Thread: Thoughts on this desert swirl costume for an intermediate-level performer?

Hi,
Sometimes my girlfriends and I perform at local festivals and such, and we definitely are not "professionals" but are beyond hipscarves and choli tops for solos. I'm looking for an affordable yet presentable costume for a solo piece. I love the colors of this desert swirl design- the way the colors blend from purple to teal. I am a bit concerned however, because I hear some people say the desert swirls are of poor quality...
Has anyone seen this costume in real life? I'm wondering if the fabric has a shiny quality to it, or if it will look dead on stage? Also, wondering if those tassels are of shiny quality, or will look dead on stage? I realize I can add some rhinestones if it has a flat effect, but am wondering if its worth it to get a possibly non-shiny costume because I love the color of the fabric?
http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.p...productId=9905

I think they make great costumes for dancers in your level. I have only seen a few students wearing them together in a festival, but they looked like they were good quality from a few feet away. I would say it's a nice investment for you ladies to have for public performances. Either go with a desert swirl or find a nice used bedlah and a couple skirts on the swap meet.

I own one-it is actually a troupe costume. I also own emans, sahars etc...but I still reach for it for variation in solo gigs. I would def say it is noticably lower in quality, but its held up for the price. The fabric on mine is very shiny:)

Some are shiny and some are the normal lycra. I have a normal Lycra one in purple and it has held up very well. Good value for the price and for troupe costumes I think. The one in the pic is one of the shiny ones I believe.

I've owned one as well, they are great, but there may be some quality issues, like needing to reinforce the tassels for example and adding elastic to the waistband.

Everything I have heard about them has been positive. Its true that they are a lower quality than the higher priced designer label costumes BUT for what you are paying, you get a costume that looks pretty nice and fits decently that is relatively sturdy. The thing I've noticed most is that the fit/shape of the bra is a little "eh". If you're handy with a needle and thread you should be able to change the placement and angle of the cups, shoulder straps, et cetera and get a good fit without having to do a major overhaul. The fabric also tends to be a little thinner so you'll have to watch out for panty lines.
The bonus of buying from BD Store is that unlike buying an ebay cheapie, if you get the costume and are unhappy with the item, you can return it, hassle free to BD Store.

I like the swirl costumes. I would avoid the metallic or shine-y base fabric, it tends to quickly show wear. If the group wanted to personalize the sets consider adding AB crystals as you reinforce the beaded fringe. For a more versatile troupe investment I would prefer nice bedlahs. With any bra/skirt set you are limited to one look. Bedlahs are can be worn with various skirts and even pants. The swirl set you posted is a unique look, very recognizable.

Originally Posted by showtime

For a more versatile troupe investment I would prefer nice bedlahs. With any bra/skirt set you are limited to one look. Bedlahs are can be worn with various skirts and even pants. The swirl set you posted is a unique look, very recognizable.

I second this. A bra/belt combo is going to offer you much more variety than a bra/skirt combo.

Originally Posted by lunascura

I second this. A bra/belt combo is going to offer you much more variety than a bra/skirt combo.

I agree. The costume is very pretty but very distinctive. For your first costume I would recommend a bra/belt set in basic gold or silver, The great loops set and the icicle set have a classic "belly dancer" look.

A multi-color costume can also give you different style options as you can change your skirt color to pick up a color in the set. For example this set is paired with turqouise but it would also look beautiful with pink.
http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.p...roductId=11064

Here's what I would have told myself five years ago, when I was also making the transition from advanced student to performer:

BUY A GOOD QUALITY COSTUME - If you think that you are going to stick with bellydance, and take the path to professional performer eventually. Costumes aren't cheap - even $150 is a lot of money. In my opinion, you're better to spend more and get something that is going to last if performing is something you want to keep doing.

Also, and I'm sorry if this sounds gross, but - do you sweat? Because glitter dot fabric (like that Desert Swirl) will fade over time due to sweating, and then you'll end up with big, noticeable blank patches on your costume. I will never buy a glitter dot fabric costume again - I love the way they look, but I learned my lesson.

I would second the recommendation for a bedlah, especially in basic gold or silver - that way, you can change it up with different skirts and get a lot of mileage out of it, even for repeat audiences. If you can splurge, go for a great loop. If not, there are lots of other affordable options (my very first purchased bedlah was from Pyramid Imports in Seattle, and it was just a very basic silver set that served me well for the first two years I performed - I think I paid $175 for it).

My two coins.

These are not bad costumes for the price, and the one you posted looks like one of the newer models, which I've heard have improved in quality. I own one of the older models, and I did have to re-enforce some seams and I actually transferred the bra cover to a different bra because it was too small and shallow (the bra on the one you posted looks like a better, deeper design shape).

If you are handy with a needle, you can definitely alter this to make it unique, I made a lot of alterations to mine, but it was also suitable to wear in it's unaltered version once re-enforcements were done. Here is a link to my altered swirl to give you an idea of what you can do:

http://s1026.photobucket.com/albums/...stume%20items/

I am in currently in the process of making a belt for it from the leftover skirt fabric I have so I can have another costume option from it. I would say this is a good deal for an intermediate performer. You might be able to get one even cheaper if you put an ISO here on bhuzz.

I recommend the gold or silver bra & belt set as well. You can pair them with almost any skirt (of any color) from a light fluffy chiffon to a bold & sexy metalskin trumpet skirt from L. Rose...or pants. You can add arm pieces and different jewelry to make them look different.
I can't answer the question about the Desert Swirl because I don't own one. A neutral bra & belt you'll wear forever.

I had a Desert Swirl that I purchased for festivals and such that I didn't want to
wear a more expensive costume too, and was very happy with it. It was of better
quality than I had expected, and fit very well, I ended up pleasantly surprised!
I think what you buy should depend on what you feel you need it for, and will get
the most use out of. It wasn't my first costume, so that is what you need to think
about--it was more of a spare for special use, and it was definately the right choice for
that use.

I recently bought and performed in a Desert Swirl- one like this: http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.php?productId=10781 (If I can from here at work, I should update my profile pic with one of the photos of me in the outfit- then you'll see it in real life.) I am aware that it isn't top quality, but it certainly wasn't crap. The fabric is a little thin, which means it is easy for the skirt seams to pop holes if you stretch it too much (like I did a couple of times already!), and some of the matte beads have had their color scraped off before I even put it on, but overall it isn't so bad. My troupe mates were impressed with the quality given it was a Swirl. (Or maybe they were just being nice- but I doubt it. )

My budget for costumes is pretty low (as in nothing), though now that I'm in a local troupe, I'm working on upping what I've got tin my closet. Every dollar has to be thoughtfully put to use though- so the Swirl was a good first step for me. I also purchased a used gold bedlah from a former troupe member, but even at the very low price, it will still cost the same or even more than a swirl to get a complete ensemble once I get myself a decent skirt. My point is that if you want a cabaret costume that isn't a mix and match bedlah, I don't think the Swirls are a bad option.