I started working in a corporate environment since 16 so I was exposed to suits and heels at an early age. Back then, my go-to brands for work clothes were Express and Victoria's Secret (clothes, not lingerie lol). Mi gosh, they were so incredibly big--at least two sizes too big but I couldn't find anything better. (I was a very skinny kid, 5'2 and under 90 lbs.) After college, I started to put on a few more lbs but still not enough to fill out the smallest size from those two brands. This skirt was one of my purchases then...it was huge on me before but the fit is actually decent now.
Top: really old, don't remember brand
Skirt: Express, XS
Lace Pumps: Ann Taylor
Ring: Amrita Singh + H&M; Watch: Omega
Handbag: Louis Vuitton
When I got my first "real" job upon graduation, I decided that I looked ridiculous in store-bought clothing so I started looking into getting them custom-made. I headed down to Orange County, bought tons of fabric and took them to a recommended tailor. I remember blowing $1200 in that one visit alone. (I used to be a big spender but I'm much more frugal now lol.) Plus, it takes up to 4 visits to have the suits completed (2 for drop off/pick up, 1 or 2 for fittings) and I'm not that close to OC so I wanted to make several suits at once. Below are some of my custom-made blazers...
I have matching pants for each blazer above but it was over 90 degrees here today so I couldn't stand to put them on. I rarely wear a full suit to work so my pants are much more loved than their counterparts. I think I should start wearing the blazers separately so they don't feel neglected.
And here's a close up of the gorgeous lace pumps. I got them on super sale so I was beyond excited. I've heard that Ann Taylor perfect pumps run big so I never bothered to try them...but I took a chance with these and they paid off. They run true to size so I only had to put in a couple of inserts and they fit perfectly!
A well-fitted blazer...
Ladies, I know several of you have experience with alterations...but have you had anything custom-made before?
Hmmm...only dresses and suits in Viet Nam. Your blazers look great!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! Never had anything custom made for me before, but I think for suits it's worth the investment if you need to wear them often.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a suit custom made but you make me want to give that a try! Everything fits so well but I am sure the price tag on those suits = astronomical.
ReplyDeletegreat blazers !!Such an investment piece!
ReplyDeleteHave you seen my latest post ?
http://v-fashionwise.blogspot.com/
Wow, your blazers are worth every penny because they fit you like a glove. I shouldn't be surprised, but I still can't help but marvel at how nice custom clothing fits.
ReplyDeleteThe lace pumps are the perfect pairing with your flared skirt. You look so feminine and polished. Love it!
I've often wished for a custom suit and I missed my opportunity when I was in HK. Your suit looks amazing and there really is nothing quite like custom clothing that's tailored just right. =)
ReplyDeleteI just had my first blazer altered and I thought it was amazing (just wrote a blog post on it too yesterday). But to have custom-made suits! Wow, I've never even thought of that! Now my alteration job looks lame next to your perfect-fit blazers! Where in OC can you get custom-made suits? Is $1200 for 3 suits total? You chose really nice fabrics too! Now I want to try a custom-made item.
ReplyDeletequestforfashionsense: hi there :) i would love to have my clothes made in asia countries. did you like the dresses & suits that you had made in Vietnam?
ReplyDeleteElained: thank you! i thought i would wear them a lot but sadly, i don't. i wear the pants a lot with different blazers but rarely the whole suit together.
Elle: actually, the price is not bad. if i remember correctly, it was under $150 for the tailor fee? plus the fabric so it depends if you choose expensive fabric or not. i'm sure everything is more expensive now though...
fashionwise: thank you. i hope i stay the same size forever...that would make them investment pieces lol.
Cee: thanks so much :) they fit so well but i have really neglected them. thanks to blogging, i'm rediscovering my closet hehe...
ReplyDeleteJess: don't miss that chance when you travel again ;) or you can always get them tailored in the US...but more expensive :P
Olyvia: i think i got 2 or 3 suits + some trousers pants for that price, can't remember exactly. i actually went there twice so don't remember which piece i got made first lol. from what i remember, the tailor fee is very reasonable...but the total cost also depends on the fabric you choose. i chose fabric that's on the more expensive side so yah... let me look up the info and i'll send you a message.
That skirt has such a stunning fit! You look great!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Gina
http://ginabiber.blogspot.com/
OMG! I really like the design, and very perfect combination with the shoes and the shirt. I was so amazed.
ReplyDeletecustom suit designer