We had a good first experience at this small, unassuming shop getting a brand new dress tailored for a special event. The dress we bought online was a final sale, and was accidentally purchased a size too large, which could have been a complete disaster. It had to come down an entire size to fit, which ended up costing us $50 in alternations, but honestly the finished product, while expensive compared to other local tailors, turned out perfectly. This was a job that that could either work out wonderfully (it did) or completely ruin a garment, and with less than a week to go before our event, we were pleased we came here. I've taken a few things for alterations at less expensive dry cleaners with a seamstress on staff, only to be disappointed or worse, have my original garment ruined, which can be slightly heartbreaking. As other's have said, prices are high. This is a small unassuming operation and the primary owner is factual, and some have said curt. It was off-putting reading the reviews, but it struck me that perhaps she is just a no nonsense lady with higher than average prices and a specific loyal customer base. In a world of just-okay seamstresses or worse, as I have had a few items ruined at other tailors, here you can trust in their alterations. read more

My initial impression was positive and I picked up the two pairs of new pants altered on the day I was told they would be ready. The work was good, as it should be for $20/pair. My disappointment was when she told me "wash pants before, I'm not dry cleaner". She was telling me that she thought that my pants were dirty! I had bought both pairs, took the tags off then took them here to be altered. She kept telling me that the new pants were dirty. If those pants were dirty, they got dirty in her store. I don't need that hassle, I won't be back. read more

FANTASTIC work & I always have a good experience chatting with the owner. I'm between sizes- so I had her bring in the waist on a few pairs of tailored linen pants, and hem around six pairs of pants. I also had a maxi skirt that was too small on me - she made a new waist for me that fits- using the same button and zipper. Very affordable - I'm so grateful I was able to get so many pieces back into my rotation to wear! read more

Faro is amazing! My orders are always ready on time and the work is fantastic. Prices are reasonable and she's honest and trustworthy. I highly recommend this place!! read more

I never write a review, but I'm extremely upset. I'm incredibly disappointed with how Fora thinks it's acceptable to speak to people. No one has ever gotten under my skin like she has. Her attitude is disgusting, she's extremely rude, and she acts superior. I can't understand how she manages to maintain clients and keep her business open. I strongly advise to staying away! My mother dropped off a dress nearly three weeks ago, we were explaining what needed to be done. Fora dismissed our explanations, claiming she knows how to do her job. When we picked up the dress yesterday, the main thing we specifically asked her to fix was still unchanged. I attempted to explain that she hadn't fixed the initial problem, and she teared a piece of fabric on the back of the dress. When I tried to show her where the tear was, she snatched the dress from my hands and became upset. She insisted she knows what she's doing and that she will fix it if we come back in a couple of days. She then rudely told us to hurry up and leave, as she had another customer that need her attention. About 40 minutes later, I called her to inquire if she would be able to complete the alterations since she hadn't fixed it the first time. I also mentioned that the event is in 15 days, and we had left the dress with her for almost three weeks. I was straightforward with her, but she didn't appreciate it and hung up on me. I'm extremely upset. This is not how a paying customer should be treated, especially when she charges over $90 for a dress zipper repair, and to hem off 2 inches of the dress. There's a clear distinction between being direct and being rude, and she doesn't seem to grasp it. She lacks professionalism, fails to cater to customer needs, and is aggressive with poor listening skills. Please don't waste your time and money here. read more

I have had Faro alter probably 6 pieces for me. Most of them were perfectly straight-forward and the quality was good. One of them was a blouse with ruffles and I specifically wanted the ruffles altered. As others have said, she literally grabbed the blouse from me with, "I know what I'm doing!" She did not listen to what I was saying. When I returned, she had not done what I wanted and had made the hips of the blouse too tight. I showed her that she had not done the ruffles as I had asked and she took it back and redid it. When I picked it up, I said, "Just so you know, if you had actually listened to me when I first brought it, you would not have had to redo it." She just glared at me. I think it's a combination of her personality and her culture, but her style makes miscommunication much more likely. If you do work with her, insist that she actually listen, and even write down, exactly what you are asking for if it's more complicated than a basic hem. Good luck with her. read more

My dream was to wear my mom's wedding dress to my wedding and Faro was able to make that dream come true! For a very reasonable price that blew other stores out of the water, she was able to alter both my mom's 80's styled dresses to classic masterpieces that hopefully my daughter would want to wear one day. She was very professional, timely, and excited for me the whole process. She says that she loves working on wedding dresses bc they are special to her. She also helped with my veil as well. I've already recommended many friends to her - you're in good hands! read more

