How many times do you use your costume ?

[dancingirldancing]

Hi,

I am a big believer of cost per wear. :p

Some of these latin/ballroom dresses cost $2-4k ! About the same with my LCD TV.

Thing is, for you guys that attend competition/showcase regularly, how many times do you wear the same gown ?

IMHO, if I spend that much money I should at least wear the $2k costume 20 X and the $4k costume 40 X !

Does anyone wear their costume that many time ?

Does most people who is in open competition sponsored ?

If not, how do you keep on buying these costumes ?

I earn reasonable amount of money BUT I wont even be able to spend more than 5k on costumes a year on top of lesson etc !

[Chris Stratton]

Some of these latin/ballroom dresses cost $2-4k ! About the same with my LCD TV.

you must really like watching tv

Back on the subject: you don't put them in your closet when you are tired of them, you sell them and get different ones.

[dancingirldancing]

How many percent can you get when you sell them back ?

[danceronice]

Depends on where you sell them and how. I would get a certain percentage towards a new dress if I consigned either of my gowns back to the dressmaker (I haven't yet.) I'm not sure exactly how much. So far I've worn one gown to two "serious" comps and used it for a local competition, and will use it for two showcases and Ohio again. After that it will depend on how much I want to compete Smooth and Standard--if a lot, the dress needs to be replaced, if not so much, I'll stick with it a bit longer. Rhythm is pretty new so I'll keep that for a while.

[mummsie]

I make my own and wear them for a couple of years. Last gown cost $150 for material and about $250 for stones as I used some that I had left over from previous gowns. I own 2 gowns - one I use for New Vogue and one for Standard although depending on time between costume changes I have worn both for both if that makes sense. :-) I have a friend who has 6 different gowns on the go which she just recycles every comp so she always has a different look. I guess it depends how much money you have to spend. - mummsie

[dancingirldancing]

What level are you competing at, mumsie ?

[mummsie]

What level are you competing at, mumsie ?
We dance open amateur :-) - mummsie

[swan]

I usually only wear mine for 3 comps. Some only once. Maximum I've ever worn a gown - 5 times.

But the new one, I really like & hope to wear it more ;)

[latingal]

I normally wear my latins three times and then sell them.

[Laura]

I average four wearings per gown. I make most of my own, though, so the cost isn't so high. Also, my most expensive dresses that I've bought I wear more than four times. I think the most I've ever worn a dress was 9 times, and that was spread over a six year period.

[SwingWaltz]

I bought a new tailsuit at the start of the year, paid around $1200 for the lot including shirt, tie etc. So far I've used it 3 times. So if you do the calculation ..... :rolleyes:

Out of the 3 competitions, we won 2 and came 3rd for the other. Including winning the Nationals. :D I'm definitely keep the suit for later uses, which will be soon.

[fascination]

I keep my gowns for about two years...the amount that I wear them depends on how they fit at any given time and what comps I do...I try to keep 4 long and 4 latin in the rotation at all times so that at big comps I can change if I have to do day and evening sessions...if I sell a gown I try to get 1/2 to 1/3 of what I paid depending upon how new it still is and what sort of condition it is in....I try to buy one (one long and one short) a year to rotate in ....

[Joe]

You wear it til:

1) You get tired of it.
2) It gets damaged or dirty.
3) A judge or your coach tells you it's not a good look for you.
4) Someone makes you an offer for it you can't refuse.

[JANATHOME]

I am like Fasc. I usually wear a gown for about 2 years because each gown I have bought I have loved and am just not willing to give them up any sooner. Currently I rotate 3 standard and 2 smooth gowns. I am a common size so if I want a new look I will do a rental. The few times I have sold gowns I am happy if I can sell a gown for 1/2 of what I paid for it. My husband donates his annual bonus to the cause!

[_malakawa_]

I haven't compete that much in ballroom (i think only 7 times in 2 years) so i still have my dress, but when it comes to Latin i changed my dresses every 2,3 months.

I don't even know the number of my dresses.

It depends on how much time I have, I'll make my own dress, if I don't, I went to Slovenia to N. Ambroz to make my dress.

All my Latin dresses were between $1000 - 2000. Only one I bought a dress, but that dress was never worn in Croatia and the girl that I bought from wear it only 2 times.

I don't know how is policy in here, but I think that on this forum there are a lots of us whom know how to make dresses, and I think that price will be much cheaper.

