What To Tailor: A Thought Process

Feeling a big allergic to color these days, except for burgundy of course! I think fall does that to me…black and grey start to look so enticing and feel so right, with pops of white to keep the look from feeling too heavy. I also feel like I can finally start carrying my Givenchy satchel bag again. It felt too heavy and cumbersome when I tried to grab it before heading out the door during summer, but right now it seems to work with everything. So weird how the seasons dictate what styles feel and look right, even if the temperature hasn’t shifted all that much yet. It also serves as a bit of nostalgia since this bag was my souvenir from our engagement-moon in Paris almost two years ago. Le sigh…

This print blazer is one of the few statement pieces I own, and it underwent a hefty tailoring job. When I embark on throwing so much cash at a piece like this, it feels so risky because who knows if I’ll still love it or it’ll still be in style a few years down the road. I like to ask myself a few questions before deciding to have a tailor overhaul a statement or non-totally-classic item:

Does it really speak to who I am and my personal style? I may feel attracted to something, maybe because it’s super on trend (let’s face it, we’re wired to like something when we see it over and over again…it’s human nature and why advertisers bombard us daily), or it’s just really pretty, but I have to be realistic and ponder if it’s really me. This is where having a clear idea of your personal style comes in handy. If your sense of personal style is strong, this question becomes easier to answer.

Is it made well and/or has something unique about it? I try to keep my tailoring overhauls to items that are starting off well made, of quality fabric, and that have a detail that makes them special to me (sometimes it’s as simple as having a chest pocket on a coat or blazer when the other options I’m mulling don’t). Have I had fast fashion items completely overhauled? Yes I have. But both were after great care and consideration about the style, details, and even fabric. I try to choose the item that best closely resembles what I’m going for in terms of fabric, silhouette, details, and price.

Is it just a trend? I don’t like to invest much money in trends, so I keep it classic as often as I can when it comes to getting something tailored. Of course, some trends will align perfectly with who you are stylistically, in which case, have at it! If it is a trend, I’ll ask myself another question:

Can I incorporate this trend into my closet in a way that makes it classic? That’s what I did with this blazer. The trend it was swimming in was the summer of the “print blazer” a few years ago. I liked the trend, but couldn’t find an item I liked that also fit. Instead, I found this black and white chevron print in a very classic and menswear silhouette that I loved. By keeping the silhouette in line with my personal style (Blazer, check. Menswear inspired, check), the color palette neutral, and the print basic, I figured out a way to incorporate the trend into my closet while still keeping it classic.

— Details —

Blazer Rag & Bone (second hand here, here & here)
Shirt LOFT
Jeans Rag & Bone thanks to Shopbop
Shoes Manolo Blahnik
Handbag Givenchy
Belt Linea Pelle
Bracelet Frye
Necklaces vintage & Downtown L.A.
Watch Larsson and Jennings

— Altered —

Blazer has been completely tailored down