Over the past few months, dozens and dozens of you have asked me to whom you should entrust the tasks of having the inseam on your precious premium denim shortened (with proper hem re-attachment, of course), slimming the waistline on that favorite pencil skirt after a satisfying weight loss, making that dress of which there was only one left but not in your size work for the most important date of your life and oh yes, for those of you who like myself wear your heels from dawn 'til dusk, resoling that pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps you promised yourself you'd wear forever to justify their hefty pricetag.
Thing is, as much as I hate to admit it, I don't really know much about the good, the bad, and the overpriced when it comes to the DC tailor/cobble scene, because I still ship all my in-need-of-adjustment wardrobe components back to mid-Michigan to the woman I've been using since she nipped and tucked my 8th grade dance dress (from the sale rack at Ann Taylor, natch) into perfect body skimming form.
So, I ask you, DC readers, if you know someone of the tailoring or cobbling persuasion who is both reliable and meticulous, could you pretty please leave his/her information (i.e., name, number, address, strengths, temperament and price) in the form of a comment so that everyone might benefit from your fortunate find?
K'thanks,
Johanna
Johanna
17 comments:
Who do you use here in Michigan?
I trust Asians and any white dude over 60…. Just saying.
Hamza Samrick in Arlington is fantastic. 703-521-6909. A couple months ago I had him shorten two pairs of premium denim with hem reattachment, hem a pair of shorts, nip in two dresses, slim down one pair of pants, and shorten the straps on one strappy tank. Total bill? Under $100. His shop is incredibly convenient if you're in DC, because you just have to pop over the 14th Street bridge, head toward Crystal City and turn right on 23rd.
For basic cobbling tasks, I use either G Street Shoe Repair at 1204 G Street (202) 347-4419 OR I go to the guy who is on M Street a couple doors down from Mudd Hut (unsure of address or name, but he is pretty good. There is a tailor who shares the space but i've never used her).
tailor - randolph tailors in the lincoln towers apartment building in ballston - (703) 351-7400
4001 9th Street North, Arlington, VA 22203
shoe repair - sam torrey (703) 532-4933 5267 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207
For an excellent cobbler, I use Willie Lopez at Best Foot Forward in Pentagon Row, in the back in the parking lot next to World Market. I have been going to them for over 5 years and he does excellent work.
Folks,
I have two spectacular pairs of knee-high boots that, unfortunately, reach to my mid-knee. I'd love to have them shortened, because otherwise, they are perfect. Has anyone done this? Can you recommend a place? Thanks!
I also swear by Wilfred at Best Foot Forward. I've been going to him for four years. He has a deep appreciation for shoes, and while he is not the cheapest, he is thorough and reasonably priced.
i second the guy at the dry cleaners near the Muddhouse on M street. he does a good job! and close to work for 18th/Conn and M dwellers!
Shoe question--
How long do your shoes last before you need to get them fixed. I seem to go through my heels in maybe 3 weeks? Is this due to the quality? I usually get something in the 50-75 dollar range, like nine west... things from macy's or a major dept store. Is this normal, to have them destroyed so quickly? Clue me in, ladies!
Nine West seriously has the worst quality shoes ever. My Nine West heels were always a mess after little wear. I said "were" because I have stopped buying Nine West shoes for that reason.
N
Nine West shoes are awful for me, but even with my expensive heels, I usually have to get the caps replaced. I am just really hard on my heels and can't stand the sound of metal against the sidewalk.
How much does it cost to get the bottoms of your heels repaired? I also have a bunch of pairs of heels where one of the pair has the little metal nail sticking out of the bottom. I also have some where I've fallen into the grate and the leather on the sides of the heels is a little torn - is that repairable?
Also, thanks for this post (and comments section!) It is a serious public service. It would be cool if we could do something like the SartoriaList for DC...
Sam Torrey does women's heels for $15. See the previous post for his info.
I'll second Samrick, but he's better with Men's clothes than women's.
For a woman I'd recommend Reed's Custom in North Arlington. Get his info from www.reedscustomtailors.com.
I recommend him for women because my girlfriend is hard to fit. Correct that, very hard to fit. Particularly in women's suits and he pulled it off. She took him a Lily dress, jeans, and a couple of suits and all of them had been to two other tailors and still didn't fit right. Now they look perfect on her.
Sam Torrey is just across the street, so she uses also him for her shoes.
You'd be amazed at how a good cobbler can bring a shoe back to life. Replacing the heel usually runs $12-15, and I recommend George's Repair (two locations-13th/U and 16th/U). Cobbler's Bench does a good job too, but going to George supports small business. I've also had them resole some of my pricier heels and they did a fantastic job. With heel replacement=$35 total. Not bad for an investment pair...Continue to love the blog!
shoe repair and some luggage places can replace heel tips and fix the heels from subway grate-bites in usually one afternoon for $10-$15. definitely worth it.
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