Only what you need to do is ask. ;)

[Nik]

I have worn my latin shirt about 100 times including comps and shows. I really like the shirt and feel comfortable in it. I have other shirts but I wear this one much more often. Natasha has worn the same dress at least 30 times and I don't see anything wrong with it.

[etp777]

Sister's rule for dresses used to be one year. Mom seems to change hers every 6-9 months, but that's because the old ones jsut end up as rentals (and actually, one she's wearing in december comp was made as rental first, but sheliked it so much decided to just reserve it for herself for that comp :) ).

Luckily, as guy, and syllabus dancer, I just keep weraing same thing. Getting new pants and shirt this time, but that's jsut because I've lost a bunch of weight, not because of any need to change costume.

[Katarzyna]

I use a dress from 1-5 times.. ususally closer to 1 time unless i really love it.. but I do rotate them a lot and have a pretty good record of selling them :)

[samina]

I have a pretty good record of selling them :)

yah... one or two. ;)

[tanya_the_dancer]

Since I don't have a common shape (I have curves - both convex and concave, with a nod to another thread), I have to have my dresses made from scratch. I haven't seen a smooth/standard resale which would have fit me + looked good on me. I lucked out with a latin resale, because length is not as important there. For that reason rentals are also out, because at the very minimum they would have to put bigger cups for me. Since I've paid premium for my dresses, I plan to hold on to them for a bit longer. I've worn my apple green dress about 8-9 times so far and my hot pink dress 5-6 times.

[and123]

[re: Kat's gowns]
*cough*plus a few more :p

[Katarzyna]

yah... one to two. ;)
lol :)

[Katarzyna]

I should not even respond to this thread :)

[samina]

(I have curves - both convex and concave, with a nod to another thread)

good one :cool:

[Katarzyna]

I should not even respond to this thread

[samina]

I should not even respond to this thread :)

yah, definitely on this topic you are reign supreme, haha

[tanya_the_dancer]

good one :cool:

Yeah well, as someone else noted, curvaceous became a synonym for overweight :) Since when???

[Laura]

Yeah well, as someone else noted, curvaceous became a synonym for overweight :) Since when???
Since the standard for 'appropriately slender' got so thin that women had to lose their curves to get to it.

[etp777]

A sad day that was. Some of us still think a woman should look like a woman, not a 12yo boy.

[njdancegirl]

A sad day that was. Some of us still think a woman should look like a woman, not a 12yo boy.

:ladiesma:

[_malakawa_]

A sad day that was. Some of us still think a woman should look like a woman, not a 12yo boy.

one more :kissme:.

woman without meat. :confused: you need to grab something (boobs, butt .....) :cool:

[fascination]

Yeah well, as someone else noted, curvaceous became a synonym for overweight :) Since when???
um...since about 90% of overwieght women in personal ads call themselves that...;)

[fascination]

hey...no one is grabbing my curves without a permission slip

[njdancegirl]

um...since about 90% of overwieght women in personal ads call themselves that...;)

Exactly what I was thinking..."athletic" is another...

[_malakawa_]

hey...no one is grabbing my curves without a permission slip


of course. ;)

person that touch me without permission, next second is on the floor.:cool:

[etp777]

hey...no one is grabbing my curves without a permission slip

And where do we fill out form for that? ;)

I do think personal ads, and internet dating sites, have corrupted a lot of words that used to be positive in describing physical features. And I am by no means a perfect physical specimen myself, so certainly not pointing any fingers. i tend to stick with the average label. It's safe without completely ruining my chances. :)

[_malakawa_]

my BF had a student in NY that was great.

Each time that they will practice tango (when mans hand is a little bit lower, than in other ballroom dances) she will say "lower, you can put your hand lower" :D.

[tanya_the_dancer]

Back to the topic, though, I think the fact that I have such non-standard measurements will make it harder for me to sell my dresses when I decide to trade them. So I might as well hold on to them longer.

[etp777]

But staying on topic is so boring. :(

Anyway. :) That certainly makes sense to me, TTD. From other end, I know with regular clothing, I try to invest in better quality items (and stuff that is more style than fashion, so it lasts more than a couple seasons), because I can't wear much of anythign off the rack and have to invest the money or time (do some of it myself) to have everything altered, and I don't want to keep doing that.

