Show Off Straps
Creations by Susan J. Ratcliff
Bra Straps with a Serious “Bling-Bling” Twist
Product Review by:  Zaina Hart
 

Isis San Miguel
Notice her straps and Side Belt-Show Off Straps

While helping Zizi and Kamileh set up the Zizi Zabaneh photography table for the Miami Bellydance Convention last month, I couldn’t help but to carefully watch the corner of the room where bling after bling was being set out on the tables and racks.  As the day progressed, and the bling grew to enormous proportions it became increasingly difficult to keep my magpie mind and then body from wandering into that “blinged corner”.  But wander I did and oooh to such delight.

Show Off Straps is a dancer’s dream.  Owner and designer, Susan Ratcliff has brought to the table one of the most inventive and delectable dancer necessities to come along in years; Rhinestone Bra Straps – THAT DO NOT SNAG!  So how often have you purchased what you thought was the perfect necklace, bracelet, or earrings to go with your costume, only to snag your veil or skirt to complete ruination?  Well Susan’s products are not any old blinged up bra straps and accessories I assure you.  Nope!

Susan is very picky about what she wears herself, so when she went to work to create these spectacular little items, it was with very high standards and expectations.  When I sat down with her and her darling husband to find out a little more about her company, I quickly found not only enthusiasm for her product, but a real desire to make women of all ages and bra sizes not just happy about their garments, but confident about how they look and feel in their clothes.

When I asked Susan what brought her to design and then patent her product, she told me that at first it was all about her own bust size.  At barely 5’ tall with a tiny little frame her ample bossoms (36DD) were often hidden in “un-blinged” and too plain clothing.  Further, being in the arena as a competitive swing dancer necessitated a need to dress that part and finding clothing that fit her little frame and large bossom was way this side of difficult.  She wanted to wear all the fashions other dancers were wearing.

Susan realized she was not the only one in this predicament.  There simply was not much on the market in the way of elegant straps and matching pieces that was available, for “anyone’s” size.  And, what she did find left her clothing snagged and torn because of the open prongs and poor workmanship. 

So she went to work to develop a “snag free” elegant rhinestone strap not only for herself but one that every woman could wear.  And not just any rhinestone was going to suffice for this elegant, sophisticated little lady - - AUSTRIAN Crystal Beads, Crystal Pearls, and Rhinestones were her choice.  Nothing plastic, nothing cheap – only the best was going into her work.

When was the last time you found that off shoulder dress or top that seemed to just need “something”?  Or a spaghetti strap top whose straps just didn’t, well hold in the girls? For me, my costume bras MUST have not only a halter strap, but shoulder straps as well.  Now I am really excited at the thought those shoulder straps are now going to elegantly join in and become an eye popping part of my costumes.  I just order a gorgeous off shoulder, kowel neck cashmere sweater that these straps are going to dress up in a way nothing else could.  A sweater will become “elegant” – go figure!

As she began designing she realized there was much more to take into consideration that other designers were clearly missing:

Since women come in all sizes, including bossoms, length of shoulders, bra choices and straps were sized differently bra to bra (and Susan wanted to accommodate a woman’s favorite bra), hence, her rhinestone straps needed to come in various sizes.

Other designers were leaving out the back side of the straps.  So she decided this was going to be a bra cup to bra strap, complete rhinestone strap rather than stones stopping part way down the back of the shoulder.  So, shoulders will drip front and back with crystals.

Cost.  She did not want cost to be prohibitive and believe me, no one can argue her prices are amazingly fair.  Why buy a $10.00 bracelet that will snag and ruin your $100.00 veil or $800.00 costume when you could spend $25.00 on a quality bracelet and avoid the pitfalls?

Well, of course, once she created her product and with her quality standards realized there was far more that needed to be done.  Realistically with the quality and elegant look of the straps, any old necklace, bracelet, earrings, belt (belly chain) was not going to work.  So, then came the next line of products all created with the same high standards.

Susan now has 4 collections for everyone’s pocket book and event.  Dancers of all styles (5 row big bling -Sworovsky crystals), to brides looking for a final touch to their elegant gown (fleur crystal woven line), and women just looking to add elegance to their daily attire with Susan’s ribbon studded straps will find something to delight.

She also added to her line off shoulder dresses and tops that highlight “Show Off Straps” perfectly.  She uses a lot of ruching in her garments, all of high quality fabrics, which makes them stand out while offering an additional elegant “line” to her garments.

So, I am guessing you might be wondering how much I walked away from her booth with?  Well, I will tell you what I started with - - measurements for bra straps and since it  seems Susan can’t help herself and continues to come up with more designs I succumbed to her latest creation a pair of earrings like none I have ever seen.  AB, Sworovsky crystals, that climb right up the side of my ears, requiring not only the pierced backing, but an additional clip holder at the top.  The crystals that drip off the bottom hanging around my neck are stunning to say the least.  I wore them on the final night of Nathalie’s Miami Bellydance Convention and was stopped constantly by people full of compliments and requests as to where they had been purchased (they come in gold backing or silver).  At a cost of $85.00 they were one of the best purchases I have made in years.  I am so in love with them that I have purchased a small hanger so I can display them on my dresser.  Can’t help it - - this magpie loves the bling.

Zaina's New Scrumptious Earrings

Susan can also do specific design work for you. Send her a piece of jewelry that you want copied and she can and will do just that.  She really is quite amazing.

On Sunday afternoon, Susan and her husband delighted the busy vender’s room with an impromptu ‘swing” performance.  Wow, what fabulous dancers and such a treat for us all.

Before our conversation was finished, Susan told me she has a patented design coming out early in 2010 that will “blow our socks off”.  She did not give me any hints - - it was very hush hush.  Knowing her already high standards and the elegance of her products, I can hardly wait and will most assuredly let you know what she brings us. 

You can find Susan at:   http://showoffstraps.com/Contact.asp