Thread: Desert swirl & other inexpensive costume?

Do any of you have this costume
Belly Dance Store.com
Or the Desert Swirl
Belly Dance Store.com

What do you think about them? Do they look really cheap (they are)? How are they made?
The first one...is that sequins or little stones on the bra & top of the skirt?

I am thinking about getting one of these costumes, but am a little iffy.
Thanks

I have one. It does not fit very well. I am am very curvy though...The bra is too small the shape/cut is not made for large breasts. The fabric is thin and almost see-through. I had to add elastic to the skirt to tighten it. Lots of beads have fallen off. It was a necessity at the time, but I won't order one again unless I can try it on first.

I would suggest you purchase an eman instead of the desert swirl...https://turquoiseintl.com/store/inde...a6acbb9e7c5306

double the price but the fit and workmanship will be there...there's also crystals on the costume and it comes with a veil, wristlets,and anklets

i think razia had something like this...looked fabulous

I saw a similar looking costume on Dahlal's latest newsletter and it was about the same price. So maybe you would be better off with them. I've never bought anything from Dahlal but I have from the Bellydance Store and they are not too generous with density of fabric in their stuff. And if you are going to dance in it, you want it to have some strength!

Originally Posted by Fotia

I saw a similar looking costume on Dahlal's latest newsletter and it was about the same price. So maybe you would be better off with them. I've never bought anything from Dahlal but I have from the Bellydance Store and they are not too generous with density of fabric in their stuff. And if you are going to dance in it, you want it to have some strength!

The ones sold at Dahlal are the same ones...

Thank you for your honest opinions. As I said, I was feeling a little iffy..apparently for good reason.
I have a red velvet Eman just like the one Anyadance linked too. It is really well made and beautiful. (I added the stone at the bra center).

I think Damiena (can't remember) had something similar to the blue one and changed the bra on it...maybe pm her

Brea has one up for Trade in light orange:


http://www.bhuz.com/forum/search-som...s-costume.html

I have a pink verson of the DS costume. For my purposes now, it works. (occasional gigs/events). I had to reposition the bra straps on the cups, that may be more based on how I'm built than the costume itself. I have noticed that they lose the beads & sequins pretty easily. I've been going over the costume and re-sewing most of them.

If you have lovely large hips like myself, it looks not so grand.. and the fringe fell off easily. all in all I'd give it a C-

oh, and!!! there was some padding in the bra that was too much, and it stuck out the top when I put it on, so I had to rip it out..

Morgana's bellydance bazaar in the Retail swap meet has a few of the Emans for $295. She has purple, red and gold and burgundy. They're lovely and come with arm bands and a veil.

I saw a lot of the second costume (the blue one) in Cairo at the Nile group. At first I thought they were pretty but with a closer look they didn't look so good. Those ones had single stones with settings on the skirt and bra and the snags on the fabric were crazy. Little threads were pulled up everywhere. the bra had a thin foamlike material, which I didn't like, (felt cheap) and the seams were crooked. I can't be sure this is the same manufacturer but I would be careful anyway.

I guess the saying is true...you get what you pay for. I knew that, but was hoping for the best anyway.

I have one that I love. It is light weight Lycra. I removed the cheap rhinestones and replaced them with crystal stones. YOu can see mines here Toria Professional Bellydancer Maryland/Virgina/D.C Area

I have no experience with either the manufacturers or the distributors -- just going on "looks alone."

I like the look of both costumes very much. But the workmanship really counts, too.

Deborah