Disaster. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Waited 4 weeks for an appointment at this place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Told the tailor exactly what we needed over the phone - a dress needed to be tailored to fit. Gave her the brand, size, etc. she quoted us $160. Steep, but reasonable given the quality of the dress. She took measurements. After the fitting, she told us the cost would be $400. $400 to tailor a dress?!? That's more than most dresses cost. Why? [[HIGHLIGHT]]She said, "wedding dresses cost more." We explained that it wasn't a wedding dress (I'm already married!). But she wouldn't change the price.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It felt strange and uncomfortable and kind of awful to be called a liar[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Walked out and found another tailor who did an epic job for $120. Went to the party (NOT A WEDDING) and felt fabulous. Skip this place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]p.s. Apparently this owner gaslights customers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]To clarify: 1. I definitely called in advance, 2. I was definitely overcharged, 3. It was definitely Lily from Irena's studio. Not confused, and not a mistake.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Avoid avoid avoid. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cannot underscore how fantastic Lily & her team are.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Pricing was very fair- she did a compete overhaul of my veil, and my dress fit like a glove. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lily is lovely, so easy to work with and genuinely made the alterations process so smooth.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]She's so kind and literally made me feel better about myself and my dress every time I saw her.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I adore her. Thank you Lily!!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

Irena's Studio is a gem!!! I was initially hesitant to trust someone in general with something as important as my wedding dress, but Lily (the owner) did an amazing job and knew exactly what alterations would flatter my body. [[HIGHLIGHT]]During our first meeting, Lily was thorough, clear, and explained each recommendation and steps of the alteration process.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I loved how for each visit, Lily took a step by step approach to alter my dress so that she could confirm that I was happy before moving forward to other aspects. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also appreciated that if I had a recommendation or question, Lily really listened and did not make me feel rushed during my appointment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I received so many compliments on my dress during the wedding and my photos came out so good as well. I'm so grateful for Lilys expertise and would highly recommend her! read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Lily is the wedding dress tailor of your dreams. She made my dress feel like it was made for me to begin with! There really isn't anything that she can't do within the realm of tailoring your wedding dress. The alterations were so seamless, and she and her team work diligently to finish what you need within a reasonable timeline. I never knew that the process could be so detailed, and I met with her four times before my wedding day. She is worth every penny, and I came here because my friend also went to her, and the power of the referral is that you know you're going to get a great job done for what you're paying for. The pictures speak for themselves. read more

See all

It's always been my dream to wear my aunt's wedding dress from her 1983 wedding. The 80s puff sleeves and the fact that I couldn't zip it up the back (my aunt was smaller than me) necessitated an expert tailor experienced in vintage wedding dress alterations. Cue Lily at Irena's Studio! Working with her for my June wedding was definitely one of the best decisions I made throughout the planning process. Right from the very first fitting, Lily's kindness, patience, professionalism and keen attention to the most minute details were apparent. Over the course of four fittings, Lily and her team transformed my aunt's 80s dress into something more modern and timeless, while still maintaining the integrity of the original dress. I was so happy with how it turned out! Alterations included: completely redesigning the puff sleeves into cap sleeves, making the sash thinner, removing the underlying crinoline so the dress would be less poofy, removing some decorative bows on the skirt and bodice, replacing the zipper, expanding/adjusting the whole bodice to fit me, and fixing some of the buttons and loops for the bustle which had broken. She charged a reasonable flat rate which I was able to pay in three installments. I really appreciated Lily's expert eye and deft skills. I would try on the dress at each fitting and she would notice small ways to make the dress that much better for me-little tweaks here and there that made it fit like a glove. In addition, I was able to bring in my reception dress for tailoring during the process and she got it back to me fitting perfectly in no time as well (it just needed to be taken in around the bodice). I cannot recommend Lily and her team at Irena's Studio enough! They really helped make my wedding day wonderful! read more

