Going to an all girls' school meant that the hysteria of formal dress shopping was heightened to…read morethe absolute max, with every girl hoping that the delightful pink dress they had just purchased wasn't the same as their best friend's choice. Cue delirium. Unfortunately (I think), those mad days are long since gone for me, but it's nearly that time for my little sister, so I do kinda get to relive the dream again. Yippee! I told her (yes, she didn't have a choice) that Posh Frocks should be the first port of call for ideas, and she happily agreed to take a look. Posh Frocks was one of the stores many of the girls ventured to in search of the perfect formal dress, and there were definitely some beauties bought there. The shop had, and still has, a reputation for good-quality, stunning dresses, and is one of very few formal dress shops in Belfast, so it is completely inundated with formal requirements from as far as Magherafelt (I was reliably informed by the extremely helpful sales lady). We were also told that many of the dresses sell out within days of first appearing...so we'd better get our skates on! There isn't a huge range of dresses, but due to the fact that new designs are constantly coming in, this doesn't really prove a problem. The dresses vary in price from about £100 to £300, with the more embellished ones coming in at £295, whereas the plainer ones are around £165, and the cocktail length ones are obviously cheaper. Having had lots of really helpful tips and information, and a good nosey around, the two of left with plenty of food for thought. I think I'm actually more excited that the little sis...

On our never-ending quest to find bridesmaid dresses for my best friends wedding (no, not the…read moremovie) we ended up in here. They have a vast array of gowns and dresses for all sorts of events and occasions, be it a formal, a gala dinner type event, or a wedding as a guest or as a bridesmaid. The woman in charge that day was SO helpful, and really cheerful and pleasant, she seemed happy to help, and genuinely interested, which is what you want in a good shopping experience. They had every colour, shape and style of frock, but not, unfortunately, every size, and my size 18 frame was not really catered for. There were a couple of dresses that sort of fitted, but they weren't proper size 18s, and therefore were NOT flattering. The price tags weren't extortionate, but they weren't cheap either. If you're skinny and have a bit of cash, this is a good place to get a dress that isn't from the high street.

The King's Tailor is great! They are incredibly knowledgeable and kind. My whole outfit was saved…read moreby them. And I learned so much more about suits by meeting them. The shop is placed down a nice cozy alley. Next time I'm in Belfast, I'm headed there!

From the owner: All types of clothing alterationsread more

Make do and mend has certainly been put into practice in the recent downturn. Last time I went to…read moreRite Fit they were too busy to put in a new zip for the short time frame I had so they recommended the Zip Yard. That doesn't put me off going back in future as previously I had trousers shortened there and they did an excellent job. It felt almost as bespoke as visiting a private dressmaker but not nearly so expensive. Definitely my first choice next time I need a garment altered.

I would not recommend this shop to anyone . I left a party dress for shortening, was never given a…read morequotation or a ticket. That was silly from my side but as a wedding shop in Lisburn road recommended me this place I trusted the woman who attended me. At that time I also ask for ironing, a normal service already included in any party dress that needed alteration but I just wanted to make sure. After a month of not hearing anything I called the shop and gave my details. The same woman was confident that she did gave me a ticket and she did sent me a SMS. I did not want to argue, I just wanted my beloved dress. Then I noticed that it was badly ironed, probably it was never ironed .....I did raise this point and this woman insinuated actually that it was my fault saying that it's been hanging a month. Anyway,I left but still quite unhappy in the way I was treated. She charged me 20£ with no hesitation and of course never an apology. So I returned and expressed my concerns. I said if you do that job in any other professional place it's a 24 h job and the dress would be perfectly ironed. I said thank you and tried to leave, and this woman grabbed my arm and explained in a non amicable way her reasons. It was not an ironing provider, my dress was not ironed from the beginning. That is why I asked her when I left the dress. ......And surprisingly she did not object. Lastly she told me that she spent 3 hours on my dress and she had to pay the rent of the shop etc......Surreal, I thought, if I was a business woman I would treat my clients well so they can bring me more. Not exactly the opposite. But now she has 20 £ which were undeserved and I was upset, her loss. I'll find a better place somewhere in belfast.

From the owner: Hello We Are Seams Perfectread more

This place is an absolute gem. Not only do they do emergency fixes (within two hours), but the work…read moreis absolutely perfect. I bust a zip on a friends skirt, got it fixed here and my friend didn't even notice. Absolutely recommend Natali and she's so welcoming. They only deal with cash by the way but the prices are very fair.

From the owner: Perfect Alteration has over 25 years' experience and knowledge in offering the highest quality…read moretailoring, alterations and dressmaking services based in Duleek, Co. Meath. Our many services vary from sewing, hems, zips, sleeves, relining, restyling, remodelling and repairs to bespoke and custom attire for men and women's formal and casual wear. Our services also include curtain, leather and fur alteration and repair. Perfect Alteration cater for any special occasions, with bespoke or alteration dressmaking and formal wear services for christenings, communions, weddings, debs, confirmations etc. making sure you look perfect.

I first heard of the Zip Yard because a man on a bright yellow bike nearly knocked me down in…read moreBelfast city center. He was handing out leaflets about a place called The Zip Yard and I was immediately intrigued. I hate our throwaway society and think who ever came up with this idea is an amazing person. Everyone has a broken zip or a rip that they actually can't mend themselves or haven't got round to it. The Zip Yard is the answer. Just take your injured clothing into your local franchise store and they will do all they can for you. You can use the express service for minor jobs such as zips or minor repairs or they will amend dresses or even curtains for a few quid and in only a few days. You can go behind the curtains and get get fitted by the ladies who work there. In the Newtownards branch there is a very friendly man who will talk you through whatever needs done. I bought in an old curtain to get converted into a roof storage compartment for my van - he quoted me £20 which I thought was really reasonable and said it would take a few days. I was very impressed and will get back to him soon. Great for rips and repairs - a wonderful idea!

Brought in a coat with a broken zipper. They replaced it and had it ready for me the next day!read more