My experience with Dahlal

[teakpeek]

has left me feeling ,
I'm no longer upset as they say in ATL "It is what it is".... This is what happened..I ordered the "Putting on the Glitz bra&belt set" it was on sale for $350. I sent the measurements to Mr.Kent 34B cup 30 undercup belt 34 hip 36 lower hip. The belt fit perfectly, the bra not my size. This is my first real costume. So I took it to Yasmeenah, who is a reputable dancer and seamstress who owns the studio my teacher rents from. I thought maybe I didn't know what I was looking for, at, ect. The bra cup goes under my arm. I tried it on. She said "It's not your size, this is a around a 36 C cup." "t can not be altered." So I called Dahlal and I got Bob. I told him the situation in a kindly fashion and that my husband had thrown out the receipt. Also I was out of town when I received the set. So I missed the 15 days but not by much. He was extremely nice and told me to send it back. He gave me an authorization code and also mentioned that they could custom the new bra with padding for around $30 (I was not afraid to let him know I was not blessed in that area LoL). I get a call from Ms. Suzanne (sorry for the spelling) to inform me that the bra had been altered."The hooks were not their hooks and she was also close to my size and could wear the bra that was sent to me".
First let me say this Bhuzzers.. I did not in any way alter the bra. Yasmeenah , my husband could stand by that.
How can you compare your body type to a customer you have never seen? Why is it so easy to blame the customer when something goes wrong ?
I did not scream or raise my voice once. I let her know her staff had already made arangements with me. I was not in a hurry and I know mistakes happen but in know way did I alter the bra. That I just would like the correct size. She absolutely refused and she was not nice at all. She kept repeating "Would you like the bra back." I could not believe I was being accused of something like that. If I altered it,why wouldn't I alter it to fit? Anyway, either the call was dropped or I was hung up on. My husband then intervene I was more than upset. He calmy talked to her and got know where. We waited til Monday and tried again to get this solved. He spoke to Debbie who was very professional. He informed her the aggreement Bo had made prior and wanted to know why the agreement would not be upheld. All he got were the policies quoted to him. He was on the phone with her for an hour. Finally she agreed to take the set back with a 15% restocking fee but only if the belt had not been altered. I agreed at first but I thought to myself. Why should I have to pay 15% percent fee when I did nothing wrong?So I asked to have the bra sent back. After talking to my class about it. I learned what to look for. Indeed the bra & belt had two different color thread (yellow&white) We think I received a set that had been previously altered. I just got the bra today and padding has been added to it but again I am a very small 34B(I can go braless), the cups are huge on me. I'm going to ask one more seamstress to see if she can help me if not I will sadly have to sell it.
I'm trying not to let this sour my experience. I'm not sure how to post the pictures but i'l try again http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...tbraset001.jpghttp://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ltbraset-1.jpg

[bul_bul_ksa]

Teakpeek, however you posted the photos it is making the post impossible to read for me...I'm getting the advertisements running right through your text...

[artemisia_danst]

hey,

because you posted the pics in there, that are rather big, your text is hard to read... so i'd take of the pics if i were you, and/or put a link in?

anyway, so sorry. my advice, and what i do when they send me something wrong these days: sell it to someone who it will fit, and buy something you really like elsewhere, a hassle, i know, but so is trying to fit your body in something not your size.

i know, it's awfull when you were so looking forward to it, i had that with my two beautifull eman galabeya's which came totally wrong size, but i just could not deal with the sending back and forward, so i gave them to a troupe member (as pay for teaching). hurts my heart, but at least they are making someone happy now, and i'll find one that fits me... some day..

hugs
Artemisia

[Michelle75]

What about trying to wear a push up bra underneath the dance bra? I had a similar situation and it ALMOST worked. My breasts were visiable underneath the bra. The cups were to small.

[spanishdoll]

Michelle has a good idea. If you have a strapless pushup pra hanging around, try it out and see if it works. It wouldn't be too hard to sew it in.

I'd also shorten the straps of the bra; it looks like it could be a little low. How much padding is in the bra in those pictures? As a 32 aa, I have learned to pad the hell out of bras; nothing will ever come in my exact size. Purchase some bra pads from a place like Jo-ann Fabrics and experiment with the placement. It works best for me if the pads are placed angled in the lower outer corners of the bra, pushing up my boobs to the top.

This is, of course, assuming that you want to keep the costume. I was afraid the first time I started altering things, but it really isn't that hard!

[stardancer]

I would definately just put it up for sale here rather than return it. Returning is such a hassel and a restocking fee sucks. The only other thing I can suggest is if the product is not what you ordered and you cannot get good customer service, you could dispute it with your credit card company (provided you charged it)

[Melinda77]

I am even smaller chested than you......you might want to look into getting padding like the other ladies suggest from craft stores like the Rag shop or Walmart even. Try taking in the straps too. I've managed to make big bras fit me, maybe you can get someone to help you? Good luck.....
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I have had a hard time with Dahlal lately too....my experiences started out very good with them but within the past year something went over there.

[Adishakti]

This restocking thing is for the birds. If Dahlal is responsible for clearly sending the wrong size or color - then it is their responsibility to replace or refund the costume.

I can see if you got the costume and the measurements were as you ordered, but you didn't feel it flattering, had gained/lost weight, etc... but if it's Dahlal's error, it is terribly unfair and unprofessional to insist on a restocking fee.

I'm not one to badmouth companies as a rule, but I have to say that from all that I've heard recently - I am NOT impressed. Whatever is going on with the Dahlal customer service - it had best improve, because all this talk between dancers is going to lose them some serious business, I expect.

[Lauren_]

Originally Posted by Adishakti

This restocking thing is for the birds. If Dahlal is responsible for clearly sending the wrong size or color - then it is their responsibility to replace or refund the costume.

I agree with this 100%! Not just Dahlal, but the same should be true when you place a custom order directly with Bella or Eman or whoever.

[SamiraShuruk]

It is unrealistic to expect something to fit you exactly if you have had no in person fittings. In professional costuming it is common to have at least one, sometimes 2 or 3 fittings to get something right.
All the professional belly dancers I know who are naturally under a D cup pad up a size, so possibly Dahlal was assuming you were going to do the same in which case a C cup would be appropriate.
From what I see from the pictures (and the text was partially cut off) you just need to do some simple adjustments that are a normal part of fitting a costume, even a custom ordered costume.
I'd recommend adding these pads
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?C...rId=GOBASE CI
Dritz push up style enhancers to the cups.
After doing that you may still need to adjust the shoulder straps and back strap hooks. This is normal. If you don't have sewing experience find a fellow dancer hwo is used to adjusting costumes to help you.
I know people who have received lycra skirts from designers WAAAY too small- this is not OK or normal.
On the "formed" part of costumes (bras and separate belts) is totally normal for the costumer to send something that is in the appropriate size RANGE. It takes many more measurements than just bra size and under bust size to get a bra fitting exactly right and usually a professional costumer to take the measurements correctly. So they send something that will fit with the right adjustments.

[artemisia_danst]

sim managed sending me costumes that fitted just perfect!!!!! hooks and all.
from just sending them my measurements...

also, i dont think it's great practice for a vendor to just send you a size too big, assuming you'd pad... i dont if i can help it...

other than that i agree that it's ok to have to do some adjustments...

[SamiraShuruk]

Artemisia - you are SO lucky! There have only been a couple times I haven't had to change hooks- and that was only buying from other dancers, not vendors.
I'm not saying it's a "great practice" to send one cup size larger, but it may be common.
Because of so many "fit issues" I always order by calling in person, not just filling out the form. This way I can specify what I want- I'll tell them "I wear a 34B, but I want to pad up a size"- I see it as my responsibility to communicate clearly so they can be more certain of what to send me.

[ssipes]

I think I have to agree with Samira in this particular case. From the photos, the costume appears to fit reasonably well. It seems that Dahlal did a reasonable job getting a costume in your size *range*. The costume designers are somewhat variable in cup sizes and shapes, and it is unrealistic to expect to pull a costume out of the box and have it fit as perfectly as a lingerie bra tried on and purchased at a store.

I have owned this exact costume which I purchased from Dahlal. The cups are placed further apart than I needed. I had to alter the costume to make the cups closer together. I did this by pleating the little middle section outward and sewing heavy fabric inside the bra to tilt the cups closer together. I also had to do this to my Madame Abla costume purchased from another vendor.

I could understand if Dahlal had sent you something that was obviously several sizes too big or too small. But if you want an off the rack costume to fit you exactly, you need to go to the vendor's store and try the costumes on. Either that or be prepared to sell the costume if it doesn't work for you.

You asked how a vendor could compare one body to a customer's she has never seen. I would have to ask, how can you expect a vendor to perfectly size a costume for a body she has never seen. The vendor can only come so close.

Sedonia

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

It is unrealistic to expect something to fit you exactly if you have had no in person fittings. In professional costuming it is common to have at least one, sometimes 2 or 3 fittings to get something right.
All the professional belly dancers I know who are naturally under a D cup pad up a size, so possibly Dahlal was assuming you were going to do the same in which case a C cup would be appropriate.
From what I see from the pictures (and the text was partially cut off) you just need to do some simple adjustments that are a normal part of fitting a costume, even a custom ordered costume.
I'd recommend adding these pads
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?C...rId=GOBASE CI
Dritz push up style enhancers to the cups.
After doing that you may still need to adjust the shoulder straps and back strap hooks. This is normal. If you don't have sewing experience find a fellow dancer hwo is used to adjusting costumes to help you.
I know people who have received lycra skirts from designers WAAAY too small- this is not OK or normal.
On the "formed" part of costumes (bras and separate belts) is totally normal for the costumer to send something that is in the appropriate size RANGE. It takes many more measurements than just bra size and under bust size to get a bra fitting exactly right and usually a professional costumer to take the measurements correctly. So they send something that will fit with the right adjustments.

[Adishakti]

True, Samira... but if you state that the belt needs to be 39" long and it comes to you 36" long, I'd consider that a clear problem. This is the type of "wrong sizing" I'm speaking of.

We all expect to do adjustments, but clearly, a D cup won't fit in a B cup, etc....

[norma]

Sorry you had such a bad experience. I've always had postive ones with Dahlal.
Unfortunately the lower price Egyptian made costumes usually have horrible bras that don't fit any normal human being.

Here's a trick to make it fit. I know you said you added padding but I don't think you tried this! Fill it with foam! Go to the fabric store and by some soft foam about 4 inches thick. Cut out the foam in shape that will fit the cup. Add or take away foam as you need it. The foam will fill in the extra space but because it is soft it will conform to your natural body. Once you get it to fit, sew on the lining and your done.

Once I discovered this trick I always got my bras one or 2 cup sizes bigger so I could "endow" myself. Cheaper and safer than plastic surgery!

[ChristinaRizkallah]

My experiences with Dahlal have always been positive. As previously mentioned, it is typical and expected that you will have minor adjustments to make such as moving over hooks on the bra and belt and even shortening a skirt. In my opinion, as long as the cup size is correct all other alterations are normal and expected without the benefit of trying on the costume beforehand.

[Nisima]

I too have to agree with Samira and Sedonia, unless you get multiple fittings, ordering a costume just by sending in size won't always fit exactly right. The best I hope for is that it isn't too small, and I've had costumes made for me locally here with TWO fittings and I still had to adjust shoulder and/or neck straps, by length AND placement and pad the cups. I'm a 38C but it also depends a lot on the design SHAPE of the cups - all C cups are not created equally - just think about trying on regular bras in a department store and you know exactly what I mean. In fact, I have YET to get a "custom" costume that didn't require alterations mostly to the bra. Costume bras are, in fact, a structural engineering nightmare - they have to fit snugly but allow you to breathe, create attractive cleavage but not "spillage of boobage" over the cups or at the sides of cups when dancing and this is not accomplished without adjusting hooks and straps, sometimes more than once as the costume bra "settles" and somehow "stretches".
And paying more for a costume does not guarantee a "perfect" fit - it is all about the design of cups first and foremost that at least works well with body shape and then you go from there to adjusting strap placement and hooks. Belts have their own issues - but that's another thread.
I don't blame Dahlal in this case any more than any other costumer - there is an acceptable range of "size difference" when ordering costumes and this one looks to be reasonably alterable by padding and adjusting straps. When my dress arrived last year and was clearly way way too small, Dahlal's staff called and said they wouldn't even bother sending it and gave me options of having it redone or taking a credit, because they confirmed that it was their error not mine. They also redid the bra decoration before they sent it out becasue they weren't satisfied with it. I waited quite a long time (7 months) for this dress and bra ensemble, but it was worth it and in fact my local designer takes longer than that to make a bra/belt for me. So, I've been happy with the customer service at Dahlal even though sometimes they are hard to reach by phone.

[SamiraShuruk]

Originally Posted by Adishakti

True, Samira... but if you state that the belt needs to be 39" long and it comes to you 36" long, I'd consider that a clear problem. This is the type of "wrong sizing" I'm speaking of.

We all expect to do adjustments, but clearly, a D cup won't fit in a B cup, etc....

Adishakti,
You are absolutely right- those things would be a problem. Too small is a problem, and several sizes too big is a problem. But within a size range that can be adjusted down is to be expected. From the photos that is what this appears to be, in my opinion.

[teakpeek]

I understand what you are saying Samira. I was to prepared to have Yasmeenah do some alterations but what the pic doesn't clearly show that it shows in person is that the cup size is a C cup. If ordered 32B cup underbust 30 should I receive a C cup? That is not my gripe though it is being falsely accused of altering the bra. Again I have several people to vouch that I received everything as is. One of the things I did was to put a push up bra under it. I took the bra to one more seamstress and he thought I should get a smaller cup size. Maybe this is something that is seen in person rather than pics but I have several opions from my classmates, teachers and I have to agree.

[tahiradancer]

Looking at the photos, it simply looks too big for your frame. My sugestion is to try to sell the set. And keep looking for a set which will work for you.

Says she who seems to be on the eternal quest for the perfect gold bedlah.

{{{HUGS}}}

[teakpeek]

The two seamstress explained to me that if the cup was closer to my size they would have no problems altering it. I also recall Suzanne telling me "This particular costume could not be altered". My response was how am to tell which sets can and can not be altered?

[teakpeek]

Yes Tahira
I am on that quest again. Yes! It is to big for my frame. I'm very small frame.

[talula]

Originally Posted by SamiraShuruk

Adishakti,
You are absolutely right- those things would be a problem. Too small is a problem, and several sizes too big is a problem. But within a size range that can be adjusted down is to be expected. From the photos that is what this appears to be, in my opinion.

I