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Part 2 Fit Faux Pas – Danger Zones in Your Closet

January 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Up to this point we’ve been talking about the dangers in choosing the problem with pattern that cause wardrobe malfunction.  The second danger zone is fitting the body.

It never ceases to amaze me that even though there are at least 6 general body shapes, there is not a woman that shops who doesn’t expect to find the perfect fitting garment for her body.  Mind you that most clothes are cut to a model size 8, figure 8 with an average height of at least 5’6″.  I ask why and how can you expect to find something perfect if your body wasn’t made in a size 8/hourglass (mine’s not!)?????  The majority of American women have a triangle body line—but I digress.

The problem in your fit closet comes in 2 areas:

  1. Body Line
  2. Body Proportion

A woman’s body line is either “curvy” or “straight”.  Her proportion will either give her long or short legs(lower body), a long or short torso (upper body).  It’s encouraging to know that if you have been blessed with length in one area you will more than likely be not so blessed in another area.

Use length to your advantage and concentrate creating “visual” length where you are short.  If you have a high waist or if it  feels as if it sits right under your breast bone, you will be uncomfortable when you wear high waist pants or skirts.  It will make you appear shorter through the body and you’ll be “all legs”.

Consequently, if you have short legs, you will make them appear shorter by wearing long skirts or short heeled shoes.  There are many ways to create visual length and showing the right amount of skin is just one way. Color blocking and lines will also help.

Just remember, don’t focus (highlight) the negative by making what’s short look shorter.  By using the right camouflage techniques, you will create the illusion of balance and proportion every time!  Follow us next as we discuss trend trouble! Have fun with your color and have fun with your style and…

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Filed Under: Alterations, Articles, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

What’s an “Original” Hem?

November 12, 2009 By 2 Comments

Original HemLast week after buying a pair of jeans I decided that puddling on the floor just wouldn’t cut it.  I took the jeans to the dry cleaners to get a hem put in.  The gentleman asked me if I wanted the “original hem” put back in.  Of course I said “yes”.

An original hem is the same look that is on the denim as when you purchased it.  Of course I wanted “original hem”.  I picked them up 4 days later happy to wear my now hemmed jeans just skimming the floor.

While wearing them the next day, I crossed my legs only to find out their definition of “original hem” did NOT mean taking the old thread out but taking a “tuck” in the hem.  I paid $15 dollars for someone to put a “tuck” in my jeans???  I don’t think so.

Needless to say, I went back to the dry cleaners to ask for my money back.

He began to argue with me that this is what the “industry” calls an original hem.  Let me tell you, that may be what the dry cleaning industry calls an original hem, but true alterations experts DO NOT consider a fold and a tuck original hem.

Lesson learned, even hemming (which you would think would be a simple request) needs to be done by a qualified alterations person.

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing IT!”

Filed Under: Alterations, How To, Jeans Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Understanding and Getting a Great Fit

June 27, 2009 By 2 Comments

After posting numerous articles about why fit is so important, I realized suddenly that I haven’t talked alot about what it takes to get a great fit. First and foremost you must fit the largest part of your body. Your clothes should smooth gently over your curves without pulling. If you notice stress points in the following areas you should try a different size.

  1. Buttons pulling at bustline
  2. Pockets gaping open at hips
  3. Fly or zippers not closing easily
  4. Whiskering at crotch
  5. Buttons stretched or pulling at any point of closure
  6. Seams anywhere that are pulled
  7. Shoulder seams are not at the top of your shoulder bone
  8. Excess fabric in the back of your jacket

If you are having to suck your stomach, slouch, or in any way alter your normal posture to zipper, button or snap yourself  into your clothes that is a big red flag that this may be the wrong size.  Don’t worry as much about the number of the size you are trying on as the fit.  If the number is bothering you, but the fit looks great, cut out the number after you have taken the garment home.

Now, you must alter to fit.   Buying the right size for one part of your body may mean that it doesn’t fit another part-it is probably too big elsewhere.  This is O.K.  You are now going to make your new garment a custom fit for your body by getting it altered.

The alterations that I see most often is the result of a large chest or large hips.  A top or jacket that fits, often has shoulders that are too big.  Your alterations expert will be able to adjust the shoulders and excess fabric in the back to make it fit your body.

Slacks that fit the hips are often too big in the waist.  If you are having this problem, there are two things that you can try to help eliminate this.  One option is to purchase pants that sit a little lower on your waistline.  Another option is to try a side zip pant.

Sometimes just changing the style of the pant will help eliminate the gap found between the hips and the waist.  If all else fails again, your alterations expert can remove the excess fabric.  If you have large hips, steer clear of side pockets and slash pockets.  Not only do they add bulk to your widest part, then never stay closed because it is a significant stress point.  Opt instead for front facing pockets or better yet none at all.

Now that you understand how your garment should fit, go forth and

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.

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Filed Under: Alterations, Articles, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , ,