Thread: how much are you REALLY spending on costumes

I just blogged it here

hanging my head in shame - tribe.net

I've either not been honest with myself about my crazy out of control spending or just pretending it didnt happen..time to tighten up the purse strings..sheesh

I spent over $1200 in the past two months just on costumes (another $400 on workshops, classes and shows since Dec 1). And I'm not really even a pro.

I don't even want to add up the whole year's worth of expenses...

where's alimah? lol!

I've been in a bit of a costume buying frenzy myself lately. my body has finally settled after my son being born, and the gigs I have now are different from the ones I used to do so some of the stuff I have doesn't work as well. so it's out with the old and in with the new. I DO have a strict policy of only using money from gigs or costumes I have sold to buy new ones with. so while I've spent maybe 2k in the last month or so it's all from $ I had earmarked for it. thank goodness. :)

I made half of that back in the last two months...and the other half (a Bella!) will be recovered after a photo shoot. But...it's a good thing it was a slow workshop/class season. Gotta start breaking even, cause this can be one expensive hobby!

Like Elisa Gamal, I only spend money that I've earned through dancing on costumes (and music, and workshops, etc etc). It's set up in a business account, so I only have money to spend if I've worked to put money into the account. Selling cossies also earns money in the account, since they are business property. This helps keep me from over spending and also keeps me from spending rent money on a new Bella.

Debbie from Anatolia Imports told me once that she advises dancers (especially the newbies) that if you have to dance more than five times to pay for a costume, it's probably too much costume for you and you should buy something cheaper. I think this is good advice and I try to keep it in mind when I'm searching for a new sparkly.

Side note: A quick Quicken report tells me I spent $1783 on costumes in 2007. This does not count money I made from selling costumes, however.

Ooh, if you count income from selling costumes last month, I almost break even. I guess if this is to be a business I should start keeping track, eh?

But there's *no way* I'm going to recover all the $$ spent on classes and workshops in the last five years...THAT would be a sobering number indeed.

I just recently had a big huge life change.
Money just made me recently come to a few really huge decisions, and costuming was one of the items on the agenda!

RE: bellydance vs flamenco
bellydance as my sole business vs. another business

What precipitated it:

1- I looked at my business numbers over the last five years. Only a deranged person or someone looking for a tax write off would continue to stay in the business - the money I spent on - workshops/costumes/gas/time/makeup/etc.
FAR outweighed the money made.
2 - I also need to charge more for my classes starting this year, I am going to wait until after the summer, as my rent went up at the studio.

there's more, but I'm trying to stick to the money issue in this thread.

I guess I'm completly out of the loop on buying costumes....
I make all mine so I typically have $300-500 a year in costuming...
all of which is easily paid for from my costume making business...

I don't take to many workshops anymore... got really burnt out on workshops a few years ago... I like to invest in private lessons from time to time. I feel like I save money and get alot more out of it...
these are easily paid for from my gigs....

and sometimes I take a local class ($12) from a lady who's been dancing for like 35 yrs! for fun.

I think I spent maybe $200 on cds and dvds last year though...
but again, paid for with gigs.

When I look at what others spend on this and what I spent I'm thinking my husband is really lucky!!!

I spend alot on my sewing supplies... and my machines really cost alot!!!! but it IS for my business, as well as my own costuming... and I do make most of my own clothing (and starting to make my husbands too!)
yep, I need to show my man this thread and your blog, Jesenia...........
maybe he'll let me buy more sewing stuff!!! yea!

OH, i luv ya, Jes, but this question you pose makes me squirm uncomfortably!..c:: Just the thought of thinking about what I spent gives me a headache!!! I'm in a kinda Scarlett O'Hara "think about it tomorrow" kinda attitudie! ..g.: I KNOW I've gone into the thousand$ overboard/in the hole overall b/c I designated 2007 as the year of intensive workshops (Just had to fly to Texas for Fifi!!! And that was only 1 of 6 out of state workshops I attended, never mind the local ones!), plus I got bitten by the costume bug (as well as silk veil-crazy; I blame you, Jes:)) and now...Let's just say I'm a lost cause. My only saving grace is that I'm a "working girl" now, with one regular gig and doing parties and such. BUT I'm a long way from catching up yet; kinda like bailing water using only a cup out of a boat w/a hole!,r:;

Originally Posted by aazura

Like Elisa Gamal, I only spend money that I've earned through dancing on costumes (and music, and workshops, etc etc). It's set up in a business account, so I only have money to spend if I've worked to put money into the account. Selling cossies also earns money in the account, since they are business property. This helps keep me from over spending and also keeps me from spending rent money on a new Bella.

