Tailoring: Banana Republic Tweed Dress Post-Alterations

YAY- the day is finally here! I got my Banana Republic tweed dress back from the tailors and I couldn’t be more excited! See my previous post here (before alterations). I love getting something back from the tailor’s and comparing before and after pics. It makes me want to get everything in my closet tailored. Here is the final product:

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Dress: Banana Republic Factory Tweed Dress- size 00P 
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100’s– size 35/5 (buy here)
Pin: LOFT Flower Felt Pin 
Pearls: Nordstroms Long Strand Pink Pearls (similar here)
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Before we even get into the dress, can we just talk about the difference in just the pictures alone? The “before” pics was w/the same camera but I had no idea about the proper settings. The “after” pictures is me slowly figuring out the correct lighting and settings on my new camera. What a difference!

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I decided to take it up 4″. At first, my tailor pinned it up 3″ and it was okay but we both tilted our heads and said, I think another inch would look much better. Do you see how short my legs look in the first pic? The dress was overwhelming my frame and legs.

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Here is the view so you can see how it falls and where the hem ends. 
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The back view you can really see the difference in the hem length. Amazing huh? I have to say, I am quite happy with the end results! It was expensive ($25) to tailor but it’s just a necessary evil we petites have to endure!
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I think this may be my favorite dress that I own. Now, I am thinking I should get all my sheath dresses tailored. I know I will definitely be getting tons of use out of this dress so I think it worth the investment.
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This is now on major clearance, PetiteLittleGirl tweeted about it being marked down to $59.99 plus an additional 30% off. They will ship directly from the store for $5 (found this out when I first started calling around). Here is the tag for reference: (the last 4 digits= 1000, means that it’s a petite item)
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I am sure they will mark it down even more for President’s day weekend coming up! I am hoping to go to the outlets next weekend if hubby is willing to take me:)
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What are your thoughts on the hem? Is it the right length?
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Leave a comment!

  1. i love the altered look of this dress on you and the length is perfect. i think because the dress is a solid color that any longer and it would've looked like too much. your tailor did a great job!

    oh, and your camera skills are really amazing now. what a world of different there too!

    cute and little

  2. i loveee love this dress on you.. the tweed is so classic!! and love the flower on it.. it looks just like a chanel camelia!! i think the length is excellent.. it looks very classical.. any longer and i think it would hide your stunning legs!!

  3. I LOVE THIS DRESS. You all make me want it SOOOO freakin' much. It looks incredible on you and I love the length!

    And great job figuring out your camera setting, it does take a lot of trial and error!

  4. I think it looks so much better (and perfect) after alterations. By the way, I don't think $25 is expensive for alterations to a tweed dress. I've paid more to have an unlined skirt taken in.

  5. Wow! Who knew that alterations would make such a huge difference?!! I think you and your tailor chose the perfect length for you. Having things altered is definitely a necessary evil for sure, and once the clothes fit correctly it is soooo worth it! I love the dress on you now, it is so classic and timeless! Really nice touch with the floral pin you added btw;)

  6. what a difference alterations make, but worth it in the end! and wow, what a difference in the two sets of pictures! i still have yet to play around with my camera and shoot in manual despite having it for over 3 years! i'm soo lazy, lol! but i really need to figure it out because i want my pics to look as good as yours 🙂

  7. looks great! you've inspired me to get a few of my sheath dresses hemmed. $25 is nothing when you think of the steal you got with this $99 dress – looks like you'll get a lot of wear out of it, so $124 for a dress you'll keep going back to isn't shabby at all! Happy Valentine's Day!

  8. I agree with you and your tailor. An inch more was perfect.

    I never noticed before that the BR petite items ended in 1000. Thanks for the tip!! Items in my BR store are frequently mismarked, especially if they are on clearance.

    Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day! =)

  9. This dress looks AMAZING on you- the length is just perfect! Man you guys are making want this too LOL – but I am staying strong and not giving in – my work is too casual for this dress even thought I do love it!

  10. I have to agree that alterations transformed the dress into such a well-fitted piece! I think $25 was a great investment, especially since it can be worn quite a few times.

  11. Everyone looks great in this dress including you. A few inches shorter makes a world difference. I like how you added the flower pin to the dress. Your photos look great. I am glad you're figuring out how to use the camera properly.

  12. The dress looks perfect now and so do the pictures! I may need to take a photography class from you bc I know I still need help on my DSLR settings 🙂

  13. Woohoo! I've been waiting for this post. Definitely a great decision on getting the dress altered. I think you look much happier in the after pics too — must have stemmed from the way the dress fit and looked 🙂

  14. @ElleLOL you should get it Elle! I bet you would look amazing in it especially since you are a bit taller!

    And thanks about my camera settings..I am still trying to master it but at least it's much better right? LOL

  15. The dress looks perfect on you. I never really hem anything, not even my pants. If it's too long then I just have my mom hem it for me lol.

    By the way, I bought a black patent leather skinny belt from Ann Taylor. I remember you saying a girl must have one lol.

  16. I LOVE getting back my clothes from my tailor and putting it on and having it fit perfectly. It's such a great feeling! I wish more women would invest in tailoring clothes it makes such a difference and your post is such great proof!

    The dress looks so great on you!

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