Belli Phat's topics - tribe.net

New photos coming soon

Bellatrix — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:33:47 GMT

Well, after a grueling 5-hour photo shoot this past Saturday, I have upwards of 150 photos of over 25 items to go through. :) I really like the way they turned out, and hope you all will too. However, I've got quite a few days of image resizing, cropping and otherwise editing to do. So until then, I thought I'd give you all a teaser & I uploaded a few of my favorite pics of each of us from the day. Thanks again SO much to our extra models, our friend Kelly & our friend and teacher Jemira. Couldn't have done it without you!!!

:)
~B

posted in Belli Phat - 15 replies

Belli Phat News

Bellatrix — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:07:50 GMT

I just wanted to take a minute to let everyone know that due to family obligations and other time contraints, Xira has chosen to no longer be a part of the Belli Phat operations. She would prefer to spend her valuable spare time concentrating on the development of Pavlov's Hips, which I totally understand and respect. This means that unfortunately Belli Phat will no longer be offering the Glitter Dot Fringe Skirts or the Yarn/Hair Falls.

I wish her luck, thank her for her past contributions to Belli Phat, and wait with baited breath for the faboo Pavlov's routines that she will create! :)

If anyone has any Belli Phat concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.
love,
~B

posted in Belli Phat - 4 replies

Help with our product photos

Bellatrix — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:25:16 GMT

Overall, I am not very happy with the photos of our items. And honestly I fear that they are actually hindering my sales. For instance, the pantaloons have had over 400 views on Etsy: http://belliphat.etsy.com I haven't sold a one of them on Etsy. But, I don't feel that those photos represent how lush they look in person. I've sold 8 pairs in person, and they're usually one of the first things people go "Ooooooo!" about when we set up to vend at workshops.

I take all of the pictures myself, as I can't afford to hire someone else to do it -- and I generally feel that they (a) aren't very eye-catching, and (b) don't really capture how beautiful these items are in person. Honestly, I think they look rather drab in the photos compared to how lush they look in person -- everything, not just the pantaloons.

Since I don't have the funds to hire a professional photographer (the catch-22 of being a start-up), does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make my photos more interesting, lush & appealing - while still conveying all of the information about the items that I need to?

Any help given would be truly appreciated. Thanks!

posted in Belli Phat - 19 replies

They came!!!

Melissa — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:22:20 GMT

*Squeeeee!*
I got home last night to find a package waiting for me from you guys!! The glitter dot entari is so gorgeous and the hair sticks are absolutely perfect!! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!

I'm just gonna go do my happy pretty things dance

posted in Belli Phat - 1 reply

New items listed on Etsy

Bellatrix — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:20:48 GMT

Check it out: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5611328

posted in Belli Phat - 19 replies

New sheer ghawazee dress styles

Bellatrix — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:47:42 GMT

Put up pics of the new sheer gwahazee dress styles I've been working on. One's a black cotton gauze that's UBER soft, comfy, airy & totally period! The other is in a black chiffon confetti-dot that is also uber comfy, but has beautiful sparkle.

They won't be available for order until after May 10th, as I am sewing my little heart out for a vending event until that day. But once they're up & available on Etsy, I'll let everyone know here too.

Check 'em out and let me know what you think!

posted in Belli Phat - 19 replies

How do you feel about Fringe Belts?

Bellatrix — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:18:53 GMT

The kind with the LONG chainette fringe -- anyone be interested in buying plus-size fringe belts? And if so, would you rather them be on plain bases that you can decorate yourself or already-decorated bases?

posted in Belli Phat - 18 replies

Interest in Plus-Size Assuit Gwahazee Dresses?

Bellatrix — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:17:02 GMT

I am making a few new items right now, which hopefully should be done soon & will therefore have pics of very soon. All of them are variations on the gwahazee dress. In addition to the black knit ones like Xira & I are wearing here: http://tribes.tribe.net/belliphat/photos/d91244bd-a81f-444c-bdac-e06be3a53224 (but with less of a bell on the sleeve), I am also making a sheer version in various black-on-black prints and a sleeveless, tie-front version in the same Sari Brocade that I make our harems out of.

