Hi, I'm Valeza, and I LOVE clothes! I also HATE waste just as much, so I'm always looking for new ways to prevent my clothes from hanging idly in my wardrobe.
I try to shop mindfully and only buy bits I know I'll re-wear time and time again. However, I'm sometimes at a loss for what to do with pieces I already own that I'm just not getting enough wear out of.
If you're reading this thinking, "OMG same!!!", then let me introduce you to The Seam. The Seam connects its users with a talented network of 'Makers' who offer bespoke alterations, high-quality repairs, and other sartorial services.
Their goal is to extend the life of garments you already own so that you can cherish them for years to come! Think covering up an ink stain on your grandma's vintage blouse, or fixing a pulled thread on a notoriously difficult-to-repair silk chiffon scarf.
How does it work, I hear you ask! Well, you can either book an at-home appointment or go and meet your designated Maker at their studio (The Seam will try to find one that's as local to you as possible).
I asked if my Maker, Sarah, could come to my house as I was working from home that day. I love the fact that The Seam has an at-home option, as it means you can easily fit an appointment into a busy day, and you don't even have to travel with your garments!
The appointment took about an hour from start to finish, which was pretty quick considering that I had a few different dresses to alter. We also spent ages discussing my options to make sure I was happy with the outcome.
Allow me to break down exactly what happened! Let's start with... ✨ Dress 1 – alteration. ✨
This dress was brand new. I fell in love with the eye-catching fuschia colour and the timeless knitted design on the website, but it was far too big when I tried it on.
Sarah pinned the fabric to my exact measurements, making sure there was still enough room to feel comfy and that the dress far more flattering to my figure.
I absolutely loved the outcome! The dress now fits me like a glove, and I'm super impressed with how the sleeves turned out! The new and improved design makes the dress feel far more wearable, and I'm glad I can now wear it comfortably throughout the chillier months ahead.
Here's a close-up of the sleeve alteration in motion courtesy of The Seam and Alex, a Maker:
On to... ✨ Dress 2 – repair. ✨
Unlike the brand new fuschia dress, I've owned this polka dot number for years. I adore the flattering kickflare fit, and it's so incredibly comfy that I've worn it to death! As a result, it had started to pile to a point where it looked a bit shabby and faded, and I didn't feel like I could confidently wear it to nice events.
The Seam are all about prolonging the life of your cherished fashion pieces, so I knew I could trust them with my beloved dress. Just LOOK at the delicate treatment it got and the super satisfying results!
I can't believe the difference in this dress! I no longer feel ashamed to wear it out, and I know I'll get loads more wear out of it in the years to come.
Finally... ✨ Dress 3 – alteration and added design element. ✨
If I'm honest, this was the dress I was most excited to get altered! I bought this gorgeous number from House of CB over two years ago for my sister's wedding, but the ceremony was postponed due to COVID, and I never got a chance to wear it. Luckily, my cousin got married this summer and I had another chance to whip it out!
Sarah went through some of the alteration options with me in depth to ensure I was happy with the outcome.
In the end, we decided on replacing the zip altogether with a corset-style lace-up detail. That way, I could adjust the waist and back to my ideal fit. The laced design suited the boned corset style of the dress perfectly, and meant the dress could be adjusted to suit me as my body changes in future years!
Needless to say, I am obsessed with the outcome! I've never received so many compliments on a dress in my life, and I felt incredible the entire night I wore it.
Oh, there's one last thing to discuss... ✨ The Delivery. ✨
Overall, I'm super impressed with The Seam's service. My experience with the team was as bespoke and carefully-considered as the alterations were themselves, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the three garments I entrusted them with.
