What an outstanding business! I needed somewhat extensive alterations on my mother-of-the-groom gown. I started with something that was too small in the bust and too big everywhere else. It was too long, and needed a double hem, since the dress is chiffon over a lining.

So I arrived 8 days ago, and was taken in immediately, even without an appointment. I tried it on for Lia. She patiently marked the hem, then we began to discuss what could be done about the rest. She knew exactly what to do to make it fit like a glove. As for the bustline, she suggested a two-prong approach, which consisted of bringing the shoulder straps up, and sewing bra cups right into the dress. I was skeptical, so she pinned the cups in, then shortened the straps, also with pins. The difference was absolutely amazing! It no longer looked like I had stuffed the top to the point of spilling out. No specialty bra needed, no bra of any kind needed, and as a bonus, I wouldn't have to spend the whole day tugging the back of a bra down so it wouldn't show above the low back. Perfect! Lia fixed it so it felt unbelievably secure, even with twisting and bending.

Clearly, she knows all the extraordinary tricks of the trade. She pinned the sides to take them in, realigned long darts, and I was on my way. Lia had spent quite awhile with me to listen to what I wanted in a fit, and to make suggestions and show me her solutions. It took longer than I had expected, but Lia took it in stride, never made me feel like I was a bother. She was incredibly patient.

I returned today, when I was told the gown would be finished, and it was. I tried it on, in case the fit needed some fine tuning. Nothing further was necessary. It fits me like a custom made, couturier gown! Lia made every line, every curve fit smoothly with nary a bump or wrinkle. It highlights the best features of my figure with an ease that belies all the great work she performed. I am beyond excited!

The owner is very solicitous of his customers' needs. We chatted when I checked out. They do luggage and handbag repairs, shoe repairs, they make keys and sharpen knives, and repair leather goods, among other indispensable things.

But first and foremost, this is THE place to go for all your alterations. Professional, competent seamstresses are hard to find, and worth their weight in gold if you can. They don't come better than Lia. She is the gold standard.

I have usually done all my own alterations, having learned how to sew garments as a teen, graduating to tailoring later on. But getting it right with a long double hem on yourself is very difficult at best, downright impossible at worst. So I needed help this time. As one who is no stranger to a needle and thread, I can say Lia is expert at her trade. She will wave her magic wand and get to work on your garments to make you look like a queen. Kudos to Hem Over Heels - they are SO much more than just a cute name!