Thread: Can this costume be saved?

This was an ebay purchase that was described as having some beading missing around the edges of the bra, and some missing strands of fringe :(. True, but also...

It arrived damp and in a plastic bag, reeking of lysol-type disinfectant spray and armpit. I've removed the lining and done everything I can think of to get the smell out, except for pet odor spray (I gave up and put it away for a while). The disinfectant smell is gone, but it still has a strong body odor smell.

Also, it has lost its sparkle. It has a lot of round beads that should be gold, but the paint has come off and left them a dull white. I've thought about trying to paint them (if I could ever stand to get close enough), but I'm not sure how to go about it without painting on the bugle beads they are right beside. Also, the bugle beads have mostly lost the metallic coating on the inside that gave them sparkle.

It was once a nice quality bedlah, and I really love the shape of the bra, but I'm afraid this costume is past its useful life. I find it hard to believe it was worn to this point. Any hope or suggestions out there?

Pics to show the paint loss:

Get the smell out first. No sense putting a lot of work into something you wouldnt put on your body. Vodka spray and air and sunshine for prolonged periods of time. Maybe alternate with submersion in a baking soda and cat litter mix in a box,

Erm, this may not be helpful, but I remember this and I wanted to buy it sooooo...... *wink wink*

Knowing me, I would probably take all the faded beads off and put new ones on. Not fun, but I have done this to bras that didn't fit, only to realize they were attached to the lining of the bra. I took a picture of the bra, so I could remember where they were when I sew them back.

Ozma redid a bedlah and had to do this. I think her blog link is listed in this thread. I am sure she will see this and give her suggestions, as they are far better than mine.

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...ay-2009-a.html

As for the smell, I have never purchased a bra like this. I am not sure if you could soak it over night to get the smell out? Here is a thread on getting rid of odors.

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...-costumes.html

What is up with EBAY'ers selling smelly costumes. I just purchased one that smelled like fried chicken.

Originally Posted by Goldenpear

Erm, this may not be helpful, but I remember this and I wanted to buy it sooooo...... *wink wink*

..l;, That strikes me as hilarious, thank you for posting that!

I was thinking along the lines of replacing as much of the buckram in the under arm area as I can, but blech at the thought of messing with it.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

Knowing me, I would probably take all the faded beads off and put new ones on. Not fun, but I have done this to bras that didn't fit, only to realize they were attached to the lining of the bra. I took a picture of the bra, so I could remember where they were when I sew them back.

Ozma redid a bedlah and had to do this. I think her blog link is listed in this thread. I am sure she will see this and give her suggestions, as they are far better than mine.

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...ay-2009-a.html

I need to get off my butt and do a long blog about the Eman.

I've never had a sticky costume (knock on wood) so first I would try every suggestion people have about that before you even think about fixing it up.

Originally Posted by ozma

I need to get off my butt and do a long blog about the Eman.

I've never had a sticky costume (knock on wood) so first I would try every suggestion people have about that before you even think about fixing it up.

Duh, that would help, you don't want to fix it up sticking. Then you will be having fun changing sticky needles.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

Duh, that would help, you don't want to fix it up sticking. Then you will be having fun changing sticky needles.

Actually...I meant to type stinking,f::

have you tried giving it a bath, a real bath? fill a tub or bin with slightly warm water and lots of cheap shampoo. let it soak for a while then scrub the stinky parts with an old toothbrush (avoiding beading of course). then a second course of vodka spray, sunshine, prayer circles, etc.

some people have had good luck with model paint for peeling beads.

good luck!

Originally Posted by ozma

Actually...I meant to type stinking,f::

I need to go to bed.

Lord, I got one of those a while back.

I soaked it twice in a little laundry detergent and line drying. The sequins started to peel apart and the gold beads started to get dull. The smell was still there.

I think I have to take the whole thing apart and replace the sequins. The beads, eh, they aren't too bad.

After some time airing, it's gotten better, but the smell hasn't completely gone away.

I've never worn the costume... yet.

Azeeza

There was an entire thread about odor in a costume. I believe the large answer amongst dancers was vodka and water.

Ozium. I have had reasonable luck with that product. I think my husband bought it at a car parts place. You can google it.
It initially leaves a very chemical smell, but that fades. Definitely spot check first.