Choices Abound

At Phoenix Alterations, a place recommended by a friend of mine. I have a skirt that I want to wear to my company's holiday party and when I put it on, it's high-waisted and really loose in my waist. Today, E and I stop by Betty's shop and he's instantly taken with Ludmilla, who is quietly and expertly altering a pair of pants. He stares as she pumps the foot peddle and ensures a straight hem. Meanwhile, I have a nice chat with Betty. A sweet, fiery, hilarious, slight Lebanese woman with a thick accent and a warm smile. She loves my skirt and ushers me into the dressing room to put it on. When I walk out, this is our exchange:

Me: "See, Betty! Isn't this the cutest skirt?"

Betty: "Oh, I love it! It is so fun."

Me: "But here's the problem," I say, lifting up my shirt. "The waist of it is too loose and it looks bunched up under the blouse I intend to wear with it."

She doesn't answer me, instead she starts tugging on my skirt pulling it down, down around my hips. After a few tugs, she responds.

"There! You need to wear this skirt down on your hips. It's a hip-hugger style, not high-waist, dear. If you wear it high up it widens you."

Me: "Oh, my gosh. Well, I certainly don't need any more width. I can't believe I wasn't wearing it right!"

Betty: "Okay, well now you know. And just so you know, that will be free." she says with a chuckle.

I grabbed my camera to take today's picture and get some snaps of E engrossed. As I checked my watch and realized we needed to go, I grabbed E and said my usual, "C'mon doodlebug, it's time to boogie. Betty has me all taken care of."

With that sharp sense of humor she replied, "That's right honey, I taught your mama how to dress and now it's time to go."

I actually wished I had some work for her to do. She will be getting my business at my first opportunity.