DenverSeamstress.com

June 30, 2010

Many,  many people are now knee deep in Wedding/Bridal season.  Not only is it a “season”, it’s an Industry.  Much like the Xmas Season, it has grown into a Must Have Monster.  Every year there are more things that were once considered to be on a level of luxury that became “necessities”.  Limousines used to be for extra special occasions, like funerals or weddings.  Suddenly they became necessities for nearly every occasion. Historically, lavish weddings were restricted to the wealthy and powerful while weddings outside those circles focused more on ceremony rather than trappings. However,over the years the desire to create an extravagant, unforgettable and suitable for royalty event has bled over into the rest of society to the extent that an “average” wedding and reception costs upwards of $30,000.00! A couple of results of that are the phenomenal growth of a new industry and the equally phenomenal cost of even a simple wedding. The list of “necessities” for a successful event seems to expand almost weekly.  One thing hasn’t changed though - the cost of the Must Haves is, for the most part, just as high as it was back when only the very wealthy could afford an “over the top” event.

Prices can be inflated at the discretion of the vendors and service people, particularly during the spring, summer and early fall when most weddings take place. This is certainly understandable, given that the remaining months see little more than a trickle of business and must be supplemented with the peak season bounty.  If you have a wedding in your future but haven’t set the date, please consider an off-season wedding.  Not only will you find that venues are all more available, but the prices are lowered considerably.  Just recently a bride told me that she’d saved thousands of dollars by having a December wedding!  Aaannd the providers of all things weddingish will be very happy to see you during their slow time.

My own business is a little cyclical but, for the most part, is pretty steady throughout the year.  Thankfully I don’t need to inflate my summer prices in order to survive the rest of the year, so I’m always very happy to see you!  You can see how this benefits you, right?  My prices for tailoring and/or restyling and even custom (from scratch)sewing your wedding party clothes are the same year-round and are consistently  very reasonable.  Other things that may set me apart are that all of my work is guaranteed to meet your specifications and that I will do all that I possibly can to provide you with the very best customer service.  My goal is to make your life at least a little happier and easier as well as to give you a level of reliability that applies to all areas of sewing and will keep you coming back to me.

April 20,2010

CAN A “CHIC” OR “OUT OF THE BOX” BRIDE SURVIVE IN DENVER??

Of course, we say YES!!!  It’s not exactly common knowledge, but many of our “higher society” brides and au currente fashionista brides won’t even try shopping here because they view our city as a Fashion Cow Town.  They fly to New York or Houston to buy their gowns.  That’s fine, I guess, but  do they know about the magic of Custom Sewing and Designing, re-styling and embellishing?  Apparently not.  But now you know about it!

Many of the bridal salons here offer a veritable plethora of gown choices:  styles, fabrics, laces, beads and crystals galore!  If, by some quirk, the Goddess of the Perfect Dress doesn’t smile down on you, Things can be Changed!  Sometimes the alterations department of a bridal store will bend to your whims if you want something to be added, subtracted or embellished, but sometimes not.  It never hurts to ask.  If you’ve found the almost perfect gown of your dreams on the rack (and on sale?!?) alterations, if the department is willing and able, will be extra and the prices are often rather inflated if you don’t shop until April or May for a summer wedding.  Lucky you, our Cow Town has some very experienced professional seamstresses who are more than willing to work with you!

For example:  I can change a neckline, a silhouette, remove a train, add a sheer layer, glitz up or tone down and repair if your gown had has a mishap.  Other options are sizing down if the gown is waaay to big, sometimes add to make the gown wearable for you, make a strapless bodice higher or lower at the top, add straps or sleeves and, of course, do all of the regular “fitting perfectly” things.  I’ve even made “copies” of discontinued gowns, restored Mom’s gown and re-styled it to your specifications and made the dress you dream up in your head.  But if you don’t plan these things at least a couple of months before your big day, it can still be done but will be noticeably more expensive.

So if your search has been frustrating and futile, there’s hope!  Give me a call or email me with your ideas and we’ll take it from there.

February 15, 2010

In my line of work, late spring and summer are the busiest and most hectic time of year because it’s what is known as Bridal Season. The same is true for all businesses that are even remotely associated with weddings; catering, rental centers for tents, chairs, flower shops, etc., etc.. For whatever reason(s?), June is the most popular month for weddings and there are countless people who are sooo determined to have a June wedding that they beginning planning for it at least a year before and are willing to “be flexible” for the convenience of the people whose services/products they need. Oh, yeah…and pay the inflated prices that seem to be standard throughout the industry. Of course, as with all areas of life, there are those who don’t raise their prices, but it takes work to find them, unless you “know someone who knows someone”. Many, many years ago, June was the most expensive and the inflation tapered off during the rest of the summer. Not so much, anymore. Kind of like Christmas… , the advertising starts and the prices go up in September. Same in Bridal, but, fortunately, it’s still limited to the summer months, particularly May, June, July & August.

