Thread: How to buy wisely: a beginner's guide to costuming.

This is an offshoot from a post that came up on another thread.

Teachers: What advice do you have for your new students when they start getting the itch to buy costume stuff? What are good, multi-purpose basics and what is a waste of cash?

Students; What sort of costuming urges are you starting to get? How can we help (other then letting you ransack our closets)? Bring your questions to us.

Everyone: What were your good and bad (fiscally and aesthetically) costume purchase choices and what should we learn from them?

Bad - Oh, it's soooo inexpensive, I can buy one in every color (you now own a rainbow of crap)

Good - skirt and top of a good sturdy construction to be worn with various self made bras and belts as well as coin scarves.

Bad - Oh..this almost fits..I will loose weight, get shorter, my boobs will shrink (yeah, when I'm 80)

as a student who only performs in the occasional student show and costuming for that is specified by my teacher, I've found investing in good dance practice clothes along with some hip scarves as opposed to costuming has been much more useful (as 99.9% of my dance time is spent in those, not actual costumes) - and there are so many cute options that still have that bellydance vibe (skirted pants, half tops, cholis, etc) that it still fulfills my shopping / costuming bug

Ask your teacher what she thinks you might need in the next year and where she would suggest you shop...but also get a second opinion (I had a teacher willing to sell us crap at high prices)

Oh, and learn to sew.

You might not make from scratch but: a basic gold or silver bra and belt set can be blinged up with a hangful of AB crystals, buying used will require alterations (as will buying new), a well fitting basic costume usually looks better than an ill-fitting expensive one, almost everything can be embellished or repurposed...

And with the costumes you have, survey them and see what you can mix and match with anything you are thinking about buying.

Make sure your costumes are properly pined and crisp before you go on stage...skirts slipping above belts, things shifting, make anyone look like a newbie....in a bad way.

I made my first solo costume...and I never wore it again and it looked shoddy....but it gave me the skills I needed to be able to make better ones and save money in a way that spending that cash on a cheap ready-made (and it would have had to have been very cheap...so no good workhorse) wouldn't have.

I think if you are on a budget-get a good quality workhorse bedlah set (ie: Great Loop) in a colour like gold or silver and several coloured skirts-you can then mix and match and it seems like you have many costumes. I have recently purchased a golkd great loop and a few Arabesque skirts-simply because most of the events I am doing this year doesnt necessitate a more professional costume such as a Bella.

Originally Posted by monsoondancer

I think if you are on a budget-get a good quality workhorse bedlah set (ie: Great Loop) in a colour like gold or silver and several coloured skirts-you can then mix and match and it seems like you have many costumes. I have recently purchased a golkd great loop and a few Arabesque skirts-simply because most of the events I am doing this year doesnt necessitate a more professional costume such as a Bella.

for students so new that their basic needs are halfa related I'd also suggest looking at L.Rose and other merchants for a basic full skirt, stretchy top, and hip adornment before the leap to a bedlah. If they are unsure of what style of BD they are leaning towards they should look for basics that could go more Tribal or continue Oriental without having to sell everything. (and L.Rose items are still something that is relatively easy to sell when you need to, even in this economy)

When I am asked, I tell students who are looking for their first "real belly dance costume" to stick to simple basics a first. Metallic bra & belt with decent skirts. Doesn't matter to me what nationality it is. As long as it fits. Because these are building blocks.

My first bedlah was a Pyramid Imports bra and belt. Barely fit. I got a different bra and took about half the fringe off the belt. After much frustration, I sold it for about $50.

But this is what started my affair with vintage costumes. I bought two vintage self made costumes on e-bay - my black and gold Pirates Booty costume and a pink, silver and pearls which I was never able to get ot fit right. The pirates booty came with a gold lame and black and gold Persian Lace skirt. But the pink was a good bedlah to experiment on. Next came a blue satin bedlah which had been made by Aziza. Nice, simple, easy to adjust.

None of these cost me more than $75. All I had to do was add a circle skirt to the blue one and I was in business. (I bought one of Jes's 3 panel skirts with a matching veil. Cost more than the bedlah!)

My vintage gold coin was bought on e-bay for $75. This was displayed in a horrible way and no one was bidding on it.

So, on top of getting basics, making sure they fit, I tell them to e willing to be creative in their outlook. Because real finds can jump up when you are not expecting them to. And sometimes, they are disguised.

