Thread: AHA! They really CAN tell a difference!

So I've been dancing at our local restaurant for 5 years. I have always worn my bellas, sims, emans, and other high-end costumes there, and I have to admit, sometimes I've really wondered if anyone would know the difference if I suddenly sold all my beauties and bought a few cheapies instead and used the money for something else like, say, patio furniture that isn't in imminent danger of collapse.

I mean, I'm not downing inexpensive costumes--there really are some gorgeous inexpensive costumes out there, and I own some of them and wear them just as often. But, there's just something about the quality of a Bella, or a Pharonics...I think you can honestly tell a difference in the beading and the fabrics (heck, I hope so, what else am I paying for???)

Anyway, Saturday night I was at the restaurant, and when my sets were finished I was packed up and ready to leave when a regular customer offered to walk me out to the parking lot. On the way out he told me that he wanted to compliment me on my costuming, and that he and his friends (male and female) always appreciated how elegant my costumes were and that they could tell that I invest a lot of money into what I wear. The clincher is--he was the THIRD person to say that very thing on Saturday!!! Of course, i was thrilled because I had worn 2 new swapmeet purchases--a "Sandra" bella and a new "Bella-esque" spring green costume. Considering the total dollar value of the costumes I had on through the course of the night on Saturday, I could get some REAL nice patio furniture But, It was SO nice to know that audience members really DO notice quality, elegant costuming, and I think they especially notice if the costumes fit your personality and are tailored well (whether you buy them custom fitted, or you carefully fit them at home---usually I spend hours with a needle & thread making sure nothing's gonna fall off before I ever dance in a second-hand costume, especially).

Anyway, not sure this really has a point, except that in the past we've joked on Bhuz that the everyday Joe doesn't know the difference between a bella and a turkish airport special...but, it turns out, they really can spot the difference, and can appreciate quality. So. that's your permission to go buy a bella on the swap meet (oh, and I have one for sale... )

I think we don't often give the general public enough credit. One of the restaurants I dance at they they always compliment how complete the package looks. It was very nice to hear that not only do I dance very well, I have the costumes to show it off properly. Love the Persians :D

Music to my ears!

I am not a professional, but I do love well made costuming so mine are all Madame Abla, Pharaonics, Eman, Hannan and I have a Bella as well. And people do notice and compliment me on my costumes. One thing I have always thought was that if I know my costume is gorgeous, it frees me to be gorgeous as well.