How should I fix up this costume?

nimah · 10-27-2007, 01:15 AM

So I scored this cute Joharah dress. It appealed to me because a) I don't own a bellydance dress yet, b) I love the color, and c) since it doesn't have a bra or belt, that saves me a ton of time on alterations trying to get it to fit me. It's nice and stretchy, and a good fit just as it is.

While the fact that it doesn't have a bra means I don't have to move any hooks or shorten any straps, that does mean that I need to find something to wear under the mesh on top. What do you suggest?

Here is the dress:

I was thinking about maybe getting an L. Rose dance bra in a metallic fabric. Like this:

Yea or nay? And if yea, what color? Gold or turquoise? Or something else?

My second issue is this: there is no slit in the dress! I can only take smaller-sized steps in it. There is a mesh "skirt" all around the bottom part of the dress. The only difference is that on one side, it's just mesh, and on the other side, the mesh is covered up by the lycra that extends down from the hips and down to the floor. If I want to cut a slit, should I do it on the exposed mesh side, or should I cut it on the side of the mesh that is hidden under the lycra? (the lycra isn't attached to the mesh at the bottom. they're two separate pieces)

Thanks for your help, ladies!

dunyah · 10-27-2007, 01:25 AM

I like the idea of a turquoise bra. But I don't know about where to put the slit.
Better seamstresses than I will have to answer that one.

banatsusan · 10-27-2007, 01:28 AM

I think you should get a strapless bra and cover it in turquoise fabric...you could even add one strap on the side where the lycra will cover it, if needed. I think the LRose bra would create too many extra lines under the dress and a simpler, plain bra would be much less distracting, blend into the design better.

Bellydancingcaroline · 10-27-2007, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banatsusan

I think you should get a strapless bra and cover it in turquoise fabric...you could even add one strap on the side where the lycra will cover it, if needed. I think the LRose bra would create too many extra lines under the dress and a simpler, plain bra would be much less distracting, blend into the design better.

I agree, perhaps you can buy one that is already turquoise, since it will be covered with the mesh you could just leave it shop turquoise. You could get two straps for your bra, just get a 'strapless' bra with those see through straps, or add a halter perhaps?

The L Rose dance bra looks fine by itself, but would not look 'supported' enough under something else.

nasila · 10-27-2007, 03:25 AM

yup, you need a good bra with cleavage...then take the dress with you to find a fabric that looks good under the mesh (probably turquoise, unless you find a shade of gold or nude that works).

I nearly bid on this...it's so pretty! :)

sabrinabellydancer · 10-27-2007, 05:12 AM

yeah, you totally need a good strong bra with cleavage.

this might be way too over the top...but what about:
skin colored bra underneath
cover the bra area of the dress with hundreds of tiny turquoise and clear/ab [which ever matches the dress] rhinestones like "ice skating costume meets ballroom gown meets bob mackie las vegas show girl costume" in a bra shape, and then trail a few down the mesh side, up over the shoulder and down the arm.
i buy my rhinestones here: [you can phone order exactly what you want or they have a new ecommerce site. don't remember the name. must call and ask] very good prices. great quality stones.
Bohemian Crystal
812 Maple Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 627-9554

if that idea makes you gag, check here for inspiration
CONTENTdm Collection | Search Results

don't know what to tell you about the slit.
good luck. post pics when completed?

ssipes · 10-27-2007, 07:15 AM

I say get the right shade of tuquoise bra -- Victoria's secret always has those kinds of colors -- try it on and see if it looks to bra-like and then go from there in terms of possibly covering the straps or something. I'm inclined to think you might be fine with just the bra. In this photo, I have a regular bra underneath the mesh. It's actually not the best bra for the job because it has a lacy band and that shows. But I think if I find a solid turquoise bra it will look o.k.

I agree that the dress needs a slit. I would think a slit to the knee through the mesh panel would work, edge finished with some light weight beads maybe.

Sedonia

NajlaHalem · 10-27-2007, 07:48 AM

I agree. Good bra, simple lines. Get it made nicely and covered with sequins. You can have it made with stretchy straps if you want to keep the comfort.

And speaking as a costumer (I prefer not to use seamstress ;), put the slit on the mesh side. I see that there isn't as much beading or interference if you cut there. A cut on the other side will have to avoid the beading which could make for a less pleasing slit.
I would avoid beading the silt, and my reason is that the mesh is already a "nude" area, devoid of much, so adding beads to the slit would draw attention to it that may not keep with the flow of the garment. Beads at the hem could be added to adjust the weight and make it a bit heavier to keep the slit hanging nicely, though.