I’m not complaining, mind you, because having more business is always good but, those days are over. It’s easy to have an Event during any season of the year. Personally, I think the importance of keeping the “tradition” of a June, or at least a Summer wedding is being grossly inflated and perpetrated.

I propose that, if you have proposed or accepted a proposal, you consider having your wedding/event in an “off season”.

Think Brilliant colors and temperate weather of the Fall, The Wonderland of Winter or the Freshness of Spring! Also think Saving quite a bit of money because you’re dealing with businesses that are a little “hungry” and are more willing to give you a good deal. There’s also the Variety Factor: More “venues”, churches, event centers, etc. are available, decorations can be much more varied & imaginative, entertainment choices are more diverse and there’s much wider spectrum of clothing options, both for the wedding party and the guests.

To get a more diverse perspective and more specific information for you, I contacted a professional wedding and event coordinator (also known as a Consultant), Tanya Porter. I’ve known her for a few years and trust her expertise and integrity. After asking her about weddings/events in the “Off Season” she replied that in November and January-May, businesses are slow and therefore are more willing to work with a client. But (there’s always a But, isn’t there?) if someone wants to get married in the mountains, the “High Time” is November – March and prices are extremely high. There’s also very little negotiating room. The day of the week and time of day are also important for frugal party givers. Saturday is Prime, but you can save a lot by having your event Monday – Thursday and sometimes Sunday and Friday. Having your event in the morning or early afternoon can also be very cost effective, partly because there isn’t the “traditional” bar and dance. “Food is also less expensive for a brunch or a heavy hors d’oeuvre reception or even a cake/punch/coffee reception in the afternoon”.

OK, I hope I’ve given you some things to think about, at least. Love is a wonderful thing, but celebrating it can be a lot less expensive. I can help you do that!

Kathleen

KEYS TO JACKETS PART III

LAPELS:
*Narrow lapels are the best choice if you’re full busted, short waisted or broad shouldered.
*If you’re small busted, medium to narrow lapels won’t overwhelm your upper torso.
*Super-wide lapels look best on a well-proportioned, larger figure.  They engulf a smaller woman and make broad shoulders look broader.
*Make sure a standard lapel or shawl collar aren’t too long – otherwise it will gap or break over your bustline.
*By their nature, shawl collars are usually a good choice for almost any figure.  However, they may not be your best choice if you have a very angular figure and facial features.

POCKETS:
*Patch and flap pockets add bulk wherever they’re placed.
*Pockets positioned straight across the body rather than at an angle tend to lead the eye across the body – not a good idea for the short, full-busted or thick-torsoed shape.

KEYS TO JACKETS PART II

If you are larger on the bottom in proportion to your shoulder width, shoulder pads can help balance the upper torso with the lower half.  Nipped waistline styles with darts or seams are better for curved shapes.  Princess seams, from the shoulder to the bottom, have a lengthening effect because they divide the front of your body into three narrower vertical sections. When a jacket is fitted or semi-fitted, the longer it is, the shorter your legs appear.  The exception is a long, loosely fitted, flowing, straight-cut jacket.  If it’s made of a soft fabric and is full enough to flow over the body, it’s a great choice for visual lengthening while concealing a thick torso or wide hips.  It’s best worn over a long dress or pants and is flattering to all figure types.  Shoulder pads are a must on all but the super-straight, square and broad shouldered figure.
Short, cropped jackets such as a bolero or a short Chanel create the illusion of longer legs – and can do the same thing for the long-waisted figure when worn with a skirt or pants with a wider waistband.  However if you’re full busted, a short style that grazes the high hip is a better choice.  Darts combined with a side panel (in the princess style) provide the opportunity for a great fit in a short jacket for a full-busted figure.  Eliminate horizontal pockets, adding a pocket to the vertical seam. Many jacket styles feature a rounded lower edge, even when the other lines may be straight and more severe.  A curved line at the lower edge can be flattering to any figure type as the eye is drawn upward for a lengthening effect.  Note:  Wearing any jacket style open rather than buttoned can have the same effect, because the front edges create two vertical lines in the center of your body.  A front-banded cardigan focuses four lines at the center front for strong lengthening power.  In addition, if your body is angular but your face isn’t, combining curved and straight lines is a great way to create a look that’s flattering to both.

Next: Lapels & Pockets

KEYS TO JACKETS Part 1

Considered a key piece in a versatile wardrobe, a jacket should fit you to a T.  For a head start to a good fit, consider your body shape when choosing a jacket style.  Body size and contouring also can guide you to the best choices in jacket details – collar style, lapel shape and width, and pocket types and location.