Same here.

In 2007, I spent $1,030.61 on costuming. This is down from 2006, when I spent $1,798.60. Prior to that, I didn't keep track, but I'm sure it was much more because 2005 was when I started getting rid of the student stuff and really building a professional costume collection.

I spent about $1600 in 2007. Like some of the other comments, I have a seperate bank account where money from sold costumes and 25% of all bellydance earnings go to fund new costumes, music, etc. That is how I control my spending. Money from my normal paycheck goes to bills and a downpayment on a house, not towards costumes, sadly. ..cr.:

I spend more money on classes. its sad I am lacking in new costumes. But 2008 will hopefully get a purple one.But I'm too picky on what i like.I don't perform as often as I like.Plus i get from my hubby "you have perfectly good costumes yo udon't wear why do you need a new one" Typical guy thinking... I love him but he doesn't understand the inner magpie. But I will get my purple one this year.

Alrana

Maria I'd be interested in reading your other thread bellydance/flamenco..

Arella by all means share the blog..you know what's super bad is I dont need those costumes to model veils..I can do it wearing jeans :) So I can't justify buying that many. I think it's replaced my clothes buying..there's not much selection in Hawaii for clothing so I buy costumes instead.

Of course if I add up all the veils, and other silk garments I've made and kept, that's a whole new (large) expense ,r:;

and of course i run straight to the swap board after posting here. jeesh

Originally Posted by aazura

Like Elisa Gamal, I only spend money that I've earned through dancing on costumes (and music, and workshops, etc etc). It's set up in a business account, so I only have money to spend if I've worked to put money into the account. Selling cossies also earns money in the account, since they are business property. This helps keep me from over spending and also keeps me from spending rent money on a new Bella.

Debbie from Anatolia Imports told me once that she advises dancers (especially the newbies) that if you have to dance more than five times to pay for a costume, it's probably too much costume for you and you should buy something cheaper. I think this is good advice and I try to keep it in mind when I'm searching for a new sparkly.

Side note: A quick Quicken report tells me I spent $1783 on costumes in 2007. This does not count money I made from selling costumes, however.

I've done the same, although I will admit that the last 2 have been paid/are being paid for from non dance funds. But it's an investment in the business and is considered inventory, so, I can get away from it. ..l;,

Everything else has been paid for by teaching, dancing and selling costumes.

haha, I recently started a spreadsheet to track ONLY Belly Dance expenses and income. It was quite shocking! I use excel for everything, so it was quite easy, just like another checking account to balance! Anyhow, I keep track of the $ I make on performances, sales, and teaching... as well as money spent on classes, costumes, accessories, etc. Start for 2008!

Originally Posted by jesennia

Maria I'd be interested in reading your other thread bellydance/flamenco..

Arella by all means share the blog..you know what's super bad is I dont need those costumes to model veils..I can do it wearing jeans :) So I can't justify buying that many. I think it's replaced my clothes buying..there's not much selection in Hawaii for clothing so I buy costumes instead.

Of course if I add up all the veils, and other silk garments I've made and kept, that's a whole new (large) expense ,r:;

This weekend, I may blog about it on my tribe. You can get to my tribe from my site below, links on index page.

I don't have a whole lot of time anymore, as I'm back in school for cosmetology mon-fri 8:30 - 2:30 plus 4 days a week of flamenco, my bd teaching schedule, and performing schedule, plus kids, house, dog.

In fact, gotta run right now.
I'll let you know when I have my blog up.

i plead the 5th.
i've been getting better since i found bhuz. it makes selling easier so that i can justify a new purchase if it is mostly covered by selling another costume

............w.: .w.: .w.: .w.: .w.: .w.: .w.: .w.: .w.:

I'm trying to just rotate stock... you know, buy one (used or affordable)/sell one. So each time I'm only paying for an 'upgrade.' I've convinced myself that I don't need costumes that cost $600 and up. Only other dancers care, and they don't pay me to dance very often.

Trouble is, I keep buying a costume *thinking* I'm going to sell another one to pay for it, but then I go look at the costume I was planning to sell and I talk myself out of it.

I've got several I really need to put on swap meet at the moment, I have more than I need right now.

I would have to go get my year end statement from Paypal. . .

But i am thinking that this is somewhere less than Jes's number but more than anyone else is 'fessing up to!

But, the good news is that I have jsut been contacted by a booking agent. She only has one other belly dancer on her roster, so my addiction my well start to pay for itself again! here's hopin'!

