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 difference.

So much of a 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 straight to my best friend.

You know, my best friend: my tailor, Arsonal.

He’s down the street from my house & just tailors any $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 a recent event RACHEL ZOE ASKED ME WHERE I GOT MY WHITE SLACKS. THAT IS RIGHT. Rachel freaking Zoe.

So of course, I told her Forever21 & explained the whole tailor obsession. She gets it.

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

Between 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.

A more flattering hem line on that latest skinny jean? GOT YA COVERED.

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

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

Here are a couple 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.You’re going to want to see it in a photo.

2. Listen to your tailor

Tailors know best: what’s going to make things look cleaner and more fine-tuned, be it lowering the neckline, shortening the hem, or tapering the sleeve.

3.) Bring the correct undergarments

Again, 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.

4. 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.

5. Also! Bring inspiration photos

If you want your dresses to be form-fitting like they are on 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. Watch them in action. “A good tailor is very thorough when doing a fitting, careful with measuring, & 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

OUTFITS I’VE GOTTEN ALTERED: