An Easy Alteration - Tapering the shape of a skirt or dress

As I am headed home for Thanksgiving, this will be my last post for the week. To my US readers: have a wonderful holiday! And don't forget about Black Friday deals. I am envious of those who live in the NYC and the LA area, near the supposedly awesome Woodbury Common and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. I've never been to either but I hear their Thanksgiving Midnight Madness is truly madness!
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So ever since I found a good tailor whom I can trust, my outlook on shopping has changed. Instead of asking "Will this fit?" I now ask "Does this have the potential to fit?" Now, whenever I see something nice on eBay for a good price, I make mental alterations to see what can be done, if needed.

This is a Theory Gamia combo dress that I found on eBay in a size 0 last month. It's nothing special in the pics, but I thought it had the potential to become a welcome addition to my winter work wardrobe. The top is a knit black stretch fabric (which, from past experience, I was pretty sure would fit me) and the bottom is a unique gray and black textured material over an ivory underlay.

I instantly took a dislike, however, to the full and swingy A-line skirt. Unless it's Halloween and I'm a 50's poodle girl, I try to stay away from such skirts as they tend to overwhelm tiny petites.

It even looks too full and matronly for the Theory model who is probably at least 5'10" plus heels, so imagine how it looked on me. Unfortunately, this was when I just started blogging, so I wasn't yet in the habit of taking before-and-after pics.

I figured that the skirt would be an easy alteration, and went ahead and bought the dress. When I tried it on at Hemmingway Tailors, they instantly tsk tsk tsk'd at the huge skirt and started pinning away. They recommended shortening to right above the knee, and changing the A-line to a more tapered shape. Click "Read More" to see the end result.



Side story: I brought this dress in to the tailors at the same time as my black Burberry coat which needed a difficult lapel alteration. They quoted me $30 to hem and taper the lined dress, and an amount for the Burb coat which will remain undisclosed, but let's just say it pretty much cleared out my checking account that day. Upon viewing my meager checking account balance (I'm an avid CC user for rewards, and rarely keep cash on hand), I called them to say hold off on the dress until next time.

Turns out, they altered the dress for me anyways, free of charge! They chattered about how they hated to see a pretty dress sit around, not fitting the right way. It was so sweet of them, and their recommendation was right on ... I love the shape now!

End result:

Before --> After

With tights to survive the wrath of New England winters:

I just noticed this same dress also in a size 0 on eBay again, with the starting bid at only 99 cents!!! Because this dress doesn't look so flattering in pics, I doubt the bid will go up too high. Auction ends this Friday night, November 27th - listing can be found here.

An Easy Alteration - Tapering the shape of a skirt or dress

As I am headed home for Thanksgiving, this will be my last post for the week. To my US readers: have a wonderful holiday! And don't forget about Black Friday deals. I am envious of those who live in the NYC and the LA area, near the supposedly awesome Woodbury Common and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. I've never been to either but I hear their Thanksgiving Midnight Madness is truly madness!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So ever since I found a good tailor whom I can trust, my outlook on shopping has changed. Instead of asking "Will this fit?" I now ask "Does this have the potential to fit?" Now, whenever I see something nice on eBay for a good price, I make mental alterations to see what can be done, if needed.

This is a Theory Gamia combo dress that I found on eBay in a size 0 last month. It's nothing special in the pics, but I thought it had the potential to become a welcome addition to my winter work wardrobe. The top is a knit black stretch fabric (which, from past experience, I was pretty sure would fit me) and the bottom is a unique gray and black textured material over an ivory underlay.

I instantly took a dislike, however, to the full and swingy A-line skirt. Unless it's Halloween and I'm a 50's poodle girl, I try to stay away from such skirts as they tend to overwhelm tiny petites.

It even looks too full and matronly for the Theory model who is probably at least 5'10" plus heels, so imagine how it looked on me. Unfortunately, this was when I just started blogging, so I wasn't yet in the habit of taking before-and-after pics.

I figured that the skirt would be an easy alteration, and went ahead and bought the dress. When I tried it on at Hemmingway Tailors, they instantly tsk tsk tsk'd at the huge skirt and started pinning away. They recommended shortening to right above the knee, and changing the A-line to a more tapered shape. Click "Read More" to see the end result.



