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Redressing My Dresses

As I don't live in a 30s Fred Astaire movie (alas), the sweeping floor-length former-bridesmaid number I've got doesn't tend to get much play. Nor does that cute kimono-pattern dress hanging in my closet with the I'm-cutting-off-your-circulation-now sleeves...nor my previously perfect black dress that has a giant snag on the side (inflicted by an evil cab door...aided and abetted by the three host-bar martinis consumed beforehand, no doubt).

Thank god for tailors. Just when you think you might need something new and consider chucking something you actually really like in principle, in they'll swoop, and the best ones - the ones with skill, imagination, good taste, and fair prices - can make you a whole new dress by shortening the hem, clipping off the sleeves, or creatively camouflaging imperfections.

-Jenifer Morgan...off to dress up...

Posted by: hsnavely on 04/04/2008
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Rebekah  on April 04, 2008 at 05:33 AM 1
While I agree that tailors are great, I was a bit perplexed as to why bamboo was included in the list of sustainable materials for new clothing. My understanding is that even when the bamboo is harvested sustainably (which frequently it isn't-- this is a major source of erosion in China), the solvents required to make bamboo fabric are quite toxic. Maybe I'm missing something; have better solvents been developed recently? I hope the team looks into this carefully. It's important not to assume a product is eco-friendly just because the company selling it says so. Yet another reason to avoid the confusion and re-use your old duds whenever possible.
Risa  on April 04, 2008 at 06:24 AM 2
While I take great pride in being an open minded person I have to say that as a female and a mother of four I found your opening paragraph a little much this time. I mean really, is it the best you could come up with to say that the only reason to wear something nice to the prom is so that you HOPEFULLY you can get lucky in the back of your dates car? Tacky. And very degrading to our young women in todays society. I hoped for more.
Melanie Freisinger  on April 04, 2008 at 09:17 AM 3
Tacky!!! Degrading!!! Amen!! I also had to write and say in this day and age to promote promiscuity is very irresponsible!! I expect more from you all and will keep my subscription in hopes that this is a one-time oops! thanks!
ann  on April 04, 2008 at 09:51 AM 4
tacky aside- who can spend $800 some dollars on a PROM DRESS?! Oh yes, i know- you did include some $100 type numbers, that were in COTTON. I mean, I love cotton but send your little girl to the prom dressed in a cotton number? If you are worried about action, dress her in that.
Tom  on April 04, 2008 at 12:39 PM 5
How about just reusing Prom dresses? In most major cities there are usually many shops that give away or sell cheaply - gently worn prom dresses from recent years. See a list of such organizations here: http://www.after-prom.org/prom_attire_redux.html
Carrie  on April 04, 2008 at 04:51 PM 6
Yeah, it is tacky but this approach that Ideal Bite has taken to promiscuity isn't a one time oops. I find it even more awful that just 3 days ago they put out a tip about reusing condoms (April Fool's) and then they are now targeting high school kids. It's obvious they know who there subscribers are and yet they still sent out a tip about reusing condoms. These people are getting more toxic than ever before. I wish there were some type of "Green Board" that would ban fakers!
Abigail  on April 04, 2008 at 08:13 PM 7
Just wanted to say that as a high-school jr. I found this tip really cute; and don't worry, I'm not taking the getting lucky bit seriously. And seriously, I thik ideal bite is the least of your concerns if you're worried about teenage promiscuity, it's pretty obviously facetious. Some more options open to those who want an eco-friendly approach to prom is making your own dress (one of my friends is) or, if you're not that creativly inclined, borrowing a dress (like i'm doing). Also, since i'm lucky enough to live in the Bay Area, we're able to get an eco-friendly chaperone-free ride there: teacherwiththebus.com
Dawn Sandomeno  on April 10, 2008 at 04:28 AM 8
Jenifer - You are always thinking! Here is another tip on what to do with the Prom dresses and bride's maid dresses that are sitting in most women's closets. Donate them to home or school's that cares for and/or educates disabled children. Last year our community donated these dresses for a Prom at The Methany School. For children with severe disabilities in wheel chairs, most times the dresses need to be cut or altered in some way. This helps the parents, delights the children and really gives your dress a great second life! Plus, the schools usually keep them for future students.
Kat  on June 18, 2008 at 10:55 AM 9
I think the best idea is сшить a dress for a daughter. - to children - very much it is pleasant to them such, and very good tender feelings you test when itself you sew clothes for the child, about this in my site http://www.elitdress.ru

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