Buying Online: 2014 Prom Dress Wisdom

I'm really surprised but I'm already thinking about prom dresses.  Maybe it's because someone just asked me where they should get their grand daughter's dress.  My friend Barb specifically asked about online dresses.    Buying a prom dress online is a gamble, some win, some lose.  Yes, the photos, websites, and prices are stunning, but really, you don't know what you're getting.  Remember modern day sizes are relative and mean very little.  What is most important are body measurements, accurately taken.  Even this done well, doesn't guarantee you a great fitting dress coming to your mail box.  However it does reduce your risk. Online companies usually have measurement charts that correspond with generic sizes.  They will want at the very least a bust, waist, and hip measurement.  To get an accurate measure, place the tape at the fullest point of the bust, parallel to the floor. The waist can be located at the side to side bending point or the smallest measurement between the bust and hips.  The hips should be measured at the place where your backside is the fullest, again parallel to the floor.   If you choose to order a prom dress online, I hope, with good measuring techniques, your dress is a winner! Good Luck!

Oversized jacket makeover

This is a jacket purchased at thrift store. Originally it was over sized with wide shoulders, too short sleeves and gaudy buttons. To fine tune the jacket to fit my model's body, I made several changes. First the buttons were removed and an old sleeve hem let out. Next the sleeve placement at the shoulder was narrowed 1". At least 2" was taken out of the circumference of the sleeve it's entire length. Finally to better fit the torso, side seams, princess lines, and center back seam were equally taken in. The result, a better fitting, more attractive jacket.