Editor's Picks: Mischief Night

Eastern State Penitentiary is the oldest penitentiary in the United States. The prison holds tours year-round, but the Terror Behind the Walls only comes near Halloween. They officially opened their haunted doors last week, which means only one thing: Halloween is around the corner. (Editor's Note: The penitentiary also happens to sit a few blocks from the PM offices. I know what you are thinking: office trip to the haunted house. I am trying to make it happen.)

Halloween is the uncontested best holiday in the world (at least in this PM cubicle). The pumpkins, the costumes, the candy. I don't think candy has ever tasted as good as on Halloween night when I was a kid. That pillowcase full of Snickers, M&M's, Reese's and Milky Ways (I traded Twizzlers and Smarties for all things chocolate) was the late-night dinner my childhood heart craved all year. Being able to play dress up for a night was only slightly better than the impending sugar rush.

The one thing that made Halloween not awesome: jackets. My mother always made me wear a coat on top of my costume, which quickly turned my Scarlett O'Hara costume into a parka and bell skirt. (I got into Gone with the Wind really young, apparently.)

Now as an adult, I appreciate the importance of a good cover-up, especially since it snowed last Halloween. But I've learned from my childhood jacket terrors and now know how to incorporate outerwear into my costumes: The Matrix characters, any superhero with a cape, T-birds/Pink Ladies and Carmen San Diego come to mind.

What will you be for Halloween this year? My suggestion: someone from Princess Bride. Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of the classic film's release. Or you can dress up as your favorite logo and wear one of the jackets below.