Category: Alterations Advice & Tips

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Firstly some general principles to be aware of:

We aim to be, and believe we are, the premium clothing alterations and repair service in Essex. That means we DON’T aim to be the cheapest. We do aim to offer great value for money by delivering flawless alterations and repairs from welcoming, bright, clean and professional shop with friendly, helpful and fun service.

Having come into the clothing alterations and repairs business, knowing nothing about it, 10 years ago I have learnt so much. Specifically, how much talent, creativity and skill the seamstresses have. That is why we don’t pay our staff the national minimum wage, or even the Real Minimum Wage. They deserve and earn more than both these. That way we attract and keep the highest skilled people which allows us to offer our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with such confidence.

Quality of work is our No 1 obsession, closely followed by great customer service. Yes we want to be quick and productive but not at the cost of quality. Our team go the extra mile to ensure you’re happy with the work done for you.

We are VAT registered. Please remember that 20% of everything you spend with us goes straight to the government. So, whilst you will pay £12.75 to shorten a pair of trousers we’re actually doing it for £10.63.

We don’t want our customers or staff to feel cramped. So we have a larger shop with plenty of space, a customer waiting area and spacious fitting rooms with proper doors, mirrors and great lighting. It cost us a little more but we think it’s the right thing we do if we want to be the best.

Right. So, with that said let’s talk pricing.

We have 3 pricing bands for each alteration that we do. We have our VIP price, Premium and standard. The quality of the work and alteration is exactly the same in all 3 bands.

Our VIP service obviously includes the alteration. After the work is completed, the garment is steamed, pressed and placed on a hanger with a dry cleaning cover ready for pick up. There is also an express element in the VIP package where we guarantee an express turnaround within 2 working days.

Our Premium Service is the same as the VIP service excluding the express turnaround guarantee.

Our Standard Service is our regular alteration service. The alteration is completed to the same high standard but the whole garment is not ironed. Is placed on a hanger for collection and will be placed in a bag when you collect.

How do you set your prices?

Prices for each alteration are based on the length of time the alteration takes the alterologist (seamstress) to do. We set the price so that after the VAT, labour cost, utilities, rent, rates, stock etc etc is taken out there is some profit, not a lot, trust me, but enough.

Why are all your prices listed as “from” on your price list?

For the items where we have listed a price 90% of the time that will be the price you are charged. It will only change if there is something in the way the garment is made that it will take a longer or short period of time of to do the work, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.

Not all alteration prices are listed, why is that?

There are certain alterations that really require the Alterologist (seamstress) to see the garment as there are too many “unknowns” to be able to give a guide price. These are mainly for dress alterations such as:

• Take in waist
• Let out waist
• Take in Shoulders
• Restyling dresses
• Wedding & Prom Dresses

You will be given a no obligation quote after the fitting so you can make an informed decision.

I hope this has been useful.

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First Impressions: More Than Just a Cliché

We’ve all heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This phrase holds true, especially in situations where judgment is passed within seconds. Studies suggest that people form an opinion about someone within the first seven seconds of meeting them. These initial judgments are often based on non-verbal cues, including your appearance.

Wearing clothes that fit your body shape not only ensures that you look polished but also that you feel comfortable and confident. Ill-fitting clothes, on the other hand, can send the wrong message. A suit that’s too loose may appear sloppy, while a dress that’s too tight can be distracting and uncomfortable. That’s where professional alterations come into play, turning a good outfit into a great one.

Tailoring: The Key to a Perfect Fit

Tailoring isn’t just about making clothes smaller or shorter; it’s about enhancing your garment so that it complements your unique body shape. Whether it’s a suit jacket that needs tapering at the waist, a dress that requires hemming, or a pair of trousers that need adjusting, tailoring can make a world of difference in how your clothes fit and feel.

At our shop, we specialize in alterations and restyling for both men and women. From everyday clothes to wedding attire and formal wear, we understand the importance of achieving the perfect fit. Our free consultation and pinning service allow us to work with you closely, ensuring that every alteration is tailored to your specific needs.

Confidence Through Customization

There’s an undeniable boost in confidence that comes from wearing clothes that fit you perfectly. When you know that your suit or dress was tailored specifically for you, it shows. You stand a little taller, move a little more freely, and engage more confidently. This newfound confidence can be the key to leaving a lasting, positive impression, whether you’re interviewing for a job, giving a presentation, or making a grand entrance at a special event.

Our alteration and restyle services aren’t just about changing the size of your clothes; they’re about enhancing your entire wardrobe to make you feel your best. We believe that everyone deserves to look and feel great in their clothes, which is why we offer expert tailoring services designed to fit your body and your style.

Why Choose Professional Alterations?

While off-the-rack clothing might be convenient, it’s rarely perfect. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and mass-produced garments simply can’t cater to everyone’s unique dimensions. Professional alterations ensure that your clothes are adjusted to your body shape, enhancing your natural features and providing a tailored fit that’s often only found in custom-made clothing.

By choosing our expert tailoring services, you’re investing in your wardrobe and your confidence. Whether it’s altering a party dress for a night out, restyling a formal gown, or perfecting the fit of a business suit, our team is here to ensure you make the best possible impression, every time.

Conclusion

In a world where first impressions matter, perfectly fitted clothes are a game-changer. Tailoring and alterations aren’t just for special occasions; they’re an essential part of any wardrobe. With our expert alterations and restyle services, we’ll help you look your best and feel even better—so you can make every first impression count.

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Eyelet, Pencil Pleat & Pinch Pleat Curtains

Measuring the correct curtain width

Measure the curtain track or pole width, not the window width. It’s important that this is the measurement provided.

 We have put against each header style the amount you need to x the width to get the amount of curtain material you need.

Alternatively the curtain fabric supplier will be able to help when ordering the fabric or give us a call. 

For the most part, you will be unable to adjust the width of the curtains once they are made, so it’s important that the width measurement is as accurate as possible. 

If fitting a new track or pole, this should extend 15cm to 20cm either side of the window and at least 15cm above.

Curtain poles

For a curtain pole simply measure the width of the pole between any finials or end caps, that is the width you should use.

Curtain tracks

For a standard curtain track simply measure the full width of the track, that is the width you should enter.

Curtain tracks with overlap

If your track has an overlap in the centre, measure the full width of the track (a) and the width of the overlap (b). Add the two together and that is the width you should enter.

Measuring the correct curtain drop

Curtains can be hung either to the floor, to the sill or to below the sill. We suggest that curtains finish either;

• 1.5cm above the floor
• 15-20cm below the sill (or 2 – 3cm above the radiator)
• 1.5 cm above the sill

Pencil & Pinch pleat pole heading

​When using a curtain pole, measure from the underside of the decorative ring to where you want the curtain to finish at the bottom.

Alternatively, if you’d like the pole and decorative rings to be covered by the curtains,  start your measurement from the top of the decorative rings.

Pencil & Pinch pleat track heading

When using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to where the curtain is to finish at the bottom.

Eyelet heading

Our eyelet heading curtains will fit poles up to 30mm in diameter. Simply measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtain to finish at the bottom. We will make the curtain with 3cm of fabric above the top underside of the eyelet where it sits on the pole. We will do this automatically so no need to measure for this.

If you have any questions, just ask and our team will be happy to help.