Side story: I brought this dress in to the tailors at the same time as my black Burberry coat which needed a difficult lapel alteration. They quoted me $30 to hem and taper the lined dress, and an amount for the Burb coat which will remain undisclosed, but let's just say it pretty much cleared out my checking account that day. Upon viewing my meager checking account balance (I'm an avid CC user for rewards, and rarely keep cash on hand), I called them to say hold off on the dress until next time.

Turns out, they altered the dress for me anyways, free of charge! They chattered about how they hated to see a pretty dress sit around, not fitting the right way. It was so sweet of them, and their recommendation was right on ... I love the shape now!

End result:

Before --> After

With tights to survive the wrath of New England winters:

I just noticed this same dress also in a size 0 on eBay again, with the starting bid at only 99 cents!!! Because this dress doesn't look so flattering in pics, I doubt the bid will go up too high. Auction ends this Friday night, November 27th - listing can be found here.

Eagerly Awaiting: Foot Petals Shoe Cushions

Look what the mailman delivered today!

When the ankle boot trend came along last year (or was it 2007?), I missed the train. Being a skinny jean and tights aficionado, ankle boots were the #1 item on my must-get list, but I was not able to find a single suitable pair. I tried on so many styles ... shaft too high (awkwardly between mid-calf and ankle), shaft too low (cut into ankles), cheap-looking leather... the problems go on.

I saw these CK nappa leather and elastic booties on my friend, and knew I had to have them. Unfortunately that was many seasons ago. As luck would have it, I randomly came across a pair on eBay this week in a do-able size, for only $35! Yay!

But look at that smooth slippery sole. I bought those self stick-on grip soles but the glue was weak and they fell off almost immediately. So I think these need to go to a cobbler to get some traction soles applied. Anyone ever had that done and know the approximate cost?

Also, the insoles are equally smooth and rock-hard. Even though there is no risk that my foot will fall out of these, there is an immense amount of sliding around (these are size 6) and I know I'm bound to get blisters. Not to mention, the heel height is 4 inches - a bit more than what conservative me is accustomed to!

So per a tip from Nukem, I checked out the Foot Petals website. To see my loot, click "Read More."



Foot Petal cushions are made from "PORON Urethanes" which supposedly distributes the pressure of high heels and prevents pain, calluses, and blisters. Read more here about the material. They offer 8 types of cushions in this material ranging from full sneaker insoles to strips for strappy shoes. For my needs (slipping, chafing, sky high heels), these 3 offerings jumped out at me:

1. Killer Kushionz, $12.95 for 1 pair, $34.95 for 3-pack.

2. Tip Toes, $6.95 for 1 pair, $18.95 for triple pack.

3. Heavenly Heelz, $4.95 - $6.95 for 1 pair, $18.95 for triple pack.

I'm a little hesitant with heel inserts, because I bought these Dr. Scholl gel ones (shown below) and they wouldn't stick at all. I kept having to embarassingly explain to coworkers the gel sticks that fell out of my shoes every 5 minutes.

However, in addition to placement inside the heel, Heavenly Heelz suggested some alternative uses. It is shown with placement at the inside top of a shoe, or inside a boot to prevent your calves from sliding around :

I couldn't pick one cushion type, so settled on trying 1 pair of each. Some user reviews complained that the cushioning was either too thin or too thick, and that the adhesive was weak, so I adjusted my expectations accordingly before ordering.

Also, these cushions seemed very pricey to me for small pieces of foam. I browsed eBay and Amazon and found some for more only marginally cheaper, so I ended up just buying from www.footpetals.com. The price was mitigated by some current deals:

1. Retailmenot has a few 20% off coupon codes. I used "FACEBOOK."

2. The site automatically gives free shipping for purchases over $20 and appears to be a little lenient because my order was only $19.88. Now, why doesn't BR do that for Bananacard purchases? The other day I was in a rush and forgot to use "MYCARD" with my $100+ purchase and was charged 7 bucks for shipping. Another time my order came down to $99.80something after a coupon and the free shipping was reneged without me noticing until it was too late.

3. Foot Petals is currently including a free pair of "sexy Socklettes" (a $7 value) with every purchase.

Price for one of each cushion plus free socklette and free shipping, came out to just below $20. Not too bad : ) Review to come when these arrive.

Eagerly Awaiting: Foot Petals Shoe Cushions

Look what the mailman delivered today!

