Roughly 60% of my wardrobe is second-hand, hunted in the wilds of consignment and thrift stores. And there are many instances when I find something I love… but it isn’t my size. If something is too small, it’s a done deal — nearly nothing can save it.
But if the potential purchase is too big, I start rationalizing, a process that’s best described as a psychic cage match — desire vs. rationality.
Reason usually wins — but not always.
This blazer is a vintage design by Rifat Ozbek, who abandoned fashion design in 2005 to be an interior designer. (Is it any surprise that this blazer’s floral embroidery looks like wallpaper?) I immediately gravitated toward the transparent sleeves and pewter-colored posies.
But this blazer is also about 4 sizes larger than my usual jacket size.
But because Ozbek is no longer creating clothes, I consider his designs to be collectors’ items, and this was a steal at under $50. (A far cry from Ozbek’s more recognizable pieces, such as this pricey ivory-horned military jacket, which surfaces regularly in vintage boutiques.)
For months, I tried to wear this blazer and failed miserably, often resembling Blossom circa 1992. Earlier this month, I even considered getting rid of the blazer altogether — but I couldn’t face such a crushing defeat.
Getting the blazer professionally tailored would have been dauntingly expensive. So instead, I tried a couple of cinching and re-sizing tweaks using just a pair of scissors and a belt — and I love the result. Here’s what I did:
1. Remove the shoulder pads. I snipped them out with regular scissors — but be careful to not cut the actual material.
2. Roll up the sleeves. Long, baggy sleeves are a tell-tale sign a blazer is the wrong size. I rolled the sleeves the “Jenna Lyons way,” which keeps the cuff tidy. (Here’s a video demonstration of the technique, which is at the 0:57 mark.)
3. Get ready to cinch it. Cinching is a silhouette-slimming technique that’s great for both one-button or no-button blazers. For blazers with buttons, I overlap the buttonhole side to conceal the button side — this creates a clean canvas, so nothing competes with your belt.
4. Ready, Set, Belt! Your chosen belt should wrap once around your natural waist. I don’t use belts that are meant for hip-riding pants, because then I’m left with a long tail — and I prefer a clean line. Because high-waisted silhouettes are so popular, you can find plenty of affordable options that will fit your waist, instead of your hips. (Here’s a very pretty version by Whistles.)
Do you have any alteration tips that don’t require a needle or thread? Please let me know, I’d love to try it out!
