[jaziri]

I have a couple I've converted. One old prom dress turned into blue satin harem pants, with the velvet top becoming an under-bra vest and belt. A red beaded gown with an open back from a local second hand store got slits up the side, combined with pants/leggings and a gold belt, there I go, good with my cane. A slinky black stretchy velvet one gets paired with varied belts and shawls, though is more of a simpler thing. Another tight black one got medallions with beaded fringe put around it. And finally the somewhat loose black with gold and silver and copper beaded sunburst things all over it, ready to go except the belt.

For many years we made our own costumes, and I got something really positive out if it. Yes, I did beaded fringe, but only 5 inch stuff. It took a while, but was very personalized. Of course I am not making my living dancing, which might entail other costuming choices.