at giving advice to those looking to achieve a specific retro look. Costume Party is open 11am to 7pm Monday through Saturday. While their costumes don't go beyond your typical made in China, sexy-fill-in-the-blank costumes in plastic bags, SF Party (939 Post) is a good place to find all of your last minute Halloween party items, including orange and black balloons and for-rent cotton candy machines. Hours are 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday. After you have your costume figured out, head over to Terrasol (1742 Polk) for all of your Halloween decorating needs. Every inch of the store is filled with adorable modern nicknacks, from plushy witches to glittery skeletons to tarantula fascinators. Terrasol is open 11am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.