Crunch Time!

The week before Christmas is like a time warping anomaly that creeps up on us every year–we know it is coming, and yet always seem so surprised and panicked once it gets here! There are suddenly not enough hours in the day, finishing your gift shopping seems like an impossible feat, and there are just too many pies and cookies to be baked in the kitchen.

Well, let us help put your mind at ease this season–The Tailor Maid is here for you for your last minute alterations!! Our Express Service promises to get your alterations completed, back in your hands, and have you off to your Holiday parties looking smart, sharp & tailored in 48 hours or less!! (OK, we can’t promise you’ll be on time for your parties, but we’ll take care of the sewing!)

So amidst your holiday hustling & bustling, stop by The Tailor Maid  and we’ll help you out during this busy time of year! Now go get that shopping done!

We’ll see you soon, and Happy Holidays!!

-TTM

We Like Lace!

Lace seems to be everywhere this season…and The Tailor Maid isn’t complaining! Possibly the most chic and feminine embellishment to date, it’s no surprise that this delicate art form has made quite the comeback on ready-to-wear garments and accessories this year.

When styled correctly, lace can completely change the look and attitude of a garment. The Tailor Maid is prepared to keep you in style by adding lace to your favorite looks…take a look at this plain cardigan and note the transformation!

Before…

A little lace, and you’ve got a whole new look! This cardigan is now feminine, chic, and completely unique!

…After!

Come into The Tailor Maid today and see what garments of yours we can hem, alter, and now decorate with lace!

We’ll see you soon!

–TTM

Great Lengths.

With summer on the horizon and vacations to be taken, it’s probable that you might have a pair of capris or cropped jeans waiting to be packed in your suitcase. While these two lengths of pants are the most recognizable hem lengths when it comes to summer trouser options, don’t forget the rest of the family!

There are more hem lengths now than ever to choose from, including our new-found favorite, the 7/8ths jean, from companies like J Brand. But not to worry–we’ll run through all your options so you can choose just the right length for your body type!

What’s more? Whatever length you choose, The Tailor Maid will hem them to your liking. We’re always here to help you make these decisions–especially when you’ve got so many options to choose from! Read on for a run-down of all the great hem lengths, and a little info about each one!

Bermuda:

Bermudas

Technically a short, but almost a pant–meet the Bermuda short.  The Bermudas hit right above the knee (usually 1″ above) and are a semi-casual form of dress. Also known as a walking short, they can be worn (or hemmed) either cuffed or un-cuffed.

Clam Diggers:

Clam Diggers

This length is just a tiny bit longer than the Bermuda short, but still shorter than a pedal pusher or capri (keep reading, we’re getting to them!) Clam diggers hit just below the knee, and can often be longer pants that are intended to be cuffed to this length.  Historically, this was the length that pants or skirts/dresses had to be hiked up to whilst wading in the water, digging for clams. Hence, the name!

Pedal Pushers:

Pedal Pushers

Another appropriately named hem, this time for a trouser short enough so that it would not get caught on the pedals of your bicycle while ridding. This hem hits right at the top of the calf muscle.

Capri:

Capri

Just a smidge longer than a pedal pusher, but the same idea. Depending on fabric, capris can be dressy or casual, and a single pair can often take you from day through night with ease. (*Fashionista’s note: Capris can be a tricky fit for a lot of people–make sure that they don’t chop you off and make you look stumpy or shorter than you really are, as they are known to do at times! The hem width can be a make-it-or-break-it aspect of your pant here.)

Cropped:

Cropped

Cropped pants are longer than capri pants and pedal pushers, but still are not a full trouser.  The hem hits mid calf, well above the ankle. Many cuts of cropped pants are available, and aren’t strictly meant for summer! (Add tights, heels, a belt, and cardigan, and “hello, Fall!”)

7/8th:

7/8th pant

Like we said, our new favorite look.  The 7/8th jean ideally hits 3″ above the ankle bone, perfect for showing off those dancing feet. The neat thing here is, you can simply cuff a pair of your fave jeans into this new length for a new spin on your outfit! The 7/8ths jean from J Brand even come with a ruler, to make sure you get the hem length right! Too cute, J Brand.

