Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure myself for a custom garment?
I’m not sure if one of your standard sizes will fit me?
How long will it take to get my order?
What method of shipping do you use?
Do you combine shipping fees for multiple purchases?
What methods of Payment do you accept?
Do you have a Lay-Away Program?
I like a certain style, but I want a different color…can you do this?
Do you make dresses for brides and bridesmaids?
Do you offer volume discounts?
Do you make children’s or men’s clothing?
Do you have a large inventory of clothing?
How do I measure myself for a custom garment?
I'll need four measurements for most garments:
Bust: (measure at the fullest part of your bust; do not use your bra size)
Waist: (measure at the smallest part of your waist)
Torso: (measure at the top of your shoulder where bodice straps will meet, down your BACK to your waist)
Skirt Length: (measure from your waist to wherever you’d like the skirt to hit, keeping in mind the shoes you’ll be wearing as well as any underpinnings like a crinoline or hoop slip)
On gowns with sleeves, I’ll need your arm length measurement (top of shoulder to wrist)
I’m not sure if one of your standard sizes will fit me…
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about getting a proper fit.
How do I place an Order?
Once you have double checked your measurements for accuracy all you have to do is click on the Add to Cart button. You will be asked for size information as well as your material choice (if necessary).
How long will it take to get my order?
If it’s a non-garment item, it will be shipped with 48 hours of purchase. If it’s a garment, my usual lead-time is approximately two weeks for bodices and chemises, and up to four weeks for the fancier items. Often times, I can get items made and shipped sooner than these estimates. I’ll be happy to give you an approximate ship date, so feel free to email if you’re working with a deadline. I’ll email you when your garment has been shipped.
What method of shipping do you use?
I use the US Postal Service Priority Mail for almost everything shipped domestically or First Class Mail for the smaller items. Insurance is required on orders of $150 or more.
Do you ship internationally?
I currently will ship to Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia or other English-speaking countries. I use Global Priority Mail or Global Express Mail in most cases. International shipping fees will be considerably higher and there may be a substantial customs fee in addition when you receive your package. I have no way of knowing what the custom fee is, so please contact www.usps.gov or the equivalent on your end if you have any questions regarding this. Feel free to email me for an approximate international shipping fee prior to purchasing.
Do you combine shipping fees for multiple purchases?
Yes but unfortunately the combined shipping is not automatically calculated. If you will email me with the items you plan to purchase, I will let you know what the combined shipping will be.
What methods of Payment do you accept?
Paypal (which allows you to use a credit card even if you don’t have a Paypal account) Money Orders and Cashier Checks Personal Checks (must allow two weeks to clear before shipping)
Do you have a Lay-Away Program?
At this time I don’t. Sorry!
How do I care for my garment?
Garments will arrive neatly folded in a box and may require pressing prior to wearing. Fancy fabrics such as satin brocades can easily scorch, so professional pressing/dry cleaning is recommended. I cannot be held responsible for any laundry room catastrophes. If you’re in doubt, drop me an email before doing anything drastic.
I do not pre-wash fabrics. Any cotton or muslin fabric, including chemises and skirts, will shrink if washed in warm water or dried in a dryer. They may shrink slightly even if drip dried, but not much. (Partial drying in the dryer for perhaps 10-15 minutes will help eliminate some wrinkling but shouldn't cause too much shrinkage. This is what I do with my own garb.) Please keep this shrinkage issue in mind when ordering a chemise if you prefer a really full, loose fit or when specifying a skirt length.
All garments other than chemises and wench skirts are DRY CLEAN ONLY. I use only very high quality fabrics which means they're not wash-and-wear type garments. We have it considerably easier now than folks did back in the day; at least there's a dry cleaner on practically every corner!
Do you accept Returns?
I accept returns on accessories and non-garment items and will either refund money (less shipping fees) or replace as long as the item is returned within two weeks of my original ship date. As for clothing, anything that is custom sized is non-returnable which includes all dresses and bodice ensembles. Chemises may be returned in their original pristeen condition for a refund less a 15% restocking fee.
Can I provide my own fabric?
I prefer to use my own fabric for a variety of reasons…the primary reason being that I’m a brat and don’t like working with certain fabrics. The other reason is that some fabrics are simply not suitable in making my garments.
I like a certain style, but I want a different color…can you do this?
Possibly. Just email what you’d like and we’ll discuss it. If I don’t have what you want in my stock of fabrics, I may direct you to a few websites where I purchase some of my fabrics. The price of the item may go up depending on fabric cost.
Do you make dresses for brides and bridesmaids?
Absolutely. The more notice the better for a large order. Email me to discuss your preferences and timeframe.
Do you offer volume discounts?
If I had a hive of worker bees in a sweatshop in my backyard, I might…but I don’t.
I put a huge amount of time and energy into all of my creations and feel that my prices are reasonable for the quality.
Do you make children’s or men’s clothing?
Not at this time, but perhaps if I get enough requests I’ll consider it.
Can I get a fabric swatch?
Of course. Just email me with your address and the fabric you’d like a sample of.
Do you have a large inventory of clothing?
I have virtually no back stock of garments. I make everything as it’s ordered in most cases.
If I send a picture of me wearing my dress/bodice/wedding gown/etc., will you post it on your website?
I LOVE getting photos of my garments worn by their new owners and will definitely put them on my “Kodak Moments” page if you're agreeable. Please send photos via email. NOTE: I hate those pictures where people’s faces have been erased for reasons of anonymity...it looks creepy. So, if you’d prefer not to have your face on the internet, please let me know.
Disclaimer
(I know this sounds silly, but in these days of frivolous lawsuits, you can’t be too careful!) If for any reason you are injured while wearing one of my garments, I cannot be held liable or responsible in any way. I only use poly boning, so there’s no worry of electrocution by lightning strike conducted through metal stays. However, there are an awful lot of clumsy people out there (I’m the president of that club) who might trip over their skirts, so please be careful! Also, don’t lace your bodice up so tightly that you cause circulation or respiratory problems. Beauty takes work and a certain amount of sacrificing of comfort, but it shouldn’t be harmful or deadly!
Now, go out and live a little!
Remember, "Life is too short to be bored or frumpy!"