Are you super straight or romantically curved?  Thin to the bone, generously endowed or somewhere in between?  Remember, it’s your bone structure that determines your silhouette – not the extra padding you may have at hip, tummy, waist and bust.  If your body is straight, it will still be generally straight, even when you gain weight.  Choosing a jacket with an exterior silhouette that mimics your own makes it easier to fit it to your shape.  Choosing a style with interior design lines similar to your own also creates a more harmonious look.  If your body is straight and angular, a style with straight lines from bust to hip, a straight lower edge, straight pockets and more angular collar and lapel shaping will be more flattering and easier to fit.  For curvy body types, it’s better to have jacket styles that have softer lines and a more defined fit.  The same holds true for pockets , collar and lapel shapes – straight lines for the straighter shape, curved lines for the more softly shaped body.  A seamstress who can change these design lines on a jacket can make a big difference in the overall effect of the jacket
.
A simply shaped, semi-fitted cardigan or blazer that just covers the fullest part of the hip is flattering on any body type. For the most flattering length it should be just long enough to cover the fullest part of your derriere – a length you can wear with both pants and skirts without exposing more curve than is flattering.  A quick glance at the back will let you know if the jacket is long enough.

More next time.

BRIDES!  BRIDESMAIDS!  HOMECOMING!  FUTURE PROM GIRLS!  Put on your running shoes and DASH to your nearest Bridal Salon!  Specifically Priscilla of Boston at 299 Detroit St. Denver is having their Sample Sale through Monday.  Couture bridal gowns that were originally $1,500 - $8,000 are now starting at $199.00!

Don’t worry if the Dream gown doesn’t fit!  I can alter it!  Check out other Bridal shops online or give them a call to see if they’re offering similar sales!  Remember, if there’s something (one or two things) about the gown that you don’t like, I can probably change it!

Check out other Bridal shops online or give them a call to see if they’re offering similar sales!   But HURRY!  They won’t last long!

Here we are, right in the middle of what’s known as “Wedding (re:  Bridal)
Season”.  And what do you suppose a certain recycling crazed seamstress  has
on her mind?  Why, extending the life & use of bridal gowns!  Of course I’m
serious.  Look at it this way:  No matter what the expense of a gown, more
is invested in it than money.  For many brides, their gown represents more
than just a special dress for a life-changing event (as if that wasn’t
enough!).  As a memory in the making, it’s a tangible expression of what’s
anticipated.  In the more extravagant cases, the Gown becomes a major – if
not the major - focal point in many ways and often can even be said to be
the “Star” of the Production.  After the conclusion of its purpose, where
does it go?  Most likely back into the bag or box and into storage for who
knows how long.  No longer appreciated or admired, the memories surrounding
it lose some of their joy as they fade.  In rare instances plans to “pass it
on” to some bride in the future actually happen, but even then the enjoyment
of it is fairly short lived.    Why not give it another “life” by changing
it?  There are quite a few possibilities & some of the options offer the
opportunity to create something that will become an heirloom; something
passed on in the future and treasured, maybe, for its beauty but certainly
as a symbolic keepsake.
One of my favorite re-uses was by a “second-time-around” bride, in her 40s,
who was ecstatically pregnant for the first time.  Her gown was a very light
dusty rose satin sheath, elaborately beaded with an extravagant, detachable
train.  She was planning to keep the memory of this event fresh by having
the train made into a canopy for the baby’s bassinet and, when her daughter
was older, transforming that into a headboard for her bed.  The dress itself
could have become any of a number of things; some of the beaded areas would
have made a wonderful cover for the wedding photo album, covered one or more
of the photo frames or  be transformed into decorative pillow covers.
Other possibilities include:
Make a miniature copy of the original gown to fit a doll & display it in a
glass case.
Use the bodice to make a bustier, maybe adding different colored beads or
other “fancies” to enliven it.
Cut the gown into sections & make a traditional pieced quilt, using the
beaded pieces at the center and layering the tulle over other fabrics.
Put sections on the collar or cuffs of another blouse or dress, or use
smaller pieces as appliqués.
One of my favorites, for holiday ornaments cut beaded fabric sections to
fit on Styrofoam shapes, trim & hang with ribbon.
Really, there’s virtually no end to the things begging to be embellished if
you start looking around and thinking about different uses for a gown. And
if you’re creative but not especially “crafty”, many professional
seamstresses’ skills are not limited to sewing! The thing is, in my work I
see many pretty gowns and the occasional “to die for” beauties that, after
all is said and done, are essentially “disposable” because they’re
considered to be “all used up” after that one wearing.  I think that, more
often than not, significant amounts of money are spent on them and the
“return” should be a little more lasting than one day.  There’s also the
enjoyment of their beauty to consider.  It’s sad to just put it away and
make the further enjoyment of it a rare thing.  If you have a gown in your
life that you want to bring out and enjoy again, it doesn’t matter how old
it is.  Think of it as a treasure waiting to be rediscovered.
Until next time, look for and enjoy all of the beauty in your life.  It’s a
blessing often overlooked.

