Preparing For Gasparilla

This week, we're getting ready for an invasion. Every year, pirates take over our fine city of Tampa, culminating in that raucous celebration and parade along Bayshore Boulevard that features floats, rowdy pirate wannabes, some well-concealed alcoholic beverages, and lots of beads.

With the main parade on Jan. 28, we present our five top places to help you look and dress the part.

Why Not Boutique, 3423 West Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa – Sure there are several boutiques in South Tampa selling cute Gasparilla gear, but Why Not has always been a favorite. This year the boutique not only has women's shirts and sweaters, skull and crossbone scarves and jewelry, but also kids' T-shirts and men's Ts. If you're going for something more feminine than a skull, check out the screen-printed corset tank tops. The bling-bling rings are a great accessory – and price – too. If you go, make sure to say "Hi" to Cloe, the boutique dog.

Sunshine Thrift Store, 4304 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (or similar second-hand store) – Have a family you need to turn into a motley crew on the cheap? A thrift store may be your answer. Sunshine Thrift offers up racks of white shirts, black pants and other hand-me-downs that can be easily transformed into a costume for a pirate or wench by channeling your imagination and 7th-grade home ec skills.

Bead Barn, 3015 West Barcelona Street, Tampa – No self-respecting wannabe pirate would be seen at the parade without at least one strand of beads, but there's no need to wrestle them away from the kids standing around you along the route. Bead Barn features strand upon strand of beads in a variety of colors and sizes, so you'll look like a Gasparilla veteran – even if it's your first invasion. They even supply the various krewes.

Michaels (various locations) – Gasparilla isn't just about dressing yourself. Anyone who lives in South Tampa can tell you the area takes on a Halloween feel when their neighbors deck their houses up in flags, lights and various pirate gear. Craft stores such as Michaels give creative types an opportunity to get into the spirit without having to brave the masses along Bayshore.

The Platinum Zipper, 2800 MacDill Ave., Suite N, Tampa – Gasparilla isn't just about parades and imbibing. Let's not forget the endless stream of parties, Queen and King coronations and festive galas. The Platinum Zipper carries cocktail dresses that would make any pirate want to drop anchor in your lagoon. They sell off the rack and carry exclusive designs from Karishma Creations and Jonathan Kayne. If you don't see something you like, they can order what you need at a price that won't break the bank. Cocktail dresses start at $69 in sizes up to 30. If you're really want to shine, check out the Jonathan Kayne creation with LED lights built into the bustier. It has three light settings so you're guaranteed to shiver me timbers. Ahoy!


Yeah, we know. You think we're clueless because we didn't include your favorite place on our list, right?

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