Thread: Costume opinions: keep or sell?

Can I get some honest opinions on a few costumes?

I have some costumes I haven't worn since I "graduated" out of my last student night. Since the transition, I've been wearing only my high-end costumes, but kept the others on the grounds that I could wear them to haflas, etc. But for some reason I feel as much pressure to dress up for the bellydance community as I do for paying customers.

I have an opportunity to try to sell off tomorrow, so I tried them on last night, and I can't decide whether to keep them. They aren't in the same league as my Bella, but some are really flattering. Can I have some opinions?

Specifically, I'd like to know if you think they're professional enough for restaurant and party work. i.e., if you saw a dancer performing in these in a good venue, would you think she was underdressed? (Note: I did not do my hair or makeup for these photos, and am not always wearing full jewelry.)

Alternatively, if you think one of these would be fine with a little doctoring up, some specific ideas would be welcome.


1) Pink and White
I gained some weight after I made this one, and didn't wear it for a while, but when I tried it on my husband told me I should keep it. The design lines aren't very bold, but it's classic and really flattering, and obscenely comfortable. There's also more sparkle than shows up in the photo, particularly in low restaurant lighting.
Full Length (eyes closed)
Medium shot
Detail

2) Blue fringe
Full Length
More Detail
Alternative full-length

3) Copper coin bra (needs belt & jewelry)
I've never actually worn this one. When I first received the bra, I thought it was a little too "heavy" in proportion, but my weight has changed, and now I'm not sure that's still a problem. However, it does come up pretty high in between the cups. Once I find a matching belt, will it do? I've got matching earrings and bracelets, and am thinking about adding a lightweight belly drape as well.
Copper Coin


I am looking for honest, non-sugar-coated feedback here. I'd rather not spend money to replace something that's perfectly fine, but if they're not up to snuff, I want to know.

Thanks!

You could get away with the pink one (which is gorgeous) and the blue one in a restaurant, but the copper coin one looks very student-ish to me. I say definitely keep the pink one. We all have nights when we just NEED to wear a comfy costume!

Originally Posted by SummerSahar

You could get away with the pink one (which is gorgeous) and the blue one in a restaurant, but the copper coin one looks very student-ish to me. I say definitely keep the pink one. We all have nights when we just NEED to wear a comfy costume!

I agree with SummerSahar, but maybe keep both the Pink and the Blue; copper's gotta go, though.

Originally Posted by SummerSahar

You could get away with the pink one (which is gorgeous) and the blue one in a restaurant, but the copper coin one looks very student-ish to me. I say definitely keep the pink one. We all have nights when we just NEED to wear a comfy costume!

Yeah, I always feel studentish in coins, but don't necessarily react that way when I see someone *else* in them. Do you think that's just the nature of coin costumes, or could this be dolled up with a ton of jewelry, stomach drapes, and maybe a different skirt style?

Then again, I see them mostly in a tribal context these days, and I have different expectations for that...

It might be able to be dolled up a little, but you DEFINITELY need to put some copper coins on the skirt. The reason is so student-y is because it looks as if you found the bra and skirt separately and threw them together to make a costume. A professional costume has a recurring theme on the bra and belt (or skirt) and it looks more expensive if they don't appear as separate pieces.

Ah. That actually WAS just a skirt that I pulled out of a drawer for the photo!

Regarding recurring themes:
I did mention that I still need to buy a copper coin belt to form a bedleh with the bra, but that was buried in the middle of the paragraph. Was your comment about adding coins to the skirt assuming that I did or did not have a belt?

(I was thinking of getting something like the third one down in this photo)

KEEP THE PINK!!!!
Rosette

I agree, the pink is LOVELY -- keep it! The blue looks professional to me, but if you've worn it a lot and won't miss it, let it go & buy something new -- and the coins are good for practice. The PINK for sure is a good color & style for you, IMHO....

Originally Posted by jmdruadh

Ah. That actually WAS just a skirt that I pulled out of a drawer for the photo!

Regarding recurring themes:
I did mention that I still need to buy a copper coin belt to form a bedleh with the bra, but that was buried in the middle of the paragraph. Was your comment about adding coins to the skirt assuming that I did or did not have a belt?

(I was thinking of getting something like the third one down in this photo)

I apparently didn't read far enough! A coin belt would help, but still says student to me. It would be good for American audiences, though. They like to think bellydancers always wear coins and make jingley noises! I was thinking more along the lines of an Egyptian style costume- I think it would look better to attach coins directly to the skirt, add bling to both the bra and the skirt, and maybe even get some arm bands and attach coins to those. Maybe some beadwork, too. It makes it look more expensive and purposeful that way, IMO.

I think that the pink costume is adorable and flattering and you should definetly keep it. In case you want to unload it anyway, please put me in line! The blue one I'm not sure off, is it chainette fringe or beaded fringe?

ABout the copinbra: one of the costumes that get's the most oohs and aahs is a coinset so with a bit of dressing up you could definetly make it work. Question is, do you want to? As you already mentioned, it has a bit of tribal feeling to it so you probably wouldn't wear it for regular gigs. If this was a complete costume, how often would you wear it and for what occasion?

