First you must understand that this is a costume for American Tribal Style, which is a fine place for a middle-aged dancer, being kind of covered up. The requirements for our costume included a black choli top, which I made out of a thrifted black 3/4 knit sleeve dress, cut off with elastic under the bust. I wanted a midriff cover, so I had this thrifted black lace top, turned it upside down, cut off the shoulders, and tacked the hem, now the top of the midriff cover, at the bottom of the choli. I tucked the rest in to the waistband. The skirt was a nice full thrifted black broomstick cotton with already sewn on gold sequins here and there, but it was too short so I added a sort of 3" ribbon of periwinkle blue cheap fabric folded over to the bottom. It was also too small at the waist, so I added a new waistband big enough for me. The convention of this costume called for the bra to be worn OVER the choli, so I found this black Victoria''''s Secret bra at thrift and added a bunch of ribbon, fringe, bits of jewelry, and so on. The belt is a piece of trimmed Jacquard tapestry from Walmart''''s $1/yd, with thrifted and purchased trims. Headdress was flowers swept up off the floor at Walmart. I was very pleased with this costume and will wear it again at least twice before Christmas for other venues.
