I just purchase dresses to alter now, but will review them for you pre alteration.
It takes me a while as I alter them by hand.
Occassionally something fits so will point out the ones that fit for you.
This month I have a few present ideas with Christmas coming up.
These socks are always great.
They are a really good idea for a stocking filler.
chevron-toe-ankle-socks-5-pack
Bought this to keep me warm in winter.
Guessed it would come up tight and small, but it is actually fairly large.
It either covers your head or your neck but not both?
I thought a snood covered both but thought halter necks were just for small busts.
What is a snood
A snood is a versatile fabric item, originally a medieval hair covering, that now often refers to a seamless loop worn around the neck like a scarf (neck gaiter/buff) for warmth or face covering, or a bag-like hair accessory to hold long hair, popular in retro styles and for practicality. Materials range from knitted yarn for winter to lighter fabrics for summer, serving both fashion and function in different eras and modern uses, including for pets.
Types and Uses
- Hair Accessory: A bag-shaped net or cloth to contain long hair, historically for modesty or work, now for vintage fashion (like 1940s styles) or keeping hair neat.
- Neckwear/Face Covering: A closed loop (infinity scarf) pulled up over the neck, mouth, and nose for sun, cold, dust protection, or as a non-medical face covering.
- Pet Accessory: A soft, stretchy cover for a dog’s ears and head, often used to keep ears clean or reduce anxiety.
Key Characteristics
- Construction: Usually a single loop, sewn or knitted.
- Materials: Versatile, from wool/yarn to lightweight fabrics, beads, or pearls.
- History: Old English roots, popular in medieval times, saw revivals in the 1940s (for war work) and retro styles (like Lindy Hop), and gained modern prominence during the pandemic.
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Have to confess I didn’t purchase this as a fashion item.
If you are making your own fashion now or altering fashion like me this is a large piece of faux fur. It doubles up. It isn’t ruched but flat.
I’m using it to keep my neck warm.
Will store in winter warmers.
winter-warmerscolds-and-flu-ideasto-stave-off-flu
These are a christmas present ~ will review in January.
Really pleased I have some new heels again.
black-block-heeled-platform-sandals
£15
£7.48
Purchased this as a christmas present will review in January.
It makes a really nice gift for someone who likes beauty products.
Can’t help notice it goes well with the Soap and Glory skincare set.
£26.50
soap-and-glory-showstopping-skincare-7-piece-gift-set
This is the face care set.
You can set up your own little home spa system with these two gifts.
Great gift for the girl who likes beauty or a gift to yourself
Really good price to pay – actually looks like it cost more.
black-crepe-long-sleeve-mini-dress
The sleeves look more bell shaped than they actually are.
The dress is too long on me.
You could pull it up to your waist, blouson the top out, then pull the excess together and make a rose shape.
That looked allright if you like that style.
I still didn’t like the style and not bothered to wear it like that.
Will alter this but not sure what into or if you can alter this fabric.
For instance I cut a base ball cap up the other day and ruined it.
Had throw it away.
Apparently our mistakes are what gives us resillience so feel empowered to go for it.
Just doing it to cheap stuff anyway so not bothered about any mistakes.
This wasn’t a bad fit surprisingly.
I don’t think it fits me though.
It has a flare in the front of the skirt which makes the hips look too big.
It was a tight fit pulling the side zip up, but got into it.
I looked awful in it on its own.
I think if I wore it to go out I’d put a blouse under it or a jumper, but then it might not zip up.
black-v-neck-pinafore-tailored-pocket-mini-dress
I’m supposed to go for size 10 now.
I’m about 35 so should go for 34 bust. Surprised this wasn’t looser.
The hip is for 37 so obviously why it is too big.
Will need to alter this.
Not sure when as it takes me so long.
It is styled like a black mini dress but it isn’t a mini dress.
It is a pinafore.
Really got tricked with it being styled like a dress.
A pinafore dress is a sleeveless dress with a skirt that is designed to be worn over another top, such as a blouse or sweater. In American and Canadian English, this style is often called a “jumper” or “jumper dress”.
- Features: It typically has a low-cut, sleeveless bodice and can come in various necklines and hemlines. The back is usually closed, distinguishing it from a traditional apron (which is sometimes called a “pinafore” in American English).
