All of the ideas I shared during this morning’s TODAY Show costume segment are easy, inexpensive and can be fashioned from items around the house, but it’s helpful to have a good set of resources at your disposal in case you find yourself lacking items or inspiration. So with exactly 7 days left before “All Hallows’ Eve,” here are my top picks for prepping:

If you’re looking for inspiration, visit discount stores like TJ Maxx or Marshalls.  Famous for deals on designer clothes, these stores are the perfect place to scoop up a dramatic dress, whether you’re going as your favorite celebrity or a mail order bride.  In addition to creative ideas, you can also pick up basic pajamas, men’s shirts, baby blankets and other household items without breaking the bank.

To stock your craft closet, head to Michael’s.  Before my Halloween segments, I always make a “Michael’s run.” Strong glue, acrylic paint, duct tape, Sharpie markers and pipe cleaners are a few basics that work their way into almost every costume and will come in handy for any future DIY endeavors.

For  basics, look no further than American Apparel.  Instead of running all over looking for that pair of red sweat pants or a white hoodie, visit your local American Apparel store or AmericanApparel.com.  For those who aren’t familiar with the chain, “AA” carries t-shirts, sweats, tights, socks, headbands and much much more, each in a rainbow of colors, which can help save you tons of time and frustration.

For all your hair & makeup needs, check out Ricky’sNYC.com.  A personal favorite of mine here in NYC, Ricky’s goes all out for Halloween, offering up everything from body paint and face makeup to hairspray and temporary spray-in hair color.  They’re also a fantastic resource for harder-to-find accessories like this morning’s pig mask, clown nose and pitchfork (And P.S., fun makeup makes a great last minute costume!)

Feel free to Tweet or Facebook me if you have questions about where specific products from the segment were purchased and huge thanks to all of the above stores for helping out  :)