Floods:

Floods

Last but not least, before we get all the way down to a regular hem, we have the floods, also known as high waters. Longer than the 7/8ths, but not a full hem. We recommend wearing this hem cuffed to the flood length, in order to avoid the “my pants are just too short” look!

With so many nuances of lengths to wade through, we get that you might be overwhelmed. So our top tips for deciding on your pant length?

• No matter which style you choose, make sure the length is deliberate and decisive, so your pants don’t end up just looking too short.
• Make sure you choose a length that doesn’t cut you off at your widest part. (IE if you have thicker calves, maybe steer clear of capris and try something either shorter or longer, that shows off a smaller part of your leg.)
• Also be conscious of your height when choosing your hems–if you’re on the shorter side, show off a little more leg!
• Changing your hem length is a great way to update your pants! You can take one pair, hem them about a dozen times, and end up with tons and tons of looks, for a 12th of the price!

Hopefully this list of all the “great lengths” has opened your eyes to more outfit possibilities, and we bet your shoes will be happy to share the spotlight for the summer 🙂 Oh, and when your significant other tosses your “line dry only” slacks in the dryer, you’ve got one fabulous–OK, like seven!–back up plans.

Try companies like Ann Taylor, J Brand, Victoria’s Secret, or Banana Republic for a wide variety of offered hem lengths.

Bring your pants, of every length, to The Tailor Maid today and let us hem your pants to perfection, no matter what length you choose!

-TTM

Travel the World in Style!

We all know that looking your best can be a challenge sometimes when you’re on the go.  If you’re a jet setter, a frequent traveler, or just on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is how your clothes are going to look when you open up that suitcase, which probably had a rougher journey than you just did.

So enjoy these  travel tips to make sure your wardrobe arrives to your destination in one piece! Read on to also receive a great offer from Going in Style, Stanford Shopping Center’s unique travel store that features clothing and travel accessories!

1. Layer Layer Layer!

To avoid over-packing, bring pieces that will layer nicely and can mix and match to form different outfits. This way, you can add or remove garments to create new looks, but your suitcase won’t weight a ton.

2. Accessorize!

While we’re talking about mixing and matching, don’t forget to pack accessories! Accessories can often be left off the list when pulling together your travel bags, but don’t leave them behind! You’d be surprised how much of a difference they actually can make to your outfits, not to mention how dramatically they can change your look. The same few pieces can look totally different when you switch out a few accessories and pull down your ponytail.

3. Leave the Linen at Home!

Pack fabrics that will travel well and be resistant to wrinkles. Wool and silk are good choices, along with natural/synthetic blends (example: 100% cotton is going to wrinkle much more than a poly/cotton blend).  Fabrics that breathe, don’t show dirt, and are easy to launder are also great choices for one on the go. You don’t want to look like a wrinkled mess at a business meeting or in all your vacay photos, so leave that linen at home!

4. Roll it up

Be efficient in HOW you pack your clothes. Try the roll-up method to thwart wrinkles and maximize your storage space. Place tissue paper in your delicate items when rolling to protect your nice blouses or sweaters, or anything with fancy buttons,  or detailing that may snag fabric. With this method of packing, you can see more of what you have packed for less rummage time! (Plus, they’re kind of pretty!)

5. Be prepared

Pack something for both ends of the event spectrum–there is nothing worse (well, ok, there are worse things) than being surprised with a fancy dinner invitation when all you’ve packed are safari clothes. Take along a casual dress and some jeans and sneakers, because sometimes, you just don’t know what you’ll end up doing. Let the girl scout in you shine through by thinking ahead!

Going somewhere soon?  The Tailor Maid also offers an EXPRESS SERVICE! For those times when you need quick hems or an emergency alteration, we can have it ready for you in under 48 hours so you won’t miss that flight!

Also, for you travel-istas: when you visit Going In Style at the Stanford Shopping Center and mention The Tailor Maid, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase! This offer is good throughout the month of May and is valid for regularly priced merchandise. Enjoy!

Well, you’re ready to enjoy your vacation or business trip, worry free! We can’t promise your flight will be on time, but now you’ll be less stressed to arrive in style…no matter what time that is!

Bon Voyage!

–The Tailor Maid