26 Comments

I don't have a recco, but I do I have a note - I have no clue how to judge if someone is a good tailor and if it's priced well for repairs. If anyone has recommendations or tips on how to judge these things - it would be greatly appreciated.

Expand full comment

Echoing this. Have out off having a few things altered because I’m not entirely sure what I should expect going in.

Expand full comment

Shoe Lab Pavillions in West Los Angeles are the BEST. They saved my fave boots like new.

Address: 10639 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Phone: (310) 474-5656

Expand full comment

Thank you, Lorraine! I have two pairs of YSL pumps that need major loving care.

Expand full comment

Nice!! If you come to LA please let me know!

Expand full comment

I would love to meet you!

Expand full comment

It would make my whole year!

Expand full comment

Text me okay?

Expand full comment

I’m coming one long weekend in late February and bringing my pumps. LOL

Expand full comment

Omg yay! Let’s get together!!

Expand full comment

This is such a great idea!! If anyone needs swimwear fixed - I replace elastic on your favourite swimwear, to give it a second life - as often the fabric is good but the elastic stretches - also can fix and remake pieces. For fixing shawls have an amazing person in india happy to share details with you all if anyone needs it - i know a bit far!

Expand full comment

this is wonderful!

Expand full comment

Thanks

Expand full comment

Thanks :) yea be great to fix more swimwear as so much gets thrown away that doesn’t need to!

Expand full comment

Portland Oregon over here. The only person in Oregon I trust with my gorgeous and precious shoes is Jessica at Derek’s Shoe Repair. She is a shoe genius and works with love. She practically rebuilt my Jimmy Choo ankle boots and they look brand new.

Years ago I learned to hand sew so most minor repairs I just do at home. I recently tore a strap off my Rhode slip dress so I’m on a quest for someone to fix that!

Expand full comment

Orange County, CA:

Shoes:

- Jose at Leon’s Shoe Service (3975 Birch St, Ste C, Newport Beach, CA 92660)- does excellent shoe repair work. Explains everything he’s going to do and is very honest about what is worth repairing/what can be done.

- James at James Shoe Repair (17655 Harvard Ave, Unit C, Irvine, CA 92614)- very sweet older gentleman who can do very complicated shoe repair. Used to make shoes from scratch!

Tailor:

- Be at Be’s Perfect Alterations (445 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627)- the sweetest lady who does excellent tailoring. She used to make custom wedding dresses so very skilled.

- Irene at Celebrity Cleaners (14221 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine CA 92620)- does very good work and is very fast. Also very honest about what can or should be done to a garment.

Jeweler:

- George at Master Jewelers (1801 Westcliff Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660)- very skilled jeweler who does all the work on site himself. Great for simple repairs or for completely remaking pieces. Very reasonable and honest.

Dry Cleaning:

- Frank at Crest Cleaners (134 W MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92707)- the nicest man who cares deeply about making sure your garments look brand new! Can get anything out and acts like it’s no big deal at all.

Expand full comment

Posted my recommendations in the thread and again congrats for launching this. Brilliant stuff.

Expand full comment

I’ve been trying out the Speedweve loom and Knit Picker tools for mending holes at home. Speedweve is a cute visible mend but def has a certain asthetic. The knit picker is for invisible mends on knitwear and it’s incredible(and the name-so good). I’ve also been dying/painting/felting/embroidering/embellishing clothing and shoes to give new life. I applied floral fabric to some boring shoes with outdoor modge podge that worked really well. I recently gold leafed a couple pairs of shoes that weren’t getting play and I’m really enjoying the look!

For folks in the Twin Cities-there is an incredible denim and all things repair/mend/tailor/customize business in Minneapolis called Science and Kindness. They do beautiful things and it’s always quality. The best shoe repair is with George’s. I love Sew What! for tailoring since they are well priced and reliable. For formal dresses that are more complicated Amy Jane Studio is the place. Repair Lair is the spot for athletic/outdoor/performance gear repair-including camping tents! For jewelry repair/custom/redesign Daniel Jaffe is the guy!

Expand full comment

For those in the UK - there's The Seam and SOJO who are basically AirBNB/Uber for clothing repair. I am beside myself with excitement for these platforms to become the norm again, let's invest!

Expand full comment

Handwashing for sweaters: Euclan delicate, no rinse! It’s amazing!!

Also, ivory dish soap for handwashing delicates and fels naphtha laundry bar soap for tough stains.

Expand full comment

.... Especially if they live in North Dakota....😁😂🙏🏻💐🧘🏻‍♀️🌌

Expand full comment

NYC – I currently see Tailoress in Brooklyn but they're a bit hit or miss. Have heard Magic Joe Shoe is great for cobbling.

Expand full comment

Love that you’re condensing the feedback as a resource for readers-- thank you!!

Expand full comment