I went in to Hollywood Costumes just before Halloween to get a bowler hat for my husband who wanted to go to a party as Alex from ""A Clockwork Orange."" This is a pretty common item, and I had seen them around town at other places for about $5 but failed to pick one up. When I asked them for a bowler hat, they said they only had one choice, and it was $25. I said, ""I don't need something so nice, it's just for one night. I was looking for a $5 hat."" They looked at me with a sneer and said, ""We don't have any of THOSE."" As I walked out, they actually burst into laughter. I went to Lippman and got EXACTLY what I wanted. Hollywood Costumes is run by RUDE people. They have no clue as to the reality of their business, and are completely out of touch with the general public. I have also gone in there to buy professional stage make-up for productions I've been in, but the staff is untrained in how the products work. Finally, there should be a city ordinance against those hideously tacky paintings on their windows....although, I realize that is just a matter of taste.
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