{{{HUGS}}}

I definitely agree with Monsoondancer above. Get a decent to good quality bedlah set in silver or gold. Then you can mix and match with different skirts to make different costumes. You can also wear the bedlah with a U-front top or a baladi dress for a more conservative look.

Neckelmann's makes nice quality, sparkly workhorse bedlah that look great and are affordable.

Most costumes will need alterations before you can wear them. Moving hooks or adding elastic is acceptable, but unless you aren't afraid to do major surgery don't let someone talk you into something that just doesn't fit. We all have the same parts, but they sure are arranged differently. Just because a costume looks fantastic on someone else doesn't mean it will translate in the same way to your body.

Choose a bra/belt set in a color that you love and is easily adaptable. Gold, silver, and black are great neutrals, but if you love blue that could be a great start as well. Depending on tones and colors in the skirt, it can be paired with other blues, greens, browns, and black. For contrast it can be paired with yellows or reds.

If you're part of a group that performs together a lot, consider the costuming of the group as a whole. If everyone has gold or silver and you come in with fuchsia you will definitely stand out. Sometimes this is OK and good, other times not so much.

Consider buying used to begin with. There are plenty of costumes with a lot of hours left in them available here and in your local community. There doesn't have to be something wrong with a costume for it to be sold, so don't be suspicious of someone who wants to sell it. Maybe she's worn it weekly for eight months and wants a change of pace. Maybe she's selling of what she has to afford a Bella.

Sometimes a home-made costume isn't cheaper. Of course you can take a basic set and dress it up for less money than you would spend on something new. Sometimes, though, by the time you buy rhinestones and crystals you really haven't saved anything. You will, however, end up with a custom design that you love.

Good thread, Ozma!

Very nice topic, Ozma.


Teachers: What advice do you have for your new students when they start getting the itch to buy costume stuff? What are good, multi-purpose basics and what is a waste of cash?

Pay attention to fit. It is better to wait or invest in something that fits or is fixable, than jumping into something that grabs you emotionally without practical considerations. Depending on your goals (stage shows only? first time hafla? wanting to eventually perform in restaurants?) no matter what, I would advise to invest in a costume that is of professional quality (this standard is up for debate but in a general aesthetic sense) and well-constructed. Or opt for custom-made. Resources may be an issue but something that fulfills this criteria is sure to last and will carry a beginner [costume addict] through to the next level of purchasing/aesthetic development.

Everyone: What were your good and bad (fiscally and aesthetically) costume purchase choices and what should we learn from them?

Mind you, like many people here I started when the aesthetic in Oriental/cabaret type costuming was slightly different but my first 2 costume choices were, I think, really sound. I have to thank my mom for hooking me up; she saw the value in them, too.

A gold coin costume and a well-made, professional looking turquoise beaded costume. I had 2 different looks, both well-made (the coins were very good quality so I could reuse them) and between those two with any variety of skirt/veil, I had many options.

Originally Posted by anala

Bad - Oh, it's soooo inexpensive, I can buy one in every color (you now own a rainbow of crap)

*snort*
All great advice. My 2 cents. Beginning costume buyers should pick one metallic color (gold or silver) and two colors that go together and only buy costume pieces from that palette for a while. Then they can use all their pieces, veil, skirts, and jewelry, with everything -- they can get much more variety and they'll feel like the have more than 2 costumes. For example, a gold bedlah, a teal bedlah, and then maybe apricot (something that works with teal) would be your other color. Get a teal skirt and a apricot skirt, one full one sleek, same colors in 2 veils.

Originally Posted by anala

Bad - Oh, it's soooo inexpensive, I can buy one in every color (you now own a rainbow of crap)

Good - skirt and top of a good sturdy construction to be worn with various self made bras and belts as well as coin scarves.

Bad - Oh..this almost fits..I will loose weight, get shorter, my boobs will shrink (yeah, when I'm 80)

..l;,

I think it's SO important to keep in mind budget and intention.

A student on a tight budget with no desire to dance professionally can look amazing in a crop top and skirt/hip scarf blinged up any way they like. When students on a budget with no pro ambitions start drooling over $600 costumes and torturing themselves, I remind them that if they took up ballroom dance or ice skating as a hobby they probably wouldn't buy expensive professional costuming, and this is no different.

