Halloween Mayhem in the streets of NYC

So I just got home from a very new york city adventure. First I took the subway (the 6 - which happens to be my favorite train) to Union Square to drop off the cd files of the project from hell...up to the 17th floor of one of those fance new yorky high rise office buildings. I got props for my skill and "enthusiasm" on the project from the art director, so that made me feel a bit better about the whole thing. After that, I walked down to St. Mark's where I had to purchase some Halloween gear and do a little research for my new project. The people were out in droves, sorting through hot pink wigs, glitter socks, vinyl nurses outfits and fake scars, madly grabbing what they could to make their outfits complete. I got most of what I needed for my GO GO outfit. Still need to make the ball and chain prop somehow. I had the brilliant idea of finding a costume shop and buying a fake ball and chain for a prisoner's costume. I found the closest shop and there was a line literally around the corner to get in the door. I was in a hurry and somehow made my way in without getting noticed by the folks in line. The place was crawling with hallo-weiners. I'm serious. As I was browsing through the prisoner prop section, the couple behind me was joking to themselves saying "I know honey, I'll be a nun and you be a priest and we can make out all night." huh-huh. That's a good one. Not that my school girl outfit is anything new, but come on people. Buying your manufactured costumes sealed in a plastic bag for $49.95 just seems to take the fun out of it. How about using what you've got or MAKING something? I guess I'm not one to talk...I'm so busy this year that I haven't had time to make anything good or come up with a really fun idea...but still. At least I'm not buying that pirate uniform from a bag. Needless to say, the ball and chain props sucked and I couldn't fathom standing in that line, so I left. I'm hoping to find a styrofoam ball at a craft store, and some plastic chain and silver spray paint at my local hardware store and make it work. I do love Halloween though!