Readers’s fashion questions
I’ve just started following my search logs, which show what people were looking for on this blog. Developing personal style is by far the most common question, so I’ll continue my series on the topic shortly.
There are also lots of quick questions that don’t require a whole blog post, but I’d still like to answer. I’ll address some of the fashion questions first:
Longchamp bags:
Where to find inexpensive ones?
Where to buy them in my city?
Are the ones on ebay fake?
As long-term readers know, I’m obsessed with Longchamp bags and get heaps of questions about them. (So much so that I’m thinking of starting a Longchamp blog.)
The best place I’ve found to buy them cheaply are department stores. In Sydney, David Jones have had some lovely stuff on clearance in the past; their selection is getting boring now though. Duty free stores often have great ranges too — Marlene in Noumea (New Caledonia) is exceptional, with a WHOLE WALL of Longchamp bags. It’s basically my idea of heaven. Singapore airport was also great, wish I’d bought the brilliant messenger bag I saw there. *sigh*
If you’re looking for a Longchamp stockist closer to your home, there’s a complete list on the Longchamp web site.
There are definitely fake Longchamp bags out there; for example, this one on eBay. There are also many that appear authentic, but even if the bag in the photos is, that’s not necessarily what you’ll get. My advice: be really careful and if you do one, pay with Visa as it’s easier to get your money back if it does turn out to be dodgy.
Good alterations place in Sydney and other cities?
Another question I hear regularly is, where to get clothes altered? I know from experience that the right alterations person can make a good garment fabulous — and a bad one can turn a simple hem adjustment into the destruction of new $300 trousers.
In Sydney, I go to Sew Special; they’re brilliant and can even do complex alterations like changing the fit of a tailored jacket.
When I lived in Adelaide a few years ago, the best alterations lady in town worked at the Karl Chehade Drycleaning store in Wyatt St. She was formerly a dressmaker at David Jones (when they still did free alterations) and was fantastic. I don’t know if she still works there though… Adelaide people?
Elsewhere in Australia, you could check the Vogue Australia Forums for a recommendation; the topic comes up every few weeks so a quick search will probably get you what you need.
Where to find Alice McCall shoes on special?
Alice McCall is a young Australian designer who makes beautiful clothes and very edgy shoes that are currently on special at frockshop.com.au.
There are also Alice McCall sample sales once or twice a year; you can find out about them by subscribing to the saleguide.com.au newsletter.
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Sydney alterations recommendation: Marlene Dawn on King St South in Newtown. I had a few pairs of pants and some skirts made by Anna, who runs the place, and was very happy with them. She also does alterations, and I’d also trust her with complex stuff like refitting jackets.
Shop 2, 546-562 King St, Newtown
Phone (02) 9516 1005
Thanks for the tip! I’m in Ashfield so that’s much closer to my place, I’ll have to check them out.
An Adelaide alterations recommendation? Alie Dolphin. contact alie [at] lost.net.au. Keep an eye on http://lost.net.au/alie/
Thanks Katie!
I was just thinking the other day that if I had $5k to spend on a new wardrobe (where do you suppose that idea came from?) I’d have you help me pick out one of those Longchamp bags.
Until then, I got the one I posted the other day for $1 when the thrift store clerk didn’t want to have to sort out the $1 color tags from the things that were individually priced. (Almost) my favorite price. :)
Ooooh, great find! Have you posted any pics? I had a look on your blog but couldn’t see any :(
Pardon, debit? Am I misunderstanding terms here? Credit is much better because you can dispute those charges whereas with debit cards, the money is straight out of your account by the time you’ve got your item, isn’t it?
Really? Is that how it works in the U.S.? That sucks!
In Australia, debit and credit are equally easy to have returned. If it goes on debit, the money’s gone, but if you dispute it the bank typically returns it within a couple of days and then chases it up with the other party.
The things you learn about the rest of the world :)
PS: I updated the post so I’m not giving incorrect advice. Ooops!