For students who can afford it and want it, or who want to dance in the troupe and/or go pro, I still think a sturdy bra/belt set in a solid simple color (gold or silver are ideal) is the best place to start. Trouble is, they're getting harder to find! But if you can find just one set that fits well, you can happily start collecting inexpensive skirts and accessories to create a wide variety of looks.

But crap is crap. I had a student buy a $99 bra/belt set on e-bay and it started falling apart almost immediately. The problems were mostly cosmetic, and a good seamstress could have kept the thing going, but it was a poor choice for this dancer.

Originally Posted by ozma

Students; What sort of costuming urges are you starting to get? How can we help (other then letting you ransack our closets)? Bring your questions to us.

Everyone: What were your good and bad (fiscally and aesthetically) costume purchase choices and what should we learn from them?

-My urges vary with my inspirations. These days it's the bedlah and chiffon thing that I hanker after, but I have drooled over jewelry (both rhinestone extravaganzas and Kuchi stuff). A neat 25 yard silk skirt (I don't want to make it.) However, one thing I have been lusting after for a long time is good quality metal set (belt, bra and belly drape, or at the very least a necklace that can be converted into a belly drape), prefererably something that will keep its shine well. So my questions:

-which set would you recommend? I've been looking at Dahlal's and I don't know if I like ANcient Reflections I or II best. The II has mirrors which seem to me like it would stay nice and shiny, but then again, are mirrors prone to fall off? Also, there are similar models on Unicorn. Are they better than the Dhalals? Do they keep their shine better? Is the Unicorn model with three medallions in front better than the Dhalal ones with just one medallion in front fit size and look wise? Why? And the last one: is there another set you'd recommend outside of these two vendors? (preferably under 300$, I'm after sturdiness and shine, not name brands.) Thanks!

Good and bad: I ordered two pants and tops (for class) from Sharifwear with the idea to see how they were constructed so I could replicate at home for my own use. The good: very well constructed, nice quality. The bad: Now that I know I can get nice quality stuff from there, I don't feel like spending the time to replicate and just buy again.

Good: I purchased some odds and ends at the thrift stores, which were not only cheap but gave me a ton of ideas too.

Good: purchased fabric on sale (like between 2$ and 5$ a yard) and started to make harems for pratice at home. I don't the point of buy yoga pants @ 20-30$ a pair when I can have something more bellydance-looking for 4$-10$. (This is for home use. I like to dress like a "student dancer" in class with proper Sharifwear stuff bc a-I have no life and it's pretty much my only outing during the week, and b-wearing something tighter fitting helps to see what my body is doing for my teacher.

Bad: got a coin belt from eBay. Looked awesome but started losing bells and and coins almost immediately, even with very gentle handling.

Good: inexpensive (and good quality) hip sacrves @ flea market for 7$ each. Some of my class mates have bought scarves form the flea market too and they constantly loose beads and coins. I don't loose anything of off mine (in spite of my best efforts *g* )

Bad: well not really bad but I got some Khussa shoes form Beachcombers. Awesome shoes, just unnecessary at this point.

Awesome thread!

awesome information here!!!!!!!
I am taking lots of mental notes. I have been wondering about ALL of things but have so many ???'s couldn't started on the first one.
Thanks Ozma for starting this thread.

I think that a cheap wrap top from sharifwear or Moondance and a hip scarf look better than a professional bedlah that your boobs are hanging out of anyday.
Seriously. Just recently there was a coffee house gig with two dancers. One of the dancers had a slightly expensive bedlah on, but I kept wondering if I was gonna see her nipple that night. The other one had on an inexpensive stretch velvet choli and a cheapy beaded belt. Guess who's dancing I actually paid attention to?

Nothing says unprofessional like ill-fitting clothing. If it doesn't fit and you can't make it fit with safety pins, don't wear it.

The sparklies are fun, but focusing on your dancing is so much more important. Spend your cash on classes, workshops, and music.

That said, definitely consult your instructor for guidance as to what you will need when. Teachers should have a costuming plan in place for group performances. If you have been dancing long enough to be ready for a solo performance, again your instructor should be able to advise you. Keep it simple. Don't spend big bucks on a costume and then expect to get to wear it in the next recital. And don't let your costume out-shine your dancing ability.