I'd keep the pink, but add more loops of fringe. It's beautiful.

I'm with Mekyria on the blue, I can tell if the fringe is beads or chainette. If it's beads I say keep it.

The copper needs more. Definately some coins on the bottom (either a belt or coins on the skirt) and maybe some armbands or a vest.

The pink one looks fantastic. Kind of like a cross between the Samia Gamal style costumes and the current trend towards a more minimalist look (not the slim silhouette, but the lack/underplaying of excessive adornments). That's a very nice, classy (/classic) outfit. I keep having to go back to look at it, I like it so much. Another part of its appeal is the juxtaposition of the velvet/velour with the shiny/satin. I especially like how the bra is designed. Very nice indeed. Do not get rid of this one.

The blue outfit is cute, but does not scream *KEEP* the way the pink one does. It does look like a perfectly serviceable (as in being able to "do the job") outfit. I think I'm kind of "on the fence" regarding this one. Should it stay or should it go? Na na na na na na na (Sorry, that song just automatically popped into my head.) ..g.:

The copper one would work nicely (once you've acquired the belt to round out the set) for festivals and fairs where you might need more of the classic American coin look for the GP. For regular type performances (where your peers are involved), it would still be an outfit that definitely says more that this is a relatively beginner dancer. For the look of a professional quality coin costume one really needs to fork out the money for the professional level coin costumes. (I'm still coveting the one Sedonia got earlier this year. Might have to finally give in to the 25 year desire to get one of those.) ..l;,

Loose the pink..to me...right now!!!!

Keep that one...oooo purtty. Say, arent you my Taktaba pod cast muse???

Originally Posted by mekyria

I think that the pink costume is adorable and flattering and you should definetly keep it. In case you want to unload it anyway, please put me in line! The blue one I'm not sure off, is it chainette fringe or beaded fringe?

ABout the copin bra: one of the costumes that get's the most oohs and aahs is a coinset so with a bit of dressing up you could definetly make it work. Question is, do you want to? As you already mentioned, it has a bit of tribal feeling to it so you probably wouldn't wear it for regular gigs. If this was a complete costume, how often would you wear it and for what occasion?

The blue one is beaded fringe, but it's all short (I want to say 2"). This is the one I'm most comfortable parting with, so maybe it's time to pass it on.

As for the coin one, that's a really good point about the context/occasion. I'm going to have to think that over.

I do primarily old-school american style, and my favorite venue is an older restaurant with an old-school band and a clientele that includes people who have been going there for 20+ years. It might fly there, just because it's a vintage look in a vintage venue.

I'm thinking that to make that look work, I'd have to really push the theme (i.e., dripping with jewelry and accessories, overwhelming them with the vintagey, fake-loric splendor, rather than with the sparkle). Kinda like
this photo, but maybe even a step further.

Maybe I could work it with a fancy coin belt, tons of jewelry (earrings, necklace, belly drape, arm bands, bracelets), and maybe some small copper motifs on the skirt (along the lines of SummerSahar's advice).

Or maybe it's not worth the effort of sourcing all the pieces, and I should sell it to a student dancer and go with Tedi's advice to get a higher-end coin costume to satisfy that craving. Then again, it would be easier to sell as a set...

Originally Posted by anala

Loose the pink..to me...right now!!!!

Keep that one...oooo purtty. Say, arent you my Taktaba pod cast muse???

That's me! (Although I've never been called a muse before...)

Episode 4 is in the works, by the way!

Originally Posted by TediThomas

For the look of a professional quality coin costume one really needs to fork out the money for the professional level coin costumes. (I'm still coveting the one Sedonia got earlier this year. Might have to finally give in to the 25 year desire to get one of those.) ..l;,

Do you know off-hand where she got it? I searched the threads and didn't turn anything up, but maybe I just wasn't using the right keywords. Is she ssipes? (if so, I'll bug her directly)

Note on the copper: I have a similar top and I have trouble finding the same shade of copper. ,m:: I think I finally found place to get hip scarf, covered in the same coins....which might be easy to turn into a more structured belt.

Though I also did get one of those "turkish" skirt/vest/veil sets, with copper embroidery. I think the best makes the top look better on me. Of course, I have no pictures of the whole outfit together.

Definitely keep the pink.

I also think the pink is very pretty and flattering on you. My personal taste would be to bling it up a bit more - add more loops like DeborahDances suggested, add some rhinestone trim on the bra, or a coordinating pink beaded trim on the skirt. But then again, I'm no much of a minimalist, so for a lot of people, it's probably perfect the way it is.

My favorite pose...you in overhead light, face turned up, with a bedlah on that makes it look as though you are standing in a rain shower in summer....hey, I know like I sound like I have a girly crush on you, but those pod casts are great! You are soooooo left brain!!!

Originally Posted by anala

My favorite pose...you in overhead light, face turned up, with a bedlah on that makes it look as though you are standing in a rain shower in summer....hey, I know like I sound like I have a girly crush on you, but those pod casts are great! You are soooooo left brain!!!

