SHOPPING FOR YOUR GARMENTS

Some tips in shopping for garments – from budgeting to fit

1.        Go with a plan and/or color scheme.   

a.       What are your goals:  accessories, basic pants, something new, a new wardrobe, shoes, etc.  Go with a plan, leaving a little flexibility for that occasional awesome deal you happen to find.

b.      Bring with you either a color wheel, a small purse file of fabric color samples that you wear often, along with an idea/list of what colors you are trying to acquire or compliment from your current wardrobe.

c.       Plan ahead of time your budget and spending limit.  Then first focus on the items that are on your focus list.  If you still have plenty left to play with after finding the key items, then use the remaining funds to compliment what you are purchasing or what you already have in your wardrobe.

2.       Choosing your store

a.       I tend to enjoy shopping at Kohls for most of my wardrobe accessories because of the variety they offer, great sales and the best in pricing for clearance items.  But, that doesn’t mean one should focus on one store.  So, select the store(s) you enjoy shopping, then, be willing to expand outside your comfort zone into new stores to check out the amazing styles that you would have otherwise missed out on. 

b.      If it is in your budget for spending, and you find one top that captures your eye, take the time to try it on.  If it fits and looks amazing, albeit it may limit any further purchases, be mindful of the overall benefit you might obtain from that one purchase.

·         It fits and look amazing

·         You know that you can wear it more than once

·         It compliments your skin tone and hair color

·         It compliments your figure

c.       Even if you only find one item while out on your shopping trip, continue to browse and check out how the stores display the mix of texture and styles.  Think creatively as to how you might be able to do that with what you already have in your own closet. 

3.        Utilize the Fitting Room

a.       What looks amazing on a hanger might not look so amazing on you.  I’ve tried on clothing that I thought would look great, but once I tried it on I was not so impressed.  The fit, the cut, the color, and how it actually feels and looks on you will not be obvious on the hanger.  Sometimes, if the garment was not correctly cut right, it will feel awkward on you.

b.      While in the fitting room, make sure everything is secure, such as buttons, snaps, zippers, trim, etc.  Decide if it is still worth purchasing to later have it fixed.  Some stores, if you ask, will provide an additional discount to help defray the cost of the repair.

c.       As you try on your garments, those you immediately dislike how it looks or feels on you, put aside on one side of the fitting room.  Those that make you feel great and fit well, put them on the other side of the fitting room as your “yes” items.  Now, those you are not too sure about, either try on again after you have gone through the other garments to make a final decision, or put with the garments you have determined did not fit or look well on you.  Anything you have a questionable feeling about in the dressing room, runs the risk of taking up space in your closet and to never be worn.

d.      If you shop with a friend, spouse or child be brave and ask their opinion.  I have found that my daughters and husband to be quite honest.  Make sure you shop with a friend who is honest.  Remember, your clothing purchase is an investment towards your wardrobe in which you want to look great in

Some tips in shopping for garments – from budgeting to fit

1.        Go with a plan and/or color scheme.   

a.       What are your goals:  accessories, basic pants, something new, a new wardrobe, shoes, etc.  Go with a plan, leaving a little flexibility for that occasional awesome deal you happen to find.

b.      Bring with you either a color wheel, a small purse file of fabric color samples that you wear often, along with an idea/list of what colors you are trying to acquire or compliment from your current wardrobe.

c.       Plan ahead of time your budget and spending limit.  Then first focus on the items that are on your focus list.  If you still have plenty left to play with after finding the key items, then use the remaining funds to compliment what you are purchasing or what you already have in your wardrobe.

2.       Choosing your store

a.       I tend to enjoy shopping at Kohls for most of my wardrobe accessories because of the variety they offer, great sales and the best in pricing for clearance items.  But, that doesn’t mean one should focus on one store.  So, select the store(s) you enjoy shopping, then, be willing to expand outside your comfort zone into new stores to check out the amazing styles that you would have otherwise missed out on. 

b.      If it is in your budget for spending, and you find one top that captured your eye, take the time to try it on.  If it fits and looks amazing, albeit it may limit any further purchases, be mindful of the overall benefit you might obtain from that one purchase.

·         It fits and look amazing

·         You know that you can wear it more than once

·         It compliments your skin tone and hair color

·         It compliments your figure

c.       Even if you only find one item while out on your shopping trip, continue to browse and check out how the stores display the mix of texture and styles.  Think creatively as to how you might be able to do that with what you already have in your own closet. 

3.        Utilize the Fitting Room

a.       What looks amazing on a hanger might not look so amazing on you.  I’ve tried on clothing that I thought would look great, but once I tried it on I was not so impressed.  The fit, the cut, the color, and how it actually feels and looks on you will not be obvious on the hanger.  Sometimes, if the garment was not correctly cut right, it will feel awkward on you.

b.      While in the fitting room, make sure everything is secure, such as buttons, snaps, zippers, trim, etc.  Decide if it is still worth purchasing to later have it fixed.  Some stores, if you ask, will provide an additional discount to help defray the cost of the repair.

c.       As you try on your garments, those you immediately dislike how it looks or feels on you, put aside on one side of the fitting room.  Those that make you feel great and fit well, put them on the other side of the fitting room as your “yes” items.  Now, those you are not too sure about, either try on again after you have gone through the other garments to make a final decision, or put with the garments you have determined did not fit or look well on you.  Anything you have a questionable feeling about in the dressing room, runs the risk of taking up space in your closet and to never be worn.

d.      If you shop with a friend, spouse or child be brave and ask their opinion.  I have found that my daughters and husband to be quite honest.  Make sure you shop with a friend who is honest.  Remember, your clothing purchase is an investment towards your wardrobe in which you want to look great in versus insulating your closet.

4.       Basics versus accessories

a.       Some basics, but not limited to, would be a basic dress, skirt, blouse, pants, etc.  Something that you can mix and match with other pieces to create a variety of looks.

b.      The “basic black” dress might actually be “basic brown” for some.  What you are looking for in the basics is the simple line, a great fit, a color without distracting flowers or other designs.  So keep your basics simple.

5.       Accessory items

a.       If you are looking to accessorize a dress, wear the dress to the store(s) so that you can try on belts, scarves, jackets, etc.

b.      Bored with your basic suit that is well made with plenty of life?  Wear this suit shopping and look at a few different blouses/shirts that have color or a design that strikes your eye yet matches the basic suit.  By the way, this works for men as well.

c.       For men who are not comfortable with a design in their shirts, check out the ties.  Today there are some amazing colors and designs that can change a boring look to a striking one.  

d.      Belts can make a drastic change on how your garment looks.   A simple classic dress that you wear to work with or without a simple belt, can transform to a new look for going out to dinner.  For men, just having a new belt that is not worn can sharpen up your look from denim jeans to your dress slacks.

e.      Scarves can add a new dimension to your waist or neckline.  There are many options on how to wear a scarf, but try it on and play with it.  See how you feel wearing it.  Does it feel too bulky or make your waist look fuller than you had imagined, then despite how beautiful it is, you can decide if you still want it to wear or use as a decorative scarf for your home décor.

6.       As you go to the check-out - Re-evaluate your items. 

a.       Will you wear them?

b.       Will your items go with or compliment your current wardrobe or fit into your new adventurous look?

c.       Is it something that makes you feel good and know that you will wear. it  There's nothing better than having something new to perk you and your wardrobe up.

d.      If you are purchasing things that need alterations, are you financially prepared for the cost?  Or can you alter them yourself so that the cost fits into your overall wardrobe budget?

e.      Check the care tags.  Can they be easily cared for?  Do they need to be ironed, hand washed, dry cleaned?  Do these items fit into your time frame for cleaning as well as budget if they need to be dry cleaned?

f.        Does the store have a return policy?  Sometimes we shop on the way home from work or an appointment and we don’t have our colors in mind.  When you get home, check to make sure you will wear the garments.  If you didn’t try them on, make sure you try them on when you get home.  If you get home and find that it really doesn’t work well for you, then put back in the bag with your receipt and return as soon as you are able to return to the store.

Have fun shopping, enjoy your new wardrobe and look amazing with confidence!

Laura

Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Re-fashioned Harley Davidson Overalls to Jeans

Taking the opportunity to refashion overalls brought my was a delight.

This particular customer decided that it was time to rid her wardrobe of her favorite pair of overalls.  In doing so, she made the decision the create jeans so that she could continue to wear them. 

It was clear that the pants still fit her well, so there was no need to alter the waist.  In removing the bib I was able to create a fun pair of jeans that she will be able to continue to enjoy.

Nothing better than meeting the goals on my clients.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura

Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties

http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DavinaDawnSewingSpecialties

What Bridal Fashion Fits You Best?

With so many engagements that have occurred since Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day, there are many searching the bridal stores for the "Perfect Dress".  Dresses look beautiful on the models with the sleek bodies that are shown in the magazines and other advertising venues, yet when we try the style on, we just don't seem to feel beautiful in it.

So, let's try to narrow down what might be the best look for you and your figure.