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The rudest individual I have ever interacted with. When I went to get a bridesmaids dress altered, she told me that the dress was fitting on me wrong and that I needed to lose weight. Asked me when the wedding was and I told her and then proceeded to tell me I had 20 days to get my act together. Went today to pick it up and I profusely apologized for not having my ticket The lady goes "oh you have to be kidding me? please tell me you're not serious". I want to explain that I was very sorry and that my teacher brain is a little scattered right now with the current teaching situation and the pandemic. She then proceeded to tell me that there was room inside the dress for it to be taken out I'm clearly not going to be losing any weight by the time of the wedding. So I do not recommend this place at al. read more

Over the past five or so years I have taken many garments to Faro for alterations and have always been completely happy with her work and her prices. I find her very professional and kind. Also, a tip to bargain hunters: Right now she is offering a 20% discount on her work. The COVID-19 crisis has hit her badly, as it has many other small businesses, so now is a great time to take your garments to her! You will be happy you did it and that you can wear again those clothes that have been hanging in your closet because they didn't fit well! read more

When Guaranteed Alterations received the North Bay ROTD last December I bookmarked it since my regular tailor, Advanced European Tailoring in Berkeley, had closed. Last month I ordered a couple of tops from Coldwater Creek, a shell and a blouse to go over it. The shell was available only in a larger size or a smaller one than I wear, so I shrugged and ordered the large one. Well, I swam in it, so I decided to have it taken in. I dropped it off the day I had lunch in Petaluma w/ Debra and picked it up today since my car was being serviced at Lexus of Marin. When I dropped it off Faro had me try it on and pinned it in the shoulders. She was friendly and gracious, unaffectedly shocked when I told her what size it was and that I had expected it might fit.. She gave me a tag to retrieve it, told me it would cost $20 cash and would be ready Tuesday. Rather than make a special trip Tuesday I waited until today. I gave her the tag and the money, she gave me the shell. I look forward to wearing it. Whenever I have more tailoring needs I will make the drive over to San Rafael. read more

Faro, the owner of the shop is a very thoughtful woman. I've been going to her for years. She has taken dresses in for me and hemmed many a jean, she also modified an oversized comforter cover to fit my bed! All of which have turned out very well. I was browsing her reviews just now, and saw some negative reviews about her shop, and something struck me- the negative reviews are all about phone calls gone amok, and are about her not quoting a price. The funny thing is, I happened to be there just the other day and observed one of these infamous phone calls 1st hand. So I figure it's my duty as a loyal customer (and yelper) to share... I want to start out by saying that I don't think she ever means to be rude, however she may come across as a bit abrupt. She doesn't like to quote prices over the phone- period. After she got off the phone she mentioned that it is just to difficult to tell sight unseen how much time any given alteration will take, and that her prices are very standard for alterations. It seemed to me like a classic case of a business owner taking for granted that a consumer is privy to standard prices, and the consumer not knowing what that standard is and being afraid to over pay. I bet this happens all the time. All I can say is, in my experience Faro is very fair with price, and well worth what she charges. After using her services for several years I have learned that she is just a no nonsense, hardworking, tried and true business owner, who works very hard to please her customers. I really enjoy her personality, and she has even shared some great recipes with me. I think it is crucial to have a good tailor on hand who you can trust! read more

If you want your clothes done right, take them to Faro. I trust Faro completely. When I drop off my clothes I know they will be handled with the utmost care. Doesn't matter if it's a $20 dress or a $250 coat. She knows clothes. She knows how it should fit, what length it should be and how high or low it should hang. She's an expert yet she listens to her customers' input. Faro does not alter clothes just to make a buck. I've brought in a couple pieces, a pair of Gap pants and a Bebe leather jacket, where she's told me unless I see myself keeping them for a very long time I'd be better off buying new compared to the price of altering them. She does charge considerably more than others but I think she's absolutely worth it. read more

Faro continues to do excellent work. Most recently, she took a bridesmaid dress that was ENORMOUS and made it fit like a dream... I'll soon be bringing her a pile of pants that need some assistance. read more

