What to Expect

Let's talk! We'll start with the Big Three ?'s: What is your project? What is your budget? What is your timeline? Whether you are looking for alterations for a wedding dress or a new costume, those will be the first three questions you'll have to answer.

If you're looking to have a custom piece made and you already have a design, gather your research and image resources. Feel free to include them in your first email if you already have them prepared. If you are looking for a designer or stylist, that's great. We also offer those services as well.

Depending on your project and its scale, we'll continue the conversation from there. If you have any quick questions about pricing, check out our price guide. Note that every project is different and the end cost will be determined after we have a more in depth conversation.

No commitment to book

If everything sounds good, we'll begin! For alterations, the full cost is paid up front and for custom builds, the payment schedule depends on the project's requirements.

We'll have you come down to the shop and take your measurements to start. If you haven't had this done before, it's best to wear simple, tighter clothing in order to get the most accurate measurements. Some measurements can be a little invasive — don't worry, our fitting room is fully sectioned off for your privacy and your comfort is our number one priority. You will remain fully clothed throughout the process.

If you're needing alterations, we'll have you bring your garments into the shop so we can take a look at them on your body to best assess what needs to be done. If you are having work done on any kind of structured wedding gown, dress, or dress pants, it's very important you bring the undergarments and shoes you plan on wearing with the outfit. This will ensure that we set hems to the proper height and allow the proper amount of space in any alterations done.

For custom projects, if any process sampling, material testing, or fabric swatching needs to be done, this is the stage that all happens at. For custom builds, we more than likely will be constructing mockups for you. These are basic versions of your finished garments made from cheaper materials that allow us to perfect patterns before we cut into the real fabric.

This step is usually for custom builds only. Once our mock ups and samples are done, we'll have you come back to the shop and check everything out. At this time, you'll be giving your final approval on how you want the final project to look.

We'll have you try on any mock ups we have to double check everything is correct. This process is similar to getting your measurements done: wear proper undergarments and clothing that is simple and form fitting. If your look has specific shoes, make sure to bring them. This is very important. We'll need to set hems that are determined by shoe height during this fitting.

The timeframe for building custom projects depends on the complexity. It is well advised to reach out a solid two or three months before you need, more so if you have deadlines during the summer, our busy season. Rush fees will apply to any work requested two weeks before their deadline, be it custom work or alteration.

Some projects might require a second fitting, right before we cross the finish line. We will let you know well in advance if that is the case for yours. The more complex, the more likely we'll want you back in for one last check.

And then… it'll be ready for you to take home and enjoy! We'll let you know if your garment has any special care instructions and the best way to store it.