I wish this didn't cost $500.

[badseed1980]

This costume lists a cup size of DDD/E (and since it's based on a bigger band than I wear, it would probably be the right cup size for me), and the band fits a 32"-39" underbust (I'd probably want it at about 34" for a non-underwear bra, depending on stretch). The skirt would definitely need shortening, but it would fit my hips.

Comments

[inannaliban.livejournal.com]

That is gorgeous

[nepenthedreams]

Looking at the hem, there doesn't appear to be a lot of decoration and it can be taken up, though I'd bring it to a tailor for it. My mom did mine for me. I like the colors, and the design is unique. I like that it doesn't have too much fringe (hides your torso too much when there is).
Is it less than 500$?

I have bought costumes from this site and been very happy with the fast service.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it is exactly $500. Well, $495. I'm looking in a much lower price bracket ($300 and under, preferably, though I'd go up to $350 if suitably enticed). But yeah. If it were cheaper, it would be perfect for what I want!

[nepenthedreams]

Oh, I didn't see the header. I was going to say that I wouldn't pay more than $500 for this. It looks like a Hanan - it's a designer costume. The site has cheaper costumes that are non-designer costumes. Badriya has purchased one of them and was happy with it - she just got some blingy accessories to dress it up.

Like the Desert Swirls - http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.php?search=search&&cboCup=DD&&productId=8153&PHPSESSID=748bedfa3d643a5b78266b799962d9c6

or the Nile Flower
http://bellydancestore.biz/gallery.php?search=search&&cboCup=DD&&productId=6879

[nepenthedreams]

That said, the Hanans are really nicely fitted and I really like the ones I have. I like the way that the bras are constructed. Pharaonics is another brand that is worth paying for. If you ever planned to dance professionally, you'd want to get something sturdy that would hold up to night after night of dancing.
If you want to wear something for haflis, Athenian Corner and recital, then one of the less expensive costumes would probably hold up very well. You do want to reinforce the beading when it arrives - Regina/badriya did something with clear nailpolish to reinforce the beading.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm currently looking more at recitals/haflis/Athenian corner quality stuff. :)

I should probably bring my old costumes in to Amira and see if any of her beginners would be interested in buying them. They're certainly quite pretty for beginners. No use to me though, size-wize.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I'm definitely interested in those. Unfortunately, in my cup size, the color selection is a little more limited, but I'm keeping an eye out. :)

[nepenthedreams]

Be careful getting a large cup size. While you may be a 32E or F, if you actually get an F, it will be ginormous. I am a 36F right now and I ordered a DDD/E from them and while it's not too big - it's got more room than I need.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I'm at least an 32F, and possibly a 32FF depending on the bra, and I'm looking at DD/DDDs for the most part.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I'm basing this on the fact that they say they judge the cup size off a 36 band, and when I was wearing a 36 band (which was too big a band for me), the DD bra I had was a little too small in the cup for me.

[nepenthedreams]

Oh that's helpful - I never knew they said that on their site. That will help for future purchases.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it says they use a 36 band for judging the cups on regular costumes, and a 38-40 band for plus size.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

OK, so you have the band size they base their cup sizes on, and you went down a cup size, and STILL had more room than you needed? Hmm. So if I got a DD, maybe that would work!

[nepenthedreams]

It also might depend on how you like your cups. I don't like there to be any extra room. I don't mind if there's a lot of cleavage, as long as the girls are held up & tight.
Maybe I should bring that particular costume bra in too for you to try on? But then it's a Hannan and may fit totally differently.

[fabricdragon.livejournal.com]

its very pretty, and it woudl look good on you....
but
honestly? something like that could be made with commercial sequin appliques, i would expect for a lot less, and still look good....

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

If I were willing to go to the effort of becoming an expert in sewing (including all the necessary work that goes into rebuilding and covering a bra) before the spring, sure.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

You have to understand: not everyone has studied this stuff.

[fabricdragon.livejournal.com]

snicker
i havent studied much, i am about to study this stuff....
however, i am suggesting that if you like that look, and have less than that budgeted, there may be a seamstress who can make something .... similar.. for less
not the exact same, mind you

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, those seamstresses who do really good quality work and who understand what's involved in making belly dance costumes specifically, still charge quite a bit (with good reason: these are some serious pieces of construction, not just pretty sparkles), and there's usually a wait involved, and also the hassle of meeting up for fittings and design discussions. I intend to get a custom-made costume one of these days, but not just yet.

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

Jeez, I just now figured out that you are all talking about her clothes!

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Har har har. :P

[wild-place-king.livejournal.com]

All men are slime and we love it!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

WOW!

[vanguardcdk.livejournal.com]

Tis too bad, you would honestly look incredible in that.

[evaelisabeth.livejournal.com]

Very nice you would look stunning, it looks like the skirt can be shortened without any problems.