See all

Irene's Studio is the best in town! Lily is an amazing seamstress and I've visited her for all my alterations needs. [[HIGHLIGHT]]She is always so kind, accommodating, and communicative.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Most recently, she altered my wedding dress and I couldn't have been happier with how the dress fit to my body, while keeping the detail and elegance of the dress in tact -- you couldn't tell any changes were made. Amazing work! I felt so confident and comfortable on the big day. I could not recommend her enough. Thank you for everything! read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Lily was like my fairy godmother for my wedding dress alterations. I needed a number of alterations on a dress with lots of beading, sequins, and floral lace. By the end, she helped me close up a deep V neckline, fix the bra area, adjust my off-shoulder sleeves, remove an inner layer of tulle, as well as hem, bustle, and take in the dress! [[HIGHLIGHT]]She had me come in multiple times throughout the process to ensure each step was to my liking and fitting well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] She also helped me take in the dress more than originally planned as my measurements were changing. I had a long train and she bustled it to perfection (required 9 points/buttons due to the train length). People accidentally stepped on my dress while dancing and the buttons all still held up nicely. I was able to comfortably dance. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was completely blown away by her skill and she was also so sweet and made me feel at ease during a stressful season of wedding planning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] On top of that, her pricing is very reasonable. I didn't consult with other seamstresses but I highly doubt they could have quoted me a more competitive price. I would recommend her to anyone looking for alterations of any kind. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Although I think the word is out so book an appointment with her sooner than later :)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]My wedding was in March and I had my first appointment with her in October. It was a great timeline for the complexities in alterations that I needed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Irena's Studio - 9 point bustle - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Lily is a miracle worker! She has a stellar eye for understanding proportions /style and exactly which adjustments (major or minor) are needed to really bring out YOU at your best. She and her incredible team took a dress that was at least 9 sizes too large for me and tailored it to absolute perfection. The entire dress was deconstructed and resized (bodice, strap length and width, adjusted keyhole back, waist, hem, cups size -and probably more I am not even aware of- all custom.) Lily is detail oriented and listens to your vision while also offering her expert advice. She will not lead you astray and won't stop until she gets it just right! Lily immediately saw elements in the dress that needed to be altered that Janneane's Bridal, (who wanted to charge me over twice as much!) did not even mention. Her work was efficient, timely and fairly priced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lily is a kind, warm and grounded person. Coming to her shop was a calming and supportive experience- a safe haven in the chaos of wedding planning that I truly looked forward to.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Looking back on the magic of my wedding, Lily will always be the special fairy godmother that made me feel taken care of and absolutely radiant! If you are looking for an incredibly skilled tailor who is professional, talented and a joy to work with, look no further. And if you are debating whether or not to have your dress altered at one of the big chain bridal stores- know that the quality, attention and pricing you will get with Lily simply cannot be compared-she and her team pour their hearts into every dress. read more

This review is a long time coming! Lily and her team did an amazing job on my wedding dress and another dress I wore that evening. She tailored my dress many sizes down, accentuated the areas I wanted, expertly removed and reattached beading and hemmed several layers of my dress. We met for several sessions as I unintentionally lost weight close to the wedding and she made sure the dress fit perfectly. My best advice is to come early to make sure she can still take you on as a client as she gets really busy during wedding season. I recommend her to all my family and friends! read more

Finally had time to write this review after everything going on from wedding, but knew I had to take the time for Lily. She saved my dress before my wedding and worked incredibly hard and quickly to make sure it would fit perfectly for the big day. I like many others had the unfortunate experience of dealing with Janene's bridal alterations. They tried pressuring me to have them alter both my dresses but they overcharged me by thousands of dollars and were going to do the amount of work others could but take longer and not meet deadlines. My reception had so many issues and thank god I had a bad feeling leaving it in Janene's hands and held on to. I was pressured into giving them my other dress since they said I wouldn't have a dress for the wedding at all so I let them alter my ceremony dress that only needed simple hemming but they charged over thousand dollars for. I have photos attached for reference the lace trim that Lily had to not only hem but reapply the lace trim at bottom so that it would have same affect just shorter. Couldn't find the after photo but just know it turned out perfect length and was able to bustle. I'm glad I listened to my instincts and found Irena's studio and took my reception dress there because Lily helped to make sure I had realistic price and worked hard to make sure my dress was done for my wedding which isn't easy with a lace glitter dress with floral trim. It was easy to come back for fittings for alterations, parking was street parking but easy to get. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Every time I would come in Lily was so kind to ask me how I was doing and hear some of my stresses out that were occurring from wedding.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love how she doesn't demand additional cost besides what she quotes you and she doesn't make you pay everything up front like Janene's so you can have faith that she will show you her work speaks for itself. I recommended her to all my friends for their future wedding and if you were like me and got some weird vibes from Janene's alterations I suggest you save yourself time and money and go here instead. You'll have a much more pleasant experience that you need for your wedding dress experience. read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