"The Costume Goddess" has great suggestions for making your own: Dina's Bellydance Costume Galleries

Dahlal's "Dancer's Designs" are usually easy to put together: https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?n=3

I think the "Student Showcase" galleries towards the bottom of this page are great examples for student costuming. There are a few soloists who have spent a little more, but for the most part the costumes shown here are very affordable. Sahara Dance | Photo Galleries

Originally Posted by kemintiri

-which set would you recommend? I've been looking at Dahlal's and I don't know if I like ANcient Reflections I or II best. The II has mirrors which seem to me like it would stay nice and shiny, but then again, are mirrors prone to fall off? Also, there are similar models on Unicorn. Are they better than the Dhalals? Do they keep their shine better? Is the Unicorn model with three medallions in front better than the Dhalal ones with just one medallion in front fit size and look wise? Why? And the last one: is there another set you'd recommend outside of these two vendors? (preferably under 300$, I'm after sturdiness and shine, not name brands.) Thanks!

Do remember that those two sets require some assembly, so assess your construction ability. You will either need to make a bra base and belt base OR buy one and either way you will need to stitchs it down to whichever base you use ( and you'll probably want to make sure you can use needle nose pliars to make jumpring adjustments).

I have one, well...the MidEast version. I knew there were enough dancers who probably bought and never assembled, so I asked in the swap meet and got a good deal. I built my base and it's one of my most iconic costumes now. Sabrina here on Bhuz may still be selling her set, not sure.

When I started with the student troupe I asked what I needed to wear, at first I just needed a coin scarf and harem pants, skirt, choli top. I could add a bedlah if I wanted to later. I bought one, which was 2nd hand and although I tried to make it fit....it didn't work out. Traded it in for a different one (again used). This was a very used bedlah and sadly the top started falling apart (which was a shame since it fit much better).

My current teacher connected me to you ladies here on Bhuz and that allowed me to pick up some lovely costumes at good prices. I also paid attention to some of the sales at the on-line suppliers and bought when prices where low.

A local dance store gives performers discounts (only 10% but it's still a discount-and it's added to any sale discount!).

My current class is thinking about a group number and keeping is simple-black pants, black shirt, coin scarf. Nothing extravagant. I'm fine with that. Sometimes simple can be better in a group number!

Looking back - it's better to invest in an matched L. Rose set that you jazz up with sequins than to buy a cheap ill-fitting bedlah of any kind. If I could go back and do it again, I wouldn't buy any "pro" costumes until I was ready to really invest in something nice. It's better to have a nice, well-made ensemble in crushed velvet than a badly fitted, unattractively cheap costume.

If I could go back in time I would have resisted the urge to buy lots of cheap, mismatched, and different pieces and just focused on a few classic well made sets ..and of course designer costumes but I could not afford them until many years later.

I love love love the piled on look of stuff like Rachel Brice or the layered velvets and silk skirts of a dancer like Tatiana but it requires time to coordinate the pieces (and a place to store it all).

As a pro dancer if you are getting booked for frequent gigs, it is so much easier to zip into a complete costume and not have to search for coordinating accessories. The only things I don't like about full costumes like what you would find at Audrenas or Dahlal are the veils that come with them..I don't care for the chiffon and beaded veils but they are GOOD to have when you resell. And..I make my own veils to coordinate.

A really nice costume ensemble can be something like a neckelmanns bra and belt with a L Rose velvet skirt and gauntlets.

Personally, if I were to start dancing again right now and needed a stock of costumes, I would stay away from the seasons hottest styles and the new trends, but that's because I like to sell costumes and i wouldnt want to get stuck with something that is hot this season (and probably pricey) but it's passe next season and i can't sell it. I try to buy with resale value in mind and usually try to stick to color schemes that I know other dancers will like. Not that I would never custom order something completely for me but I'm not dancing actively enough right now to condone such a purchase. I do like to buy gently used costumes from the swap board, use them for photo shoots, and then resell them. Expensive habit :)

Stay away from cheap separates. Overall you may spend just as much trying to coordinate all the separates as you would just buying a used Bella from swap board.