My question is...I have been toying with the idea of making an assuit version -- long sleeve, slight bell, slit up the sides, cut underbust. And although I tend to make plus size options, I don't have to only make plus-size. I could make them in "average" sizes too. And besides black, I could get the assuit in white, purple & red too (though I'd probably start with just black to see how they'd sell) The problem is, it'll be on the more expensive side of the spectrum -- like $150-200. Because the assuit alone is so expensive, and it can be harder to work with.

Would anyone be interested in an assuit gwahazee dress in that price range (plus-size or no)?

posted in Belli Phat - 15 replies

Your fame is spreading!!

Faedra — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:02:28 GMT

I just wanted to tell you two that this weekend while I was at the student hafla, I was talking to another dancer about her lovely cowrie falls and I asked her where she got them. She bought them from a different vendor but her very next words were "Try Belliphat on Etsy, they make the PRETTIEST hair sticks..." I started laughing and asked her if she was on tribe and she said that she wasn't. Then I told her that I had a pair of your gorgeous hairsticks and that I knew both of you! She was full of nothing but praise for your lovely stuff!

Just wanted to share that with you wonderful vixens!!

WOO HOO!

posted in Belli Phat - 4 replies

Thank you for coming to our workshop!!!!

Naxi — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:50:17 GMT

hey girls, it was awesome seeing you in our first workshop. thank you for enduring the drive and being here sharing you creations with us!!
also sorry about getting lost but next time, i bet you'll find your way
we had such a good time hanging out with you guys, i hope you also got something out of the class.
love and shimmies!
Naxi

posted in Belli Phat - 2 replies

Good place for this?

scarletandjade — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:23:29 GMT

Okay, I have a question that has been bugging me forever in the makeup and hair vein. I have been looking for some time for a lipstick/gloss to wear to work so I don't want extreme color (it's no good under flourescent lighting). But I hate re-applying and I know that is the new thing in makeup these days. What is everyone (or anyone's) favorite brands/colors for daytime wear that you don't have to keep reapplying. Because I don't want to sink $10 into a product that doesn't work or I don't like. Thanks ladies!

posted in Belli Phat - 1 reply

WE HAVE 99 MEMBERS?! HOLY CRAP!

xira — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:35:19 GMT

*happy dance* *happy dance* weeee have ninety niiiiiiine meeeeeembers woooo hooooo.........

NOW SOMEONE TELL SOMEONE ELSE TO JOIN SO WE HAVE AN EVEN HUNDRED!

lol

posted in Belli Phat - 24 replies

Any word on Eye Kandy?

Bibia — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:03:46 GMT

Have you heard anything about selling Eye Kandy yet?

posted in Belli Phat - 1 reply

Sparkly Hair Stuff

Bellatrix — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:04:18 GMT

Wanted to let you ladies know about a nifty new site I found today -- lots of rhinestone hair stuff -- great for you Cab girls! :) http://www.longhairgirl.com/Default.aspx

posted in Belli Phat - 1 reply

dreads???

xira — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:39:39 GMT

So the lovely Jivete emailed me a link on how to make dreads (as in dreaded hair). i am going to make some for myself, but then wondered if i should make extra to sell? would anyone be interested in a set of dread falls? the ones i've seen for sale normally cost around $100, sometimes a bit more or a bit less depending. or on dreads in the yarn falls maybe? rather than braided hair?

just wondering.

posted in Belli Phat - 1 reply

Who's going to Fusion Fest?

xira — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:36:26 GMT

of course you all know Belliphat will be there!!!!!!!!!

posted in Belli Phat - 9 replies

Deleted a few threads

Bellatrix — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:36:02 GMT

Just wanted to let everyone know that I deleted a few threads -- trying to keep the threads/topics, etc in here related to BelliPhat products, and things were veering off into makeup land.

If you have a general announcement or question for the group regarding makeup, the best place to post it is the Makeup & Hair for Dancers tribe: http://dancemakeup.tribe.net Otherwise, if you have a specific question for me, you can PM me.

Thanks everyone!

posted in Belli Phat - 0 replies

Eye Kandy anyone?