When the ankle boot trend came along last year (or was it 2007?), I missed the train. Being a skinny jean and tights aficionado, ankle boots were the #1 item on my must-get list, but I was not able to find a single suitable pair. I tried on so many styles ... shaft too high (awkwardly between mid-calf and ankle), shaft too low (cut into ankles), cheap-looking leather... the problems go on.

I saw these CK nappa leather and elastic booties on my friend, and knew I had to have them. Unfortunately that was many seasons ago. As luck would have it, I randomly came across a pair on eBay this week in a do-able size, for only $35! Yay!

But look at that smooth slippery sole. I bought those self stick-on grip soles but the glue was weak and they fell off almost immediately. So I think these need to go to a cobbler to get some traction soles applied. Anyone ever had that done and know the approximate cost?

Also, the insoles are equally smooth and rock-hard. Even though there is no risk that my foot will fall out of these, there is an immense amount of sliding around (these are size 6) and I know I'm bound to get blisters. Not to mention, the heel height is 4 inches - a bit more than what conservative me is accustomed to!

So per a tip from Nukem, I checked out the Foot Petals website. To see my loot, click "Read More."



Foot Petal cushions are made from "PORON Urethanes" which supposedly distributes the pressure of high heels and prevents pain, calluses, and blisters. Read more here about the material. They offer 8 types of cushions in this material ranging from full sneaker insoles to strips for strappy shoes. For my needs (slipping, chafing, sky high heels), these 3 offerings jumped out at me:

1. Killer Kushionz, $12.95 for 1 pair, $34.95 for 3-pack.

2. Tip Toes, $6.95 for 1 pair, $18.95 for triple pack.

3. Heavenly Heelz, $4.95 - $6.95 for 1 pair, $18.95 for triple pack.

I'm a little hesitant with heel inserts, because I bought these Dr. Scholl gel ones (shown below) and they wouldn't stick at all. I kept having to embarassingly explain to coworkers the gel sticks that fell out of my shoes every 5 minutes.

However, in addition to placement inside the heel, Heavenly Heelz suggested some alternative uses. It is shown with placement at the inside top of a shoe, or inside a boot to prevent your calves from sliding around :

I couldn't pick one cushion type, so settled on trying 1 pair of each. Some user reviews complained that the cushioning was either too thin or too thick, and that the adhesive was weak, so I adjusted my expectations accordingly before ordering.

Also, these cushions seemed very pricey to me for small pieces of foam. I browsed eBay and Amazon and found some for more only marginally cheaper, so I ended up just buying from www.footpetals.com. The price was mitigated by some current deals:

1. Retailmenot has a few 20% off coupon codes. I used "FACEBOOK."

2. The site automatically gives free shipping for purchases over $20 and appears to be a little lenient because my order was only $19.88. Now, why doesn't BR do that for Bananacard purchases? The other day I was in a rush and forgot to use "MYCARD" with my $100+ purchase and was charged 7 bucks for shipping. Another time my order came down to $99.80something after a coupon and the free shipping was reneged without me noticing until it was too late.

3. Foot Petals is currently including a free pair of "sexy Socklettes" (a $7 value) with every purchase.

Price for one of each cushion plus free socklette and free shipping, came out to just below $20. Not too bad : ) Review to come when these arrive.

Ebay Watchlist: Petite-friendly picks for the week

I've had many good finds on eBay, ranging from clothes, shoes, handbags, to makeup. Of course, "buyer beware," because there are lots of fakes roaming around on eBay, but all you need to do is some simple due dilligence to avoid being ripped off. Some basic rules of thumb:

1. Don't purchase branded products (ie: DVF, Burberry, even Abercrombie, etc) from sellers located in countries outside of the US or from sellers with less than stellar feedback.
2. Be wary if the seller has like 5 sizes of the same item.
3. Ask, ask, ask your questions to the seller. I usually ask for: better pics, measurements if they are not listed, and the style name from the tag (if available) so I can search the net for more info on the item.
4. Don't buy something unless you are 99% sure it will fit, or be alterable if it doesn't fit, since there are usually no returns on eBay.

Here are my picks for the week:
1. Tiny Skirt Alert: New Theory 00 skirt. Retail $190 currently going for $15.50 plus ship. Ends Nov. 11th (Wed). I've purchased Theory from this seller before and it was legit.

