6 Tips About Dress Alterations Every Woman Should Know*

Getting the perfect fit doesn’t have to be so difficult; dress alterations can be a life saver!
You’ve got a big event coming up; maybe it’s your best friend’s 30th, your sister’s wedding, or simply that job interview that you’ve wanted for an awful long time. Whatever it is, you need an outfit; one that shows off your best bits as well as one that looks sophisticated and fancy to boot.
However, something so simple as finding the right dress can be an absolute nightmare when you actually start that search. What looks best on your body? Where do you shop for a dress these days? Does your old dress even fit like it used to? With so much to consider, it can put you in a bit of a spin.
You don’t always need a brand-new dress for every occasion. Think about those dresses you used to love that are stored away in your wardrobe, just waiting to be worn again! Whatever your decision, dress alterations can be an absolute life saver. What should you keep in mind?

1. Give yourself plenty of time.
If you don’t give yourself enough time to organise your outfit, then you’ll be rushing around like a headless chicken the night before your event. We could all do without the extra stress when we have something important on the cards! If you’re ordering a dress then leave yourself a few months to get sorted if you can. This is especially important for weddings or other big events you’ve got planned in advance. If you know you’ve got an important interview next week, make sure you have all your alterations completed sooner rather than later!

2.Visit a tailor or seamstress.
If you know what your dress needs but you’re not sure how to get the look you want, a professional seamstress or tailoring professional is your best bet. Dress and wedding dress alterations from Alterations Boutique can help pinpoint areas for improvement, ensuring you get the look you need as easily as possible. Want a more fitting waist? Perhaps you need a hem taking in, or even sleeves removing; whatever it is, an expert can always help you out and take away some of that stress.

3.Don’t settle for an estimate.
A tailor doesn’t really know what they’re faced with unless they’re presented with a garment. It can be incredibly difficult to give out information over the phone or via email without actually seeing a dress with their own eyes. It’s always better to book in an appointment with a tailoring specialist; that way, you’ll have time to talk about what you need and ways in which your look can be achieved.

4.Remember your budget.
If you don’t have a skilled seamstress in the family it’s unlikely that you’ll get a discount when getting dress alterations. Make sure you budget! How much are you willing to spend on your dress to make sure it’s perfect? If you’re going to wear a dress more regularly than once in your life, then keeping some money aside is always going to be worth it. You’ll easily get your money’s worth!

5.Keep shoes and accessories in mind.
When opting for dress alterations, it’s always best to wear the shoes to go with your outfit alongside your dress. If you’re going for the hem tuck you need to make sure you stay in proportion! It can be easy to just focus entirely on your dress when, in fact, your overall look is the most important at the end of the day.

6.Take a friend!
Getting an opinion from someone who isn’t yourself or a seamstress is a good idea. A friend or family member knows you better than anyone else, and will be able to tell you, honestly, how things look, and even make suggestions about what may suit you!

Remember dress alterations when you’re in need of a new outfit!

Sometimes, having a big clothing sort out can uncover so much. Who knew we had so much in our wardrobes just waiting to be worn?! If you’re a little stuck for ideas, or you’re not sure what to do with all your old clothing that no longer fits, visit a professional!

This post was in collaboration with Alterations Boutique, suit and dress alterations specialists in the UK. For more information about their services or to make an enquiry, visit their website: https://www.alterationsboutique.co.uk.

The Animal Print Shirt Dress

I absolutely love the dress in this post, although the circumstances under which I purchased it perhaps not so much. In what was perhaps my biggest sartorial fail ever, I found myself in the middle of my local shopping centre when the strap of my camisole dress just gave up on me. I didn’t even notice until a very kind lady pointed out I was flashing (my hugely unattractive nude t-shirt bra) at all and sundry and I dashed red-faced to the only clothes store in town, New Look, to make an emergency purchase.

Animal Print Dress: New Look | Black Sandals: Topshop (similar here)

I’m loving shirt dresses at the moment, they are perfect for feeling more put together on a bad body image day, not to mention versatile; for work, for play, for smart and for casual. The midi length of this dress added to it’s appeal and I just adore the khaki and animal print combination. I predict much wear from this little beauty, making it an absolute bargain at £24.99

As much as I’m not ready to give up on Summer, I am ready to embrace Autumn/Winter fashion after seeing promising new arrivals on the high street. Some serious discipline needs to be exercised not to go mad, I really need to make considered purchases only- and hopefully no more wardrobe malfunction driven ones, even if it is a gem!

It was back to work for me today after two weeks out of the office. The first week was, as mentioned in previous posts, spent in The Algarve with Bob, whilst the second was spent cramming in a solid chunk of driving lessons in the hope that maybe one day in the not too distant future (well, by the end of 2018) I might pass a test after a 14 year journey.

Already time spent on the beach feels like a very distant memory. It’s always good to get back to routine though and I’m ready and raring to go on my journey to health (despite current body image woes, and reluctance once again to accept there’s still some weight to gain) and tackle the next few months of adventures and exciting things, like setting up home with Bob.

What have you been up to lately?

Celestial

Happy Monday folks, it’s back to work for me after an incredibly relaxing week off with Bob- for once we timed it just right around the weather and really got to make the best of that glorious sunshine bestowed upon us for a few short days.

Life feels pretty damn good right now- we’ve just booked a holiday for July, I’m happy and fulfilled at work and out of work. I’ve just passed my driving theory test (for the third time, I might add) and I have plans, goals and dreams which actually feel obtainable.