Bellatrix — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:53:04 GMT

So.....Xira & I are thinking about becoming Eye Kandy distributors. We still have to talk to the Powers That Be to iron out all the details -- but we figure that there's no one else in the KC/Omaha area that sells it... And whenever we've bought it, it has been online & sometimes it would just be nice to SEE IT in person before you buy it, ya know? And we figure that we can't be the only ones in the area who feel this way...

So we thought that since (a) we're already set up to vend other items, and (b) we offer info/advice on makeup, hair & related items already...that it might be a perfect fit for us to become distributors. My question to you is -- what do you think? Would you like a local distributor? Would you be interested in buying some at any point? Have you bought some in the past & who/where have you bought it from?

And in case you don't know what Eye Kandy is (shame on you! lol) -- here's their website: http://www.eyekandycosmetics.com/

posted in Belli Phat - 11 replies

POST YOUR PICS!!!!!!!!!

xira — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:46:03 GMT

come on you guys! i've seen some uber cute pics of ya'll in our goods on YOUR profile!!! so slap 'em on here! we want EVERYONE to see them!!!!!!!

pleaaaaaaaase!

posted in Belli Phat - 0 replies

What a GREAT makeup & hair class!!!

Dawn — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:46:57 GMT

Tempest - you are a GODDESS!!! I thought I was a makeup fiend, but no, I bow to your skills, brushes, & magical creams. I've never attempted the smoky eye look (my 80's Siouxsie goth eyes don't really count....) can't wait to practice that more! Thank you soooo much for spending the afternoon with us. We definitely need a 6-month followup class!

XO ~ Dawn aka Sa'diah

PS - Xira, we missed you!!! My Falls are FAN-DAMN-TABBULOUS! The colors are perfect & they are so full. I played with my new hair options all weekend!

PS2 - Can't wait for you all to start selling Eye Kandy....

posted in Belli Phat - 4 replies

Hair & Makeup for upcoming show... Help!

Daya — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:46:37 GMT

A friend of mine and I are about to dance in our first show, but we know nothing about makeup or hair for belly dancing. Help! Does anyone know of sites, videos, etc that can help us out and give us ideas? We are dancing tibal and cabaret (sp?).

posted in Belli Phat - 40 replies

How do you learn this stuff?

Bibia — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:33:08 GMT

Tempest,
How did you learn all you know about makeup, hair, and costuming? I know I look for sources everywhere I can find them. How much was trial and error on your part, particular with costuming? I am hopelessly lost when it comes to costuming!

posted in Belli Phat - 6 replies

New hair sticks in photos

Bellatrix — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:02:23 GMT

Check 'em out...

posted in Belli Phat - 0 replies

Cowrie Shells & Skull Hair Sticks

Sanura — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:35:14 GMT

I just received my purple cowrie shell and skull hair sticks from Belli Phat and I LOVESSSSS THEM!!!! They are even more beautiful and fun than in the pics. They dangle nicely from my bun. I will wear them to work on casual Friday! Tempest and Xenia do a great job with their products. The quality of craftswomanship is superb!

posted in Belli Phat - 15 replies

What a Great Workshop!

Inanna — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:58:28 GMT

I learned so much. Today I plan to sit down and make a list of all the groovy new tools and supplies I need ... er ... I mean want. And hair falls! I didn't know. What a revalation. Hoping all this new knowledge kicks the look of Banat el Shamal up a notch. Thank you, Tempest and Xira.

posted in Belli Phat - 3 replies

Custom Work

anerys — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:27:23 GMT

Since you seem to be the local fall-nijas - and I have head explodey and can't think straight....

I have a slightly dsiturbing octopus obsession. I love their tentacles and squishey heads. I was thinking it would be AWESOME to have tentacle-like hair falls to smoosh in with my other hair - kind of for a medusa effect. Not LOTS of tentacles, but a few. Maybe even attached to hair sticks in stead of ribbons or bandys.

Any ideas?

I'm sure that in April, or May, or August, my brain will turn back on and I'll think of a way to do it on my own, but I'm kinda wanting them for April 4th.

posted in Belli Phat - 7 replies

Don't forget - KC Makeup & Hair Workshop 3/8

Bellatrix — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:19:24 GMT

Don't forget to sign up for the Makeup & Hair for Belly Dancers Workshop in Kansas City before March 1st and receive $5 off your registration fees! For more details, visit us here: http://www.belliphat.com/

posted in Belli Phat - 8 replies

hair and make up requests?

xira — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:25:47 GMT

what would everyone like to get out of this workshop? any special requests? for my part i've gotten compliments and questions about my hair before, but ...that is easy! it's my hair! what would you all like to know to help w/ YOUR hair? or make up for that matter?

posted in Belli Phat - 17 replies

Glitter dot fringe belt?