I love this skirt because it has a wide waist band (looks like it's meant to be a high waist skirt), and the material is 95% wool, 5% spandex (my ideal blend!). But this is too small for me. I usually have to go up to a 0 in Theory skirts because they are so darn tiny ... look at the measurements ... 11.5" across waist! So suitable for ladies with approx. 23 inch waists. Whoever buys this would probably need a hem job, though, but that is a cheap fix.

2. New Ann Taylor Loft Skirt 00P, listed at $20 buy-it-now plus ship. Ends in 28 days. I liked this print when I saw it in stores. The only thing is, this skirt is 100% cotton so it screams summer ... I wonder if it can be Fall-ified. Note the waist measurement: 27 inches. Doesn't that seem rather generous for a 00p, especially compared with the Theory one above?

3. New Theory Acasia sz 0 combo dress, $398.00 currently at $99 plus ship. Ends Nov. 11th (Wed). I love Theory to death, but it is so overpriced. I can't imagine paying retail for it.

I love how simple and classic this dress is. I'm a huge fan of their combo dresses because, well, I'm lazy and it saves me time in the morning. Also I don't like it when my shirts sloppily come untucked from within skirts.

4. New Alice & Olivia 100% Cashmere XS Cardigan/Coat, $398 currently listed for $169 buy-it-now with free ship. Ends Monday Nov. 9th. I LOOOVE this! How ridiculously soft and cozy does this knit look? And those super cute side pockets. If I bought this I would probably lounge around on the couch all day like a bug in a cocoon. But I have never tried on A&O, so I have no idea how it will fit.

Ebay Watchlist: Petite-friendly picks for the week

I've had many good finds on eBay, ranging from clothes, shoes, handbags, to makeup. Of course, "buyer beware," because there are lots of fakes roaming around on eBay, but all you need to do is some simple due dilligence to avoid being ripped off. Some basic rules of thumb:

1. Don't purchase branded products (ie: DVF, Burberry, even Abercrombie, etc) from sellers located in countries outside of the US or from sellers with less than stellar feedback.
2. Be wary if the seller has like 5 sizes of the same item.
3. Ask, ask, ask your questions to the seller. I usually ask for: better pics, measurements if they are not listed, and the style name from the tag (if available) so I can search the net for more info on the item.
4. Don't buy something unless you are 99% sure it will fit, or be alterable if it doesn't fit, since there are usually no returns on eBay.

Here are my picks for the week:
1. Tiny Skirt Alert: New Theory 00 skirt. Retail $190 currently going for $15.50 plus ship. Ends Nov. 11th (Wed). I've purchased Theory from this seller before and it was legit.

I love this skirt because it has a wide waist band (looks like it's meant to be a high waist skirt), and the material is 95% wool, 5% spandex (my ideal blend!). But this is too small for me. I usually have to go up to a 0 in Theory skirts because they are so darn tiny ... look at the measurements ... 11.5" across waist! So suitable for ladies with approx. 23 inch waists. Whoever buys this would probably need a hem job, though, but that is a cheap fix.

2. New Ann Taylor Loft Skirt 00P, listed at $20 buy-it-now plus ship. Ends in 28 days. I liked this print when I saw it in stores. The only thing is, this skirt is 100% cotton so it screams summer ... I wonder if it can be Fall-ified. Note the waist measurement: 27 inches. Doesn't that seem rather generous for a 00p, especially compared with the Theory one above?

3. New Theory Acasia sz 0 combo dress, $398.00 currently at $99 plus ship. Ends Nov. 11th (Wed). I love Theory to death, but it is so overpriced. I can't imagine paying retail for it.

I love how simple and classic this dress is. I'm a huge fan of their combo dresses because, well, I'm lazy and it saves me time in the morning. Also I don't like it when my shirts sloppily come untucked from within skirts.

4. New Alice & Olivia 100% Cashmere XS Cardigan/Coat, $398 currently listed for $169 buy-it-now with free ship. Ends Monday Nov. 9th. I LOOOVE this! How ridiculously soft and cozy does this knit look? And those super cute side pockets. If I bought this I would probably lounge around on the couch all day like a bug in a cocoon. But I have never tried on A&O, so I have no idea how it will fit.