I don't know where to begin. If I could give 10 stars, I would. There is no doubt that Lily is an amazing woman. I found her on Google and as you can see, there are many who agree with me about her work. I brought my wedding dress to Lily, and she transformed it into something I could never have imagined. Between the time I bought the dress and the last fitting, I lost a lot of weight. I took on board many of Lily's suggestions and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Thanks so much, Lily, for making this dress fit me like a glove. The process of altering this dress was a challenge. I am so glad I found the right person to share my alteration vision with and also to receive some advice on how to make it into something beautiful. Lily, you have a forever customer in me. Having worked with Lily, I highly recommend her. There is no disappointment with her. Her ideas are solid, she's a pro and knows what works. Of course she puts her clients' vision first, but her advice on certain changes is right on. If you look at my first picture, my dress was wayyyyyyy too big and long. In the end, we decided to cut the dramatic training. The decision had to be made. It would be impossible for me to dance my first dance in that dress. We both agreed that I should cut it, and I'm so glad I did. Although the dress was beautiful, I ended up falling even more in love with it as we made changes to it. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you put into making your clients happy, Lily. read more

See all

I came here for my second reception dress after having a bad experience with Janene's Bridal alterations team for my ceremony dress and I am so glad I did! Lily did a great job with my alterations and was able to squeeze me in for a few appointments right before my wedding and honestly was such a pleasure to work with. She is so sweet and you can tell she really cares about each person and truly just wants them to look and feel beautiful in their dress. It seems like there are a lot of people who have trouble with the alterations at Janene's Bridal and having gotten one dress altered here and one dress altered there, I can say my experience with Lily/Irena's Studio was MUCH, MUCH better. (Long story short, my experience with Janene's alterations: Crazy expensive quote, things were not finished or even started when I came in for my appointments, and they didn't inform me that they couldn't alter certain parts when I bought my dress) Definitely would recommend coming here for getting your dresses altered! She prefers cash so also be ready to pay in cash. read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Irena did a beautiful job altering my wedding dress and fit me in during what was an incredibly busy time of year. The dress was ready right on time and perfect. She instills confidence, is calm, caring, friendly, and most of all a master at her craft. So grateful I found her! read more

See all

This is the place to take your fine clothes for alteration and repair. Irena is an expert and turns things around in great shape and short time. read more

Irena did a beautiful job on my wedding dress. Even though it was a simple alteration of a hem and bustle, she did an incredible job with the intricate lace, and the way she bustled my dress was perfect! Plus she is the sweetest woman and made me feel so special at each fitting. read more

Irena's Studio - Hemmed to the perfect length - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Where do I begin... My wedding was on 9/22 and my wedding dress came at the end of August. I was panicking because I was worried that we wouldn't have enough time to alter my dress. Lily prioritized my dress since my wedding was 3.5 weeks away! I was referred by a family member and it was one of the best decisions ever! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I booked the appt with her for mid August in April & I'm glad I did because by August she was fully booked but she still made time for me![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My dress had lots of beading and detailing, but her team did an amazing job! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lily met with me every week & we were done by my 3rd fitting. Her constant positivity and reassurance made me less worrisome.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lily's customer service was immaculate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My dress had a stain on it from the bridal shop I ordered from & she took her time to go above and beyond to get rid of the stain for me. I am very satisfied with their service & will definitely recommend Irena Studio to my friends & family! read more

