Hey everybody! You guys are so helpful here that I thought maybe you could answer some of my questions regarding this issue.

I know that a lot of people buy their costumes online or make them themselves. I've bought some items online and I'm also planning on crafting my own things soon, but for now I'm in dire need of some items for my first performance with my bellydance class. The performance is at the end of June, so I don't have a lot of time in my hands. I am not confident enough in my crafting abilities to make these costume pieces myself, and I also would rather not buy them online due to fitting, sizing, and timing issues that could arise.

What do people in this situation do? Where do people buy their costumes if they don't want to do it online? I have never seen a bellydance store in my life! I've seen some shops that sell some bellydance items like coin belts (in NYC), but that's not really what I want. I want a whole costume selection, veils, etc... available in front of me for me to touch, try on, etc.

I know the Rakkasah offers such an environment, and I plan on attending this one and doing some searching there. But if I don't find what I want/need in a size that fits me (which is hard since I'm too skinny), it will be too late by then to order everything online. I need to know about vendors I can see in person.

Those things being said, of course I need a vendor that is fairly close to me. I am willing to travel up to maybe an hour or so for a store if I know it has a lot of options (that is, if such a thing even exists). Stores in NYC would be ideal because I can easily get there by train, but I'd also be up for something in Philly or somewhere in NJ that isn't too far. Any recommendations?