Hemming Pants

Image Credit: Bergen.com

When I was growing up, I would have to regularly stand on a chair while my mom pinned up my pants, preparing to hem them. Over the years as a petite woman, I have had countless pairs of pants hemmed, although it's been nice to just roll up my jeans sometimes. My co-worker and I talk about how we like our pants hemmed, depending on the style and weight of the pants. Wardrobe Oxygen did an excellent job breaking down the "proper" length for various pants. Read it!

Time for Some Tailoring

Photo Credit: Gina DeNuccio


Today I headed to my favorite tailor, Kim at Kim's Tailoring on the Mesa. I had set aside a blouse that needed its sleeves enlarged. (Who decided the sleeves needed to end in super tight elastic?)  I also wanted Kim to tack the opening of a dress that was a bit low for everyday wear. Then I realized I had a few other items that I had been looking at, pulling out of my closet, and then not wearing, for quite awhile. This included two skirts that were just too big in the waist, and a  new (consignment store) skirt whose slit in the back was a bit torn.

So I took all of my items to Kim's--only to learn she was out of town until May 6. Darn it! Now that I had finally put together a number of garments to be altered by her talented hands, I felt impatient. I may wait for Kim, but others have referred me to the following tailors with high praise:

Joan Wilkin at Nordstrom: : (805) 564-8770 ext. 1820
JRA Designs: 3 West Carrillo, Suite 202
Lee's Tailoring: 967-2869

Tony The Tailor: 30 W Mission St. (805) 569-3967

Eli's Place: 1236 Coast Village Cir # Q (805) 969-5995




Once I get my clothing tailored, I will have some wonderful "new" things to wear. I cannot wait (really!). Look in your closet today. If you see garments you truly like but haven't worn because they need a little tweaking, now is the time to take them to a tailor. Or just get rid of them once and for all (I am talking to you, Sunny!).

Meticulous

Sometimes the detail-oriented person in the group is a big pain in the neck. I recall the mom at a recent parent meeting who asked the teacher how much an upcoming project was worth, why it was 60% and not 70%, and then went into excruciating detail about her daughter's project timeline. The rest of us rolled our eyes and groaned. The coupon clipper in front of me in line at the grocery store, who wants to know if she will get her 15% off of Saran Wrap when it comes in, is also annoying to me.

However, sometimes I have nothing but respect and praise for such types. When we were having our kitchen remodeled, I loved that Kevin re-did some wiring because it stuck out from under a cabinet about a 1/16th of an inch. Being a stickler myself at times, I also appreciated the piano repair man who was not satisfied until he adjusted our keyboard just right.

Last week I accompanied a client to get some clothing tailored at Nordstrom. We were so fortunate to get expert tailor/fitter Joan Wilkin that day. She looked carefully at each garment, asking what needed to be done, and figuring out the best solutions. Joan went far beyond a typical fix, cleverly tucking here and pinning there. I would highly recommend Joan, for both Nordstrom and non-Nordstrom items. She is precise, meticulous, and a perfectionist, in the best possible way.