I picked up the green wool dress this week and tried it on for my tailor. She was a bit nervous about the lining replacement, the new silk had to be hand-sewn into the bodice and she was certain it was going to pull and be a big mess.
As soon as I put it on I was more than happy with the transformation, the silk is warm and smooth and a perfect barrier to the wool. There was no pulling across the bodice as my tailor had feared, I think she was as pleased as I was!
The entire cost to rehabilitate the green wool J.Crew frock was $90: $45 for the green silk charmeuse and $45 to the tailor, tax all-in.
I've brought the frock down to the dry cleaner so that it will be ready to go on St. Patricks's Day, I'll be able to show you the hand-stitiching then. I've left a coral silk taffeta dress with the tailor to be picked up in two weeks time, the next segment of Frock Rehab.
My thoughts on the process? It's a hassle and it's expensive. Still, I think it is worth it to fix a dress which otherwise might not be worn and which has some fine attributes, lining aside. To wear a silk lined dress is really comfortable and luxurious, great for sensitive skin and breathable on the body.
That said, my goal going forward is to never buy a dress if I have to re-line it. I can certainly get by with the frocks I have and if I really want something new I'll look to Brora for a silk dress, or be certain that any other silk dress I buy is unlined. Polyester be gone!
I hope your Friday is going well and that you enjoy your weekend. I'll see you Monday.
xoxDani
That's fantastic, you are so lucky to have her, all my tailors can do it take up hems by a inch, they have ruined so many things that I don't even try any more.
ReplyDeleteSo glad it was a success Dani! Can't wait to see!
ReplyDeleteThe color is gorgeous, I cannot wait to see pics of this. Sounds like your tailor did an amazing job. I am lucky to know an excellent tailor. I have many things tailored, and she always does a perfect job. I don't mind paying a bit for this, because then fit is impeccable and I'm wearing a garment that sits well on my body. There's nothing worse to me than fussing with clothes that don't fit quite right. I have not tried relining a dress but I wouldn't hesitate to do it if the need arose.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased Dani! I think it is worth the investment, since it is a smart looking dress and really, would be nice to get your investment out of it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations are in order, well done! glad you had the courage to go through with it, it sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear it worked, Dani. The labor is actually less than I expected, it's a lot of hand work involved. It is expensive but better to have a few perfect dresses than a closet full of clothes each with something to bother you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it all worked out Dani. You are lucky to have such an accomplished seamstress nearby.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
How wonderful that it worked out so well, and in my opinion $90 isn't too bad.... in Australia our labour costs are so high that a skirt I had altered cost me $90, with no extra fabric purchased, just alterations alone. Your thing about silk linings influenced me in a good way this week, I was very tempted by a dress on The Outnet - it had been $2000, and was reduced to $330, in my size only (Alberta Feretti brand), the outside was black silk with some beautiful subtle pleating detail, and it would have looked great with my existing tuxedo jacket, but then I read that the lining was 100% rayon, and I went from almost purchasing it to deciding against. I was also trying to stop buying dresses, as I commented last week, so this helped me keep my resolve! Have a great weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Aus resident I concur. I had a J Crew skirt taken in recently and the alterations cost me more than the skirt! Well done on not buying that dress!
DeleteThat's a great idea! I loathe nylon/poly linings, particularly in summery clothes. I have a beautiful linen and silk striped dress. However, it's lined in nylon and on a typical Sydney summer's day of 38 degrees it feels like I'm in a sauna. I'm definitely going to get my tailor to re-line it for me next summer. I'm sure it will cost more than $90, though....
ReplyDeleteIt's so annoying that clothes are lined in vile fabrics.
SHAMROCK ON Dani, also delighted for you the experiment was a complete success. And I have to say that's really not a bad tailor/ seamstress rate considering the bodice and setting the waistband of the lining in smoothly. I have very little that doesn't have to go to the tailor, especially any trousers, dresses or jackets. Have gotten used to factoring it into the cost of purchase and am with Desert Flower that a "nip tuck" is well worth it if the item gets worn.
ReplyDeleteYou are very fortunate to have such an intrepid and talented tailor. It is wonderful that it worked out exactly as you had hoped at such a reasonable cost. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeletewow! I'm impressed and think that $90 is a bargain. You now have a perfect dress that you'll enjoy wearing for years to come for the cost of cardigan. thanks for the update....
ReplyDeleteThis is is wonderful news and might I add that's a bargain. It's something you've talked about for a long time and now you can pick your favourites. I took a dress in that needed to be taken in and it cost 150.00. I've tried 2 different tailors and both were very expensive.So happy for you.
ReplyDeleteI know the cost was a bit expensive but $45 for the tailoring was a bargain. Trust me, no easy task for your tailor. Mine cost $10 juat to hem a pair of jeans. So glad it worked out. Hit her hard and fast with all your rehabs before she catches on and doubles the price.
ReplyDeleteHi Dani-I think you should be giddy with success! The dress was pretty on the outside, now its beautiful on the inside-just like all our mommies told us we should be.
ReplyDeleteYour new photo leaves me breathless.
ReplyDeleteHi Dani, I am so glad to hear the rehab was a success. I can't believe your tailor only charged you $45 for her services! That is a bargain. The tailor I work with would probably have charged me three times that amount. I had a tailored dress taken in at the sides, and that cost about $60. Can't wait to see how the dress looks on you!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Love the pic, wistful and meditative!
ReplyDeleteSatisfying that you could bring this dress back into active and comfortable use. A very green thing to do with a green dress!
ReplyDeleteYes, when you buy something and you must have tailor work done on it, be sure you will keep and wear the garment a lot because it is expansive. But it is lots of work... So the price is justified. I hope you will enjoy this dress as its color definitely look vibrant! Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful emerald green...so glad the rehab worked out. I just took a bunch of things to the tailor. Needed smelling salts when the bill came.
ReplyDeleteGlad everything worked out with the dress - taking garments to tailors to fix is definitely hit and miss! Good job!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect trick to make your wardrobe your own. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear this and love the texture of the green. Would love to see a pic of you wearing it!
ReplyDeleteThat gorgeous colour alone would make it worth saving, Dani. You are a heroine, saving the lives of two dresses! Looking forward to seeing them.
ReplyDelete