Faedra — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:15:27 GMT

Okay ladies,

How much would it cost me for you to make me a glitter dot fringe skirt in gold and how long would it take to throw together?

Measurements as follows:

Height: 5'3"

Inseam: 29"

Bust: 41.5

Waist: 31

Hips: 41.5

posted in Belli Phat - 3 replies

Request for hair sticks!

Sanura — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:01:13 GMT

Hey Tempest O' Tatas! I just love the purple - skull - hair sticks I bought from you! I would like to make a request for a pair in glittery gold and another in glittery silver. No skulls this time, but nice beads would be great. Do you think this would be possible?

posted in Belli Phat - 6 replies

New Etsy Site

Bellatrix — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:08:44 GMT

We now have an Etsy shop set up where you can buy our goodies: http://belliphat.etsy.com

Hopefully this'll get everyone by until we have our website up & running! And as soon as we have some more pics of more items, I'll put those up as well...

:)
~Tempest

posted in Belli Phat - 4 replies

Those beautiful black pieces.

scarletandjade — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:59:59 GMT

Okay, where did you find (or did you make?) Those awesome black tops you girls were wearing at Mudslide over/around the beautiful bras? They look uber comfy and have nice coverage when you're looking for that look. Which I kind of am, for the Ren show we do here in town. Thanks lovelies!

posted in Belli Phat - 12 replies

Makeup Workshop Question

Bellatrix — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:18:43 GMT

Xira & I are looking for places to hold our makeup workshop next month (actually, it's mostly Xira, god bless her - I've been INSANE this week) & we are wondering if anyone would be deterred from attending if it were held in Raymore, MO. I would hope it wouldn't be too far south for people to attend, but we thought we'd throw it out there for some feedback first before we book the place...

Thoughts, anyone?

posted in Belli Phat - 3 replies

Bodystockings in Photos

Pameyla — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:39:11 GMT

Ladies,

I LOVE the photos. Where did you get your bodystockings from? I love them!! Please let me know. Thanks!!!

posted in Belli Phat - 3 replies

Birthday Goddess

Hassan — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:23:48 GMT

The Baroness Jemira is turning 29 today!!! (she has 11 years experience at this...)

Signed with LOVE,
Her adoring Husband...
Hassan

posted in Belli Phat - 6 replies

First vending event down....hopefully more to go!

Bellatrix — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:26:21 GMT

So, we just finished vending at our first event - Mudd Slide 2008 in Kansas City... ::phew:: We did it. Overall, we had a decent turn out, especially considering that (a) there weren't a lot of people there, (b) it seemed everyone that was there was selling stuff as well, and (c) no one seemed to be buying much of anything. We were surprised that not many of the pantaloons sold - but I didn't see many people buying clothing items at all, which was weird overall.

The best-seller of the day was definitely Xira's lovely Hair & Yarn falls. Check out the photos of Christina in her beautiful new Blue Falls -- it's amazing how a little yarn can change your entire look. And she looks gorgemous! We've decided that we need to take more/better pics of our falls, because they did not show up on film as lush as they look in person. So hopefully we'll get some new ones up, soon. Until our next vending event, we'll be working on the website ( http://www.belliphat.com/ ), putting up prices etc on here so you can buy from us online & making more items for our next event -- and when we know what that'll be, we'll let you know.

Until then, if you see something that catches your eye & want more info, please feel free to PM me and let me know. And to everyone - THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT and input over the last month! Xira & I greatly appreciate it and hope to be clothing all of your heads/bellies/butts very soon!

:)
~Tempest O'Tatas

posted in Belli Phat - 9 replies

New pics added

Bellatrix — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:22:36 GMT

Put up some new pics of some more hair adornments - including a new hair stick-style cowrie. Also put up a pretty good pic of the different colors of pantaloons/harems I currently have...

