Thread: Well...I received the Sahar I ordered...hmmm

I ordered one of the "base model" Sahar costumes (the $400 ones) and it came today. Hmm...not sure what I'm going to do with it yet. I have to say, though, I'm fairly disappointed in it.

On the upside, I love the color, and the design is a very good one on my body. No, there's no "bling" to it, and the fabric is clearly a less expensive/chintzier fabric than her typical costumes, but I wasn't expecting anything different on those fronts.

What I *was* expecting was that great Sahar construction and attention to detail regarding fit and construction that I'd seen in her other costumes and in her studio in Cairo. That's what disappoints me.

The cups are not as well constructed as her normal bras--the front of the cup is firm, but there is no support on the sides whatsoever. My chest looks great in this...as long as I don't move. The minute I move, my boobs are slipping out from behind the unsupported padding on the sides/underside where the "thick" boning stops like someone was standing at my armpit screaming "Hey breasts! The exit's this way!!!"

Also...for some reason, the bra is lined with the same fabric as the costume itself. Ok...but this is a very scratchy, glitter-covered fabric. Just from trying it on and moving around a little, my breast/chest skin is irritated. Also...the little rhinestone widget that holds the two sides of the skirt together (no built in undies really on this one, just a 3/4 "undies flap") is held on by four threads. So, that would need to be reinforced to avoid a potentially disasterous on-stage mishap after you sweat on the threads once or twice. Not a big deal to fix at, but just one more little thing to deal with and one that is structural as well as decorative.

Sooo... for the price, I wasn't expecting perfection. I expected to need to spend some $$ to add a little bling to it, and I was expecting to maybe have to hem it, move hooks around etc. Maybe even add padding (I don't need to do that....) I wasn't expecting to have to re-line it and possibly reconstruct the bra.

But I do love the color (been dying for this color) and the cut. Dammit.

I don't know what to do. I guess the next step is to get with my seamstress and get her opinion/quote for how much she thinks it'll take to get this to the baby to the point where it could be performance ready...then decide whether it's worth the additional investment.

,f:: I'm just really bummed.... ..cr.:

I had heard from a friend that the less expensive Sahars were not that great and that if I were to buy a Sahar I should buy the more expensive versions. Sounds like her advice was right on. Sorry your costume is such a disappointment - hope you can work it out.

This sounds very odd. I have 2 of the basic models and the bras are lined with a soft fabric, not the same fabric as the costume. Also, the rhinestone buckle that was on my green one was a bit of a monster to remove - it was sewn on and secured very well. The rhinestone circle on my tan one was as well, because I checked to make sure I would not have to reinforce it.

As far as your girls popping out the sides, it sounds as if perhaps the bra is too small for your ribcage.

I wonder if this is one that was not quite ready to be shipped when it was? If you purchased this from Bellydancestore.biz, please let them know. I am certain they would want this information so they could check the others.

Originally Posted by damiena

This sounds very odd. I have 2 of the basic models and the bras are lined with a soft fabric, not the same fabric as the costume. Also, the rhinestone buckle that was on my green one was a bit of a monster to remove - it was sewn on and secured very well. The rhinestone circle on my tan one was as well, because I checked to make sure I would not have to reinforce it.

As far as your girls popping out the sides, it sounds as if perhaps the bra is too small for your ribcage.

I wonder if this is one that was not quite ready to be shipped when it was? If you purchased this from Bellydancestore.biz, please let them know. I am certain they would want this information so they could check the others.

No, the bra is DEFINITELY NOT too small for my ribcage. If anything, it's the opposite problem--too big for my ribcage. But if the cups were more stable, it might be easier to work with by moving hooks, sitting on the thing to "bend" the hard part that goes across the front, etc. But there's no underwire or other curving-type support up the side.

