My experience with Dahlal

[bdaddiction]

Good thread.

My thought, you think that the prices of the costumes would make a difference. Correct me if I am wrong, but I was under the impression that they were to your body size, since some costuems they ask for your measurements?

Wanted one so bad. If I have to fix a costume that I paid that much money for, I will just stick to making or buying an inexpensive one to enhance on my own.

[kina]

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

Good thread.

My thought, you think that the prices of the costumes would make a difference. Correct me if I am wrong, but I was under the impression that they were to your body size, since some costuems they ask for your measurements?

Wanted one so bad. If I have to fix a costume that I paid that much money for, I will just stick to making or buying an inexpensive one to enhance on my own.

I have purchased custome ordered to my body and not been thrilled with the result. I find that it's best to buy something a bit larger, and scale it down to fit me, much better result that way.

Teakpeak, I think that the options that people have suggested are good, you are unlikely to get satisfaction from the vendor. I would definetely let them know how unhappy you are and that you will from now take your business elsewhere, as well as point this thread out to them. Sell the costume, which is gorgeous, and a "neutral" color, and order from somebody else.

[teakpeek]

Hi ladies
In case you didn't know, the set is on sale for $350

[Jenn]

Take some comfort that you aren't the only one this has happened to. My close friend who is also a very small framed dancer, recently purchased a set from them and was so bummed it was HUGE on her - and this after a phone order where she explained her size (she wears a 0 or 1 in regular clothing) and was told she has an AVERAGE body size (wow...now I'm depressed...).

Anyway, lucky for us, we have a friend who is an outstanding seamstress and needleworker who is making massive alterations on the set (like darting and re-beading the belt.)

Hope your set sells quickly!

[damiena]

This is all so strange to me - I order from Dahlal frequently and have never had an issue.

I amm sorry you had such a rough go of it.

[chessurecat]

IMO, if you ordered a 32B, you should've gotten a darn 32B!! That's alot of moola to spend and not get what you specify!
I am a costume designer and immediately I could see the cups are too big for your frame. In my personal taste, if this were mine fitting me like this, I would return it. No alteration in the world is going to bring the outter edge of those cups to fit your body frame! Some performers don't care about this and think of it as a trivial detail and simply add the padding. I think of the whole picture when it comes to costume appearance. If an unalterable shape is on a body shape to petite for it, it will give a dwarfen-like impression. The only way to make those cups fit would be to pull in the wires (if there are any) and deconstructing the cups themselves (which could cost half the price, if not more, of the costume itself), in short, destroying the integreity of the costume.

Ugh, I'm getting technical. I'm sorry! If they will not refund, I would make it loud and clear how upset I am (I have a big mouth ... "This is my last purchase from you. I will take my business...blah, blah, blah"), then like othes have suggested, sell it on swap meet...somone WILL buy that, you have great taste!

I have stopped shopping through Dahlal simply because they never have anything I want in stock. I mean - NEVER. And I don't have time to wait 14 weeks - when I want something, I want immediate gratification. I know, how arrogant of me. Good luck, let us know what you decide to do, k?

[outi]

More about the bra sizes:
It's true that in Egyptian costumes bras are sized from 1 to up. There is even a size for 10. These cups are not made by the costumers. They buy them outside and the sizes are very standard. So size 3 is same in most of the places. In my experience size B is mostly No 2. Sometimes No 3 can be badded as well. Size C is mostly 3. If your whole frame is really small - like yours look to be teakpeek - size 2 is definitely the best one.