Tailored Suits

“Models are airbrushed, models are airbrushed.”

If this is the mantra you recite to yourself in the swimwear fitting room, a change of venue may be in order. Fluorescent lights and air conditioning are not on the top ten make-me-look-sexy–in-this-suit list. Throw ill-fitting merchandise and a toddler tantrum into the mix, and bathing suit shopping ranks right up there with mixing your compost heap.

Save your mall shopping for shoes, handbags and make-up and buy your bathing suit made-to-order. Chelsea LaBossiere of CABA Fashions concocts swimwear extraordinaire from her home studio in the NE community of Tuxedo. LaBossiere purchased CABA Fashions from its previous owner in 2003 and relocated the studio from BC to Calgary.

LaBossiere is a master seamstress with years of design and production experience specifically related to swimwear and exercise clothing. Take a photo, take sample material or just take your ideas and LaBossiere will sew you a suit that doesn’t bind, crawl or sag. You can request a little lift here or a little tuck to customize your bathing suit and flatter your curves this summer.

CABA Fashion’s studio is in the basement where LaBoissiere lives. The studio is bright, cheerful and stuffed with satiny samples and styles to try. LaBossiere herself is approachable and welcoming. She has suited up all shapes and sizes.

Children are welcome although you may want to bring a couple of their favorite toys to keep them occupied. Speaking of children, CABA Fashions sews bathing suits for children as well. CABA Fashions also sews maternity, nursing and swimwear for women who have gone through mastectomy.

The average suit costs $80 and the turnaround time is about two weeks (although LaBossiere does accommodate rush orders). Shopping is by appointment only and the trek up to Tuxedo is worth it. LaBossiere will do house calls but only for a girls-night-in of six people or more (we think that’s a good-to-know).

Summer with children equals swimming and that means mom is not just wearing a suit, she is running around in one. So this summer, you’ll definitely want to suit up in style.

Savvy Special Offer: Print a copy of this article and take it with you to your first fitting for a 10% discount until July 30, 2008.

CABA Fashions
caba2003@telus.net
(403) 244-8255

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