Sounds like we've got at least one other costumer and a potential in here.
Treetop - Have you ever checked out your local convention scene? Many of them have an anime program thread where costuming (or cosplay - no difference really other than cosplay is based on anime) is encouraged.
LadyBlue - Loads of places and events to dress up in CA. The 2 biggest are ComicCon (go there with someone who;s been the first time - there's now over 100,000 attendees), and AnimeExpo (over July 4th weekend). Both very heavy on the costume/cosplay stuff. If you're shy, choose a character who wears a mask. Or go in a group.
Around my area is the PhoenixCactusComicon where one can run into eveyone/thing from Naruto and Inuyasha to Halo and StarWars.
Going with a group is the best part.
My cosplay group is just a bunch of narutards on my college campus.
Edited by Treetop Smoker, 24 November 2007 - 11:54 AM.