When Oprah came out with her list of favourite things, I for one couldn't afford any of them as much as I would have loved a pair of $600 silk boudoir slippers. And as many of you know, it's a rare occassion when you catch me wearing anything other than stretch wear. Nevertheless, when we're restricted to 4-way stretch, we may as well work it! Which is why I love to share some of the very cool things I find out there for bellydancers...things you may not find that easily, things you definitely need to have, and yes things....that stretch behind the realm of ... stretch! From funky practice wear, gorgeous costumes, DVDs that make you want 3/4 shimmy round your living room, you know we just gotta have it. So here are some of the favourite things I'm lovin' right now! And if you have something you think should be on Joharah's Favourite Things List please send it my way so I can buy it! lol.
Flamenco Diva
Pat of Hip Bazaar has just launched a new web site with some fabulous Tribal skirts, mesh body stockings and all sorts of other bellydance goodness. Check her out at Flamenco Diva.
Sugar Petals
And here's another piece of practice wear I've put to the test recently. Always on the hunt for something comfortable, sexy and fun to wear for teaching umpteen classes a week, I found Sugar Petals. They make unitards with the mesh body stocking in the middle. Holds you all in, nice and firm, and allows students to see your stomach and hip movements nice and clearly. Belly dance students have been asking me to reveal the source so here it is! Lots of fun colours and a helpful sizing chart is on their site. The legging part is fitted like tights, throw on a fabulous hip scarf and Samia Gamal's your aunt! Check out Sugar Petals for Unitards
Antoinette Designs
Erika is creator of Antoinette Designs, a fabulously funky, one-of-a-kind, limited edition jewellry company. Erika is also one of my beloved students. Last summer I visited Erika at the Bronte Harbor Arts Festival and I was blown away by her talent. Oh I forgot to mention, this girl paints as well and she was showcasing a collection of bellydancer inspired paintings that were out of this world beautiful. Did I say Erika had mucho talent??? Anyway, I purchased a stunning necklace at the show that I wear often. And just the other week, Erika brought me to tears when she presented me with a one-of-a-kind BellyUp nameplate necklace. If only she could mass-produce because every one of my students should have one of these beauties...even has a real sapphire! Bling bling. Did you know Joharah means jewel aka bling in Arabic? Just testing. Anyway, everyone needs to check out Antoinette Designs sooner than later. If you're looking for a very special gift for a very special someone...place your order girlfriend! And if you're looking to treat yourself... go ahead and indulge. Thank you Erika for adding more bling to our sparkling world! Antoinette Designs on Etsy
Aruba's Oasis Dance Sandals
We all know that a pedicure is essential for performers...and so is a gorgeous, sexy pair of Aruba's amazing dance sandals to show off that
fresh pedi! Aruba's tagline is "Elegant Footwear for the Goddess in all of us!" and she's right on about that. These are Grecian styled sandals
that lace up and come in the most decadent colours. Of course I have about every colour in Aruba's fabulous palette. Metallic leather of
gold, silver, hot pink, turquoise, a to die for purple, lime green, red, pale pink and more. Plus flat colours black, red, tan. And you can
get the uppers in black or tan. The black is super funky. They're soft as can be and you can barely feel them on when you're dancing. Tell
Aruba Joharah sent you! Have fun!
Aruba's Oasis Sandals