The Shape of Things

Jacket: Ya-Ya

Blouse: Lemon

Skirt: Prada

Sandals: Givenchy (gotta get my money's worth)
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You may remember this skirt from an earlier post, but if not, it was A-lined and several inches longer. Here I am wearing it a few months ago:

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Although I have a considerable number of A-line skirts, I've been drawn to the pencil shape for some time now--which is why I decided to change the shape of this skirt. It's always felt a little too long, but more importantly, the lace had the potential of looking too dowdy for its own good.
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In my "shop your closet" post, I talked about the possibility of altering one's clothes as a way of breathing new life into the garment. But it's important to consider these points before doing so:

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1. Make sure you know what you want before you go to the tailor. (I'm reminded of the time I went to the hairdresser with no definite idea in mind...to this day I have been regretting that decision.) Although your tailor certainly has good ideas, sometimes in your insecurity you cave to whatever your tailor suggests--and you may regret it. Think it through carefully before you allow someone else to put scissors to your clothes.

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2. Consider whether you want this alteration to be permanent. In a hemming job, you don't have to necessarily commit to the length if you expressly tell the tailor to keep the material (he/she would simply fold the material up and sew it down). One day, you may want it longer again, and it's quite simple to undo the sewing to lengthen the garment. Other jobs, such as tapering an item, are often permanent. Make sure you have an informed conversation with your tailor.

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3. Always try on the garment with the tailor present. Even if you pin the garment to the appropriate place, it may not actually be the exact length you wanted or indicated. The tailor has his/her method for indicating the appropriate changes.

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4. Speak up if something is too tight or not tight enough, or if the length bothers you--even if it's a fraction of an inch difference. Also feel free to speak up if an alteration job is not to your satisfaction. Recently, after my tailor took in a pair of jeans, I noticed some gaping fabric in the back. I asked him to redo it (and he did it at no extra charge).

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5. Shop around. My dry cleaners can clean clothes fine, but the tailor who works there is quite bad. As a result, I patronize a tailoring-only business that also works with the top fashion houses during Fashion Week. They're not cheap--but I know that I'm getting quality service. Remember that simple jobs can often be done at a local dry cleaners, but for more complicated jobs (and with delicate or ornate clothing) you may want to go to a professional.

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A GENTLE REMINDER: Enter for a chance to win a pair of Current/Elliott jeans! The contest ends July 14th.