[Laura]

I do think personal ads, and internet dating sites, have corrupted a lot of words that used to be positive in describing physical features.
Yeah, there's nothing left to say to describe myself because every word (zaftig, curvy, voluptuous, athletic, Rubenesque) now means 'fat,' so I feel like I might as well just say "I'm fat" but then I'll never get a date.

About the dresses: each dress has a mood for me, and sometimes I get sick of them, and sometimes I feel like they've "run out of luck," and sometimes I feel like they just need a little rest. I just gave my best dress a comp off because I felt like it had run out of mojo. Will be wearing it again soon though.

[danceronice]

Yeah, there's nothing left to say to describe myself because every word (zaftig, curvy, voluptuous, athletic, Rubenesque) now means 'fat,' so I feel like I might as well just say "I'm fat" but then I'll never get a date.

To me, "zaftig" and "Reubenesque" would mean "fat", "voluptuous" or "curvy" would imply an hourglass shape, and "athletic" has lost all meaning thanks to sites like match.com. I never know how to describe myself on those things-I'm not thin, but I'm not obese, but I'm not really "athletic" in the sense of being super-toned and muscled. And what is "average" these days?

And I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks of dresses having luck attached!

[_malakawa_]

About the dresses: each dress has a mood for me, and sometimes I get sick of them, and sometimes I feel like they've "run out of luck," and sometimes I feel like they just need a little rest. I just gave my best dress a comp off because I felt like it had run out of mojo. Will be wearing it again soon though.

I like this. On each competition i take 2,3 dresses and it depends on my mood in which i will dance.:p

[dancingirldancing]

I have worn my latin shirt about 100 times including comps and shows. I really like the shirt and feel comfortable in it. I have other shirts but I wear this one much more often. Natasha has worn the same dress at least 30 times and I don't see anything wrong with it.


Wow ! Can you post pics ? ;)

[Laura]

And what is "average" these days?
In the USA? A size 14. I think that because people are so used to seeing size 0 models and actresses, many people would say anything bigger than a six is large. There was a study in Psychology Today about how the more really good looking people you look at, the less you're inclined to be attracted to averagely-attractive people (or people who are on your actual similar level of attractiveness, unless you're over at the "hot celebrity" end of the spectrum).

[kimV6]

In the USA? A size 14. I think that because people are so used to seeing size 0 models and actresses, many people would say anything bigger than a six is large. There was a study in Psychology Today about how the more really good looking people you look at, the less you're inclined to be attracted to averagely-attractive people (or people who are on your actual similar level of attractiveness, unless you're over at the "hot celebrity" end of the spectrum).

as a male (and i've asked this of all my female friends), sizes 0, and the even more ridiculous double-0, doesn't make sense. Double-zero is zero, haha.

[fascination]

Exactly what I was thinking..."athletic" is another...
kinda bites too, because I am actually athletic and curvaceous...

[fascination]

and BOT...if I really love a dress and it is low maintainence and fairly classic in it's styling, I am a bit reluctant to let it go given how much I dance

[Laura]

I think the existence of 0 and 00 is a result of size creep. Like, what is now 00 is what 40 years ago was a 2. Which would make what was a 14 back then a 10 now...which makes sense, because Marilyn Monroe was rumored to be a 12, which would make her an 8 in today's sizes, which is "acceptably not fat" but with still enough body fat for the kinds of curves she had. Think of that woman from "Third Rock from the Sun," Kristen something -- she wears 6/8 and is considered massively huge as far as actresses go today, but in reality is pretty darn cute!

[Laura]

kinda bites too, because I am actually athletic and curvaceous...
I agree, but words like that would not go over in online dating unless you posted full-length photos of yourself from several angles.

Which is why I'm not heading down the online dating road if I can avoid it.

[fascination]

hmmm...I guess I would be fine with that if that was what was neccessary...as long as he did the same ;) I'd have some requirements as well....(goodness, it is a good thing I am married...having sown no oats, I am not at all certain that I could be rational with a virtual smorgasboard of men suddenly as options...would not be good I don't think...yep...best that I am happily claimed and cared for )

[fascination]

slaps self...and now back on topic before I get fired

[QPO]

I only buy a certain amount of clothes for dancing ( as I don't compete) I often go to the goodwill shops and managed to pick up some good bargins, especially if you go to them in the posh suburbs. But heck if men can keep wearing the same suit why can't women wear the same dress.?

[Lioness]

I tend to pick my dresses up from op shops, and I don't get to go op shopping that often as they close pretty much as soon as I get home from school. Adding to that most of them are old dresses from old people, they'd just look strange. I have got a couple of georgeous ones though.
Currently I'm using one dress for standard/some New Vogue, lacy top and white skirt for latin, and same lacy top and black skirt for Tango type dances.

Life's too short to spend it changing clothes constantly.

[Joe]

Yeah, there's nothing left to say to describe myself because every word (zaftig, curvy, voluptuous, athletic, Rubenesque) now means 'fat,' so I feel like I might as well just say "I'm fat" but then I'll never get a date.
Is "athletic" a euphemism for "fat" now too? :confused:

[Purr]

A sad day that was. Some of us still think a woman should look like a woman, not a 12yo boy.

Bless you. :friend:

[Standarddancer]

depends, some of them I worn once or twice and sold, either being approached by someone after a comp or show when I wasn't even ready to sell, or just I decided it is not a suitable dress for me but could look better on someone else; Some of them more, some of them are more favoriable than others and I wear them with care and give them "breaks" like Laura then wear again:)

[Standarddancer]

I think the existence of 0 and 00 is a result of size creep. Like, what is now 00 is what 40 years ago was a 2. Which would make what was a 14 back then a 10 now...which makes sense, because Marilyn Monroe was rumored to be a 12, which would make her an 8 in today's sizes, which is "acceptably not fat" but with still enough body fat for the kinds of curves she had. Think of that woman from "Third Rock from the Sun," Kristen something -- she wears 6/8 and is considered massively huge as far as actresses go today, but in reality is pretty darn cute!

Definitey agree 0 or 00 is a result of size creep. It's just crazy and stupid - there was one year I could fit into size 0 skirt and pants from Banana Republic, but now their pants runnning smaller and I wear size 4-6 depends on style, I didn't gain any weight though. maybe just that particular style running too large.

[Kitty]

In the USA? A size 14. I think that because people are so used to seeing size 0 models and actresses, many people would say anything bigger than a six is large.


Well, depends on the age and height as well.. little girls are usually very skinny, skinnier than size 0, just becuase their bodies are not fully developed yet..
average size is varies a lot with age

unfortunately some of the models are that young.. with girly, not yet womanly bodies.

also depends on height
someone really short better be able to wear a size with a lower number (in order not to look round),
but if you are 5'8", size 12 is not big.
my very athletic (she had almost no body fat at all) college roommate was 5'8" and wore size 12.. and she was HOT!

[Kitty]

i used my costumes between 1 and 6 times..

most flattering dresses I wore more times,
less flattering dresses - less.

I go with how I feel

[Laura]

Is "athletic" a euphemism for "fat" now too? :confused:
Unfortunately yes, which makes no sense at all!

[Standarddancer]

Unfortunately yes, which makes no sense at all!

certainly makes no sense. A skinny person could be athletic too. lol.

[Laura]

Yes, but when it comes to things like online dating and dance partner ads, if you put "athletic" and don't include a couple of good pictures showing your body, then people assume you are overweight and are just covering up for it.

Heck, I've been told that if you are a woman and don't put your weight in a dance partner ad, then men assume you are overweight and are just covering up for it.

[cshorte]

probably a dumb question, do vendors buy mens latin shirts?

[_malakawa_]

Yes, but when it comes to things like online dating and dance partner ads, if you put "athletic" and don't include a couple of good pictures showing your body, then people assume you are overweight and are just covering up for it.

Heck, I've been told that if you are a woman and don't put your weight in a dance partner ad, then men assume you are overweight and are just covering up for it.

what a stupidity. :confused:

[Standarddancer]

Heck, I've been told that if you are a woman and don't put your weight in a dance partner ad, then men assume you are overweight and are just covering up for it.

really? never heard about this one. How ridiculous is this? Some men are just crazy and obsessed with women with skin + bones, anything extra they would consider "fat":rolleyes:

[_malakawa_]

really? never heard about this one. How ridiculous is this? Some men are just crazy and obsessed with women with skin + bones, anything extra they would consider "fat":rolleyes:


now i am p. off.

new thread is coming.

[Joe]

Heck, I've been told that if you are a woman and don't put your weight in a dance partner ad, then men assume you are overweight and are just covering up for it.
Well, why wouldn't a woman put her weight in her ad if she wasn't overweight?

[fascination]

b/c if she really is buff it is a very deceptive and scarey number...I have never had anyone guess mt weight at those weight guessing games on the midway at amusement parks...even with a 10 pound window of error...I'd list my weight but I'd have to send alot of pictures and include a recent newspaper in the shot ;)

[Purr]

Well, why wouldn't a woman put her weight in her ad if she wasn't overweight?

Fascination is right, Joe. Weight can be a very deceptive thing. People that have tried to guess my weight have been as much as 30 pounds off. If I put my weight in an ad, a man's first reaction would probably be that I'm fat. If they seen me in person, the reaction would be something different. I'm moderately tall, average frame, and have muscle tone from dancing and working out. Plus, I inherited all the curvy genes in the family resulting in an hourglass figure.

Age can also be a deceptive thing. People that have tried to guess my age have been as much as 12 years off. So I guess I've held up pretty well for as old as I really am.

[skwiggy]

Yup. Even my mother, who was a diet counselor for 20 years and knows exactly how my weight has fluctuated over the years, guessed my weight about 15 lbs too low when last we discussed it. I'm certain that's because I now have significantly more lean muscle mass than I used to.

While I tend to get wrapped around it too much myself, deep down I know the number on the scale is nothing more than a measure of gravity. The reality of someone's size and fitness really can't be measured with only that one number.

Personally, I would never list my weight in something like a dance partner ad.

[danceronice]

People guess that I weigh less than I do, and they usually drastically underestimate my age (which I think is more a reflection of mental age than looking young.)

[mamboqueen]

People guess that I weigh less than I do, and they usually drastically underestimate my age (which I think is more a reflection of mental age than looking young.)

heh...that post could have been mine! Although I'm not sure the age underestimation is *that* drastic. The usual is 5 years or so, once I had someone think 10. But I chalk it up to my rather child-like nature ;).

[danceronice]

I've had people guess up to ten years younger than I actually am (I'll be 30 in three weeks.) More often they guess between 23-25. Again, this may be mental/personal/professional.

I, meanwhile, tend to OVERestimate peoples' ages based on their jobs and demeanor rather than looks. (Or their complaining about being older than dirt. Unless you are older than my dad, who if asked would be glad to explain what there was before the Big Bang-no, seriously, ask him--you are not older than dirt.)

[NoDayButToday]

If my costumes were in the 4 digits region, I'd wear it until I couldn't wear it anymore. As long as it's flattering and comfortable... why not?

[samina]

I agree, but words like that would not go over in online dating unless you posted full-length photos of yourself from several angles.

Which is why I'm not heading down the online dating road if I can avoid it.

They also usually have a category of "a few extra pounds" which is handy. FWIW, I've used online dating sites quite a number of times over the last...12 years, I guess... And I don't have any sense that "athletic" means "fat". If someone significantly overweight described self as "athletic" in a profile, the only thing it means in my book is the person's a liar.

And "curvy" will always be murky just because people interpret that differently in real life.

[samina]

Anyway, what a fun little digression to discover on this thread. Hadn't read it for a couple days.

On the subject of weight...it bears a questionable relationship to appearance. I doubt anyone on DF could accurately guess my weight. I have bones so dense, they must have gold in them. For all of Fasc's griping about her sturdy frame, I am quite sure mine is even heavier.

On the dress front...I only have one comp-worthy dress right now. I so need some more!!! :)

[BasicsFirst]

really? never heard about this one. How ridiculous is this? Some men are just crazy and obsessed with women with skin + bones, anything extra they would consider "fat":rolleyes:

Some may be but I'd argue "No"... just like car ads... if the seller doesn't include the price we assume the number is too high for us to be interested in it, and not even worth a test drive.

[Laura]

My own mother guesses my weight as about 30 pounds less than what it really is. Even when I was a fit teenager people still couldn't guess my weight, I'd always win at those things at fairs and amusement parks. Dancers seem to better at guessing, though...an old coach of mine looked at me and said "you should lose X" pounds and that X put me right to where the height and weigh chart said I should be.

Most people guess my age to be about 5-7 years less than what it really is. On the extremes, older men (like men 10-20 years older than me) tend to think I'm about 15 years younger than I really am.

[Joe]

I think you look younger than your age too. Must be your 'tude.

[Laura]

Younger men tend to assume I'm their age, Joe :)

I'd like to have a dance partner my age, enter our age group events, and have someone "card" me.