I'm not saying dancers should not dance and perform unless they have expensive pro costumes, but try to avoid the BIG mistake i had of having 12 boxes full of isolated junk items. I cringe at previous dance photos and think..i wore THAT??????
ps you'll see more of my purging of excess separated parts on swap or donation soon :)

oops I misspelled her name, it's Titanya, here's a link

About Titanya and Dondi Dahlin

Originally Posted by kemintiri

-which set would you recommend? I've been looking at Dahlal's and I don't know if I like ANcient Reflections I or II best. The II has mirrors which seem to me like it would stay nice and shiny, but then again, are mirrors prone to fall off? Also, there are similar models on Unicorn. Are they better than the Dhalals? Do they keep their shine better? Is the Unicorn model with three medallions in front better than the Dhalal ones with just one medallion in front fit size and look wise? Why? And the last one: is there another set you'd recommend outside of these two vendors? (preferably under 300$, I'm after sturdiness and shine, not name brands.) Thanks!

Keep in mind that these sets are knockoffs of a set originally made by CostLess Imports. I have a hand-me-down of one of those, and it could probably take a bullet. Some of the mirrors had lost their patina but there are so many of them on the swags, it just doesn't matter.

I bought a stomach drape to match from Unicorn. The quality just doesn't compare. The metal is flimsy and one of the flilgree medallions broke during shipping in a padded envelope. There is no way a belt made of the same materials could have survived what I have put my CostLess belt through.

That said, the newer sets might be lighter. The CostLess is heavy.

And Ozma is right -- you do need to remember that you will need to attach the pieces to a sturdy, well-fitting base, and you will probably need to do some surgery with pliers to fit the costume to you properly.

HI everyone,
I'm new to this forum but have been reading many of the threads from this site for a couple of months now and getting great info Thanks everyone.
I right now consider myself at the level of a recycled beginner plusI'm on a very tight budget. Even though I'm not in a formal class (yet) I do like to try to dress up for home anyway when working out with my DVD's
What I have been doing is using the unique pieces I've been collecting over the years. When I do look for items I first try to buils on the few basic solid color tops and bottoms already have then I can get as creative with as I want.
When time permits, I go on my little "scavengers hunts" and have found pieces from costume jewlery to scarves/veils to tops even old chain belts from back in the day. One time I even got lucky and found a beautiful burgundy & silver sari for $10 My sources range from second-hand stores to believe it or not the "clearence racks" of some clothing stores especially if I find a nice long jersey knit or strechy dress or pants that I can embelish.
More than anything I look for texture & flow of material.
As long as it has the right "flow & feel" that's compatable with my dancing needs I'll consider it.

It's a little something that I call for myself "Poor Girl Bellydance Chic".
If my dancing every goes beyond the level it is now, then I'll modify my choices
but it has been really tempting when I see all those pretty costumes.

Again,thanks for this thread.

L. Rose Designs - Online Catalog

L. Rose offers a student deal that I think is a very good value - half top, pants, a skirt and a veil for $100.

I've bought a number of things from her over the years, and the quality is good. You can get a lot of wear out of her items and wash them in the machine to boot.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

-
-which set would you recommend? I've been looking at Dahlal's and I don't know if I like ANcient Reflections I or II best. The II has mirrors which seem to me like it would stay nice and shiny, but then again, are mirrors prone to fall off? Also, there are similar models on Unicorn. Are they better than the Dhalals? Do they keep their shine better? Is the Unicorn model with three medallions in front better than the Dhalal ones with just one medallion in front fit size and look wise? Why? And the last one: is there another set you'd recommend outside of these two vendors? (preferably under 300$, I'm after sturdiness and shine, not name brands.) Thanks!

These metal sets are a HUGE pain in the rear end!! I am pretty sure that Dahlal's Ancient reflections and Unicorns and Mid East Manufacturing ones are all pretty much the same. I know they can look beautiful but it is very difficult to get and keep them functional. I would not recommend them as one of your first costumes.

First, as Ozma points out, they really have to be attached to a bra/belt base. If you just go buy a Victoria's Secret bra, it will 1) probably not support the weight of all the metal and 2) look like an obvious lingerie bra, unless you cover or replace the straps and band, and then you are getting into a really big project.

Second major point, the jump rings are soft crappy metal and you will be forever fighting to get them to stay together, and they will snag and tear things like chiffon skirt and veils. I had one of these once, and eventually sold it.