- Versatility: Pinafores are versatile and can be styled for different seasons and occasions. They can be layered with T-shirts and sneakers for a casual look or paired with blazers and dress shoes for a more formal or professional outfit.
- Materials: They are made from a wide range of fabrics, from denim and corduroy for a casual or autumnal feel, to lighter materials for warmer weather.
- History: The original pinafore was a garment that was pinned to the front of a dress for protection, acting as a decorative and functional apron.
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Really not sure what to do with this as it was a tight squeeze without anything under it. Maybe the stylists at George had the same problem, hence styling it as a dress.
This is for someone with a really big bust.
Also a high up one maybe?
I don’t like the sequins, purchased this with view to taking them off.
The skirt hangs well and there is a split but you can’t see it so not too bad.
Same sizings as before.
Definately not size 36 bust, I could stuff the whole dress down the bust.
The straps split when I adjusted them.
Love the fabric ~ satisfies the goth in me.
Will alter this.
black-velvet-bow-sequin-embellished-midi-dress
This is really long.
Too long if you are 5ft4.
Already cut the silver fabric off and thrown away the top as I don’t wear crop tops as I’m apple shaped.
This might fit you if you are really tall.
£26
black-all-in-one-jumper-and-foil-skirt-dress
If you like the style but it is too long you could put a hem up.
Putting a hem up without equipment
Put the dress on, look in a mirror, get some pins and pin up the hem to the length you want the dress to be.
Really carefully and neatly ~ take your time and focus ~ trim off the excess length.
Turn up the hem and re pin.
Tack round the pinned hem.
Ideally straight stich the hem with matching thread on a sewing machine.
If you haven’t got a sewing machine you can actually do a better job by hand, it takes a long time but then your hem will be invisible.
I’d prefer to whizz it up on a sewing machine and I’m not that fussy I suppose. Have to say I like quality when I’m buying something shop bought though as that is what you pay for.
To get a neat finish pressing the hem will make it easier to sew and a straighter finish.
I don’t like the style ~ bought it for the silver fabric.
Not sure what I’m doing with it yet ~ gone in my fabric stash.
gold-block-heeled-platform-sandals
A christmas present
Will review after christmas.
Black Yolk Top Embroidered Long Sleeve Mini Dress
black-yolk-top-embroidered-long-sleeve-mini-dress
£24
£10
Ridiculously good value.
This is massive on me.
Apparently the same sizing as the rest though.
It is like a farmers smock as oppose to a milkmaid dress.
A yoke dress features a fitted fabric panel, typically across the shoulders and neckline or waist, from which the rest of the dress hangs, providing structure, shaping, and a place for creative design with different fabrics or details, functioning to fit the upper body while allowing fullness below, like in classic children’s dresses or western shirts.
Key characteristics
- Placement: Found at the shoulders, back, waist, or hips, fitting the body’s contours.
- Function: Adds shape and support, absorbing dart fullness for a better fit, especially around the bust and shoulders, or creates volume with gathers/pleats below it.
- Design Element: A popular spot for contrasting fabrics, embroidery, lace, or contrasting grainlines (like cutting the yoke on the bias) for visual interest.
- Variations: Can be a simple flat piece (box yoke), gathered for volume, or pleated.
- Examples: Common in men’s shirts, blouses, and classic children’s “heirloom” dresses, but also used in modern dresses and skirts.
Why it’s used
- Fit: Helps fit garments on curvy bodies where a simple flat bodice might not, by shifting dart requirements to the yoke seam.
- Style: Offers a distinct seam line for decorative purposes, making a simple dress more unique.
- Comfort: Distributes stress and allows for movement, especially in the shoulder area.
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I thought this might suit apple, but it is therefore more for curvy figures.
Not really bothered as I’ve learnt what a yoke dress is.
I purchased it to alter anyway.
I really like the embroidered panel.
Will have to think this one through.
Need to alter it into a style that suits apple shape.
Conclusion
Hope you enjoy this haul.
Really pleased with it.
If you like any of this it means you can dress up again for christmas and have some christmas presents again.
I love George Christmas as you can get a lot of presents for your money.
Hope my simple home alteration ideas help if you are like me and can’t get clothes to fit at the moment, you will find after each alteration you are rebuilding your wardrobe.
You will feel good and feminine again and it is worth the effort.
Very satisfied!!!
Have a lovely browse and shop.
Saphire
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