Good Housekeeping
Note to self last week. One pair of boots need stitching, one pair of new Jimmy Choos need a rubber sole added before I wear them. Two dresses for dry cleaners. One dress to Alterationist to have sleeves let out (I have fat arms apparently). Total Cost = 70 euro. Wow I’m just realising how important taking care of clothes and shoes is and how I extend the life of them.
Buying good clothes and shoes that have to last mean that I am constantly taking good care of them so here’s a few bits of advise from one who gets multiple wear out of timeless pieces.
First Find the best alterationist and make friends with him or her. A bad one will ruin a garment a good one can transform it. Second find the best cobbler and make friends with him. Third find the very best Dry Cleaner. That may seem very simple but believe me there’s a huge difference between a mediocre shoe repair shop and a really excellent one. I have fat calves which means that often I find fabulous boots which won’t zip up. C&D in Donneybrook can let out the boots and add an elastic insert which looks like it was part of the boot from the outset. They can also take a long boot and turn it into a short one should you decide that you are fed up of the knee high.
Always get rubber soles added to shoes before you wear them and never let the heels wear right down to the ground before re heeling them. Check at the beginning of each season and bring a few in. You can usually make a deal with the cobbler on the price and save money this way.
There are several really great Tailors and Alterationists and they are all doing a roaring trade at the moment. Waffa in Harold’s Cross and Upstairs in Jenny Vander come to mind but don’t leave it until the last minute because these ladies are very busy. You can change a neckline, narrow lapels, change shoulders, turn a straight skirt to a pencil, take a wide trouser leg and taper it to a more fashionable slim shape. You can take that older piece from the back of your wardrobe and give it a new lease of life.
Now I’m off to pack for flight to London in the morning. Blogging from there for the next few days!