As per my last blog, if you’re looking for a new job, you really need to pay attention to your Interview Wardrobe! If there’s not much hope for what’s in your closet, it’s time to make an investment in something new. All of the department stores, discount stores and clothing stores are getting in their Fall/Winter merchandise and have to make room for it by putting the summer lines on sale. BIG discounts! If you’re very careful and take some time to sort and shop, you can find a new outfit practically for a song. If there’s something you love and can afford but it only comes in sizes too big for you or has a couple of things about it that you don’t particularly care for, call on your alterations seamstress. Not only can she re-size it to fit you perfectly, she can tweek it and get rid of the things you don’t like about it. If you think alterations are beyond your budget, think again. Tell your seamstress about your financial situation and she may very well be able to work with you. After all, you can’t afford NOT to look “fitted” and more professional!

The way you look could cost you a job!!  Don’t let this happen to you.

Is The Interview a necessary “evil” in your life? When you’re in a position that calls for a good first impression (job interview, “cold” sales calls, submitting a proposal, etc.), get some valuable points by dressing well. Put yourself in the place of the person you’re trying to win over. Look at yourself with their eyes. Will they see someone who dresses in a haphazard way, with nothing about their clothes that suggests they have “success” in their future? If your clothes don’t fit, doesn’t that say you don’t know any better? “Quality” clothes are much more affordable than you think (more about that later!) and alterations that make you look “tailored” are always an investment in yourself and worth the expense. When looking for a seamstress/tailor, one of the questions you should ask is if she/he would consider bartering. You may very well have a skill or know-how that would be valuable and “tradable”!

Unless you’re sure that your closet only contains thrift store rejects, there may be possibilities there that are worth looking into. Again, try to change your perspective and ask yourself why you don’t wear or like something that’s been hanging there for more than a year. Most often it doesn’t fit well. Too big, too long, too tight. If it did fit you well, would you like wearing it? Would it be something that your interviewer/client/supervisor would think well of? Alterations by a competent seamstress will solve that problem. Or do you have something from your past that is of good quality but was just a bit too “trendy” back then to be taken seriously now? Restyling could be the answer for you. Pant legs, skirts and lapels can be “narrowed”, shoulder pads can be removed and often a change of buttons can be a huge improvement. Your seamstress should be able to offer qualified opinions and advice.

Next week I’ll tell you how to find good quality, “high-end label” clothes that you’ll love for low prices that will make you gasp in delight…even on a very, very tight budget! In the meantime, a little homework. If you can’t afford to buy a couple of fashion magazines, go to a public library and spend a few minutes looking through whatever catches your eye. Look at what’s inside and ask yourself what kind of “look” you want to project. What, if any, clothes would bring you closer to what you want to be?

Make your life better by looking for beauty in yourself and the world around you. It’s there, waiting for you.

A COOL SUMMER CLOTHING IDEA!!  For a swimsuit cover-up or just a cute little something to wear, think about having a sports team jersey restyled to fit your taste as well as your size!  I’m convinced that most of the new, “breathable” fabrics that are on the “general” market now were invented for professional athletes.  They’re designed to “wick out” perspiration so it doesn’t stay on the skin or in your clothes, but evaporates instead.  At the same time, they allow the outside air to penetrate the weave of the fabric so it can cool the skin.  The little holes in the jerseys facilitate the processes, so ultimately they are Way Cool !  Go to your nearest Pro Sports clothing store,  the flea market or wherever such things are sold and get your favorite team’s jersey in a really BIG size so your seamstress can cut it down to your size and make whatever adjustments to it that you’d like.
Not only will you physically feel Way Cool, you’ll be the envy of many admiring sports fans!

Among the joys of summer is being able to dress lightly and put those sweaters and coats away.  But when you pull out the summer wardrobe, are the things in it not quite as happy looking and wearable as you remembered them?  Maybe a little too tight from those holiday parties?  Or maybe they just need to be replaced?
Believe it or not, once your seamstress makes those clothes fit you again, whether too tight or sloppy loose, you could look 10 to 20 pounds slimmer!  I kid you not!  Clothes that fit always make you look better.  So, whether they need to be let out a little bit or taken in here and there, you can look forward to a wardrobe that will enhance you, rather than make you look like a refugee from a discount store!

Keep double-stick tape with you whenever you can.  Office drawer, purse, car, etc.  It’s an invaluable “quick fix” for a loose hem, lost button, slight tear in your clothing.  Remember it’s only temporary and take it to a pro seamstress (wink) to get it properly repaired.