Lily worked wonders on my lace wedding dress on a tight schedule. Her attention to detail was amazing and she made me feel so at ease throughout the process. I never felt rushed during the fittings, and I could tell that she was committed to getting the fit just right, even if it took an extra fitting. Thank you, Lily and company! read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

This review is of Lily, the owner of Irena Studio. I had purchased my gown from a bridal salon in Alameda and had felt rushed into the decision by the stylist. I had been quoted a very high amount for alterations and so went to Irena Studio to seek another quote. While I was there, I ended up telling Lily that I didn't really like my dress at all, and I told her about what a stressful experience I'd had at the salon. I am from the east coast and I don't have any family here in California, so I had gone dress shopping alone and have basically been planning my wedding on my own without much help, which has added to my stress. It was the end of Lily's work week and yet she took the time to sit with me, talked to me for like 45 minutes, asked me about myself, empathized with me, and really made me feel so much better. She was like a stand-in temporary Mom for 45 minutes haha. After leaving there, I felt so grateful that a complete stranger took the time out of her day to get to know me and to help me talk through my stress. I was completely floored at how kind and compassionate she is. I ultimately reached out to my original bridal salon and expressed my issues with the dress, and reached a separate agreement with them for alterations, which is why I did not end up using Irena Studio for my gown. However, if you want to take your gown to a sweet, kind, and caring person who is clearly very talented - please check out Irena Studio. read more

I really can't recommend Lily or Irena's Studio enough, both for wedding and everyday alterations. My wife had been to Lily in the past for some minor suit alterations and recommended her to me when I was looking for someone to alter my wedding dress. Lily identified all the work she would need to do and the pricing for it upfront. She shortened the hem and added a bustle. She also shortened and narrowed the shoulder straps and did such a good job preserving the original lace pattern. I went in 4-5 times over 6 weeks for initial assessment and subsequent minor tweaks and fit checks . [[HIGHLIGHT]]Each time, Lily was quick and attentive, while also being my personal hype woman![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I always walked out feeling so confident in my choice of dress and of tailor. However, [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lily's real heroic moment was when my partner's custom suit came back with pants that were beyond unwearable. Lily got us in immediately to give her opinion on whether they could be fixed (which was no) so we could get a refund.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Then when we found a replacement only 3 weeks before our wedding, she fit us in for another "emergency" appointment and got all the alterations done on a shortened timeframe. She truly saved the day and made sure that the suit my wife ultimately wore was made for her, even though it wasn't what she originally planned on wearing. We will definitely come to Lily for any future alterations and will recommend her to anyone who will listen! read more

The ladies at Irena's studio saved my wedding dress! The dress arrived at the dress shop 3 inches too short. The bodice was also too short and didn't end at my natural waist. I'm 5'10 and for some reason, the women at the bridal store never measured me for length. Everyone knows it's a lot harder to add length than it is to hem things, so when I arrived at Irena's studio, I was a bit worried. The ladies at Irena's studio came up with a brilliant solution that not only made the dress the perfect length, it actually made the dress look better than the original version! I'm so happy with the result. Lily and everyone working there were extremely kind, encouraging, and easy to work with. They answered all my questions and made me feel confident that everything would work out. I would recommend this studio to anyone! read more

Irena's Studio - Irena's studio added length and made the dress look even better! The waistband makes the dress look more polished than the original. - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Lily went above and beyond to make my wedding dress fit perfectly! I went in for about four or five fittings over the course of 6 months and each time she was kind and attentive. She was able to work her magic to enlarge the rib cage area and make the dress look like it was designed that way. She even rushed to see me when I had a fitting concern days before my wedding. On my wedding day, I received so many compliments on my dress and how well it fit. I highly recommend Irena's Studio! read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Lily is REALLY nice and she will work with you to tweak all the details until you're happy with your pieces.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got my wedding gown, wedding reception jumpsuit, and wedding welcome event two-piece tailored here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Quick email responses and kind communication in person.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Heads up, cash is preferred. read more