Pro: Faro is nice and helpful. Con: her prices are ridiculous. I went to her to alter my bridesmaid dress (3 layered chiffon dress). All it needed was a 4 inch hem on the bottom and an adjustment on the straps. The boutique where I bought the dress quoted me $30-35. They said the dress is simple to alter. I believed them since they're obviously a legit wedding dress boutique. They mentioned that anyone who quotes me higher than that is crazy. Unfortunately, the boutique is over an hour drive for me. Thus, I settled for an alterations area in San Rafael, which is only 10 minutes from where I work. And let me tell you... She hates giving quotes over the phone, which is understandable. I'll give her that - it's hard to quote anything not knowing what you are dealing with. So I went in with my dress and shoes. She immediately made me go into the dressing room to change. I asked her if she can quote me so I don't waste anyone's time. She doesn't speak very good English, so she semi-nudged me once again into the dressing room. Whatever, I went in and changed. She started working on me right away. folding and pinning on my straps and fitting the bottom of the dress. At this point, I figured...WHy NOT?! It can't hurt. I'm sure she knows this is simple enough to do since the boutique said everywhere else should be about $30-35. BOY WAS I WRONG. after all that time, this girl quotes me at $55 !! Crazy. I didn't want to waste anyone's time cuz im not an ass, so whatever. If you're desperate and are running out of time, come here. her turnaround time is a week and you can walk in. She probably doesn't have enough business to hold up turnaround times. Quite strangely, another bridesmaid with the same style and type of dress paid $75 for a FULL alteration elsewhere. As in, drop a size 8 dress to a size 3 or something. Point to get across here -- only come here if you're strapped for time. GO SOMEWHERE else if you have at least a week. Faro may be a good alteration place, but her prices are CRAZY. She surprises you with this shit too. Good luck. ***UPDATE*** Just picked up my bridesmaid dress yesterday. and she took off WAY too much on the straps. WTF. I'm going to have to go back today to have her fix it. This is ridiculous. Overpriced and can't do the work properly. Sad about my visits here. I don't know how she gets good ratings. Maybe her repeat customers get great service, but for new come-and-go customers, could definitely be a different story! so yeah, just watch out. read more

Don't come here. The lady who works here is SO extremely rude. I was leaving the country for two months and went to the first place I saw. For two pants and a skirt it was $49. I thought she was joking when she told me the price when I picked up my stuff. She told me it was going to be in the $20 range - When I reminded her of this, she said she had said no such thing. I told her it was ridiculous to pay almost $50 for three items, and she started yelling at me in Spanish. Never. Coming. Back. Here. Again. read more

One of my favorite skirts for the office is a gray pinstripe skirt. One day I was messing around and made the slit twice the size! So I went to this place and dropped it off, didn't even ask how much because I figured it would be an easy fix. Well, how wrong was I? It was a whopping $25, and on top of that the lady thought it appropriate to say "Why would you fix this? You could have bought yourself a new skirt!" Gasp! The shock! Steer Clear! read more

Faro was highly accommodating to my last minute request to adjust a blazer. She was quite friendly and pleasant to work with. The job was a bit pricy, but the quality of the work was top notch plus she turned it around fairly quick. I would go back. read more

called to see how much shortening a pair of Pants might cost. The lady who answered the phone snapped at me immediately. She was extremely rude, She said I had to take them in that she couldn't tell me on the phone until she saw them. I said ok i have another question and she did not listen she kept repeating that she could not give me a quote. She then said she was wasting her time with me and hanged up. Did not bother to go see her. I went to Clothes Fit in Novato I called they were super nice. read more

I felt compelled to write a review because of such a positive experience with Faro - I just picked up my dress yesterday *first time going to Guaranteed Alterations*. After reading all the great reviews on here and even despite the few negative ones posted I decided to take my evening gown to her for alterations. Let me tell you, she is a perfectionist and knows what she is doing. I am so happy I took my dress to her. She had my dress done in a very short turn around. She did a fabulous job, better than I ever imagined - she worked perfectly with the layered fine material, sequins and beads - an absolutely brilliant job! I am excited about wearing it tonight to the event! And despite what someone said on these reviews, I believe Faro, the owner is VERY reasonable in what she charges. Nordstrom quoted me twice as much as Faro for half the work. Faro not only hemmed my 2 layered dress, but tailored the sides so that it fit me perfectly. The length, fit is perfect as if the dress was made just for me. I also want to add that I was so comfortable working with Faro. As someone else mentioned on here, she is such a thoughtful woman - so genuine and warm. I am definitely going back to her with any and all alterations I have and need in the future. I agree with what someone posted on here - that the negative reviews seem to be all about phone calls and giving quotes. When I called, I asked if I could bring the dress in so she could take a look and then give me a quote - that is common sense because of the material of the dress - every material and piece of clothing is different with different seams. How would one expect her to give an accurate quote over the phone without seeing what she is actually working on. she was very clear with me on the price before I left - there was absolutely no confusion. She is a straightforward, hardworking and genuine person who stays true to her word. She takes her work serious and concentrates on what she is doing, but to me - was also VERY warm, wise and friendly - very motherly. We had great conversation while trying on my dress :) She is worth EVERY penny she charges! If I were just walking by her shop, I would def. pop my head in now and say hi. She is a wonderful woman and a fantastic seamstress! read more

