The Budget Fashionista

A tailor is your best friend, or at least she should be.  If she’s not, get on it.  Why?  Because a good tailor can make you feel like a million bucks without your having to spend the same.  I’m not talking about simply hemming that new designer denim or shortening the sleeves on your blazer.  Adding pin tucks, letting out busts, taking it in where you want to flaunt it--these are the details that make a great wardrobe piece. 

One of the benefits of buying high end fashion is that designers often take extra care to add more detailing and tailoring into their pieces, but not all of us can afford to shop at Bergdorf everyday.  So if you’re strapped for cash, don’t be afraid to scour the sale racks and shop at less expensive stores, like H&M;and Zara.  The clothes may not fit you just right at first, but after a little trip to the tailor, you’re golden!  Not only will you look fantastic, but your wallet will thank you as well.

I agree.  I sew and I’m particular. I remember about 20 years back, I tried getting a dressmaker to help me finish some sewing tasks, which she botched. She came highly recommended by the local fabric store.

I’d say know the difference between a tailor and a dressmaker. Sometimes they overlap a bit, but the tailor is better at fitting things. If there had been a choice in that town I’d have gone elsewhere but as it was I was stuck.

So glad I tried her out on some inexpensive bits that I was finishing up rather than wasting money on an expensive garment (which was what she assured me she could do).

Test drive the person on something you can afford to lose.

I’ve been playing with the idea of asking around at the men’s clothing stores to see if they have someone. I’ve heard drycleaners can be another good way to find one.

Any ideas on finding one in a low budget range?