Thread: Costume Addicts Anonymous

Hi, My name is Malia and I'm a costume-aholic. Last year I bought 15 costumes. Though I sold many others, even some that I bought and only had for a few days, I still bought 15 costumes. It is an obsession.

This year I vow to buy only two costumes, and to make any others I may want. To help me achieve this goal, I will no longer spend countless minutes perusing the Swap Meet pages and fantasizing about how this or that costume would make me look/feel. Or thinking about how this offer only comes around every-so-often so I must act on it. Instead, I will take those countless minutes and use them more productively to work on my own costumes, make new choreographies, sharpen my improv skills, work on zilling, etc. I vow to no longer let my obsession of costumes take up so much of my time.

I also vow to no longer allow myself to let having x number of costumes or x designer costumes weigh in on how I view myself as a dancer. Instead, I will use my new-found free time to further myself as an artist. When I begin to feel stagnant, I will not turn to a new costume to revamp myself. Instead, I will focus on making an impact on those who I share my dance with and search for a deeper understanding of myself through this art.

I'm asking anyone willing, help me be accountable for this. If you see me on the Swap pages seeming interested in something, tell me no! I'm working towards having more self-control in order to have more happiness in my life.

Thank you!

Hi - my name is Anala, and I dance in one small local coffee house and a couple 3-4 times a year I find myself on a stage. I will no longer buy any costume that I think I could make it work if only...and I will work on the 10 projects I have under my bed.

Originally Posted by anala

Hi - my name is Anala, and I dance in one small local coffee house and a couple 3-4 times a year I find myself on a stage. I will no longer buy any costume that I think I could make it work if only...and I will work on the 10 projects I have under my bed.

Hi Anala

Hi Malia. I have never been to a 12 step...what do we do now? Got a cigarette and some coffee? I feel pretty sure the others will be along any minute. I have about 15 costumes, various skirts that number in the dozens and I have sold about 1500 bucks worth of odds and ends in the last year.

Hi my name is Anya and I am a costume addict. I bought 14 costumes in 2008 and sold maybe 5 or 6. I have already bought 4 in 2009. I will stop stalking the swap meet pages and will dedicate my time to creating beautiful movements based on music, emotion, and honesty...not how i'll look in a costume.

Sorry, ladies, I can't be of any help here. I still maintain it is the most noble of addictions. Perhaps not at all benign, admittedly pulling one in beyond one's means, causing tired, aching eyes from lurking on the Swap Meet pages in the middle of the night or calling you away from many activities more worthy of your time ............ BUT incredibly satisfying, creating fantasies rarely attainable by any other means, and a high that lasts forever because the circle of enabling and the passing back-and-forth of these lovely treasures never ends ...... it's not just the costumes themselves that are addictive, it's the circle of well-intentioned enablers, the virtual world where Swarovskis hold unimaginable power...... on board the Sparkleship Saharhananpharaonica .......

Nope, can't, won't give this up..... cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, drugs .... a true costume-a-holic is immune to these addictions, THEY are powerless over US. We hold the torch high to light the way for the one true joy in life ..... the search for the next must-have, to-die-for, can't live/dance or
breath without, perfect costume....the one that will carry us through all manner of mishaps on stage, will cover all imperfections, real or perceived, and, God help me, yes, the ridiculous notion that enough well-placed rhinestones will compensate for lack of technique and mastery of a complex combination...... sigh ...... (deep sigh)..........

Hi, Anya. Welcome..... I forgot the important part...I am a ....costume...errr....,,,,arg...... addict.

It just must not be her time yet....
;-)

Originally Posted by anala

Hi - my name is Anala, and I dance in one small local coffee house and a couple 3-4 times a year I find myself on a stage. I will no longer buy any costume that I think I could make it work if only...and I will work on the 10 projects I have under my bed.

Me too!! I'm sick of buying costumes that I have to make it work. No more! If it won't fit with minor alts then I'm not buying it. I also have decided since I have more than I need, I must sell if I buy. That way I don't accumulate anymore. I need to kick my @ss into gear and work on the costume projects I have already. I am trying to get myself to a point to not be so attached to my costumes and to let them go. (still working on that one)

Originally Posted by anala

It just must not be her time yet....
;-)

.w.:

heh-heh ........ I'll be waiting over here on the Dark Side if anyone wants to come back ....... I will have chocolate, some good brandy and lots of crystals waiting to welcome you back ....... bragahhhhhaaahhhaaaaaa

gotta smoke?

I have a sign above my desk right now. It says

First goal:
-2/14/09
No paypal
No using credit cards on Amazon (Japan amazon does COD)
No Itunes

Japan is very cash oriented. I am trying to restrict myself to only buying costumes with money orders, because that takes actually walking 20 minutes at lunch time, to a post office, with a handful of cash, and filling out a lot of forms...that takes time, effort, and makes you think twice. Around valentines I will decided what DVD purchaces I must make ( and thus use my paypal) and then set another goal.

But the more I make my own costumes, the less I want designer costumes. I've looked at a few really unique bedlah I'd like to fix up and own...but they are, seriously, unique.

This year I'm also more able to make non-bedlah costumes and should be able to whip up some lycra fun...but after my peacock costume I have a bedlah I want to make using a dress a kind Bhuzzer sent me ( as a donation to Ozma's Home for Warward Costumes...I'm going to do a dress to bedlah conversion and add dragonfly beading accents).

Originally Posted by anala

gotta smoke?

Nope, but I have a cup of coffee, a light box, and nebulizer in front of me!