Faro is the best tailor I've ever experienced. I had a down Patagonia vest that I needed taken in. Several other tailors wouldnt even look at it because it was such a non-traditional material, and I had resorted to looking online for specialists to send it to... ugh. Then I found Faro and she did the job perfectly - no hesitation, no problem. She's also amazing with regular jackets, shirts and even jeans - she took an old pair of Joe's Jeans and fixed them to fit like 501's. Awesome! She's busy, so doesn't always have time to chit chat, but don't let that be a turnoff. She knows what she's doing and is worth every penny! read more

What a wonderful lady operates this store! I had a zipper broken on my favorite leather jacket, and it needed a replacement. Faro said she needs to take a look, and while I was waiting, she did her magic and I had my jacket back within 10 minutes! Turned out she fixed it using some masterful techniques without having to replace the zipper! I was so impressed and feel very grateful . read more

Farro has been doing alterations for me for 15 years and she is the best. I tried other people when she was on vacation and no one is as good as she is. I can highly recommend her. I live in Sonoma now and drive to San Rafael to have her do my alterations. You get what you pay for here and she is worth the drive. Plus, we laugh and have lots of fun. read more

Faro is wondering in doing high-end alterations. This is her specialty and she has impressed me on numerous occasions. I have taken things to her as a last ditch effort to change or fix something that I considered impossible, and she has never turned me away. Her prices may be more than most would expect for a cheap hem elsewhere, but that is not the type of work she does, so take your cheap hem work to someone else if you want it done for close to nothing. She does quality work and takes her time, so if you value the item you want altered, then this is where to go. read more

Faro was my wedding dress angel. She took a dress that was about a foot too long and hemmed ALL EIGHT LAYERS beautifully, as well as making the illusion neckline fit properly. (REALLY detailed work!) She put in a bustle that was hidden well and held up my whole train. She was so kind through the whole process and made me feel so confident in the hands I put my most expensive article of clothing ever into. She's the best--so good, I was willing to make the trip out from the Sacramento area for fittings. Reasonably priced, too! read more

Faro altered my daughters prom dress which had similar detailing to a wedding dress! Sequined all over, form fitting. She did an amazing job, timely and well priced. One year later I can't imagine going anywhere else. I am taking my younger daughter in to get her prom dress altered! read more

I myself am skilled in tailoring and collect really REALLY well built vintage pieces... the kind with true multidirectional and pad stitched underfacings, hand picking, real bound buttonholes and buttons that were sewed on generations ago and that are still on because they were sewed on right the first time ( i.e. no need for extras in little baggies) . I also collect tissue delicate, diaphanous vintage, which is extremely hard to alter and requires tissue underlayment when sewing. So I KNOW how hard the stellar work that Faro does is, and she is the ONLY one I take my precious, one of a kind ( and all the other) things to, because I know that she'll figure out a way to make it perfect. To those who claim otherwise on the skill or friendliness front, all I can say is have a little compassion. She works 6 sometime 7 days a week by herself, hunched over YOUR clothes in that little shop, and frankly ought to take a vacation once in a while. Her prices for the work she does, are not just reasonable, they are cheap. Faro is a gem, and deserves the highest respect and should be treasured for the service she provides in our "just throw it away and get another one' mindset world. If that's YOU, then may I suggest you just go ahead throw that cheapo thing you wanted her to work on for nothing away because that's what the manufacturer intended anyway when it sold it to you. She'd then have more time to work for those who appreciate the dying art of textile craftsmanship. read more

Been taking our items to Faro for several years. Seeing a mix of reviews has prompted me to give my two cents. Faro is a professional and does expert tailoring. She may seem a bit abrupt in her communication, but it's just that. All business. As far as pricing, it isn't cheap but you're paying for expertise. I have seen my entire life and really know the good from the bad. Her work is impeccable. If you buy something on sale and then gave to pay 20-30 to have it tailored, it's still a good deal. You will wear your clothes and look good. I'm sure there are other good tailors in the area, but I know Faro does excellent work. Don't know about the negative posts. Bad day for both people perhaps? I have been there more than 20 times over the years. No issues. read more

The woman who helped tailor my company t-shirt from a baggy men's t-shirt into a fitted womens' shirt was really helpful, considerate, and her skill is impeccable. I will absolutely be returning here for my alterations. I had sleeves shortened, and two darts put in the back. Service took a week, and pricing was inexpensive. read more