I have had a pair of pants hemmed here that turned out fabulous! I only came here because 2 of my closest friends coincidentally had their wedding dresses altered here and she did an incredible job with 2 very unique couture dresses! I'm sending everyone here because she's reliable, professional, kind and the best! Pretty convenient too, with being so close to so many lovely vintage shops! read more

Lily is AMAZING. She is hands down the best tailor I have ever worked with. She made my wedding dress fit like a glove. She listened to all of my concerns and went and above and beyond to help fit my dress properly. Her attention to detail, meticulous tailoring skills, and genuine care for my dress was unparalleled. I will be a life long costumer of Irena's studio. read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Lily is extremely friendly, attention to detail, and super accommodated. She tailor two of my wedding dresses, one is my grown one is my dance dress, both look amazing. My grown has 13 layers, I go fitted for couple times, she is super patient and listen to my needs. Highly recommended read more

See all

I cannot say enough about Lily and her incredible skill. I purchased a beautiful gown for my wedding from Marchesa. It was as beautiful as it was intricately constructed, with four layers of delicate tulle and a subtle, yet detailed bodice. This wasn't a matter of simple alterations. To customize the fit, Lily removed 5-1/2 inches from the body and 2 inches of length, reconstructing a hem that held the layers together in a way that gave a floating effect. It fit me to perfection. Her work is impeccable. +I will post a photo+ In addition to her skill, Lily is as lovely and engaging as you could hope, particularly as a bride. She was the first person to see my dress and with such kindness and enthusiasm, assured me that I had picked the perfect one. Lily's system for appointments and her communication in between is easy and appreciated, as she is very efficient. She is also very generous, ensuring enough time to accommodate as many appointments that may be needed (only 2 for me). I felt what I paid was very reasonable, given the time and attention she gave to me and my dress. We plan to bring all of our alterations to Lily and Irena Studio, not just for perfect alterations, but because we will enjoy seeing her! read more

I went to Irena's Studio for my wedding gown alteration. It needs some alteration on the straps side (as you can see on the last pic) but it ended up needing some alterations on the underarm side. I was looking for a tailor shop around Berkeley/Oakland and I found Irena's Studio. The lady in the shop is very sweet and accommodating. As you can see, my gown is detailed with lace and beads so I was really worried and careful as to which tailor should I hire. I am so glad I went with Irena's Studio! I am amazed how they are detailed oriented and has a really good eye for fit. They are professional and gave back my dress on the promised date! If you are a bride and in need of a tailor for your wedding dress, look no further!! Their shop has five stars on Google and has really good reviews on Yelp and now I know why, they are so easy to work with! read more

See all

Lily is the BEST!! What can I say? 5 stars all the way! Created an entire new lining for a fun and funky vintage jumpsuit! Quality was exceptional and advice was tip top read more

