February 28, 2014: Jennifer Ingram has closed her operation at 449 N. Euclid to devote more time to her job teaching in the Fashion Design Department at Washington University. See contact info at end of post for her pick up and delivery service.
Jennifer Ingram, above, has opened her alterations business, the Apparel Doctor, at 447 N. Euclid. Jennifer's neighborhood connection began years ago when she lived on West Pine and attended Rosati-Kain High School. When looking for a location for her business, she decided on the CWE because of its central location and the mix of residential and eclectic retail uses.
While attending SLU as a marketing major, Jennifer apprenticed at Seams Necessary on Page Avenue and fell in love with construction and alterations. She transferred to Washington University's School of Art and eventually earned a B.A. in Fashion Design. After graduation Jennifer worked as an assistant designer at May Merchandising on its private label brand. In the small world department, a job at May Merchandising is also how Dawna Sturdivant of Borough Vintage (where the Apparel Doctor is located) found her way to St. Louis, though the two didn't know each other at the time.
After Federated Department Stores bought May Merchandising, Jennifer taught textiles, fashion merchandising and marketing courses at Sanford Brown College. Last October, Robin VerHage-Abrams the current Area Coordinator and Associate Professor in the Fashion Design program at Washington University's Sam Fox School of Art, invited Jennifer to teach design and construction to junior and senior Fashion Design majors. In addition to a work and teaching schedule most would find dizzying, Jennifer and her husband are raising three children, two-year-old twins and a four-year-old.
Jennifer alters both men's and women's clothing. Jim and I have been extremely pleased with pieces she has altered for us. Examples of her prices are: hems $8 to $24, zippers $12 to $24, tapers $10 to $24, waist in & out (this about sums it up, doesn't it?) $10 to $14. Jennifer also makes custom clothing, including special occasion dresses for bridesmaids (she shies away from bridal gowns, as bridal jitters make her nervous). Prices depend on labor and do not include the cost of material. Check out the Apparel Doctor's website for more information on her services, including pickup and delivery for a small mileage surcharge.
As a supporter of the "shop local" movement, Jennifer offers a discount on alterations to clothing purchased in the CWE. Just keep the tags on the clothing.
P.S. – Missing a button? Ask Dawna of Borough Vintage to show you her large collection of buttons—you're bound to find a match, or something close.
Though Jennifer Ingram has closed The Apparel Doctor, she continues to offer pick-up and delivery service for alterations. Visit her website or call (314) 889-0739.
Hey, Found your blog on Google and I will definitley be recommending and coming back to the site! =)