Brilliant Disguise

Halloween is a week from Friday, time to get your costume and plans in order.

If you’re going to do Sarah Palin, you're not alone. At least put a spin on it (zombie Sarah Palin, Democratic Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin from the year 3000, etc.).

Safe/Easy
Down n' out Gordon Gekko (slicked-back hair, black eye, bloodied power tie and oversized cell phone. Bonus points if you can wear a barrel)
Nurse Joker from The Dark Knight (nurse outfit, hastily applied clown makeup)
Werewolf Bar Mitzvah from 30 Rock (yarmulke, tallis, fangs)
Aging 90210 or New Kids on the Block star (bald cap with long graying sideburns, acid washed jeans)
Fred from The Foot Fist Way (cheesy 'stache, Tae Kwon Do uniform, memorable lines)

Risky/Difficult
Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder (blackface, fatigues, sunglasses, cigar)
Frankenstein's McCain (suit, old man wig, neck bolts)
Fonzie Obama (Obama mask, leather jacket, portable mirror)
Underage Chinese gymnast (black wig, leotard, pacifier)

Couples
Madonna and A-Rod
Michael Phelps and his mom (8 gold medals and shirtless for him, tracksuit for her)
Gov. Eliot Spitzer and his escort
Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan (You: black fedora, white button-down, headphones around neck. Her: as little as possible)

Costume Balls
If your Halloween's worth a grand, check out The Girls Next Door without den mother Holly watching over at the Playboy Mansion's Kandy Halloween. Killer electronic acts Simian Mobile Disco and Crystal Castles bring the beats to HARD Haunted Mansion at the Shrine Expo Hall. Costumes are always on the erotic side at the 21st Annual Halloween Masquerade and Costume Ball at The Music Box, this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of Halloween the Movie.
Kandy Halloween, Fri 31st, Playboy Mansion. Email events@ammtv.com to receive invitation code. $1,000.
HARD Haunted Mansion, Fri 31st 8p-4a. Shrine Expo Hall, 700 West 32nd St. $55-$130.
21st Annual Halloween Masquerade and Costume Ball, Fri 31st 8p-4a. Henry Fonda Theater, 6216 Hollywood Blvd. $40-$50. (323-874-0716)