Getting the Right Fit

Finding clothes that fit off the rack is nearly impossible for the curvy petite woman.

Most of my clothes are altered, especially suit jackets.

AFTER

Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

I love blazers for their structure and versatility, but without a good fit, they can look very sloppy.

BEFORE

When I bought this suit, the jacket's sleeves were too long, the arm holes too large,  and the shoulders too wide.  The pants were "short" fit, but they were also a bit too long.

While it's difficult to get a perfect fit without having an item made especially for you, a good tailor can get you close.

When purchasing a blazer, you should buy to fit the largest part of you.  Letting a jacket out is usually not as an option as manufacturers do not leave a lot of excess room in women's clothing.  Even if there's enough extra fabric, letting a jacket out may lead to unsightly holes depending on the color and fabric.

Bracelets:  The Limited (Available: here and here)

Ideally, if you can wear petites, do so as a petite jacket will be better proportioned all around, making the need for alterations fewer (and usually leading to a better fit after alterations).   

Now, my suit flatters my body and doesn't make me look like a kid playing dress up. :-)

Shirt:  The Limited

Extensive tailoring doesn't come cheap, so it's important to weigh the use value of the clothing item against the cost of getting it tailored.

A grey suit is classic, is functional for a conservative work place like mine, and is perfect for job interviews, so in my opinion (and for my life), it's worth it to invest in the tailoring.

Today, I paired my grey suit with a purple floral knit top that has a surprise back.

Lose the jacket, add some dangly earrings and a clutch, and you have a suitable (pun totally intended ;-D) look for an after-work dinner out.

Olympic Fever!

 

Inspired by the colors of the British and American flags, today's look is another attempt at the continuing color blocking trend.

I love that the blazer has a polkadot lining.  I'm borderline obsessed with polkadots. 

Pants:  The Limited (Similar:  https://www.thelimited.com/Exact-Stretch-Bootcut-Pants/6438716,default,pd.html?dwvar_6438716_colorCode=150&start=2&ppid=c2&cgid=pants&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black)Jacket:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.thelimited.com/Knit-Jacket/2825701,default,pd.html?dwvar_2825701_colorCode=795&start=8&ppid=c8&cgid=jacket-blazer)

Leather and metal cuff:  old - New York & Company?

Rondell crystal earrings:  The Limited (Available: http://www.thelimited.com/Rondell-Earrings/1611046,default,pd.html?dwvar_1611046_colorCode=100&start=16&ppid=c40&cgid=earrings)
Flower studs:  The Limited (Available: http://www.thelimited.com/Modern-Flower-Stud-Earrings/1614058,default,pd.html?dwvar_1614058_colorCode=13&start=16&ppid=c16&cgid=sale-jewelry&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Silver)

Blouse:  The Limited (Available:  http://www.thelimited.com/Bow-Front-Sleeveless-Shirt/4523318,default,pd.html?dwvar_4523318_colorCode=244)
Tote:  New York & Company (Similar:  http://www.shopstyle.com/item/silk-elements-sally-beauty-retro-chain-tote/298729940)
Shoes:  Target (Similar:  http://www.zappos.com/nine-west-rocha-black-patent-pu)

I rarely wear button-down tops because I find it difficult to find ones that don't gape open too drastically.  Often button-down tops simply don't accommodate a larger bust.  Button placement is also an issue - due to a shorter stature, the button placement is often in the wrong place.  This top provided ample bust room, and the button placement was great. The self-tie bow also helps provide bust coverage, just in case.

To avoid gaping, the button placement should fall across the fullest part of the bust.  If you don't mind the hassle, double-sided tape or even Velcro or a hidden snap could help prevent an unplanned peep show.

Another issue with many button-down tops is that they are usually too long.  I was able to get this one hemmed due to a longer tail, and now the length is perfect.

Do you wear button-down tops?  Do you have issues with fit?  If so, what are your solutions?