[star_gazer]

If my costumes were in the 4 digits region, I'd wear it until I couldn't wear it anymore. As long as it's flattering and comfortable... why not?Because then you would have nothing of value to resell. Wear your costume for a few months, take good care of it and sell it before it is out of style.

[Laura]

General rule of thumb is that if someone wants to buy your costume -- sell it. It's sometimes easier to find a new costume than it is to find a buyer, and if you're an odd shape or size it's usually easier to get a new costume than it is to find any buyer at all.

[mamboqueen]

Because then you would have nothing of value to resell. Wear your costume for a few months, take good care of it and sell it before it is out of style.

Unless you buy something classic vs. trendy, which I tend to prefer anyway.

[star_gazer]

Unless you buy something classic vs. trendy, which I tend to prefer anyway.Very true. But I really wonder if it would be ok to wear the same dress for every comp for a long time?

[Laura]

I think it depends on what level you are. It's one thing for a Bronze/Silver Pro/Am dancer to wear the same dress a vast number of times, it's a different thing for a US Professional Finalist to do so.

[star_gazer]

We just bought a new/2nd-hand dress for Embassy...gorgeous but it will never do for hometown competitions so she has a simple one she can dress up for those comps. So now I'm really trying to sell the pink ruffly one which she wore in the spring a lot ...which I love but it seemed like time for a change.

[mamboqueen]

I think it depends on what level you are. It's one thing for a Bronze/Silver Pro/Am dancer to wear the same dress a vast number of times, it's a different thing for a US Professional Finalist to do so.

exactly. But I think so many pro finalists are sponsored, I think they have more likelihood of changing their look more frequently...and then don't have to worry as much about resale.

[star_gazer]

So many talented dancers make their own. And some are fortunate enough to have moms that can come up with incredible results. We tried designing a gown once and had it made locally and then I stoned it. Well..now I know what I am not good at. The result was pretty sad.

[NoDayButToday]

Because then you would have nothing of value to resell. Wear your costume for a few months, take good care of it and sell it before it is out of style.


Good thinking. :)

[Joe]

Younger men tend to assume I'm their age, Joe :)
What age do older men assume? :)

[Laura]

What age do older men assume? :)

I don't know, Joe, but twice this year men old enough to be my father (one even turned out to have been at the Naval Academy at the same time as my father) have become quite chatty (including giving me their business cards and telling me to call them) on cross-country flights.

I'd kind of like to meet someone close to my age!

[tanya_the_dancer]

General rule of thumb is that if someone wants to buy your costume -- sell it. It's sometimes easier to find a new costume than it is to find a buyer, and if you're an odd shape or size it's usually easier to get a new costume than it is to find any buyer at all.

Does it ever happen? I mean, people approaching you and asking if you're interested in selling your dress? I had people compliment me on my dresses, but nobody has ever asked me if I wanted to sell them. Conversely, I have complimented people on their dresses as well without any second thoughts of making an offer on their dress, just because I wanted to be nice.

[latingal]

Actually happens all the time in my world. Usually other dancers that I know will come up and say something to the effect of, love the dress - please let me know when you're ready to sell it.

[chocolatchica]

I have worn my latin shirt about 100 times including comps and shows. I really like the shirt and feel comfortable in it. I have other shirts but I wear this one much more often. Natasha has worn the same dress at least 30 times and I don't see anything wrong with it.
That doesn't count Nik. Lol. Men's outfits can be worn a million times with little notice. Lest you have one with a color that stands out like bright pink or blue. But Natasha does look awesome in her dress. When she's ready to sell it, let me know;)

[Standarddancer]

Does it ever happen? I mean, people approaching you and asking if you're interested in selling your dress? I had people compliment me on my dresses, but nobody has ever asked me if I wanted to sell them. Conversely, I have complimented people on their dresses as well without any second thoughts of making an offer on their dress, just because I wanted to be nice.

It happened to me that people came to me after a comp and complimented my dress and asking if it is for sell. I usually happily offer them a try, I've sold dresses like that. Sometimes I got "objection opinion" from my parnter - like last time I sold my green sapiel dress rigiht after a comp without him knowing it, my ex-partner quite upset since we picked it together at Sapiel booth at Blackpool, he felt that was his effort & artistic judgement "got sold"...lol...then he got happy again until I found my orange marabo which he liked even better:)