Have you ever spent an entire day looking for the perfect-fitting black dress pants or wear-anytime blazer that don’t make you look like a maître d’ or a linebacker? Have you ever tried on pants in a store like Banana Republic or Ann Taylor and thought that you’d have to get them completely reconstructed before you could ever wear them in public because the [insert smaller size] was too tight and the [insert larger size] was too baggy?

Let’s face it, ladies: It’s difficult enough to find work-appropriate clothes that don’t make you feel like Hillary Clinton, let alone work-appropriate clothes that actually fit well. And clothes that you can wear to the business meeting to the lunch date to post-work wine with the girls? Forget about it! It can be done, as I like to show you, but you practically have to make a part-time job of it.

Which is why I was quite pleased when I stumbled upon AprilMarin, a New-York-based company that designs custom-made and cute clothing for women like you. Admittedly, I haven’t seen or tried the clothing (yet!) but I find the concept intriguing in a world full of mass-produced business casual. I chatted (via email) with one of the founders, April Bukofser, about her company and her take on “business attire” for women.

Samantha Sault (SS): What’s the story behind AprilMarin?
April Bukofser (AB): AprilMarin was created in 2007 by college friends April Bukofser and Marin Milio who knew they wanted to share their classic fashion and innovative designs with the world. We both love fashion and design and could not imagine doing anything else!

SS: Who is the “AprilMarin woman” that you design for?
AB: The AprilMarin woman ranges from a college senior who is graduating and looking for the perfect suit, to a woman in her 30s-50s looking for a fabulous classic staple with a twist that will not go out of style. What is great about our designs is they are extremely versatile and can be worn to the office and straight to a night out. (Ed. Note: That’s what I said when I first saw the collection!)

AprilMarin Cella Ruffle Sleeve Dress, $130 at AprilMarin.com
This reminds me of my favorite Theory cocktail dress, but it’s even more versatile because it’s work-appropriate, too.

SS: But I can just go to a store like Banana Republic or J.Crew for classic, ageless pieces. What makes AprilMarin unique among other clothing lines?
AM: Each piece is custom-made to each body’s measurements to ensure the perfect fit. We provide designer custom clothing at a mass-market price.

SS: Tell me more about the custom-fitting process.
AB: Our entire clothing concept is custom. We believe that if something is made just for you, then you will look and feel beautiful. Each customer submits her measurements through AprilMarin.com. We provide a detailed measuring guide on our website to help customers through the measuring process. We encourage all women to measure themselves in their underwear as they know their body best. We also give the customer the opportunity to choose her fabric and lining color, because we think that it is important to show your individuality with each piece by choosing your own colors. We currently offer over 30 color options!

SS: What is the one must-have AprilMarin piece that you think every woman should own?
AB: The Capri Dress is a definite must! You can wear this dress to work, cocktails, an evening wedding, or a Sunday brunch. It will be your “go-to” outfit for all occasions!

AprilMarin Capri Dress, $117 at AprilMarin.com

SS: Who are some designers, models, and/or actresses that inspire you?
AB: Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel deserves special recognition. Her dedication to style transformed the fashion world, and her classic, simple, and timeless designs give AprilMarin inspiration. A more recent inspirational designer would be Cynthia Steffe. Her use of feminine details and refined lines have inspired us, too. We would love to dress Michelle Obama, Jennifer Aniston, and Blake Lively in our classic silhouettes. Their classiness and understated elegance is what AprilMarin is all about.

SS: What is your favorite trend this season?
AB: Although this is not a trend, we feel the best thing a women can have is confidence. If she is confident and feels good in what she is wearing, it will show! (Ed. Note: The line is decidedly not trendy, which in this case, is a good thing!)

SS: You directed me to your ruffle jacket because I have blogged incessantly about ruffles. Can any woman wear ruffles, or are ruffles a more limited trend?
AB: Ruffles add a girly sweetness to any outfit. Ruffles are not a trend; they are more a state of mind. If you are feeling girly and fun then you should sport some ruffles! (Ed. Note: Why not?)

AprilMarin Dylan Ruffle Jacket, $195 at AprilMarin.com

SS: From what I see, your collection seems ideal for the professional D.C. woman who wants something different yet still wants to be polished. How can women dress more professionally in the office yet still remain stylish?
AB: AprilMarin designs are made to take you from the office to dinner and on to a night out. There is no reason to wear that boring black pants suit anymore!

SS: Michelle Obama: fashion maven or more of the same?
AB: Definitely a fashion maven. We adore her classiness and simple elegance.

Visit http://www.aprilmarin.com to check out the line, and let me know if you have any specific questions for the designers. Note that this interview is not a paid endorsement in any way; it is simply an introduction to a new designer I thought my readers might find interesting!