After this Saturday (vending at MuddSlide), I'll put up more details about everything, including prices & colors available...as I'll have a better idea of my "stock" at that point.

posted in Belli Phat - 2 replies

Other costume items most wanted by Plus-Size Dancers?

Bellatrix — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:36:37 GMT

I have already made (and am making) several pairs of harem pants in various colors & styles to sell at Mudd Slide on Feb. 9th. So now I am wondering where I should most concentrate my efforts? Besides harem pants, I can also make:

* 12-yard, 4-tier Skirts -- would sell for about $75-100, depending on the fabric

* Turkish Vests -- would sell for about $25-40, depending on the fabric

* Gwahazee Dresses -- would sell for about $35-50, depending on the fabric

* Tassel Belts -- would sell for about $50-100, depending on the fabric & yarn

* Yarn Fringe Belts -- would sell for about $35-50, depending on the fabric & yarn

My question to all of you is, what do you need the most? What would you most like to see? I can always bring samples of each type of item with me to Mudd Slide & take orders...but I'd like to bring a few clothing items besides harem pants to sell the day-of. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Any help is GREATYLY appreciated -- may even throw a little "thank you" freebie your way... ;)
~Tempest

posted in Belli Phat - 15 replies

Bras?

xira — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:22:40 GMT

So Tempest asked how much I would want to sell a bra for (if I do them) and I am kind of stumped. Would anyone be interested in bras? (see a pic of my orange one I made in the photos) What do you feel would be a fair price. Please keep in mind the bras both Tempest and I use, and that I would use to make and sell START at 32 dollars JUST for the bra. These are good sturdy bras for larger ta ta's. Also, I do not cover mine, I buy the color that I want to go w/the costume. I DO however carefully hand sew a LOT o' goodies on.

thanks for the input ya'll

~X

posted in Belli Phat - 12 replies

Welcome everyone!

Bellatrix — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:55:17 GMT

I wanted to take a moment to welcome both new members & wanderers-by to the BelliPhat tribe! Xira and I are finally starting to get our little costuming business off the ground, and we thought "what a better place to introduce our wares to everyone than Tribe"? We love Tribe -- it's been great to us as dancers, so hopefully it'll be great to us as entrepeneurs (sp?)...! :)

Basically, the gist is, Xira and I are both plus-sized goddesses and when we started this great adventure known as bellydance a few years ago, we were VERY disappointed in the complete LACK of fabulous plus-sized costumes. They either didn't exist at all, cost a fortune, or didn't look flattering. The last thing I want to be dancing in is a moo-moo with sparkles. I know sparkles makes everything better, but STILL! So, we started teaching ourselves to sew, because neither of us had done much in the way of serious sewing before that.

Then as we danced more, we fell in LOVE with tribal/tribaret -- you know, rustic meets sparkly. But we found that a lot of vendors either didn't have the colors we wanted (you try searching for orange & lime green) or didn't have enough UMPH for our tastes. We're big girls, we need some bigger, badder, better accessories to go with our costumes - the normal falls just won't do. :) So being the crafty vixens we are, we figured out how to make hair falls, yarn falls, cowrie falls & hair flowers too. And of course, you don't have to be aplus-sized girl to love those!

Then we started to wear our creations, and people seemed to really like them (at least they said they did - and we believed them! lol...) - so we thought, why not make more, for more people to enjoy? And here we are today... We are going to vend for the first time at Mudd Slide in Kansas City on February 9th, and for now we're going to keep it in that realm (no internet orders, though we may do some later). So until Mudd Slide when you can see our wares in person, we will be taking the next week or so to put up photos of our various items on here. So if you see something you like, and want us to hold it for you or are wondering about prices, just let me know. Or if you like what you see, but want it in a different color, let us know & we'll try to have it made before Mudd Slide.

And any other suggestions are always welcome! We're still trying to find out way in the dark here, so the more the merrier! Thanks again for your love and support!! Xira nd I appreciate it from the bottom of our shimmying hearts... ::mwah::

Love,
Tempest

posted in Belli Phat - 7 replies

Mudslide

shazadi_iydbd — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:50:43 GMT

So will I be seeing you lovely ladies and your wares at Mudslide??
Love ya,
Michele

posted in Belli Phat - 3 replies