I was sent a pretty lace bolero in red lace from China. It cost me only £2.70. But was at least two sizes too small. Could not go over other clothes. Would not look neat on arms, and too tight across the back. In danger of splitting it.
What to do? Unpick the seams. Which seams?
Turn it inside out to expose and check the seams. Not enough to let out more than a fraction. But no choice. Lay it down against a garment which I know fits ok.
Now what? Insert a ribbon. How to get one to match? Take the bolero into a big store such as John Lewis. Last time I looked, ribbon which was wide, sold on a roll, cost about £5, as much as the garment.
Could I wear the bolero split, as if it's meant to be like that? Maybe.
Or with slashed arms, like slashed jeans? No, because the lace might fray.
What a pity they can't send me a piece of matching ribbon. Wait a minute - the item only cost £2.50. It's cheaper to buy a second garment and cut strips out of it to make matching ribbon. I could make a contrast with black lace. But I'll want to keep that, and not use it to expand the red one.
Some people order two sizes and send one back. (If the seller accepts returns.) Not worth the trouble. One size fits all. Or fits nobody. I realised this would be a problem before I bought it. But now I plan to buy another - quickly - before they change styles, go out of business, change the fabric.
Angela Lansbury, author of How To Get Out Of The Mess You're In.
What to do? Unpick the seams. Which seams?
Turn it inside out to expose and check the seams. Not enough to let out more than a fraction. But no choice. Lay it down against a garment which I know fits ok.
Now what? Insert a ribbon. How to get one to match? Take the bolero into a big store such as John Lewis. Last time I looked, ribbon which was wide, sold on a roll, cost about £5, as much as the garment.
Could I wear the bolero split, as if it's meant to be like that? Maybe.
Or with slashed arms, like slashed jeans? No, because the lace might fray.
What a pity they can't send me a piece of matching ribbon. Wait a minute - the item only cost £2.50. It's cheaper to buy a second garment and cut strips out of it to make matching ribbon. I could make a contrast with black lace. But I'll want to keep that, and not use it to expand the red one.
Some people order two sizes and send one back. (If the seller accepts returns.) Not worth the trouble. One size fits all. Or fits nobody. I realised this would be a problem before I bought it. But now I plan to buy another - quickly - before they change styles, go out of business, change the fabric.
Angela Lansbury, author of How To Get Out Of The Mess You're In.
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