Cheap costumes

[Egyptianangel]

I've noticed on ebay that some companies sell really cheap costumes, like the one in the link below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Orange-Silver-...QQcmdZViewItem

Should I stay clear of them because they are so cheap? I'm very new to BD and don't want to make a mistake by buying something that isn't of good lasting quality.

[zumarrad]

If it's that cheap, and you like it, why not buy it? You will probably have to do work on it anyway, and the same would go for any bra and belt set off Ebay even if it was expensive.

That one there looks fairly solid. I have one Egyptian bedleh and they do pretty much stand up by themselves, but their fit can be really weird. The styles are not always that flattering, but if you're handy you can take off fringe, shorten straps, maybe add a few bits and pieces where you want them. It's not going to be a custom Bella but if it cost you ten quid and you modified it into something groovy, then who's the winner?

[lizajuk]

They had similar bedlah to these in Turkey and you could certainly work on them. They were simple with appliques on velvet V shapes belts and rather round bra cups which did look adaptable. You can maybe alter straps and cup position to your liking. I know dancers who are bought these very cheap bedlah , lost some or all of fringe on bra and ended up with a very nice trad bedlah for very little time and effort. I don't know the shop but you aren't risking much at the price it is now even if you end up pulling it to pieces.

[wigglewhiz]

Well, I think you'd have to do some pretty major work on it to use it.

• The bra fring is way too long and too much, so removal would be first on my list.
• I'd re-string some of the fringe into shorter lengths and add it to the centre of the bra.
• The centre bit of the bra, between the cups, looks a little high. I'd be worried about underboob oozeage! However, it's not THAT high, and I think changing the straps into a halter configuration could fix it.

The belt's a little deep for me, but that's pretty much a personal thing I think. If you can do the work, the price is pretty good - you couldn't buy the beads/sequins/fringe for that price! If you like it and think you can do they work it on, bid on it! Worst comes to worst, you just got yourself lots of lovely beads and fringe for a project.

[Egyptianangel]

Thanks girls for your advice I will have another look with the suggestions you all made and decide from there. Thanks again.

[ssipes]

Cheap costumes like this one can be workable, but you should be aware of the downside.

1. First, as others have mentioned, the fringe is too long on the bra -- I'd just take it all off. Usually all you have to do is open the stitching between the br and its lining, and you can access the fringe, which should all be sewn on a base thread and which should be basted onto the bra separate from everything else. Take it off and then baste the lining shut again.

2. The skirts of these kinds of costumes are hardly ever adequate. You will probably have to wear a matching skirt underneath. Or use the veil that comes with it to make pantaloons or another skirt layer for underneath.

3. Harder to deal with are the fitting issues. The bra cups of these cheaper bras do not fit as well and tend to not be as flattering as those of better costumes. THey may require more adjustments to fit, or you may find you just can't make them fit your body. I think alot of new dancers underestimate the importance of proper fit.

4. Likewise the belts of cheaper costumes tend to not be well-shaped for the female form. The belt may lack darts and shaping to allow it to mold to your butt and hips without giving plumber's crack or other big gaps. Again this can be fixed but it requires courage to perform surgery on the belt, and some sewing skills.

sedonia

[Egyptianangel]

So on that note Sedonia, would you recommend I make my own costume? That way I can make it to fit from the beginning.

[Adishakti]

Don't let price sway you... but quality is important, and I don't think that costume looks to be well made.

However, if you're crafty, it might be cheaper to just buy that costume, disassemble it and make your own than it would be to purchase the supplies.

My recommendation if you are crafty is to make your own costume. Scan the net for pictures and research the style necessary for your style of dance. (ie. this is a Turkish costume shown on eBay).

If not, you could check out Dahlal or Bellydance with K. Both places have some cheaper costumes that are much better quality than the one on eBay.
If you stick with gold or silver, you can match it with any color of skirt for variety.

[ssipes]

Honestly and personally no, I wouldn't recommend making a beaded bra belt. I'm sure you'll get a variety of opinions. Maybe someting else, like a dress or stretchy two-piece set, but not beaded bedlah. You can put ALOT of work into such an endeavor and still have the outcome look homemade, especially the bra.

