Originally published Oct. 26, 2021
Are you still looking for a last-minute Halloween costume? Well, you’re in luck! Stages in Wheeling is a one-stop shop for unique, handmade costumes that are sure to make a statement.
Gael Fincham, owner of Stages loves helping customers find the right costume. “One of my favorite things is when someone comes into the shop and isn’t entirely sure what they want,” said Gael. “We’ll start throwing clothes out until something catches their eye and then they try it on and their eyes light up and they say ‘I didn’t know this was what I wanted, and I can’t wait to wear it out.’” Gael explains that customers frequently come in with a few pictures and a general idea of what they want, and leave it up to Gael and her costume consultant Emily Mae to bring their ideas to life.
Stages has been in business for over three decades and they’ve created an impressive collection of costumes through the years. With an inventory of over 20,000 garments, Gael and Emily Mae are confident that they can create the perfect costume for anyone. So whether you’re looking for a Renaissance-era gown, roaring 20s flapper dress, or a Disney-inspired character costume chances are you’ll find it at Stages – and there’s still plenty of time to rent before Halloween this weekend!
Stages has plenty of accessories to help complete any costume.
What sets Stages apart from what you’d find at a big box store is the quality craftsmanship of a hand-sewn garment. “Everything we make can be worn as real clothing,” explains costume consultant Emily Mae. “It’s not that thin, tissue paper kind of stuff that you find at other places. This is real cloth, real silk, real wool.” In addition to the quality of the materials, all costumes can be customized on the spot for most shoppers. In fact, many of the costumes are made with extra material so that they can be let out or taken in to accommodate a variety of sizes.
So, what are you waiting for? With Halloween just around the corner, you’ll want to visit Gael and Emily Mae soon to secure a one-of-a-kind costume to celebrate the spookiest day of the year. If you need some inspiration, check out what’s waiting for you at Stages right now:
Character Costumes
In addition to Dorothy and Snow White, Stages offers dozens of character costumes such as Shrek and Cinderella.
Ringmaster
Make it a group costume by having your friends dress up as circus animals. This costume could also easily be restyled to be used as a magician outfit.
Witch and Warlock
Browse through an entire rack of unique witches and wizard capes to find your perfect match!
Mountaineer
Show off your West Virginia pride by dressing up as the iconic Mountaineer.
Colonial Garb
Party like its 1700 in one of the many beautifully-made colonial outfits from Stages.
If you’d like to rent a costume, you can get everything you need for just $72 – this includes your costume, alterations, and any extra accessories. You can visit Stages at 1063 Main Street Mondays – Fridays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Alex Panas is the Program Manager for Wheeling Heritage, where she works with artists, small business owners, and community stakeholders to provide technical assistance and create meaningful programs that enhance Wheeling. She also serves as the managing editor for Weelunk. Alex lives in St. Clairsville with her husband where they raise four cats and four spunky backyard chickens.