Since one of the main areas of my haunt is a laboratory, I'm putting together a Dr. Horrible costume, from the Dr. Horrible Sing-along Blog series. We've also been invited to a neighborhood costume party, so it will work out nicely. Main parts of the costume:

Lab Coat: This is a "Howie-style" coat with a fold-over chest flap, buttons on top of the shoulder, and a stand-up collar. Pretty specific and apparently not too available in the US. There are several sellers in the UK, but shipping becomes an issue. Most coats available in the US are custom made and cost upwards of $80. I could use the Mad Scientist coat costume seem in many sites, but wanted a detailed and better look. I found a seamstress on eBay that takes your measurements and custom-sews a lab coat. Her initial design was a center button down style - I asked for the front flap and buttons on the shoulder, she abliged for a nominal fee. I could have gotten the fabric myself and convinced Wifeypoo to sew it, but materials would have cost me $60 anyway (not to mention the headache of sewing). Total cost after shipping - $95.

Goggles: I have standard green welding goggles from last year I'll be using. They are available online from various sites, usual cost: $10

Gloves: using the Costume link from the Dr. Horrible website, I ordered white cow-hide welding gloves. After shipping: $25.

White Boots: I found some much cheaper boots from fullsource.com, with shipping was $26.

Once all items are in, I'll post pics.

On a side note, I've been searching for cheap lab equipment, and found a good site at hometrainingtools.com.