http://bellydancing.tribe.net/thread/3a432120-f933-4f50-9bf8-dc187c6b0ea0?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://bellydancing.tribe.net/thread/3a432120-f933-4f50-9bf8-dc187c6b0ea0#73786ebb-1c5d-4120-bdf4-6f7a99064b42 This may be redundant because the question was posted a few months ago now, but this is my two cents: If you've never bought a 'real' costume before, and particularly if you don't do a lot of performing, it's not really worth it to buy an expensive costume. They look fabulous, and the quality is *usually* better than the cheaper ones, but you probably won't get enough wear out of it to justify the high price tag. Other than that, if you're buying at a festival, I would make sure the people/company you're buying from has a reliable way to contact them if you have any questions or problems afterwards. If they don't, I'd stay away. And find out what their policies are regarding returns/exchanges/faulty workmanship, etc. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:21:33 GMT http://bellydancing.tribe.net/thread/3a432120-f933-4f50-9bf8-dc187c6b0ea0#73786ebb-1c5d-4120-bdf4-6f7a99064b42 Anastasia 2008-01-30T02:21:33Z http://bellydancing.tribe.net/thread/3a432120-f933-4f50-9bf8-dc187c6b0ea0#c55f788b-c628-4681-9358-fff2e141ae90 Due to location my options for costuming is limited to purchasing online or this one annual festival. I have read Flattering Costumes for Bellydancers (Costume Goddess) and found it helpful for figuring out what basic design I should be looking for. What makes me nervous is the process. Last year the vendors with the high ticket pieces were very crowded. I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to talk to the vendors. I'm the type who asks a lot of questions before I spend a lot of money. I like to be an educated consumer. So does anyone have experience buying off the rack at a festival? My concern is that after the show they pack up and leave so basically once I've made the purchase I'll have no recourse if a week later it all falls apart because a thread broke!:( Also since this is my first time buying a real costume I'd love any tips about what to look for and what to avoid in both the costume and the people I do business with! Thank you Amy Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:28:02 GMT http://bellydancing.tribe.net/thread/3a432120-f933-4f50-9bf8-dc187c6b0ea0#c55f788b-c628-4681-9358-fff2e141ae90 Amy 2007-10-09T16:28:02Z