Let's see, where to begin. If there was a fairy godmother for dress alterations, Lily and her studio is IT! I came to Lily at Irene's Studio from a recommendation from my soon to be sister in law who was an event planner for weddings. I needed a second option on wedding dress alterations after my alterations appointment at the dress boutique shop in Alameda left me feeling upset and regretting buying a dress from them. I originally bought my dress at Janene's in Alameda, originally I was excited and trying on dresses was a great experience up to the buying the dress and the alterations process. The dress I tried on and selected fit well, there were a few areas I need some extra space but I told the lady helping me that I was planning on losing 20lbs. She recommended that I order the dress 2 sizes up from the size I tried on stating that the dresses on the floor are stretched out. Shocked at this advice I told her again I'm determined to lose 20lbs and that I didn't agree. She then said that she would feel comfortable with me then doing 1 size up from what I tried on. Reluctantly I followed her advice. Mind you I tried on a 12, she was advising me to order a 16!!! And then we settled on a 14 even though I felt like I needed a 12 or 10. Dress comes in and I go to my alterations appt. I've lost the 20lbs so I was excited. I try my dress on and it's literally hanging off me. The whole dress was so big. The hips I had fist full of fabric. I was starting to get worried about the alteration process as they started to take pictures, remeasure me and discuss everything I could possibly need. After all the talk the dress that I bought for $950($1400 including tax and tip) now needed an additional $1650 in alterations! Literally the whole dress needed to be altered. I was upset. I told them I felt like they advised me wrong. As my new measurements showed that I was a 8-10 in some areas so technically if I ordered a 10-12 I would have had a better fitting dress. Instead I have a size 14 that was too big and needed a ton of fixing. They told me I could not return or exchange and because my wedding was around the corner I literally had no choice but to either pay for their alterations or find another place to them at a better price. Mind you the seamstress never came out to see me in the dress, they took my measurements and photos and stated they go between the the customer and the seamstress and speak the "lingo" to get things done, how could I trust that after hearing about the hack job needed. I left with my dress and fought back the tears and frustration determined to find someone else I called Lily and she was able to get me in within a few days. Not knowing what to expect I was very happy with my experience with her. She gave me the experience that I thought I would have gotten from the boutique. I put the baggy dress on, walked out and stepped up on the dress platform and she looked me up and down and started discussing what needed to be done. The obvious was my dress was way too big. She took in a little over 5 inches in my hips alone! She walked around me and pinch and pulled fabric and explained what she would need to do. I explained that I was advised to buy this size and she just shook her head. After she explained what they needed to do she asked if she would pin some of the dress to show me and I said ok, from there i was able to see how much work she was going to be putting in, and it was a lot! She had to make the dress a size 10 from 14! Once we sat down she explained how much time she needed and cost and it was in the ball park of what I had thought I was going to spend which was less than $1000. I told her I could cry, she was saving my dress debacle and I felt like I could be happy about my dress again because after leaving the boutique, I wanted to toss the dress. I had about 3-4 fittings. The first one I just had 100% faith that she was going to do the dress right. It felt better and fit better each time I went in and she and her staff are very welcoming and friend throughout the process and I didn't feel like I was pressured to do something I didn't want to do. They are amazing to work with and did an amazing job on my alterations and I was so happy at the end of all of this. If you are looking for a wedding dress alterations person, Lily and her team are extremely talented and do exceptional work. They have experience and know what they are doing. They made the impossible feel possible for me and really made my terrible experience at Janene's a terrible memory because they stepped in and knocked my alterations out the park. I can't thank Lily enough for all her work done and for not price gauging me, a desperate bride trying to salvage a terrible buying decision, because that's what Janene's was trying to do. This IS the place you want to go to because they are honest and do great work. Thank you Lily!!!! read more

Irena's Studio - End result of alterations on on my wedding day - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

I highly recommend Lily and the team at this studio! She tailored my wedding dress by my requested date, and was extremely professional. The wedding dress came out perfect and looked like it was one of a kind after she was done! She shortened the bodice, hem, and train, and everything was perfect. The appointments were efficient and she nailed the measurements after one fitting. A true expert! read more

Lily is an amazing woman who does amazing work! I went in with my wedding dress maybe 2 months before my wedding and she made my dress fit perfectly. Everytime I went in for another fitting I was blown away. She is reasonably priced and a hidden gem! She made me feel so beautiful and comfortable at such a stressful time of ensuring everything was done on time. For any alteration needs your would be doing yourself a disservice to not use Irena's studios! read more

See all

Got a pair of vintage 501's shortened here. Top notch quality. The owner knows exactly what she's doing. Perfect for any alteration you might need. read more

My dress fit beautiful after alterations!! Owner was able to make sure it looked amazing and also on time for my event! Would suggest giving yourself plenty of time for any alternations! Things like this are hard on hands and the back! Thankful my dress looks beautiful. Will definitely be coming again. read more

Lily was so pleasant to work with. My dress needed a lot of changes and she made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. I'm so glad I decided to bring my dress to her! Her work exceeded my expectations and I'm so happy with how everything turned out. read more