Gia al Qamar · 10-27-2007, 09:51 AM

Oh how funny...I had considered bidding too but passed!
I want to caution you about embellishing the bra with sequins or rhinestones...anything but fabric on the bra underneath the dress will CATCH on the mesh and possible cause it to run!!!

Keep the bra as simple as possible...the WOW factor is the dress...
I'd love to see pix of you in the dress!!!
Gia

gwyncara · 10-27-2007, 10:33 AM

I like the turqouise bra idea as well. If you are worried about the exposed blue strap, you could always cover it in nude fabric.

Lauren_ · 10-27-2007, 01:11 PM

I almost bid on that one too! I was also picturing a simple turquoise bra under it.

shimarella · 10-27-2007, 01:40 PM

Throwing in my vote in with the majority for a simple turquoise bra. Keep it simple... cos yes, I'd worry about embellishments on the bra catching on the mesh. Post some pix when you are able!

shaynaz · 10-28-2007, 12:09 AM

yes, simple turquoise bra underneath. if you wanted sparkelies then use the dreaded sequin dot material...which would look amazing underneath the mesh. or the hologram lycra which would catch the light as well. if you didnt want a turquoise strap why not try to use the clear plastic straps...those might not show.

nimah · 10-28-2007, 02:50 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions!! I will have to start looking around for a nice, sturdy, cleavage-tastic bra.

I'm happy to hear that so many of you thought of buying it. If/when I decide to part with it, I will definitely keep it in the Bhuz family. :) It's also nice to know that you guys don't think it's too scandalous. It's pretty nekkid on the right side, with just a little strip of lycra across the hip. Obviously I'll choose my venues mindfully with this one, but at first I was worried that other dancers would hate on it for it essentially being one giant mesh cutout on the right side, LOL.

Here are a few more photos....one photo is with a nude bra underneath (wasn't considering that as an option; it's just for illustration purposes).

This second photo shows what I'm talking about with the mesh at the bottom. I've got my feet set apart as wide as they will go.

It's just a tube with no slit, and the flap of lycra that comes down the side is not attached at the hem to the mesh. As you can see, it goes up quite a bit before the lycra is sewn onto the mesh. So which side should I add the slit to? Should I put a slit on the all mesh side, where it will be seen, or would it work to hide it under the lycra side? (I'm not sure if that'd be enough of a slit, or if I'd need to go up higher than that. Hmm...)

shimarella · 10-29-2007, 10:23 AM

I'd be very careful about cutting into a tube, since there doesn't appear to be a seam? You run the riskof making a weird crazy run in the fabric instead. Personally I'd just work with the fact that the costume has no slit and it will affect your movement choices. You've got other costumes that you can kick freely in, right? This one can be for tiny, mince-y movements :)

Michelle75 · 10-29-2007, 10:27 AM

I would personally use this dress for a nice, slow, juicy baladi which required my feet to be together and not so far apart. That's what it's made for.

but there is a nice cheaper priced set at the bellydance store that has minimal design on the bra (also, detach nipple tassels) which will help in not tearing the mesh on your dress. Here is the link.

tamrahennatx · 10-29-2007, 10:34 AM

I'd put the slit under the lycra where it won't change the line of the costume, but will add some freedom of movement. I know how it is to dance in a costume that is restrictive - it can be very distracting.

NajlaHalem · 10-29-2007, 12:54 PM

that's cool, the flap of lycra isn't attached. You should put your slit there. It's not likely to fray or run, as knits don't fray and if it's as nice and fine like it looks, it should be fine with a cut.

FayrouzFarasha · 10-29-2007, 03:35 PM

I'd put a slit under the lycra and see if it frees up your movements. If not you would still be able to slit the mesh side higher. Or even better roll up the mesh tube to the height of the lycra flap pin it and test for freedom of movement. Then you would have a better idea of how much that would help.

Safiyah · 11-04-2007, 07:38 PM

My personal feeling is that the portion under the lycra flap isn't enough to help your movement. It needs to come above the knee IMO in order to help you move more. If you can detach the lycra a bit more, that would be great.

I don't think you'll have any problems with the mesh fraying - it's mesh, it doesn't fray. However, if you decide to cut the slit on the mesh side (whichi is what I would do, personally) I'd fray check it and finish it off with the same sequin row that's on the bottom of the skirt - if you can find matching stuff. If not, I'd replace the whole row of sequins. It has to match the stuff on the bottom or else it'll be obvious that it was an "aftermarket" addition.