Which is why it frustrates me so much that these outfit photos nearly didn’t happen, and nearly didn’t make it on to the blog. With so much going right at the moment it really gets me down that my body is my enemy and my confidence is at an all time low. Having had an eating disorder since I was 15 I suppose it’s inevitable that these demons will be the last, and the hardest obstacle to overcome, but I feel like I shouldn’t be as fixated as I am right now, nor as governed by stupid rules and rituals. I’ve been dragging my feet at this “almost there” weight for so long. I’m past the half way mark but can’t seem to make myself go that bit further. Oh to have freedom from this brain of mine for just one day.

Rant over,
on to the outfit, and to a dress which has been sat in my wardrobe for the last 6 months since I bought it- it’s taken until now to think up a way to wear it that doesn’t involve dressing up and going out.

Dress: Thunder Egg | Shoes: Converse at ASOS

I’ve featured Thunder Egg on the blog before and they still remain one of my favourite online shopping discoveries. As soon as I saw this velvet, constellation print dress I knew I needed it, and although it’s hung neglected for so long in my wardrobe now I’ve broken the “it’s a going out dress” barrier and started to treat it as the slightly more glamorous older sister of the humble t-shirt dress I think it’s going to get a lot of wear.

I hope everyone has a great start to the week, I’m on the birthday count down now (five days) and my next few weekends are full of fun filled plans and time spent with loved ones- all involving things that a year ago I didn’t think would be possible to do and enjoy.

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Baring all with Quiz Clothing

2017 has been the first year in a considerable while where I haven’t had a wedding or other special event to go to. I still love a cheeky browse of occasion dresses though, especially as one of my cousins got engaged at the weekend so there is definitely at least one wedding on the horizon.

I was recently contacted by Quiz Clothing who matched me with the dreamiest, most stunning dress- and whilst it might be a bit OTT for a wedding I’m very much hoping that I can find some cause to wear this other than prancing around the garden.

Dress c/o Quiz Clothing (here) | Shoes: Mary Portas at Clarks (old)

If I were shopping for a dress then nude wouldn’t be a colour I’d usually consider, I’d long ago dismissed it as a bit…naked looking if I’m honest and not something that would suit me.
Popping this sequin adorned maxi dress on though and I’m converted. For the time it took to get these photos I felt like a complete princess- I wish it was acceptable to dress like this every day!

The process of getting these photos did stir up a few conflicting feelings though. As I said, this dress really does make me feel like a princess but at the same time it clings, it sticks to curves I’m only just starting to see appear. It hammers home just how much my body has changed in the last few months and of course that is a bittersweet moment.

My main issue right now is that I’m only about 50 percent of the way through the weight gain process, but in my mind, thanks to the twisted grasp of an eating disorder I’m already there and beyond. Putting on an outfit like this can really play havoc with that mindset and it’s actually taken a huge amount of courage to post these photos due to how I see them vs. how I’m assured the rest of the world (well, my readers) will see them.

And still I persist. Onwards and onwards to a life where I don’t care that my arms aren’t stick like, that my stomach isn’t concave and my face is fuller. In the past I’ve always had in the back of my mind that if I don’t feel good at my target weight I can always go back- as warped as that sounds. This time I don’t have that. This time it’s final and I refuse to entertain ever going backwards again. It’s making this whole journey that much more difficult whilst I’m going through it- but the future? MY future? That excites me in ways I can’t even begin to explain.

Back in to the world of fashion & shopping now and I am absolutely loving some of the new arrivals on the Quiz Clothing website. I’ve always advocated them on the blog but right now there is literally SO much I want- if you’re looking for affordable and on trend wardrobe updates then do pop along and check them out…as you can see, they’re particularly good for a fancy dress or two.

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Casual to the Max(i)

I love a good maxi dress although it occurred to me the other day that I only ever seem to wear them when I’m on holiday. With the recent good weather that made it feel like we were anywhere but the UK (humidity and flying ants aside) it seemed as good as time as any to re-unite myself with a Summer wardrobe favourite, especially as I had the chance to add a new dress to my collection recently.

Dress & Denim Jacket c/o Krisp Clothing | Converse: Schuh

I’m trying to build myself a good selection of wardrobe staples and I think this grey jersey maxi dress from Krisp Clothing’s basics range is an absolute steal at £14.99. It has potential to be dressed up as well as worn casually like I have here- teamed with my trusty Converse and new denim jacket this made the ideal ensemble for an early evening dinner date.

Krisp Clothing isn’t a website I’ve shopped with before so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to buying clothes and don’t often branch out from a handful of shops. I’m impressed though, the quality of these pieces is great, especially at these kind of prices and they have a great range of both basic pieces and more trend led designs, perfect for keeping up to date on the latest fashions without breaking the bank.

I did suffer a (more than) slight crisis of confidence whilst wearing this dress…I think I mentioned before that I’m at that stange in recovery from anorexia that the weight gain becomes noticeable, both to myself and to other people and the elasticated waist only seemed to emphasise this in my eyes. After squashing down that negative train of thought with a good and hearty Italian dinner though I suddenly became thankful for that elastic and it’s forgiving nature as it made my blossoming food baby that bit more discreet.

I’ll definitely be re-visiting Krisp Clothing when I’m next in a position for a bit of a shop, there are a few more pieces from their basics range I’d like to pick up and they seem to have regular new arrivals and promotions which make it even more tempting.

Have you shopped with Krisp before? Which pieces would you pick out?

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