To Tailor Or Not To Tailor: 2 Theory Skirts in 00

I was shocked when I saw 2 Theory skirts online at Bloomie’s that were still available in a 00. Panicked, I acted on impulse and bought these two Theory skirts HOPING and PRAYING they would fit with slight alterations or possibly none at all. Unfortunately, all Theory size 00’s are NOT created equal. One skirt is HUGE and needs some major tailoring which means- more money and that equals an unhappy me:(  The other, I am on the fence about.

Here is the first one: Theory “TailorSherani” Wool Pencil Skirt– size 00
Click below to see what alterations I would need for the Theory “Tailor Sherani” pencil skirt and see how the “Ansena Classica” fits on me.
The “Tailor Sherani” skirt- I would have to take in the waist and sides which means my Tailor would have to make sure the pockets in the back are put together properly. I have 2 Victoria Secret skirts w/this exact same problem and the alteration costs were exuberant. I love love the color and I know I could match this up with many items in my closet for work. It was $190, then was $133 plus 20% plus 10% off and free shipping = $94.56. A bit pricey for a skirt but if it fit perfectly, I wouldn’t even think twice. 
Here is how it fits: 
  
The waist is HUGE on me and it should fit closer to my belly button. On the model, the length is several inches above her knee which would be the case had the waist fit properly. Right now, it’s sitting more towards my hips. This fits more like a size 4 than a 00! The width is not fitted so the sides need to be taken in by several inches. To tailor this to perfection, it will cost me roughly around $25 for the waist and $25 for the sides (depending on how much tweaking the pockets will need). Below is my attempt to show all the places I will need to change. The gray is where the pockets lay and will need to be moved when the sides and waist get taken in. Once the waist and sides are taken in, the length will be perfect so no need to touch that.
Worth it or return? I can’t decide! I know my tailor can make it look perfect but at what cost? Is it even worth it?

I found the matching heather gray jacket to go with. This is what it looks like:

Here is the full suit (*sigh*- I just love how it fits on the model)
Most readers know and can tell, I LOVE skirt suits. That’s all I buy. So when I can find a complete set- I go for it. Unfortunately, this blazer is way out of my budget at $375. I’ll check the outlet stores and if I can find this “Gabe” jacket in a 00 and in heather gray, then I’ll buy it but at this price, I’ll pass. I can’t stand that Theory doesn’t make it simple for you to find coordinating pieces to suits. I didn’t even see this matching jacket when I ordered the skirt. And for some reason, the skirt is still available in 00 and is back to regular price! What’s up w/that? 

The “Ansena Classica” exposed zipper skirt (similar HERE): I fell in love when I saw this online but didn’t know how it would look on a petite. Judging on how long my Theory Lecture “Joanie” skirt (see my post HERE) was- I was frightened at the length. I love exposed zippers for some reason. I just think they add a little pizazz to a dress or a skirt. Not sure how I would style this but I am quite torn. It fits perfectly. The length is just right for work. And for $55.44 after all my discounts, I didn’t think it was too bad for a Theory skirt. It was on sale for $88 and after all my discounts (which I love to combine), it ended up to be a decent price.

Here is how it fits:
 
Okay so the pictures clearly do NOT do it justice. It’s actually super cute in real life and it’s hard to see the exposed zipper in the first picture.
On model (below)
The fit is quite true to the picture of the model- which is shocking! That’s usually never the case. Okay so the pictures clearly do NOT do it justice. It’s actually super cute in real life and it’s hard to see the exposed zipper in the first picture. It’s obviously well made and the material is stretchy (which makes it very comfortable) and it fits like a glove. I’m glad the length is where it is because w/the form fitting fit, it’s nice that it’s not too short. It will look much better with a nice blouse tucked in and some pumps. I was too lazy to get ready or put shoes on….:)

Any ladies have thoughts on if I should tailor the “Sherani” pencil skirt and keep the “Ansena Classica” (similar HERE and HERE) exposed zipper black skirt? Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂
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  1. I would pay a lot of money for a perfect skirt that fits perfectly! and you're funny. I'm the same way when I get excited with clothes especially when I find my size lol.

  2. I personally would probably return, since I like but don't get a lot of use out of pencil skirts. But if you end up wearing it a lot I suppose it might be worth it. Would you still get a lot of use out of it without the matching jacket?

  3. I would probably return the gray skirt because it feels like re-constructing the entire thing but I can understand the dilemma since I know how hard it can be to find a skirt that fits perfectly. There will always be another season and another style…so I'd rather wait for one with a better fit.

  4. I would return it.. if something is expensive, it should fit like a glove W/O alterations…. but that's just my opinion. If the material is totally fab and unique and you can't get that quality elsewhere, then keep it and alter!

  5. I would return it because alterations would kind of mess up the placement of those back pockets. I would pay to alter a simple pencil skirt, because you got it at a decent price and it has the potential to match their other suiting separates … but this skirt has many details. I like the second one though!

  6. The grey one looks like at least a size 8 – so huge. That kind of alternation, hell, I'll just return it. xD It's one thing to just hem the piece of clothing…but…yeah.

    This is why I like to shop in Asia.

  7. I think the first is not worth altering, it's so big. The second looks like it fits great though, you should probably keep it.

  8. @daisy351- I totally agree, the first skirt is enormous on me but I will definitely keep the 2nd one- fits like a glove 🙂

    @PetiteLittleGirl- Thanks for your input- had the first skirt fit perfectly, I would have no hesitation spending the price but with alteration costs, it'll push it way over my budget!! 🙂

  9. I always buy skirt that really gets my attention even if it's expensive as long as it suits my taste and it really fits me. =)

  10. Hi Annie! I’m a newcomer to your site and absolutely adore it. As a fellow (not-as-petite) fashion-loving professional, I find it difficult to score trendy clothes at discount prices, which you seem to be able to do consistently. How do you determine when a piece, while not fitting perfectly but on sale, is worth purchasing with subsequent alterations?

  11. Hi Annie! I'm a newcomer to your site and absolutely adore it. As a fellow (not-as-petite) fashion-loving professional, I find it difficult to score trendy clothes at discount prices, which you seem to be able to do consistently. How do you determine when a piece, while not fitting perfectly but on sale, is worth purchasing with subsequent alterations?