I would give zero stars if Yelp allowed it..... I went to Guaranteed Alterations to get 1 dress, 1 jacket, 3 pants altered... The dress needed taken in. The jacket needed the buttons sewn on tighter. The pants needed hemmed. I asked for a quote before I left. My roommate was with me and we both heard her say $82 dollars cash or check upon pick-up. She even scribbled $82 on the small receipt. When I went to pick up the clothes she said that will be $182. My jaw dropped. I had only gotten $82 cash out of the ATM. NOT $182!!! I explained to her what my roommate and I both heard and showed her the receipt. She said that the "$" symbol on the receipt was a ONE. Again, not what we heard or read. She argued with me and became very defensive saying something like "I don't do this work for nothing!" She would not budge on the pricing or give me my clothes until it was paid. I would not trust her with your clothing until you get a CLEAR AND PRECISE estimation of the cost for her work. I believe this was a dishonest attempt to get an extra 100 dollars out of me. On top of the dishonesty surrounding the charges for her work, the hems on the pants were too short and I ended up donating them. My winter coat is now a 3/4 sleeve instead of a simple hem to wrist length as promised. I will NEVER GO BACK. After I left that day I called posing as a new customer to ask about her pricing for hemming pants to get an idea of how she got to the $182 price range.... She was rude and snappy saying, "I don't give prices over the phone." I wonder why.... read more

i went to faro because of the reviews she received on yelp. i told her this, and she was so happy to hear that she has a fan base. anyway, i needed pants altered. she did the job in a week, and the price was reasonable. after i picked up the pants, i wore them the rest of the day at work. after a few hours, i noticed that the pant legs were slightly uneven. i didn't want to be a pain, and was not going to say anything - however, as i was driving home i noticed her shop light still on, so i went in and voiced my concern. she took my pants right there, (i wanted pantsless in the changing room) and within 2 minutes fixed the hem on the pants and sent me home smiling. so if you ever have an issue with her work, she is 110% willing to fix it. she's great. read more

Faro is the only person that touches the alterations on any of my suits. Even when Nordstrom or Brooks Bros. offers free alterations I pay for Faro. She's most recently taken the pleats out of the pants of a couple of my newest suits. Perfection. I've had the other, already named places try and do this with far from adequate results. Faro nailed it. She actually used the fabric from the pant length that she trimmed to attach an extra belt look to help with the flat front looking fit. Artistry I tell you! read more

She was nice until I forgot my ticket then she acted like I just slapped her across the face. She is horribly rude and her work isn't that great. Don't bother. read more

This lady is awesome. I bought a new suite that needed the arms adjusting and the pants not only getting the length right but also were way too baggy. she really knows her stuff and taught me what to look for in the future about how a good looking suite should fit. She made the alterations and it looked awesome. A new customer for life. And regarding the bad review with the cheap skirt lady, really? People, please ignore it! read more

Losing weight is great and one 'benefit' was that my dress clothes did not fit me anymore. Faro re-worked several suits, pairs of pants, and jackets for me. They looked perfect and saved me from needing to buy all new clothes. Just brought two more sport coats and a cashmere overcoat to her and could not be more pleased. Great skills, diligent and a lovely person to work with. read more

I have been patronizing Guaranteed Alterations for many years. Faro has altered pants, coats for me on several occasions. But I have also had her alter motorcycle jackets and pants. She does beautiful work on leather motorcycle jackets. Finally, she has also altered several flight suits and military uniforms for me. I haven't compared her prices to some others. Several reviewers think she is a little high. If she is a little high, her skill is worth the extra. As to her being rude? Never! read more

Oh, I have to agree with some of the other reviewers. The lady is very rude. All I wanted to have was my inseam measured and she said that she would not do it because she didn't want to get yelled at if it was wrong. Weird read more

She was referred from Celebracion Bridal and Tuxedo in San Rafael. I bought my reception gown and redesign it. I'm a little bit picky when it comes to alterations coz I had a bad experience from the past. When I was telling Faro my idea, she knows what I want. After a week, she did a great job with my dress...it's awesome. I definitely recommend her :) read more

Very poor communicator, not imaginative. Doesn't listen to a simple request. Her arrogance gets in the way of discussing a simple job - what a miserable experience! read more

Wonderful place, lovable proprietor! She agreed to tailer 4 pairs of maternity pants for me and to turn them around in 2 days so I could take off early for a conference. Very fairly priced. I will be back, thanks! read more

I have been bringing my things here for years. Alterations of all kinds, from jeans to shirts to coats. She's a bit pricey at time's but worth the service; she's old school so make sure you have cash when ready to pay. read more