Aw, thanks! I'm actually a very odd mix of right- and left-brain. When I'm learning something, I like to take a very left-brain approach to getting all the information in there. But once it's in there, I like to operate on a more instinctive right-brain approach. So I like to analyze everything in class, but I can't remember choreography and prefer improv. (Ditto for cooking - the first time I make something, I need to follow the instructions and analyze why I'm doing each step. After that, I can wing it and just watch how things look, feel, and smell.)

Did you mean this photo? That was custom made for me by Shadia (Tohme Beadwear). If you're ever in New England, make an appointment with her. She is the BEST, and very reasonable.

Keep the pink. Lit laura, I think you should bling it up a little.

If you keep the blue, add longer fringe. But that is fromt he fringe fanatic! ;-)

The problem I see with the copper is that the bra looks like it is a breatplate as opposed to a costume bra. If you keep it, I would suggest harvesting the coins and putting them on a base which fits better. then add belly drapes - whether chains like on my vintage one (see my website) or somethign which falls down the front. Then make a classic belt to match wiith the left over coins!

{{{HUGS}}}

I say keep the pink, maybe getting a new skirt (fitted) if you wanted to change the look a bit, or even make a matching head band to go with it. The other two could go.

my recomendations for sprucing up, the pink and white could benefit from a different skirt, maybe a trumpet style, you could do monochromatic, or a different shade of pink (fuschia, maybe?) to add some pop, add some other accessories matching the skirt would also help.

I would remove the large loops of fringe and replace them on the bra with a straight dangle of fringe, and on the skirt, with denser smaller loops. I think that would do a great deal to update the look and make it more marketable.

On the royal, I like the overall feel but think that the hip tie gives it an amateurish look, if you replaced it with a snap, or hooks to make it look finished, it would be enough.

And hell, if you're bent on selling, i'd take this one :-)

On the copper bra, I think it's covering too much and makes you look older. A different shaped bra, with slightly less coverage, or more cleavage would be enough for you to pull that off, without sacrificing your modesty.

if you were to transfer the coins to a velvet covered bra base that matched the skirt, then added either copper, silver or gold beading, you could make something very like a bella triberet with the elements you already have. I would buy a looped belt of coins add it to a velvet base and add the beading that I mentioned to get that look.

says she who has a bin under bed with unfinished and unstarted projects :-)

My personal opinion when deciding on a costumes suitability for gigs is first-is it comfortable, can you dance the crap out of it (so to speak) and not be worried about anything falling apart or popping out..l;, ..l;, Then I look at colour and the mood and theme of the venue you are performing at. Aside from all this even if the customer is paying you to entertain they are paying to see you dance-not so much to see your costumes. I know having said this I adore wearing the elaborate costumes that are out their-I feel so beautiful when you get that gush from the crowd when you first appear on stage.

I agree with the rest of the ladies on the pink,its gorgeous and really suits you! The blue and the copper maybe time to pass on or save for those less formal performances or gigs. I have difficulty in letting any of my costumes go, they all hold memories of every performance they have been worn in. Plus it may be just the excuse you need to buy some new costumes. Theres no other feeling when you open the box to a new costume inside-esp if its a Bella. Go with what you are comfortable with. You look beautiful in all of them

Yep thats the one...breathtaking!!!

Thanks for your advice, everybody; it's been really helpful. (And where but bhuz can you get so much *useful* input so fast?)

Final decision:

- keep pink, with definitely plans for fringe adjustments, and looking into adding more bling. I really like it with the skirt I have, but white and pastel trumpet skirts are already on my shopping list to go with my silver great loop, so I'll bump that up in priority for more mix & match options.

- sell the blue one. (emailing Kina...) I really like how I look in it, and it's comfy, but I just don't reach for it when I'm packing my show bag. I think what I really like about this one is the color and the fake-loric feel of the hipscarf-style tie. I'll just keep those qualities in mind for future costumes.

- sell the copper one and start over.
Kina's breastplate comment confirmed my original concern, which is that the proportions don't look quite right. I think I'll resell it and keep the "dripping with coins and jewelry" look in mind for a future, higher-end costume. I think the coins and mirrors style might be the way to go. Something like in this Aziza photo.

Thanks again, everybody!

Keep them all.
I cannot tell you how many times I've thanked my lucky stars for keeping a WIDE range of costumes from which to choose for different shows.
Your higher end costumes won't get as much wear and tear if you have 'lower end' costumes to wear for haflas, showcases and outdoor parties, belly-grams etc. Invariably, I am asked to do an outdoor event at least once a year...I do NOT want to wear the big bucks to the Ren Faire or to Melissa's surprise BBQ party. The pink looks AMAZING on you...but I like the copper too and think that you should have it in your closet for those occasions I've mentioned!
Gia

I think you made the right decisions. I love the pink one! There's a part of me that is actually thinking about pink for some time in the future. When I was a kid, you'd have needed to tranquilize me to get me into a pink dress, but now it's growing on me!

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.

If you have to get rid of one: the copper. However I love the skirt with the copper costume on you. Maybe sell the top and find a cool bedlah to match. The pink is beautiful on you. I could take or leave the blue.