~ MamakTalk ~: Alterations: Your New Best Friend

I am going to let you in on one of my best kept secrets. Like BEST, BEST.

In fact it’s SO simple BUT it makes all the fucking difference.

So much difference that you almost won’t believe it.

Here’s the thing: I shop at Forever21. I also shop at high-end stores but a lot of my favorite finds are from Forever21 or Charlotte Russe or somewhere random.

HOWEVER, everything I buy from Forever goes to my best friend.

Like you know, my best friend: my tailor, Arsonal.

He’s down the street from my house & just really tailors my $22 dollar swag to fit my body in the most ideal way.

Literally though, he can take some white slacks that look like they’re ratty & nasty and just like that magically turn them into my most favorite pants I own. Get this: at an event RACHEL ZOE ASKED ME WHERE I GOT MY WHITE SLACKS. THAT IS RIGHT. Rachel freaking Zoe. I told her Forever21 & explained my tailor obsession. She gets it.

Not only do I get white pants tailored guys. I also get my button-ups tailored to make me look a little tighter, if you know what I mean.

Between my slacks & tops, Arsonal is very, VERY booked. But who cares because YOU, yes YOU can find your own tailor. Tell them what you’re looking for.

Bigger boobs? They can help.

Tighter waist? Yes please.

Even a more flattering hem line on your latest skinny jean? GOTCHA YA COVERED.

These are three exact inexpensive items I’ve bought that I’ve tailored: these black jeans, these slacks, & this black blazer ( I love a good blazer moment ).

Honestly after the alterations they look like they’re from The Row. I’m being dead serious. Tailoring is key.

Here’s a couple of quick tips for when you start your new, exciting relationship:

1. Test how the garments will photograph

Bring a camera! “Everyone wants to look as slim and clean as possible, especially in the age of social media,” explains Gonzales. “You’re going to want to see it in a photo.”

2. Listen to your tailor

“Trust us, we know what’s going to make things look cleaner and more fine-tuned, be it lowering the neckline, shortening the hem, or tapering the sleeve.” – MG

3. Accept when it’s not going to work

“It’s better to tell clients up front that a garment isn’t plausible — we shouldn’t be giving false hope. Either we can definitely do it or we can’t. It saves everyone time” – MG

4. Bring the correct undergarments

Your clothes don’t have to be expensive, just make sure you include a tailor.

“Whether it’s the bra, corset, Spanx, or underwear, it’s always good to be prepared.” – MG

5. Bring the shoes, no matter what’s being altered

“Shoes are essential to not just achieving the right length on a hem, but fully realizing the look.” – MG

6. Editors’ note: bring inspiration photos

If you want your dresses form-fitting like Joan Holloway, or a suit to lay as it does on Katherine Hepburn, bring photographs or pull images up on your phone.

{ via Marie Claire }

Also, if you want to be psycho like me, choose your tailor wisely. Ask them to see previous work, check Angie’s List, AND oddly: WATCH. See how attentive they are. This sounds bat shit but that’s why you read this blog for bat shit advice right? Watch them in action. “A good tailor is very thorough when doing a fitting, careful with measuring, and takes their time with accurate pinning. They ask questions pertaining to the garment, and voice their opinions and concerns.”

Point: break up with your boyfriend, date your tailor. You’ll be better off clothes-wise. Oh heyyyy Arsonal.

Happy Sunday!

x, lauryn