Originally Posted by anala

Hi Malia. I have never been to a 12 step...what do we do now? Got a cigarette and some coffee? I feel pretty sure the others will be along any minute. I have about 15 costumes, various skirts that number in the dozens and I have sold about 1500 bucks worth of odds and ends in the last year.

I've never been to a 12-step either. How does hookah and tea sound?

Originally Posted by anala

Hi, Anya. Welcome..... I forgot the important part...I am a ....costume...errr....,,,,arg...... addict.

sucks, hey?

part of my large accumulation last year was because i sold all of my simple more beginner costumes and also started dancing on the restaurant schedule and booking more private functions. however, i still bought costumes for a specific choreographies...

Originally Posted by naiyahayal

Sorry, ladies, I can't be of any help here. I still maintain it is the most noble of addictions. Perhaps not at all benign, admittedly pulling one in beyond one's means, causing tired, aching eyes from lurking on the Swap Meet pages in the middle of the night or calling you away from many activities more worthy of your time ............ BUT incredibly satisfying, creating fantasies rarely attainable by any other means, and a high that lasts forever because the circle of enabling and the passing back-and-forth of these lovely treasures never ends ...... it's not just the costumes themselves that are addictive, it's the circle of well-intentioned enablers, the virtual world where Swarovskis hold unimaginable power...... on board the Sparkleship Saharhananpharaonica .......

Nope, can't, won't give this up..... cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, drugs .... a true costume-a-holic is immune to these addictions, THEY are powerless over US. We hold the torch high to light the way for the one true joy in life ..... the search for the next must-have, to-die-for, can't live/dance or
breath without, perfect costume....the one that will carry us through all manner of mishaps on stage, will cover all imperfections, real or perceived, and, God help me, yes, the ridiculous notion that enough well-placed rhinestones will compensate for lack of technique and mastery of a complex combination...... sigh ...... (deep sigh)..........

It's okay honey. The first step is admitting you have a problem. We'll be here when you need us

Originally Posted by anyadance

sucks, hey?

part of my large accumulation last year was because i sold all of my simple more beginner costumes and also started dancing on the restaurant schedule and booking more private functions. however, i still bought costumes for a specific choreographies...

Ooh, I think we're living parallel lives. I told myself "hey I'm getting paid now, I deserve to get these beauties." Really, I just looked for excuses. Now I'm trying to control myself and redirect my energies into something more productive.

ozma, i love your goals. i have a handful of costumes waiting for updates...maybe i'll pour my energy into those.

Originally Posted by maliam

Ooh, I think we're living parallel lives. I told myself "hey I'm getting paid now, I deserve to get these beauties." Really, I just looked for excuses. Now I'm trying to control myself and redirect my energies into something more productive.

me too...i rationalized buying something else last night because "hey, i make more than that in one week..."

i don't deserve anything new and the only person that notices is myself...i just bought bought self a whole bunch of music and can't wait to spend time with it and really connecting.

i really want to work on my arms and my carriage when i dance...so much more important! i'm here if you ever need a kick in the arse ;)

Ozma, I think you and I are really on the same page about creating something unique. I'm getting bored of recognizing who everyone is wearing. After seeing a costume Tamalyn Dallal made herself, I've been very inspired to join you on the dark side :)

me too...i rationalized buying something else last night because "hey, i make more than that in one week..."

Sob.....

Originally Posted by anala

gotta smoke?

No smoking near the costumes unless you are sitting at a table waving a $20 towards my lycra-covered hip...........

Originally Posted by anyadance

i'm here if you ever need a kick in the arse ;)

I will need it, I guarantee. And, I'm officially kicking you in the arse for buying something last night! .p::

I'm off to a gig. I promise that the money I earn tonight will not be for another costume. In fact, I will put it into a retirement account or liquid savings like a good girl.

Originally Posted by maliam

It's okay honey. The first step is admitting you have a problem. We'll be here when you need us

..l;, Oh, I KNOW I have "the problem"! Not in denial, not even a hint ..... I knows who I ams ....... ..g.: I wish you ladies well ...... my comments are in no way meant to be sabotaging your noble efforts ..... I applaud and support you on the path! Just remember Dr. Phil (Who? You know, the guy we listened to until we finally got bored ....) said, "to get rid of one addiction, you have to replace it with something else ......"

Chocolate-covered pomegranate ice cream, anyone?

Originally Posted by naiyahayal

Chocolate-covered pomegranate ice cream, anyone?

OMG, where do you find this elusive creature? I......must.....haaave....it!

Seriously, I'm going to focus on replacing it with an addiction to movement. I do have this addiction already, but I'd like it to be strengthened.

PS -- Malia, if you made that gorgeous assuit costume yourself -- you don't need to buy designer costumes, girl .... it's gorgeous! See? I can be supportive without being converted, lol ........

I know, I'm just teasing you -- you can and SHOULD replace a habit you want to get rid of with something healthy, that makes you feel good ...... MORE DANCING, less buying ..... bingo! You're on your way out of addiction...

until we finally got bored

OOOO, you are wicked!

Originally Posted by anala

me too...i rationalized buying something else last night because "hey, i make more than that in one week..."

Sob.....

i know but that's with a full time job and teaching 7 classes/week...

it's funny that even though i'm making the same (and a little bit more..got a raise) i am really feeling pinched...it's like all the economic stuff has infiltrated my brain and i must hold on to my $$$

I will need it, I guarantee. And, I'm officially kicking you in the arse for buying something last night!

i know i know i know. but guess what.. i "had" to have it ..cr.:

i also have 2 customs to pay off...so really if i just focus on putting that money down (and selling my soul to dahlal) it should keep me away.

i have to remind myself that $400 is not a steal, it's a mortgage payment!

i'm off to dance right quick too...i'm buying groceries with that money.