See all

I cannot recommend Lily and her team enough! I ordered my bridesmaid dress online, and I was a little nervous because it was way too long and I hadn't had anything tailored since my high school prom. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Let me tell you - my fears vanished as soon as I met Lily! She was so kind, friendly, and professional, and the process of having my dress altered couldn't have been smoother or more affordable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I sent Lily an email and we scheduled a consultation appointment - at the consultation, I went in with my dress and with shoes similar to what I would be wearing for the wedding (I hadn't chosen my shoes quite yet), and in less than 20 minutes, Lily had taken the measurements.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We scheduled a time 2 weeks later for me to come in to pick up the dress, and that appointment took less than 15 minutes - the dress fit perfectly! I'm so grateful to Lily and the team at Irena's Studio! I know exactly where I'll be going for all my future tailoring needs! read more

I found a beautiful very light-weight wool scarf that was too scratchy, and I wanted to have it backed. The owner of Irena's Studio sent me to a nearby shop place nearby to find the silk for a lining. I told her I was going to Europe in two weeks, and she rushed my order in time for my departure. I could not have imagined what a beautiful job these wonderful people did. There was no sign of any stitching at all! I would recommend this studio for any project that requires really exquisite work. read more

I went to Irena's looking for someone to take in a non-refundable bridesmaid's dress that was probably 3-4 sizes too large. I have a shorter torso and legs so the fit was also very off on me and I was just hoping to find someone who could alter it to the point that it was wearable, but Lily and her staff really went above and beyond - I can't believe how well it turned out! Lily took the dress in and hemmed it to the right size & length, but also took out extra fabric that was bunching up on the chest so the high neckline would sit correctly, and essentially redid the straps on the back of the dress. I went from feeling really disappointed with how this dress looked when I first got it, to super excited about it when the alterations were finished. Lily had me come back for several fittings along the way to make sure everything was being adjusted correctly as she made changes which I really appreciated, especially because the shop was clearly really busy. Speaking of which, be sure you give them plenty of time to work on your alteration. Thankfully I came in 3+ months before the wedding and they were able to fit me in. For me this was worth the price, and I will definitely be coming back for all of my alterations in the future. read more

Lily is a fabulous seamstress. Taking my dress to her was 100% one of the best decisions I made during the wedding process. I had a wonderful time picking out my dress at Janene's, but based on the poor reviews for their alternations, I was eager to look elsewhere and not risk finding myself in tears. I am so thankful for the other brides out there that recommended Lily. Her pricing was way more reasonable (to the tune of $400 less for the same service) and I know with certainty I received the highest level of care and attention to detail. Lily makes sure the dress is PERFECT! I ended up coming in for five fittings total and I am not sure if I ever felt as beautiful as I did on my wedding day. On top of her technical skills, she is a very kind woman and it made me feel like one of my aunties was taking care of me. If I have any future alternations needs, I am calling Lily!!! Thank you so much :) read more

Irena's Studio - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

Fast and professional! I've been to Irena's couple times now! Lily is truly the best!I've brought a lot of different stuff over, Pants, tops, dress ..etc requires all different kind of alteration. Whatever you need she can figure it out and give you the honest opinion. If Something are not worth alteration, she'll tell you straight up! And for the pieces that need some discussion, just trust her expertise! This is also my favorite alteration place because they have a very decent fitting area unlike most of the alteration place. You feel like in Nordstrom's fitting room! Nice big mirror, fitting platform, real fitting room (also with mirror! )Couches for your companion if you are with friends, bathroom in the back! read more

Irena's Studio - Trying on my dress after Lily's alteration! It's perfect ! - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Oakland, California

Lily was an absolute sweetheart to work with. Her attention to detail and careful craftswomanship to perfecting the fit is unmatched and incomparable. I had four fittings and by the second, the dress was already near perfect. She is truly a wonderful, warm, and thoughtful human. I am so grateful to have found Lily for my wedding dress alterations. The experience was amazing and I will be coming back to Lily for my other alteration and tailoring needs. Highly recommend. She is now my go-to! read more

See all