The Lovely Ball Gown, a style that has a fitted bodice, yet flairs out in a very full and bell shape.  A couple figure styles that look great in this style gown are the ladies who are slim, as well as the ladies who have a pear shape figure.
This is a beautiful style dress that is perfect for the fairy tale wedding.  Different necklines and with or without sleeves.  The skirt can be made with a variety of styles: draping layers of fine silk or chiffon to create an elegant look, covered in lace and beads, plain silk or satin, and many other fabric options.  The skirt will be supported with multiple layers of tulle & taffetta or might need a crinoline skirt to maintain it's fullness.
The A-line dress, also known as the Princess dress, has a nicely fitted bodice that fits well to one's rib-cage, yet flares gracefully along the rest of the body.  The nice part of this style dress is that it elongates one's body.  The A-line style dress fits most body types.  You can also get this style with a fuller flair.  It is a beautiful style for any type wedding.
The Princess style will have obvious elongated lines, from the neckline to hem, slenderizing the figure.  The A-Line will use a variety of fabrics creating a different look depending on the choice fabric.

The Sheath also known as the Column, is a very comfortable dress that will closely fit and follow the curves of your shape.  This is a lovely style with one who has a slender figure and those with an hour glass shape.  It's a lovely dress, it can be used with a variety of necklines and skirt lengths.  This is a great style for thin and well proportioned women.  Both tall and short women can wear this dress, and actually provide a sense of height for shorter women.
The benefit of this dress, is that many different fabrics can be used to provide different looks.  A great dress for any type of wedding...formal and informal.  A very modest style if worn with sleeves.

The Empire waist dress has a narrow bodice where the skirt portion starts just under the bustline.  If made with the lovely flowing polyester, chiffon fabrics, it is a beautiful option for thicker waistlines and pear shape hips.  This style looks lovely on many figures, although it is not a good design for the well endowed woman.  If you want to show off your hour glass figure, this would not be recommended.  With shoulder straps and with sleeves, this dress is a very elegant yet modest fashion.
This dress can be made with a couple layers, and depending on the fabrics chosen can change the look drastically.

The Mermaid style is a figure forming style that hugs the body which flairs out from the knees, or slightly above, to the floor.  This is designed looks lovely on a tall, slender figure with curves that desires to show off her figure.  Worn well by a woman with confidence.
Light fabrics will gently hug your figure, yet the heavy satins will hug your figure and accentuate any flaws you might have.
This style might have one of three style flairs: 1. The round flair will provide volume at the base of the dress.  2. The trumpet flair will provide volume behind the dress. 3. The Spanish flair, a flamenco look, will gather slightly in front and around the dress in layers.

I caution one to not go for the dress that will accentuate the flaws you find uncomfortable to share.  You want to feel beautiful, and when selecting dresses for your bridal party, remember their figures as you select their style.  Remember, you can always get different dresses in the same color.

So, consider your figure, browse the many bridal magazines, and select all that you like.  And remember, you might not be able to find or afford the dress you desire from a book, but you might not look well in them either.  BUT, you can make any change you want to your dress that you desire. 

You can also refashion a dress you are given, find second hand, on clearance, etc. to the look you desire.  Remember, this is YOUR special day.  My goal when I work with brides, as I alter, create bustles or refashion their dress, is to make their dress look the way that they want it to look.

~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com/

To Alter or Not to Alter

One of the things I enjoy providing my local clients are quality alterations. In doing so, I like to make sure they are getting what they want, as well as what they need.

I had the pleasure of meeting a new client today, who was looking for someone that had flexible hours to work around her work schedule, but also someone who would be honest with her. Recently, she lost 30 pounds, but also had some alterations already done to the garments she had. She brought a suit jacket and four pairs of slacks that she felt were not fitting her well. As she tried each item on, the jacket being the first, she realized that the jacket actually fit her quite well. I couldn't see anything that would warrant an alteration as a necessity.

What I thought was going to be a very expensive job for the client and timely one for myself, based on what she shared on the phone, turned out to be a less costly situation.

As she tried each item on, I listened to her and learned that she had started to do more exercises. So, even though she wasn't planning on anymore weight loss, the clothes could continue to change how they looked on her. Yet, with three pairs, I made some adjustments that made an obvious difference in how they would fit.

One of the things I won't do is provide alterations that are not necessary. It is not fair to the client to spend hard earned resources on something that will not make a difference for them. They are depending on me to provide a fit that will allow them to feel good about how they look in their clothes, and in the case of this clients clothing already being altered, whether more alterations can be done. I will educate them where I can, show the suggested changes and let them decide whether it provides them the look they are seeking, prior to them leaving.

My goal, is to help my client feel comfortable and confident when their garment is altered. This is why I take the time needed in the first fitting.

May we all strive to look our best, feel confident in who we are, while living our lives to the fullest.

Laura
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
http://www.davinadawnsewing.com