Thread: Costume opinions: keep or sell?

Originally Posted by Zana

Love the pink! I'm glad you decided to keep it, and it's beautiful with the skirt you have. Someday I also want to see photos of you wearing it with a bright fuchsia or dark rose velvet trumpet skirt and matching gauntlets -- I think that would be a really striking combination and a great contrast.

It just so happens that I have a raspberry trumpet skirt (identical to the brown skirt in the copper bra photo). I'll have to try that combo! It might need something to tie it together, though. Maybe a veil with both colors, or some pin-on sparkles in the opposite color.

LOVE the pink. Maybe you might want to pimp it up a little bit, though!

I'd love to see some looped swags of pearls in addition to the existing looped fringe, to bulk it up a bit. It would look great to see a little mix of texture, with the existing beads and some pearls.

You could also maybe place a few strategic rhinestones along the top edges of the neckline and belt. The lines are beautiful and I love the ruching on the bust and hips....but a little extra bling never hurt anyone

As for the copper, I'd send that one packing. I'd even be inclined to let the blue go. It's perfect for a student recital or maybe a less formal gig, but a little entry-level for my taste ..l;,

I *love* the pink costume and think it's a great call to keep it. Did you use a pattern when you made this, and did it take a lot of time to make? I think it would make a fabulous troupe costume, and would love to know how you did it...

thanks,
Khalisah

Originally Posted by khalisah

I *love* the pink costume and think it's a great call to keep it. Did you use a pattern when you made this, and did it take a lot of time to make? I think it would make a fabulous troupe costume, and would love to know how you did it...

thanks,
Khalisah

Thanks! It wasn't too tricky at all. It takes a while, but a LOT less time than a more heavily beaded look would. If your troupe is made up of strong hand-sewers who don't mind spending some time on it, it could definitely work.

I can't remember exactly how long it took me, since I made it about 4 years ago, and did it in two stages. (You can see the earlier version here.)

I started with a strapless bra, covered it with stretch velvet (with a gathered "squinch" in the front). The belt is a tube of the velvet gathered in several places (with some grosgrain ribbon sewn behind the gathers to support them). I'll be adding some heavy elastic at the upper and lower edges for firmer edges.

So far as decoration:

The central motifs are a clearance-rack bracelet surrounded by pearls-by-the-yard from the bridal section of the fabric store in white/pearl and silver. The belly drape and belt fringe loops are made from the same pearls-by-the yard. I also added some swarovski crystal beads on either side of the pearls for a little more sparkle. The looped fringe on the side of the bra is just seed beads that I strung directly on the needle.

I bought the skirt on ebay (does we3 still exist?), and haven't modified it.


Does that answer your question? I can take some photos of the inside, if you want a closer look at the construction.

Wow, thanks for the info, Nadira!!! I just love the way that bra fits you. Now that you've described how you did it, I can see clearly that it's a strapless bra. You are very clever!

If it's not a hassle, I'd love to see a pic of the inside of the bra and belt.

Thanks!
Khalisah

Originally Posted by jmdruadh

It just so happens that I have a raspberry trumpet skirt (identical to the brown skirt in the copper bra photo). I'll have to try that combo! It might need something to tie it together, though. Maybe a veil with both colors, or some pin-on sparkles in the opposite color.

If you don't have the arm cuffs to go with the skirt, that means that I have an extra set. I'll see if I can find them for you.

Originally Posted by kina

If you don't have the arm cuffs to go with the skirt, that means that I have an extra set. I'll see if I can find them for you.

Thanks! Are you sure you have them, though? I only bought the skirts from you, and ordered the brown gauntlets from L. Rose myself.