The best thing to do would be buy your first costume somewhere where you can try them on. For example, at a big workshop event where there are vendors. Then you can try on a variety of costumes, see the quality and fit differences that accompany the price differences, and make your decision.

Sedonia

Originally Posted by Egyptianangel

So on that note Sedonia, would you recommend I make my own costume? That way I can make it to fit from the beginning.

[amulya]

I agree with all said above. I think you end up with so much work that you'd better buy something a little bit more expensive. To me that fringe is way too long. You can't just cut it shorter, you need to redo it...

[CharlotteDesorgher]

Angel

We're having a vendor at our hafla in September. She's bringing some professional Egyptian costumes so you can try some on and get an idea of what suits you even if you don't buy one.

[antimony]

I agree with Sedonia... If you have a particular vision that you want to make a reality, then by all means bead your own bra and belt - but if you're wanting to do it to save money, don't bother. At the end of the day, it's still hundreds of dollars, not counting all of the time you have to put into it.

You can save a lot of money by sewing your own skirts, coverups, etc. An investment in a decent silver or gold bedlah can go a *long* way if you have a broad skirt and dress wardrobe.

[sabrinabellydancer]

i agree with everything said.

however, if the skirt and veil are good, it might be worth it.
it is still at a very good price for a skirt, veil and long fringe
the fringe is too long for a bra but can all be sewn to the bottom of another belt.

you can take the straps off the bra and sew them into a nice headband that matches the skirt/veil.
then get a good silver bra/belt.

i absolutely agree with everyone that fit is critical in a good bedlah. you don't want your movements to be hindered by fear of "fallout".

go for it. have fun. welcome to BD. you are now officially addicted to the hunt for glitter :) just like the rest of us.

[Egyptianangel]

Thanks everyone, yes hooked like everyone else on here, sod the housework.
Thanks sunshine, will have a good look at Fantasia.

[ruta21030]

of all the cheapies, that one looked solid, i agree....but ALOT of work is required........like all the others, jury is out on making your own.......i've seen some piss-poor 'homeys' out there, looking like a cheap halloween costume, but i've also seen some made that would rival alot of the good turk/egyptian imports and even out do them............it depends on how well you bead, and how patient you are....

i've had some good luck on ebay with costumes imported from egypt and turkey, but i read VERY CAREFULLY.....the fabric, the sizing, avoid like the plague any vendor who doesnt do close-ups of the beadwork or fabric....

i'm not rich by any means, but sometimes ya just suck it up and spend the $500 bucks for a beaut if it looks fab and FITS! :P, but yeah, you want to go to events and sites where you can touch, feel and try on...........and welcome to victims of the glitter fairy!

[firefly5]

I agree, I'm really not convinced that making one yourself is any cheaper than buying ready made, I honestly reckon I spent £250 making my first costume, but I had a vision of what I wanted, and knew I could make it too. I dread to think how many hours I actually spent making it, if I had spent as many hours doing my day-job I would have earned at least £10,000, lol! But I enjoyed it, and now I have something totally unique, designed and created by me. Now I'm working on my fourth costume, so it can't have been that bad!
Good luck, whatever you decide to do <hugs>

[tahiradancer]

Also keep an eye on the swap boards and ebay. You can get soem beautiful things at decent prices.

*pets $200 Great Loop*

{{{HUGS}}}

[Egyptianangel]

I don't think I'd be confident enough to make a whole costume. I'm sure it would be fun, but I'd be scared I'd spend a lot of money on material and add-ons then muck it up. Really would love to have a go though at some stage. I think I might keep my eyes open to buy something I can afford then maybe add some sequins, LOL. I loved doing that on an old skirt I had, very relaxing. Trouble is I keep looking at all my none BD clothes thinking 'hmmmm, that would look nicer with a few sequins.'

[lizajuk]

Look at that great vintage gold bra Rania has just put up on swap meet.
It's worth paying that for a well made "classic"..real and very versatile belly dance wear!

[Samirah-NH]

Originally Posted by Egyptianangel

Trouble is I keep looking at all my none BD clothes thinking 'hmmmm, that would look nicer with a few sequins.'

Another one of those "You know you're a bellydancer when..." moments.
Welcome to the insanity.

[Egyptianangel]

Yes, I admit it, I'm hooked to BD and to Bhuz.