Yeah...this was my impression too, that this seemed odd and like, I don't know, this particular one was an afterthought that was rushed through the process to make the shipment from Cairo to the US. Everything I'd heard from you guys in DC and others who'd ordered these "base costumes" was that they were nothing fancy but they were really well made. This one just isn't quite as well finished. I did indeed get it from BDstore, so yeah, I will contact them and let them know... In the meantime, I just still need to make a decision about what to do with this one. I'm Just feelin' blue....,f::

oh mirah i'm so sorry that happened to you. i know if you let them know that you had a problem with it, they will exchange it with no issue. also i know shahrzad will take it up with sahar herself. she has no problems bringing issues to the designers. see what she says and let her know that damiena, amartia and all the other ladies on bhuz sent you.. it can't hurt.

Shoot! $400 is $400 and that's not chump change. I'm so sorry.

Azeeza

$400 is a lot of $$$$ and you should have gotten a better product. can you take pictures of the bra sides? can you return it or ask for them to fix the issues...

what a bummer to have an awesome new costume coming and then end up with boob chaffing and spillage..they should make this right for you.

I had a basic model that I sold to somebody on here and don't remember having any of the issues with mine that you are mentioning. I hope you get it worked out. It's always a bummer when costumes just aren't quite right. I hope it gets fixed for you.

Aamel, I have to agree with you on this... Just got my basic Sahar...well, tomorrow will be the 14-day mark, in Hot Pink. It turned out to be a gorgeous rich raspberry color (which I love! Color's definitely on the "Pro" side), but I have the same issues with the bra sides. I believe Nimah had the same problems with the bra sides, as well. I loosely tied the bra sides with a hair scrunchy overnight and it seems to have gently curved the sides a bit; plus I think if I move the hooks to be tighter, it may help to have the sides lay flatter/better on the torso. Wish me luck. Also on the "Con"/Negative side of things, there's a faded blue (seamstress?) line perpendicular to the back zipper on the skirt that is distressing [even though it's quite faint; should I just try to ignore it?]. And a number of the (limited) sparkles in the fabric were already rubbed off--gone--when I got it! I dunno, should I stop fussing with it and return it? WWBD?

I'm so sorry to hear this!

I also own a basic Sahar and the cups are poking out on me at the sides. I did a jump, arms up & big shoulder shimmy test last weekend and than my boobs poked out at the bottom of the bra so it's insecure to me as well. Plus the top skirt is a bit snug on me now so I'm afraid I'll just have to resell. Anyone interested by any chance?!

I hope your seamstress can fix it for you at a fair price Mirah!

B

"the "thick" boning stops like someone was standing at my armpit screaming "Hey breasts! The exit's this way!!!" I think I can totally hear your emotional distress in these words. It's funny, but your situation is not :(

I also think $400 is a lot of money. Yes, they top of the line design cost close to / over a $1000, so $400 sounds like it's almost nothing in that respect, but I still think you should have gotten a good quality basics: good construction, nice fabric, and good quality.

bummer! for that amount of work you could have made the costume yourself.

Originally Posted by rakkasah_barbara

I'm so sorry to hear this!

I also own a basic Sahar and the cups are poking out on me at the sides. I did a jump, arms up & big shoulder shimmy test last weekend and than my boobs poked out at the bottom of the bra so it's insecure to me as well. Plus the top skirt is a bit snug on me now so I'm afraid I'll just have to resell. Anyone interested by any chance?!

B

..l;, You really sold it to us with that spiel, I'm sure buyers will be fighting over it!

When I've tried that style on I had to tighten the back strap A LOT in order for it to look right and fit properly. It's strong elastic, so kind of takes more pulling than others. I actually thought it was on purpose- make it tight enough for the cups to pull in on the sides but the pressure from the cups outward lessened "back fat" look from a tight secure back band. Or not.
I don't own that style, I own the cross back style (that is still be spiffied up).

i don't own any of the basic model ones so i can't make an accurate assesment on those. the ones i do have, i have only had the sticking out when i first tried it on. once adjusted, i did have to make it pretty tight around my ribcage.. but i usually do that anyway. haven't had a spillage problem so far and i tend to move around a LOT

Zafirah: you may want to call and see what shahrzad says. i know that glitter fabric can rub off pretty easy- i've seen it on bolts in fabric stores, but being that you paid good money for it, you should be able to return it and/or work something out. she can always return it to sahar and explain the defects..
my motto is that it doesnt hurt to ask, worst thing they can say is no.

Originally Posted by latriamou

Zafirah: you may want to call and see what shahrzad says. i know that glitter fabric can rub off pretty easy- i've seen it on bolts in fabric stores, but being that you paid good money for it, you should be able to return it and/or work something out. she can always return it to sahar and explain the defects..
my motto is that it doesnt hurt to ask, worst thing they can say is no.

What Amartia said. It's only fair to give Shahrzad a chance to make it right, since many Bhuzzers are reading these posts.

Shahrzad is a sweetie - I met her yesterday - and I'm sure she will want to fix this for you.

Originally Posted by kiyaana

Shahrzad is a sweetie - I met her yesterday - and I'm sure she will want to fix this for you.

What did you buy??? Do tell!

Let me know when you come back for more shopping. Haven't seen you in ages, maybe I could pop over while you're there. Or you could come for tea or a glass of wine afterwards.

Latifa

Originally Posted by bintbeled

... Or you could come for tea or a glass of wine afterwards.

Latifa

heh-heh-heh. Because wine BEFORE shopping is dangerous indeed!

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

heh-heh-heh. Because wine BEFORE shopping is dangerous indeed!

Actually, I'll serve wine, and then I'll get out the rhinestones to sell! Tee hee! Not really, but I should....

I didn't find a costume ..cr.: . But the other two girls with me did!

Shahrzad said she's getting another 26 boxes in a few weeks. We'll definitely let you know the next time we make the trip, Latifia! You DO have such great rhinestones. Sounds too good to be true - costume shopping followed by wine and rhinestones . . .

Originally Posted by bintbeled

What did you buy??? Do tell!

Let me know when you come back for more shopping. Haven't seen you in ages, maybe I could pop over while you're there. Or you could come for tea or a glass of wine afterwards.

Latifa

Hi ladies,

Thanks for the advice and the info. I'm afraid I had a little "fire to put out" pop up this week and haven't even had a moment to deal with this in the last couple days, but rest assured--I will certainly give Shahrzad a call, and I have a meeting with my seamstress friend early next week (just to look/advise to decide what to do/whether to try and keep it). Weirdly, I almost think the part that bugs me most is the lining issue. The cup thing I *may* have an idea to fix (it'll involve rebuilding the straps and replacing the poufy porous padding with something maybe a little more compact but more dense so it acts as support.) But the lining...that just seems careless. Oh well

Also, for the record, please know that I am NOT in any way impuning Shahrzad or the bellydance store here. My disappointment was with the quality of this one particular product Sahar's boutique created/shipped, and not with the service I've received to this point form the bellydancestore or anyone, nor am I questioning bellydancestore's pricing of the product. I'm aware of how Sahar prices her product *in* Cairo, plus the import costs etc., so I feel comfortable that BDstore's pricing is well in line with what I'd expect for them to cover their costs, etc.

I just wanted to be clear about that--this post is not about criticizing the vendor, nor slamming a designer--it's just expressing disappointment in one product.

Shahrzad said she's getting another 26 boxes in a few weeks. We'll definitely let you know the next time we make the trip, Latifia! You DO have such great rhinestones. Sounds too good to be true - costume shopping followed by wine and rhinestones . . .

I do have to tell you though, Kiyaana and Latifa, all you DC-area gals are keep tempting me to move out there...especially on days like the one I'm having today. :-)

You can stow away in my suitcase when I pass through the Minneapolis airport in a few weeks!

Originally Posted by aamel_MirahAmmal

I do have to tell you though, Kiyaana and Latifa, all you DC-area gals are keep tempting me to move out there...especially on days like the one I'm having today. :-)

I went ahead and emailed Shahrzad and Kristi. I hope I made it clear to them that I still adore them as vendors and will continue to do business with them, I "just wanted them to know...". I also believe I'll keep this costume, just because I do love the cut and fit of the skirt and I really LOVE this raspberry color.

You know, for $400 dollars I would expect either some beautiful embroidery and handwork, OR a perfect fit . It seems that with this costume you got neither. It just doesn't make sense to me for a costume to have a great label and not much else. Four hundred dollars ain't peanuts, and Sahar Okasha should be made aware of that. I'd return it.

Regards
Priscilla

Originally Posted by aamel_MirahAmmal

I do have to tell you though, Kiyaana and Latifa, all you DC-area gals are keep tempting me to move out there...especially on days like the one I'm having today. :-)

move! or at least visit! ..g.:

Originally Posted by aamel_MirahAmmal

Also, for the record, please know that I am NOT in any way impuning Shahrzad or the bellydance store here. My disappointment was with the quality of this one particular product Sahar's boutique created/shipped, and not with the service I've received to this point form the bellydancestore or anyone, nor am I questioning bellydancestore's pricing of the product. I'm aware of how Sahar prices her product *in* Cairo, plus the import costs etc., so I feel comfortable that BDstore's pricing is well in line with what I'd expect for them to cover their costs, etc.

I just wanted to be clear about that--this post is not about criticizing the vendor, nor slamming a designer--it's just expressing disappointment in one product.

I didn't think your first post implied any of those things, it is perfectly reasonable to expect good quality and fit at that price.
After overcoming my initial scepticism I have grown to like a lot of the Sahars I have seen, and read a lot of glowing reports on Bhuz, so I felt disappointed for you too that this particular costume was not up to scratch.
I hope you can get it sorted quickly and happily.

Originally Posted by aamel_MirahAmmal

I do have to tell you though, Kiyaana and Latifa, all you DC-area gals are keep tempting me to move out there...especially on days like the one I'm having today. :-)

cooomme, come to the daaark siiide! we have cookies.........and wine....and bling

Originally Posted by aamel_MirahAmmal

Hi ladies,

Thanks for the advice and the info. I'm afraid I had a little "fire to put out" pop up this week and haven't even had a moment to deal with this in the last couple days, but rest assured--I will certainly give Shahrzad a call, and I have a meeting with my seamstress friend early next week (just to look/advise to decide what to do/whether to try and keep it). Weirdly, I almost think the part that bugs me most is the lining issue. The cup thing I *may* have an idea to fix (it'll involve rebuilding the straps and replacing the poufy porous padding with something maybe a little more compact but more dense so it acts as support.) But the lining...that just seems careless. Oh well

Also, for the record, please know that I am NOT in any way impuning Shahrzad or the bellydance store here. My disappointment was with the quality of this one particular product Sahar's boutique created/shipped, and not with the service I've received to this point form the bellydancestore or anyone, nor am I questioning bellydancestore's pricing of the product. I'm aware of how Sahar prices her product *in* Cairo, plus the import costs etc., so I feel comfortable that BDstore's pricing is well in line with what I'd expect for them to cover their costs, etc.

I just wanted to be clear about that--this post is not about criticizing the vendor, nor slamming a designer--it's just expressing disappointment in one product.

Shahrzad said she's getting another 26 boxes in a few weeks. We'll definitely let you know the next time we make the trip, Latifia! You DO have such great rhinestones. Sounds too good to be true - costume shopping followed by wine and rhinestones . . .

I do have to tell you though, Kiyaana and Latifa, all you DC-area gals are keep tempting me to move out there...especially on days like the one I'm having today. :-)

Aamel, I didn't think that you were trashing Shahrzad. I was just concerned that the accumulation of thread views and comments would leave a negative impression in Bhuzzers' minds. Thanks for responding.

And come visit! You should come for one of our big events and shop while you're here!

Latifa the enabler