Sometimes the event just demands that you put on a new you. That’s our specialty at Lottie Ballou. Since 1990, people all over the Bay Area have come to Lottie Ballou when they wanted to transform themselves. They come in the door as, say, realtors, school teachers, secretaries, mechanics, moms and dads, and when they leave, they’re zoot suit hunks, sexy saloon girls or medieval kings and queens. At Lottie Ballou, you’ll find we’ve got a treasure trove of elaborate vintage, contemporary and handmade costumes.

What costume styles do you carry?

We have a complete selection of period costumes from the Victorian, Dickens, Colonial, civil war, prairie, and western to 1920s flapper, gangster or Gatsby, to 1930 classic pencil skirts and suits, 1940 military suits and ballgowns, 1950s poodle skirts, leather jackets and beehives. Of more recent vintage we've got 60s hippies, flower child and MOD to 70s polyester, bell bottoms and leisure suits, all the way to 1980s prom dresses, rock stars and parachute pants.  We have Renaissance and Pirate, Cowboy and Indian, Latin lovers, Mardi Gras, Cha-Cha girls, belly dancers, mascots from lions, tigers and bears to Easter Bunnies and much, much more! You'll find some great character costumes that are theatrical quality or handmade to be true to their era. Elvis anyone?

What kind of accessories do you have?

We have wigs, belts and hats galore, including top hats, bowlers, derbys, fedoras, Panama, sailor, pirate and even Viking style. We have gloves, ties and boots. Boot styles include cowboy, 60s, sexy and lace ups and more. Our shoe closet includes old fashioned styles, wing tips and Oxfords and, of course, platforms. For underneath you'll find bodices, pantaloons, hoop slips and fish nets. You can accessorize with boas, furs, feathers, garters, headbands, ascot ties and bow ties, cloche hats, Cleopatra hair beads, 60s peace necklaces, bangle bracelets and a nearly endless supply of rings.

Anything new or special this year?

Our Old Time Photos are a huge success.  We offer walk-ins on the weekends and bookings by appointment during the week.  You can choose any costume or era from our entire costume selection, we help you accessorize and you leave with your choice of Sepia-toned momento of your visit in town and at Lottie Ballou.

Also, we've expanded our jewelry line to include authentic Victorian and Edwardian rings and high end diamond and gemstone rings to our line of beautiful costume jewelry. 

Lottie Ballou also has a line of Vintage hats for sale, as well as Benicia souveniors too.

What is the standard rental period?

All our costumes are priced for a 3-day minimum. You can certainly make arrangements for longer rentals.

Are there many stores around like yours?

Lottie Ballou is the only remaining full service costume rental closet in the North Bay.

How long has Lottie Ballou been in business?

We've been serving the Bay Area for over 19 plus years.