With Prom around the corner, you may find yourself thinking about that perfect dress. Some important things to consider are what looks will be best for your body type, what’s your budget, and will the dress need to be altered. (What cost and time is involved with alterations, etc. )

  If you have a busty figure, it typically means you have narrow hips, an undefined waist, and a large bust. When you are top heavy, a fuller skirt can help balance your frame. You can also focus on drawing attention to your face. High necklines and A line skirts can add to hip dimension and help you achieve a more balanced look. If you are busty you want to avoid super short and strapless gowns.

   Pear shaped means the hips tend to be the main feature. You can make your look more equalized by adding to the bust and shoulders. Embellished necklines or illusion dresses are great choices. If you are pear shaped, avoid ball gowns as they will make your bottom half appear wider.

​  Apple shaped means most of your weight is carried in the torso, you have an average to large bust, and slimmer legs. For an apple figure strapless and empire waist are great choices. An empire waist can help define the midsection. Fuller skirts and A line will de-emphasize the middle. Solids are also a great choice. Apples will want to avoid belted or too fitted, it will bring the eye right where you don't want it. 

  If you are plus size, it's best to pick what feature you want to highlight. Flowing gowns are flattering to all. Cap sleeves can help slenderize arms. You
want to avoid a dress with too much fabric, it will look bulky.

​  A boxy figure is one in which the bust, waist, and hips are all about the same size; also known as a boyish figure. If you have this frame, you can embrace it or create curve. More fitted dresses will show your natural shape. A cinch waist or color blocking are great options. You can add dimension with a one shoulder neckline. Avoid shiny or shimmery as it will emphasize bones ad limbs. 

  A petite shape is one that is 5'3" or below. You want to choose something to elongate your small frame. Short dresses work well on a small frame. An asymmetrical hemline can add height. Flared skirts and fitted bodices are also flattering. Avoid ballgowns and full length, they will eat you up. 

  An hourglass figure has fewer limitations. A gown that's fitted at the top and through the waist can showcase the hourglass shape. A mermaid style is a great choice. An empire waist however will hide natural curves.

If you are very tall, a high slit can be pulled off well.

  Some big trends for 2020 are the Prom Jumpsuit, Red Carpet inspired gowns, the classic ballgown, and metallics and sequins. You will also see some boho inspired, floral embroidery, fringe, and candy colors. 
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We hope these tips make your selection easier! Have fun finding the perfect dress!

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​For many kids, the return to school can be as stressful as it is exciting. Concerns about fitting in and making good first impressions are at the forefront of their minds—especially as they enter adolescence. This year, give your child an extra boost of confidence with a well-tailored wardrobe. At Sew4U, we can make sure your child is ready to walk the school halls in style!
 
Wardrobe Checklist
This is likely the time of year when you put the most time and effort into your child's wardrobe. Whether you're buying brand-new clothes, acquiring hand-me-downs, repurposing last year's garments or purchasing uniforms, you're assembling a selection of clothing that your child will be wearing regularly for the next several months.
 
As you evaluate your child's clothing needs, have him or her try on items you're unsure about, then go through this basic checklist:

• Length—Do the dresses, skirts, pants legs and shirt/jacket arms come to an appropriate length, or are they too short or long?
• Overall fit—Is the clothing item too tight or too baggy? Can your child easily sit down and move his or her arms in the clothing?
• Buttons and zippers—Are there any buttons missing? Do the zippers work? Do these areas need to be adjusted so that they close more easily?
• Areas of repair—Scan the clothing for any small holes, picks and loose threads? Is there anything that needs to be done to improve the look of the clothing?

We can help with any of the above. Set aside anything that needs to be altered or repaired, and bring it by!

Hems That Accommodate Growth Spurts
Maintaining a wardrobe for a growing child can be tricky, but we can help you make the most of your back-to-school purchases. If you buy clothing slightly longer than your child currently needs, we can hem the legs, arms and skirts for you. Then, as your child grows, we can let out the hem. This is much better than cutting the excess fabric; hemming prolongs the shelf life of your child's clothes, reducing the need for a new shopping trip at every growth spurt.
 
Don't Forget the Extras
It's likely you're child will have alteration needs throughout the school year. At Sew4U, we can help you with any that come up, including:

• Extracurricular activities—If your child is involved in sports or band, don't forget that his or her uniform may need alterations, if the school allows. And, of course, we're also available to sew patches onto letter jackets.
• Formal events—Whether it's homecoming court, a winter ball or senior prom, we can make sure your child's formal wear fits perfectly.

 
Contact us at (336) 854-6609 or amy@sew4u.biz to make an appointment for back-to-school alterations.

Have you ever had that person in your life that comes to you and says, "Oh sweetie, I would love for you to wear my dress for your wedding!"
You scramble in your mind to think of a nice way to tell them, this is not really the dream gown you had in mind! After all, the Princess Bride look was not really on your radar. Well worry no more!
Sew 4 you has got you covered! 
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As a bridal gown alteration business we have done many transformations, but we would like to focus on this recent bride we had the pleasure of working with.
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Jennifer Robbins came in to our shop in May of this year. She brought in her soon to be Mother-in-Law's dress to be transformed into her dream gown. Jennifer had a good enough eye to know that the silhouette of the dress was exactly what she was looking for. She did NOT want the puffy sleeves, the high neckline, the big bow on the derriere, or the full skirt that she could probably fit both of her ring bearer and flower girl underneath. Hey, that would be a cute idea! Have the children walk out from under the dress! Oh, never mind I am getting of track... Anyway, Amy saw the same vision that Jennifer saw, so our fairy-Godmothers began to work their magic.
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Prom is just around the corner. We love working with our clients each year to make sure the dress is perfect for the evening. Having over 30 years of experience  making sure the perfect gown has the perfect fit, we want to share some do's and don'ts for your prom gown for 2016.

• Do-Begin looking early. Allow time to try on several different styles. Try a style you thought you would never wear....you may be surprised!
• Do- Consider what color looks best on your skin tone. Look in your "everyday " wardrobe. What colors do you tend to choose? What colors do you wear that people comment....you look great in that. Remember, everyone looks good in jewel tones and they look great in pictures. 
• Do-Analyze the comfort and fit of your gown. You do not want to be thinking about your dress the night  of the prom. Is it too tight? Are you afraid to move? Is it too loose? Are you having to be careful to keep everything in place? Take the time to have the gown fitted properly. Your mind won't have to be on your gown,  when you'd rather be thinking of your next great dance move.
• Do-Bring your shoes to your fitting. Make the decision of which shoes you will be wearing. Again, remember you want to be able to dance. If they are new shoes, have some "practice" time wearing them. Make sure to bring your shoes to your fitting so it can be hemmed at the proper length. It is no fun to be dragging a dress around the dance floor. It is also very frustrating to have spent a lot of money on a dress and it end up being too short because you didn't have your shoes at your fitting.
• Don't-Limit the places to look for a gown. There are many unique places selling gowns now. You may even find something unique at a vintage store. If you decide to buy online, allow time for alterations and also time to return the dress if it doesn't look "quite like" you thought it would.
• Don't-Just go with the trends. Really consider what you like and what reflects you. Remember, there will be pictures of you in that gown that will be looked at for years to come. 
• Don't-Assume that you have to break the bank to find the perfect dress. Start your shopping with an open mind and be creative. 
  
• Lastly, enjoy this event. Make good memories with friends. Have fun!!

Once you find the perfect dress, call us at Sew4u to set up an appointment to get the perfect fit.
We look forward to seeing you!