Miller and Campbell Costume Service

I’d probably give Miller + Campbell 3.5 stars if I could, it’s rounded up because there really isn’t another place like it in town. When you need a serious costume (not one of the cheap ass ones in a bag from Halloween Express) this is your place. Here’s how it works:
1. Plan ahead — visit well before your event and WAY ahead if you want a Halloween costume. There are a limited number of sizes, so if you show up the day of you may be disappointed.
2. Browse the extensive stock of costumes, many of which are housed in awesome vintage costume closets. It’s all neatly organized by theme and there are helpful staffers if you can’t find what you want.
3. Pay up. It’s not cheap as rentals run $ 50 – 100 plus a deposit (this includes minor alterations, cleaning and pressing). Everything is handmade, so if you spill a whole bottle of Rumchata down the front of your Renaissance Wench costume, you’ll be dinged for repairs.
Other important facts:
*it’s kind of creepy in here. Like vintage carnival creepy. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I’m just saying.
*There is a small room where «retired» costumes and accessories are for sale for next to nothing.
*If you need true stage makeup they’ve got an extensive selection, plus lots of accessories.
*Rachel’s right — there’s a definite musty smell going on. It reminds me of the old Marlene’s Touch of Class on Water St.
Halloween is approaching fast — if you’re thinking about a costume rental, get a move on!

I feel lucky to live in a city with such a great resource like Miller and Campbell. They rent costumes, and the selection looks great, but moreso if you are a size 0−2−4.
However, I have found the makeup, wig, accessory section to be amazing. While they stock stage-​quality brands of makeup, some of it has everyday use, like eye pencils, eye shadows, glitter. The false eyelash selection is superb with reasonable pricing.
The customer service is also fantastic by always greeting the customers who come through the door. They lend their input and have creative ideas.
P. S. There are some good finds in the clearance room, like a Mardi gras sequin mask for $ 1.00 !!!

I love Miller and Campbell. Just had to get that out of the way.
When it comes to costumes, I tend to be a do it yourselfer (read: for me, generally broke). But, if you lack in the creativity or free-​time zones– do check out their costume rental. Seriously. Any sort of get up, whether it’s a squirrel, bandito, Peter Pan, whatever, they have it.
Usually, I shop here for stage makeup, not because I’m on stage often, but because I love makeup that doesn’t melt off after two hours. I’m a firm believer in Ben Nye & Kryolan products, and MaC is fully stocked.
If you need accessories for your costume– they have you covered. Eyepatches, swords, moustaches, gigantic eyelashes, tights, scab in a jar, zesty mint flavored fake blood?
Also, fun fact, they have a room full of former rental costumes for sale. Don’t skip that room.

Contrary to popular belief, this place is, in fact, open to the public. Also, it’s still open.
Everyone that lives in MKE knows where this is, yet somehow, MaC remains somewhat hidden. It seems as though the place has gone out of business, but don’t be fooled. They’re still here.
Say, for some reason, you need a mistrel costume. Or a bear suit. Or a Santa beard. Or some elf-​wear. Maybe it’s some full on, old-​time cowboy getup that you *need* (for whatever reason, I’m not here to judge). MaC’s your place, Milwaukee.
It’s old in there. It’s kind of musty. But they’ve got every kind of costume you could ever possibly want to rent. Also: wigs and makeup and odds and ends for purchase, as well as a random «extras» closet/​room with old/​one-​off or extra items for sale. Worth rooting through for sure.
Pricing: A little steep, and they require a deposit. But depending on your desired rental, there may be options available in terms of quality and pricing. Worth noting is that they kind of have a corner on this market in MKE as far as I know, so there’s that.
Parking: Easy like Sunday morning. (Read: adjacent lot)
Call ahead: & find out if they do, in fact, carry the type of costume/​get-​up you are after. Chances are, they do.

Simply the best costume company in the Midwest. They have every type of costume as well as great makeup. Very knowledgeable staff. Great parking. A fun place to visit and rent Halloween costumes.