Easy fix? Cheap as chips? - YouLookFab Forum

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Easy fix? Cheap as chips?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like this dress. It has a cotton lining and feels cool and floaty. It’d be my summer dream except for one thing—the gaping at the top, around the arms and in front. It seems to me the the side seam could be adjusted from the waist up, or just a couple darts taken under the arms. Are those kind of alterations possible, and what are they likely to cost? I know prices vary, but just a general indication would help. Thanks

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19 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’m not sure how well the pix show the issue. Basically, if I could grow some boobs it’d fit. I’d rather do reconstructive surgery on the dress than on me.

Also, excuse the weird pix. We’ve been having “too much fun” & I didn’t want people to be distracted by the marks of that. Sorry for the swimsuit & towels too.

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Kathie

Veteran

My first reaction is that the straps might be too long. But, honestly, the fit seems off, and it looks too short in the bodice for you, so shortening the straps would only exacerbate that problem. As for your question, about taking it in on the sides, I have no idea regarding the cost.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks Kathie! I tried holding up the straps, but that didn’t do the trick—still flapped under my armpits.

Astrid

Veteran

I've had my dresses taken in quite often because I couldn't quite fill them out. I don't know where in Berlin you live, but if she's still there I recommend going to "Reinigung und Änderungsschneiderei Frau Tran" in Wichertstraße 66 which is directly at the S-Bahn Schönhauser Allee. She did all my alterations when I lived in Berlin, for a very good price. And she always did a good job. I would guess maybe 10 Euros for the alteration, if prices haven't changed and it's as easy to fix as I suspect.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think Kathie is right — the fit doesn’t look right and it’s not something shortening the straps will help. I actually had a really similar armhole gaping in the Amour Vert dress I tried, and it was not for lack of boobage. The armhole is just not cut properly for my body. Plus if you shortened the straps, it would bring up the waist and make the whole dress shorter, and it doesn’t look like that would be advisable.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Janet, I agree that Kathie’s suggestion of shortening the straps won’t work. That’s what I was trying to say in my last comment. Cracking up at “lack of boobage”—a chronic condition for me.

Astrid

Veteran

I definitely agree that it's not some issue where simply shortening the straps would help. You probably need some darts in the back.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Astrid, thank you! That’s close to where I used to live (Schonensche Straße). I miss that part of town, so will take a trip up there next week and see what she says. ❤️ Right now I’m in the s-Bahn taking home my “new” ceiling lamp/fan.

Astrid

Veteran

I'm happy I could help you! I hope she has a good solution.

I'm also in the S-Bahn, on my way home from work. You found a ceiling lamp/fan in Germany? I'm impressed. I don't think I've ever seen one IRL. I only know them from American TV.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Yep, from the same place as the laundry press, http://www.twins-company.de It’s all second hand from hotels. I’ve never heard of ceiling fans over here either, but we looked them up at Media Markt and Hellweg. They had them, for several times the 29€ I paid for this one. I also plan to get some wall sconces to hang near that very modern desk. We’ll see how that mix goes.

For a laugh, here’s the old ceiling fixture. My son was goofing around with a new mop handle and nailed it. Good thing he didn’t hit the light bulb! I’m teasing him that he thought it was a piñata.

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Astrid

Veteran

Oh, that's a classic. I think I had a rice paper lamp in my bedroom/living room for all the years I lived in Berlin.

kkards

Veteran

honestly, if you don't mind, unless this was dirt cheap i dont see spending on altering it to fit....the straps are to long and the bust doesn't fit, and unless you go to a really good trailor i'm not sure its going to be an easy fix....becuase when you change lenght of the strap than the bust alteration will need to be different...

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Kkards, I’ll see if Astrid’s seamstress, Frau Tran, sees some magic she can work on it and report back. But not today anymore—it’s evening here—and not tomorrow—businesses are closed on Sunday.

Anonymous

It looks like it is too big on top as Kathie said. It also looks pretty short. If you want something that you can wear in the next summers as you get older, you might look for something with more coverage.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Joy, you seem to have my comments and Kathie’s mixed up.

Susie

Veteran

I’m not sure that the overall fit is right. I see the gaping but also the waist seam looks a bit high and the length a little short even for a summer dress.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Susie, I’ll have to get better pix once the bodice issue is fixed.

Sal

Veteran

I think the print is stunning so I see why you like it. Really fun tropical pattern.

I suspect alterations might be tricky to keep the length, but worth checking out. I have had a few things altered and it is very much 50:50 as to the success rate. Shoes have always been worth it however.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks Sal!