I'm becoming a costume addict

I'm blaming this one on Amara...ha ha, joking! Seriously though, ever since I discovered Bhuz.com, I have been obsessed with the Swap pages! Even right after I bought a brand new costume in Turkey! What is it about that forum that is so addictive? Right now it is really hard too because I just got my "stimulus" check from the Fed and I need to use that money to pay off my credit card debt. I also need like real clothes because I've gained a couple (read: twenty) pounds and none of my Spring/Summer wardrobe fits me. And I know I am getting more gigs and such, but I am still in the hole for 2008 in terms of my belly dance expenses *and yes, I keep my debts/credits all on a handy spreadsheet.*

Anyway, I need to work on my costume projects at home...which I am also obsessed with by the way. I have a skirt to make and a costume to alter. I also have sewing projects that someone has asked me to do for them. Oh, and I bought two costume patterns from Hancock fabrics. Did you know that simplicity makes belly dance costume patterns. They aren't complete bedlah, but they are not crap either. I bought them and don't even have a project in mind. (Caveat: no instructions on bras, just a halter and a vest).

I also bought some troupe costuming that ended up costing a lot of money. I had to replace my flair pants because they were too small. I also got Khahari tank tops made for the group in 3 different colors (you are gonna be jealous). And we bought fabric to make mini flair skirts, plus my favorite hip sash fell apart so I had to buy a new one. All that stuff was about $200.

I go through phases and I'll get over it eventually. No matter how I tried to rationalize it there is NO WAY I can spend $700 on a costume. Just not a reality. Yeah sure, maybe when I get married or start making more money or pay of my credit card debt...but I have a $600 rent check due and I need to buy groceries.

But just for the fun of it, these are the ones I COVET (both Pharonics):
http://audrena.com/AudrenasCostumes-ph-56.html
http://www.audrena.com/AudrenasCostumes-ph-Q.html (I believe this is the Venus on Dahlal)

PS I finished one of my skirts from the post below. It is the purple circle skirt. (Also for the troupe).