Thread: Gold or silver bedlah for first costume?

I've seen several posts here on Bhuz recommending a basic gold or silver bedlah set as a good first costume choice, as it can be paired with various skirts for a variety of looks. I like that idea, but am now wondering where to find a good-quality gold or silver bedlah.

Are these the kind of things I should be looking at?
- A couple of $500 Pharonics

- I always hear a lot of talk about Great Loops like this one (ordered in gold or silver, of course)

- Madame Alba seems to have a good reputation for quality as well, and the price is lower ($300)

- Less expensive ones ($200)

- Too much coin?


Those above are all from Dahlal (obviously), but I've also heard good things about the quality of Neckelmann's bra and belt sets.

Am I heading along the right track here, or where else should I look? What would you buy if you were looking for your first basic bedlah? Thank you!

I was just looking at the Belly Dance Store website at bedlahs today. There are a lot of gold and silver sets.

Keep in mind that Neckelmanns are plastic beads and the bras are not hard cupped. They are light and comfortable bedlah but if you need more support in the bra, they just use street bras with stretchy straps. So it just depends on what you want. For a first costume I would go with the more reasonably priced bedlah you've shown in your post. You don't have to spend $500.00 to have a nice costume. I would buy one of the lower end bedlah and pair it with a lovely custom made skirt and gauntlets from LRoseDesigns. You'd look really classy!

Or keep your eye out on the swap meet for something second hand. I think Ezma has a Vintage Pharaonics for sale at the moment which might fit you. never been worn and it's less than current retail.

As for the question of what type for a first costume, I think most of us have had the lower end basic Egyptian or Turkish costumes which are anywhere between $150 - $250. As rassicahl said, paired with many different skirts, they are good initial investments.

As for Neckelmanns, there are people who love them, people who hate them and everything in between. My suggestion is to find one and take a look at it and see if you want to invest some additional time into making them truly wearable if you plan on performing frequently. I believe if you look on E-bay, there are a couple for sale.

{{{HUGS}}}

I like Isis Exchange and Pyramid Imports for fair priced bra and belt sets. I have ordered from both and I am quite happy with their products!

I have a couple of Great Loops and I also have the Beyond the Basics from Dahlal. If it's your first costume I'd probably go with the Beyond the Basics. They are very well made and are about 1/2 the GL price. The GL is fabulous and the cut of the costume can't be beat. I don't know if I'd want to plunk down the cash for a GL as a first costume. You can add stones to the Beyond the Basics if you want to bling 'em out a bit.

As far as the question Gold or Silver? I'd go with which YOU like. Do you tend to wear more gold jewelry or silver jewelry?

I would choose silver, because almost all my jewelry is that. My friend Vega would choose gold, because it looks the best on her. Unless you're in a troupe and need to match someone, that's my suggestion.

I'd definitely look at Bellydancestore.biz or isisexchange.... Better yet, if you can find someone's to try on (either a newer one to compare before ordering or used if you can buy it or someone else's used set) so you can get a feel for how it looks on you. : )

make sure the cups are round and not semi pointy. ugh, poorly shaped cups are the worst thing. I'd buy a second hand and ask alot of questions. Figure out your maximum budget and don't go higher.

Gold or silver is a question of the skin-typ. If You are sommer ore winter, that use silver, gold is for spring and autum.....

I'd try to find something used (gold, silver, or another color doesn't matter) but in good condition for your first bedlah or costume. bellydancestore.com has some of the same things as dahlal, but some are cheaper. That first pic of the silver pharaonics bedlah you posted can be found on the belly dance store for under $400... I got one in gold through them and it's really really blingy and very versatile. It will probably last a long time. Just look for a sturdy workhorse in any color that suits you and in your price range.