Expert Alterations & Embroidery — Local services in Westwood

A surprising and upsetting end after a great first impression with this place.

When I dropped off my dress I was quoted about a two week turnaround. That's how I set my expectations since I didn't need it for several weeks. Over a month goes by and I called to check on it. I was told that it had "been in a huge stack that they hadn't gotten to yet" because they'd gotten busy with the expedited orders. I was coincidentally told it would be ready later that day.

I expressed that I was disappointed that what was communicated was 2 weeks and then it ended up being closer to 5 weeks.

The owner responded in what felt like an extremely defensive manner and sharp tone. She said that things were put in the queue and they stay there for as long as it takes if they are not expedited. I just wish I'd known from the start that it could very likely be longer so I could communicate a date, expedite, or go elsewhere.

I told her that I simply hadn't understood that when I dropped off the dress and wished it had been communicated. She then cut me off in a way that felt snappish and said "we're a small business do you know how long it would take to call everyone and let them know it would be later than expected?!" which was not what I was trying to ask for.

I would have been satisfied with a simple apology but was met with what felt like immediate defensiveness. My voice and hands got shaky and I teared up during the call. I'll be the first to admit that by the end of the conversation I was reciprocally frustrated, for which I apologize.

I understand. It's a small business, which is why I wanted to come here in the first place. But it seems like their overwhelm with the work load is negatively impacting their fuse with customers in a way that I feel crosses the line.

They do nice work but it's a long turn around, unclear communication, an unkind owner, and it's cash/check only.

Thank you for your time...

I disagree with the practice of towing vehicles from the shop's lot if the vehicle was parked there WELL AFTER THE STORE'S BUSINESS HOURS. Luckily I did not get towed and I will be a loyal customer of the tow company as a result. But I used to work for a parking and transportation department and the usual protocol is to allow vehicles to stay if they parked in the building lot after the regular business hours and thus are not impeding the income of the office/business or filling staff allotted spaces. The store hours listed online say this store closes at 6pm on weekdays. I parked there at 6:55pm. That is almost an hour after the official close of the business and because it is a small street with hardly any space for parking, it was literally the only place available at the time I got there for a popular vaccination clinic at a neighboring business that ended at 7pm. The noise of the tow truck's diesel engine further distressed the two cats I was carrying and I firmly believe the situation never had to happen. Don't worry, I'll never park there again even if I have all four of my pets with me and have to walk a whole block to get their medical care; but I believe the owner of this sewing store must have unfair expectations regarding lot space and I personally will not support any business that is so stringent on their parking policy that they want them empty at all times of the day even outside their business hours. So I will never go to this shop and will recommend my friends avoid it too. Too bad. I'm going to be a bridesmaid and the wedding party was shopping around for possible places to help. I guarantee won't be looking...

I'm not a big "reviewer" but finding a good seamstress/tailor is nearly impossible, so I'm sharing my experience for others. I took a dinner jacket in to have a few adjustments; I even puchased two different sizes to streamline the alteration process. The lady working when I went in initially was a TERRIBLE communicator; I felt like I knew more about tailoring than she did. I opted to pay an extra $30 for expedited services, given the exact turnaround time was unclear, and the garment was ready within a couple days. However, when I picked up the jacket, I was required to pay $50 extra than the initial quote ($80 vs. $130), which was a big surprise. When I inquired, the owner Nikki, seemed unbothered by the situation, and simply said the collar adjustment was not on the initial invoice (...not my fault). Fortantely, I had enough cash on hand (FYI - they do not accept cards, which is absurd to me given the prices are expensive; in fact, the customer before me had to count out $300+ for wedding dress alterations). Given the poor communication both during the consultation and regarding the invoice, I will not take any garments here for alternations...