Summer Wardrobe Update on a Budget: Get a Good Tailor

July 8, 2008 09:00 PM | Comments (3) | Posted in fashion advice, wardrobe, jerry pozniak

We’re all so tired already of hearing about the sad state of the economy, but the reality is it looks like tight times are here to stay. For us budget fashionistas? Well, it just means we have to pull out the stops on our budget-savvy tricks to continue to look fabulous in the face of adversity. But how, you say? Well, for one, if you want to update for summer on a budget, it means taking those precious pennies and, instead of heading to the mall, high-tailing it to a good tailor. Don’t just take our word for it; we’ve got the goods from Jerry Pozniak, the managing director of the New York operation of Jeeves of Belgravis, aka “London’s Finest Dry Cleaner.â€?

According to Jerry, whose clients include the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway’s “The Pirate Queenâ€?, and Yohji Yammamato Couture, “Celebrities and the ultra-rich have relied on tailors to update their wardrobes for years. “As a less-expensive alternative for seasonal updates, he adds, “Every season or so, hemlines change. Also we’ve begun to see the beginning of a period of emphasis on sleeves. Both of those trends can be easily accommodated by a little cutting and sewing.â€?

Exactly. So how to be sure your tailor/seamstress is any good? There’s no reason you can’t get a quality tailoring job at your local tailor or dry cleaner, but Jerry suggests starting slowly with a simple job, like a skirt hem, to test the waters.

Other hot tips on updating your summer wardrobe, direct from Pozniak:

Denim: Denim pieces in all shapes and sizes can anchor any wardrobe. While the skinny jean trend is far from over, Bermuda-length pants are in for the summer season. A local tailor can easily cut a pair of skinny jeans into a stylish pair of Bermuda shorts for about $20 – a considerable savings when compared to the $150 it would cost for a new pair of designer pants. “Just remember to let your tailor know that you’d like to retain the original hem,” advises Jerry.

Tops: The warmer weather calls for some lightweight shirts that are stylish enough to go from the office to an evening on the town – not an easy item to find. Generally, the knit shirts appropriate for the office are too bulky and not exciting enough to carry over to the evening, but: “I’ve had more and more clients ask me to attach a bit of a luxurious fabric to an existing cotton sweater, or even a plain t-shirt to kick it up a notch,” says Jerry, adding that ruffles are currently a very important embellishment. This kind of job will set you back about $10 plus the cost of materials – a pittance compared to a $100 boutique shirt.

Dresses: Every season requires the perfect, easy to wear dress and the summer is no different. This year, quite a few celebs have modeled a trench coat-inspired dress but if Louis Vuitton just isn’t in your summer wardrobe budget, don’t sweat it. “If you partner with a fashion-minded seamstress whose creative juices are flowing, she’ll be able to get a grip on your tastes and your budget and do something as fuss-free or as elaborate as you want. Just a couple of ideas are sewing a few strategically placed buttons on the front of a strapless dress to fashioning a simple wrap dress into a true trench style dress,” explains Jerry, putting the emphasis on just how endless the options are. The cost will vary from about $5 plus the cost of buttons, to a more complex job that can reach into the $50 range.

Fashion Advice: Dressing in Dallas

June 23, 2006 08:52 AM | Comments (1) | Posted in undergarments, fashion advice, tj_maxx, tahari, outlet_malls, isaac mizrahi, workwear, wardrobe, nylons, loehmann's

Q: OK…so I just moved from L.A. to Dallas,  I am at a loss for a) where to shop fashionable and affordable for suits for a conservative office job and b) How does one wear “hose” and not look like your grandmother!  They are strangling and sweaty during the hot summer, and I keep slipping out of my Stephane Kelian slingbacks.

Target.com

A: a) Shop at stores like Ann Taylor, TJ Maxx, Loehmanns, and even certain pieces from the Isaac Mizrahi line at Target for clothes for a conservative office environment. Also try Talbots online clearance section for surprising stylish pieces. If you have a moment to head to your nearest outlet mall—take a peak in the Neiman Marcus Outlet for discounted pieces from higher designers like Ellen Tracy and Tahari. Last but not least, don’t go so conservative that you loose your individuality—conservative doesn’t equal dowdy. Spice the basic suits up a bit with colorful (but simple) jewelry like a single strand coral necklace or silver chain link necklace.

And about your second question . . .

I never wear hose in the summer. Period. Just too hot. So you have some options—a) keep you legs shaved and use Jergens bronzing lotion (around $5 at your local drugstore), b) only wear hose when your actually in your air conditioned office, c) look for silk stockings, which are pricey but a little more comfortable than nylons, and d) try thigh-high stocking with either an elastic band or garter.

Fashion Advice: Corporate Drab to Event Planning Fab

March 17, 2006 10:28 AM | | Posted in bluefly.com, smartbargains.com, fashion advice, macys, wardrobe, baker's shoes

Dear Budget Fashionista,

For seven years I was in Corporate America where I was required to have a conservative wardrobe. I now own an event planning company that services the entertainment industry. How can I transition my “rigid” corporate wardrobe to something that fits both the new role and me without breaking the bank?

Thanks!
Career Changer

Target.com

SmartBargains.com

Hey Career Changer,
Congrats on breaking free from the chains of Corporate America. It truly takes guts to go out on your own and we’re going to help you make the transition. First, hold on to your black, blue, gray suits. You can even hold on to those “sensible” black pumps. Use these pieces as the foundation for your new wardrobe. Then, try adding the following pieces to your update your wardrobe to your current position.
-    Two pairs of comfortable strappy heels—one in black and one in some outrageous color, like hot pink.

-    Buy shoe jewelry (like the old school shoe buckles like your grandma used to wear). You can find them at Nordstroms, Baker’s Shoes, or Absolutely Audrey. You are going to put these on your old “sensible” shoes. As an event planner, you will be running around quite a bit and you still need to be comfortable.

-    Three slip tops: one sequined, one like a camisole, and another with a slight shimmer. These tops should fit very well and should be any color but black.

-    As many bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other accessories as you can get your hands on. You will use these to accessorize your current outfits.

-    Two nice party dresses in any color but black.
Bluefly.com has hot dresses from designers like Nicole Miller and ABS Allen Schwartz for exceptionally reasonable prices.

-    A nice cashmere sweater set. It is classic and can go with everything. Score a sweater for well under $60 from stores like Macy’s or Smartbargains.com

As an event planner, you must be stylish, and nothing is more stylish than the color black. For evening events, take that black suit and pair it up with a colorful sequined top and a pair of strappy heels (head directly to DSW shoe warehouse for evening shoes from folks like Via Spiga at ridiculously low prices). Add a necklace or a brooch along with a pair of cute button earrings and Voila! you have the perfect planner outfit. For events during the day, wear either a pair of pants or a skirt from one of your non-black suits with your cashmere twin set. Again, some simple pearl earring and a pair of your sensible shoes (don’t forget the shoe jewelry) and you will be ready to go! Now, go forth and plan!


Happy Shopping,

The Budget Fashionista