Hi guys!

In this blog I'd like to explore the wonderful world of the tailor and how they can make the clothes you wear work for you.
Believe it or not, tailors are fairly easy to find and generally inexpensive. My old tailor (who I dearly miss) in Chicago, would charge me less than $15 for most alterations. This is helpful in these times of economic belt tightening when you need to be able to get the most bang for your buck. The great thing is, you may have already met your tailor, since most are located in your local dry cleaners!
 I often times find something in the store that is a little too long or big or whatever, but is a great price. For instance, I find that so called "boot cut" jeans are more like wide legs/flares the larger in size you get. However, a sleeker line is more flattering on the plus size leg as opposed to a ridiculous amount of un-needed fabric. My tailor would charge me $11 to take in the leg and I would have them back in about 3 days.
Another great thing a tailor can do is add darts to a blouse. If you have a larger bust, then you know how darts can help you get a more flattering fit. But, you also know how baggy and boxy a lot off the rack blouses can be. A tailor can put darts in and give you that more feminine look.
If you also have issues with your jeans or pants gaps at the waist, a tailor can solve that issue. Or if you find a great vintage piece that just needs a bit of work. Or, if you find the perfect pants on clearance, but they are a tall and you are a petite! Got a broken zipper or need a clasp replaced? Again, a trip to your tailor is like having a fit fairy at your disposal!

But, there are some things they can't do. They cannot lengthen or make something bigger if there is no excess fabric to work with. If the fabric is a print, be careful that the tailor has enough to work with to match up seams and such. And if it's a sweater, unless it's a button replacement, forget it.

Remember, your clothes are your clothes and they should be working for you to give you the best fit. Don't hesitate to ask your local tailor what they can do for you! You might be surprised!