[ fashion ] :: alterations!

I can't remember if I've mentioned this before, so I promise I'm not bragging, but since January of this year I've lost approximately 40 pounds. Go me! (Ok, so I am a little braggy.)

Losing weight has made me feel better about myself, while teaching myself how to have more self-discipline and becoming physically stronger. It has been an amazing experience, but the down side of it all is that many of my beautiful clothes didn't fit anymore.

Solution: alterations.

In some instances, it was not worth my time or money to have my clothes altered. T-shirts, Old Navy jeans, and inexpensive clothing was either sold at our garage sale or donated to charity. Some clothes were just way too big (a size 16 when I really needed a size 10), and were donated, too.

Alterations can range anywhere from $10 (taking up a hem) to $50 (altering a blazer or dress), so you have to choose wisely when selecting your clothes to take in. Keep in mind that the more complicated or labor-intensive the alteration is, the more it will cost. In some situations, it's less expensive to replace the clothing entirely than pay for it to be altered.

For example: I had a pair of wool dress pants from Talbots that I paid $35 for on sale. Would I pay $35 to have them taken in? No. I just went and bought another pair at the Talbots outlet...for $17.99.

However, I did have some "investment pieces" of clothing that weren't so big that they couldn't be taken in. These items were an amazing steal when I bought them and are super-duper flattering.

Like this J.Crew schoolboy blazer I got last year - it was originally $198 and I got it for $69...in a tall size! It's actually long enough for my monkey arms. I have it in two colors and wear them all the darn time. Will I ever get a deal like that again? Nope.

Or this Kate Spade dress - originally $298, I got it for around $80 if I remember correctly. It is conservative enough for work, but ultra-flattering! One of my favorite dresses. Of All Time. It's a little hard to see, but there is a big bow on the front and it has pockets!!!

I am straight-up in love with the lady who does my alterations. We consider her a family friend and she is a miracle worker - really, I think she has an amazing God-given talent for dressmaking and alterations. As I re-organize my closet this week, I find more and more things that need to be taken in...I'll be paying her another visit soon!

- Maggie White

[ fashion ] :: ModCloth stylish surprise

Woot! I have a new blog label [ fashion ] and some new duds from ModCloth.

I posted about ModCloth's Stylish Surprise the other day - for $15 you get a "surprise" article of clothing in your size that normally ranges in price from $30-$300. So I ordered two surprises.

Gillybean's order arrived before mine - she got a pair of shoes that are absolutely adorable and a killer dress. I was really nervous! It really is a gamble what you will receive...will it fit? Will you like it? Will you actually wear it?

When I first opened the box, I saw something rust-colored (yuck) and something royal blue (yay).

I opened this skirt first: The Breathtaking Tiger Lillies Skirt, retail $49.99. I may not like the color, but this is hands down, the most flattering skirt ever. The more I look at that rust color, the more I think it's perfect for fall and it goes with a ton of things I already have. The Hubs helped me pick out an outfit (he says it needs heels...) and said he would take a picture later. I'm lucky to have a husband who tells me what looks good and what doesn't. What a saint.

I give this skirt a 3/5 for quality (it's polyester), a 3/5 for color, but a 5/5 for fit. Holy cow, it looks good. If I order this in black, then I'll probably size down so it will fit better in the waist.

Next up, this blue dress. ModCloth calls it the Sci-Fi Heroine Dress, retail $47.99. I think I'm a little too booby and too tall for it, but The Hubs insists it looks good (but I think with tall boots, or else I show way too much leg!).

I give this skirt a 4/5 for quality, a 5/5 for color (it's less navy and more royal blue), and a 2/5 for fit.  It is a silhouette that I like, but the waist band hits a little high on the bust and the zipper and snaps around the neck are not my style.

Now - the verdict. 

Do I like my clothes? I am in love with the skirt, and am still on the fence about the dress (even though it is flattering). If I can't figure out if I love the dress (and if I'll actually wear it) then it will go on eBay ($15 + shipping).

Would I normally buy these? Nope! But I'm glad to get to try something different.

How much did I save? Excluding shipping, I paid $30 for clothes that retail for  $97.98 ($67.98 off retail).

Would I buy a Stylish Surprise again? Yep! Next time, I'll buy 4. If all else fails, I can make my money back on eBay or give the clothes as gifts.

What do you think? Did I score a good deal?

- Maggie White

P.S. - The Hubs took a picture of me dorking around in my new skirt. He is so patient. I paired my skirt with a plain white t-shirt and my favorite scarf. I look like a pumpkin!