{{{HUGS}}}

To MUCH this year! AND I have to go to a tax appt. WITH my husband and say the number out loud!.w.: I think I may slip my tax lady a piece of paper or ask him to leave the room!
But they are all so PRETTY........g.:

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I'm trying to just rotate stock... you know, buy one (used or affordable)/sell one. So each time I'm only paying for an 'upgrade.' I've convinced myself that I don't need costumes that cost $600 and up. Only other dancers care, and they don't pay me to dance very often.

Trouble is, I keep buying a costume *thinking* I'm going to sell another one to pay for it, but then I go look at the costume I was planning to sell and I talk myself out of it.

I've got several I really need to put on swap meet at the moment, I have more than I need right now.

Hi Lauren,
If you ever decide to sell your red bra and belt set you have a buyer here lol..l;,

My spending is just to ridiculous to post....I need therapy first to be able to admit!

I make all of mine, just like Asella. The only splurge I have ever had was one Madame Abla - heavy a$$ gold fringe everywhere - LOVE IT!!!!! Besides that, I sew what I want. I have never, ever gotten rid of any of my costumes...I still have my very first one. I designed it and had it made by a terrific seamstress. Creamy white velvet with seed pearls, gold and silver bugles and matching fringe - with flowers everywhere! I just can't get rid of it....and it doesn't fit me. But, my daughter is 4 - one day I will be able to pass it on to her and see her perform in it.

Back to the subject...My pitfall is music and DVD's - both instructional and performance. I love to learn (even some the cheesy and crappy one - you pick up something - even if that something is WHAT NOT TO DO). And a dancer can never have enough music.

I design my own costumes, and I order them to Seif at Cairo to make them for me. In 2007 spent around 800 euro for 4 costumes.
I green dress, 1 blue one, a Saidi dress, and a pure silk Fifi style gelebia with my name on the back in arabic.
I really cant sell any of my costumes lol
But I retire them in a way lol, I keep them in the Dance studio where is now a growing gardarob of 30 costumes (all old costumes of mine, or other teachers that we just cant sell them) and new students use them for events.

Maria Aya

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I'm trying to just rotate stock... you know, buy one (used or affordable)/sell one. So each time I'm only paying for an 'upgrade.' I've convinced myself that I don't need costumes that cost $600 and up. Only other dancers care, and they don't pay me to dance very often..

I'm so glad you posted this! I completely agree and I've just come to that realization in the last month. I think I was starting to get caught up in buying costumes when I need to focus my energy on improving dance itself. Besides, if you're a fantastic dancer you don't need a million costumes that cost over $600. Your talent should show no matter what you wear. ,r:;

My last 4 cost postage and grhhhh ...customs 'cos I swapped with candi and Zana and am now lighter of a bedlah, a skirt and veil and a Sim and the proud possessor of 2 Bellas, A sharifwear set and a Hannan gelebeya
Way to Go .....swap girlies!
Next project is homemade!

I've been making more and more and buying less and less. My new year's resolution is that I am not buying any more this year, unless it is a ridiculously low price (for example $200 for Pharaonics) which I don't anticipate seeing.

I like designing my own - I just made 2 skirts with accessories: $40, about 45 minutes. Minimal - moderate beading, and fitting: less than 4 hours. To make it fit perfect, and no one else have that skirt/design/color: priceless. (insert a mastercard logo here :)
I started another one from a dress, I figure it will take me less than 2 hours.

Now I just have to really get used to and start liking beading lycra, and I can make a $500 looking costume from under $100 (including everything, and large rhinestones)

Too much. I'm definitely spending too much, particularly since I withdrew into my shell and didn't perform for much of 2007. But: I'm in the middle of implementing my sort-of New Year's resolution only to own things I can actually wear right now (nothing "aspirational" for when I lose weight), so that's helping -- thanks for buying my stuff, Swap buddies! I have also started dancing regularly again and am getting back out there so at least I have more of an excuse to own these pretty, pretty things. (That's why we dance, right? I know 'cause Zahena told me so. )

Of my three recent costume sins, one was a wonderful postage-only swap (a perfect gold Great Loop, a delicious chocolate velvet dress to wear with it and other goodies, thanks Liz!), one has just been paid for out of Swap Meet sales, and the third should be covered as soon as I can unclench my fingers from the Bella I've never worn but hatehatehate to part with. So I'm doing a lot better on this score than in the past and way better than during my Bhuz hiatus. On the other hand, I'm seeing so much more tempting stuff now than I was during that time, so the danger of backsliding is ever present. Must behave. Good intentions count, right?