If you reeeaaalllyyy want a metal set, save your pennies and get a real coin set from somewhere like Coin belts by Susie which are top quality and just as good as the Costless ones mentioned in this thread. Even these good ones are a huge pain in the rear that I would never recommend as a first (or second) costume, because they still require a bra belt base, except that these are 5X heavier and depending upon your body shape, it can require a real engineering feat just to keep the belt up.

buy to FIT!.....i did alterations for a lovely newbie, who was quite slim, but was in the habit of purchasing bedlahs too big for her....the alterations and padding were a BEAR!, and while they looked good, they didn't look GREAT! like they would have if she just got the right size, but she got 'emotionally drawn' to them, if you know what i mean.........in other words, go for as little alteration as possible.....buy to within 2 inches of your upper/lower hip (easy to alter in either direction) and preferably AT your cup size, but no more than one cupsize UP...trying to pad a D for my B's just DOESNT work....

alot of dancers with pro aspirations but low budgets NEED to buy quality.....if you go new, some places offer lay-away, or, if you pay attention to sizing, on bhuz or ebay, go used, but GOOD!

i agree with L.Rose and Necklemanns.....budget minded but elegant, well made, and sturdy......

every costume i own is either an abla/noussa, eman, raqia, and now a bella i traded a noussa for.....they're ALL tough, gorgeous, and have yet to lose a bead, and only one, lost a crystal, which is easily replaced :p. ya get what ya pay for....

AVOID cheapy turkish, egyptian 'specials' under $200....they just don't look good, and don't hold up, very poorly made

if you go to bellydancestore.com, under 'affordable' costumes, the 'desert swirls', 'snake charmers', and basic bedlahs are awesome looking, well made, and the bedlahs are versatile

skirts, jewelry, and accessories ALSO need to be good quality...nothing makes a great loop look cheap like stiff, crunchy, super sheer bad chiffon skirts an veils.......if you're a DIY type, look for fabrics with body and flow....there are some treasures in the sale bins, same with jewelry....

more importantly than how much/little you spend, it's important that it FLATTER your body......one may like the style, or vibe, but if it doesn't work (muffin-top, can't zip, baggy, cuts you in half, makes you too skinny looking), it just doesn't work, and loving it won't MAKE it work.....that was a hard won lesson for me.....but have had no regrets since then.....

buy to FIT!.....i did alterations for a lovely newbie, who was quite slim, but was in the habit of purchasing bedlahs too big for her....the alterations and padding were a BEAR!, and while they looked good, they didn't look GREAT! like they would have if she just got the right size, but she got 'emotionally drawn' to them, if you know what i mean.........in other words, go for as little alteration as possible.....buy to within 2 inches of your upper/lower hip (easy to alter in either direction) and preferably AT your cup size, but no more than one cupsize UP...trying to pad a D for my B's just DOESNT work....

alot of dancers with pro aspirations but low budgets NEED to buy quality.....if you go new, some places offer lay-away, or, if you pay attention to sizing, on bhuz or ebay, go used, but GOOD!

i agree with L.Rose and Necklemanns.....budget minded but elegant, well made, and sturdy......

every costume i own is either an abla/noussa, eman, raqia, and now a bella i traded a noussa for.....they're ALL tough, gorgeous, and have yet to lose a bead, and only one, lost a crystal, which is easily replaced :p. ya get what ya pay for....

AVOID cheapy turkish, egyptian 'specials' under $200....they just don't look good, and don't hold up, very poorly made

if you go to bellydancestore.com, under 'affordable' costumes, the 'desert swirls', 'snake charmers', and basic bedlahs are awesome looking, well made, and the bedlahs are versatile

skirts, jewelry, and accessories ALSO need to be good quality...nothing makes a great loop look cheap like stiff, crunchy, super sheer bad chiffon skirts an veils.......if you're a DIY type, look for fabrics with body and flow....there are some treasures in the sale bins, same with jewelry....

more importantly than how much/little you spend, it's important that it FLATTER your body......one may like the style, or vibe, but if it doesn't work (muffin-top, can't zip, baggy, cuts you in half, makes you too skinny looking), it just doesn't work, and loving it won't MAKE it work.....that was a hard won lesson for me.....but have had no regrets since then.....

Just to echo several other posts, buy quality - I have tons of junky cheap bedlah sets that I can never get rid of.

I could have bought a nice king of the nile set and some l rose skirts for the same amount of money I spent on the junk. (And could have resold or continued to wear them, instead of having boxes of crap. Seriously, I can't sell this stuff, what can I do with it? I wonder if birds would nest with it? A blinged out birds nest? They'd probably turn their beaks up at this crap!)