When $9 changes everything...

(Originally published 10/19/09)

A repeat client came to me with a bridesmaid dress that, while perfectly acceptable as a lone dress on a hanger, was outrageously unflattering on her. Luckily, the bride had given her carte blanche to have changes made, as long as she stayed within the color boundaries.

So, after altering the dress to fit her body, we added the optional straps, and I felt compelled to decorate the blank bust area, since the fabric was impossibly thick and unforgiving, yeilding a sort of tight, wrinkled-armour look that I just couldn't live with.

Like, it was bad enough that if someone were to ask who altered her gown, I would consider PAYING her not to respond...

Well, lo and behold, I found a delightful trim in the garment district for about $4.50/yd. I bought two yards, and wound it into a flower effect, and that just took the dress in another direction entirely. I was happy, and so was everyone else! I felt great, and it was quick and easy.

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So... what have I been up to?

Yup, that's Anna Paquin... and yup, I was working on a movie set.

I have been on the set of "The Romantics", working on some alterations for the wardrobe dept.

Seriously. An example of a dress I altered to fit Katie Holmes is here.

Examples of the nighties I altered to fit Katie Holmes and Anna Paquin are here.

And the reason I was called to do this job, was mainly to alter this Amsale dress.

And what it all looks like together, can be seen here...

Unglamourous (for me), but quite a scenic, fun, and exciting gig!

What is old can be new again...

This 1890's ensemble, bought at an auction, cried out to be refashioned for this millenium. This creative bride's personality was a perfect match for this dress. Here are the original three pieces, before we began:





and what we created:




Sometimes the vintage dream just won't conform to the woman's body. That is what extreme alterations are for! The addition of a shaped back panel of matching black silk gave this vintage store find a new life.



Check out this great little 1950's dress on the bridesmaid...


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On the value of customization...

Happy Holidays to all!

Funny how something that is almost right can become exactly right, when you customize it yourself...



We considered doing without a tree this year, since we knew the flashing lights and breakable ornaments would be distracting for Aaron, but then an idea hit last week... what about a tree with no flashing lights or breakable ornaments? Nadine loved the idea, and really wanted a tree both she and aron could enjoy. So we got a little tree, and I bought lots of white ribbon and white steady lights, tied a bunch of bows, and attached them to the tree. This picture was taken before it was all done, but this is the general look of our special Autism Christmas tree...

On Friday night, we went to my husband's Christmas party in Manhattan. Since I don't get out much, I thought it best to wear something I already owned. On Friday morning, my husband insisted that I should go shopping. I knew not to take it personally; he just wanted me to feel special.

Nice.

My favorite store for special occasion clothes (that I don't make) is Nordstrom. I set out with Aaron to find something do-able. I wasn't shooting for the stars; just something appropriate and flattering. On my way to Nordstrom, I decided that I should try an outlet store... just to check... and I stopped in at the Nordstrom outlet, "The Rack" at The Source Mall. (If you've been to Westbury, LI, you know where I mean)

I hate shopping. I really do.

I knew my time was limited, since I had Aaron and the stroller with me, his patience for shopping is really short, and my ability to carry a lot and navigate busy stores would be limited. I really wasn't expecting much.

But then... from across the store, tucked in-between silky baby-doll dresses, and strange, trendy, printed things, this dress beckoned...





Well, we all know ready-to-wear frequently isn't.

This dress fit perfectly, but was long, and sorta "prom-y". I lopped off eleven inches with my rotary cutter, and roll-hemmed the lining and red silky layer. Paired the dress with black, spiky heels and silky black hose, and felt like a million bucks.



The alteration took 1/2 hour, and the dress had been marked down multiple times... all the way to $32.

I kid you not.


Oh, and I couldn't help but pick up this little Eileen Fisher velvet jacket/top I passed on my way to the cash register.



Total shopping time? About 20 minutes.

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