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The following information can be found on this page:
The Basics:
When should I order?
What about a rush order?
When is the last possible date I can order before my event?
What methods of payment do you accept?
I want to order something really form fitting, can you get it to fit via mail order?
What if I want to lose weight?
What else should I know?
What about returning something?
The basics:
This is a web based catalog, and orders are placed via the mail (or if you prefer- fax. Number upon request)
I am sorry, I do not have a catalog to mail to you- the web site is able to show a far more complete range than a paper catalog could ever try to!
Questions are answered via email, and international orders are welcome.
All designs available are shown, I am sorry, but I do not do provided designs, or reproduction work.
I do not sell patterns, or fabric, or provide information on my suppliers.
Why a web page catalog?
I am able to have far more complete examples of my work in the web page format, so there are no plans for a paper catalog. If you like, you may print the pages for personal use. Please do not reprint them for any type of publication, or use them on a web site.
When should I order?
I recommend ordering gowns about three months or more before your event.
Most orders will be filled in about 2 months of order placement, (not including shipping times) and I begin work on orders when payment has been received in full. All orders need to include a copy of the order form and a measurement sheet with payment. Please do not send me your measurements in an email, they get hopelessly jumbled up. If you do not have a printer, please let me know, and I will be happy to send you an order form and measurement sheet. Please allow time for shipping.
What about a rush order?
A rush order is about 4-5 weeks- not including shipping time- and is appropriate if your event is two months away, our you will feel more secure receiving your order as soon as possible.
Here is how that would work-
The total cost for the garment will be the listed cost in the catalog plus the rush order fee ($75 for corsets, $200 for gowns) plus shipping. Once full payment, an order form, and measurements have arrived, the order is considered placed, and I begin work, the garment will be shipped in about four weeks time. Thanks, and please let me know if I should be looking for a rush order! I can not be responsible for delays on the part of the post office, incorrect addresses, etc.
- With prior approval, I can occasionally take "immediate orders". The cost of the garment is a flat 2 times the listed cost (shipping included), would be shipped next day air, and payment would be accepted by money order or cashier's check only Turn around time is 2 weeks for these orders, and is appropriate only in the most rushed of circumstances.
When is the last possible date I can order before my event?
I recommend:
Regular orders- about 3 months before your event.
Rush orders- about 2 months before your event.
Immediate orders- one month before your event.
(add extra time for international orders, if applicable)
It is generally better all around to have the gown early, and possibly have it altered if you lose weight, than to stress and worry. While rush orders are possible, it is important to note that while your event- Costume Ball, Wedding, Prom- might be on a certain date, that you will want the garment in advance. Nobody wants to wait till three days before their wedding to have their dress arrive, and delays on the part of the post office can happen. I really really recommend ordering with enough time so that you receive the gown (or other garment) with enough time for you to be comfortable.
About Deposits:
Please, to avoid confusion and unclear expectations, I do not accept deposits, or payment plans, etc.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment can be made in personal check, cashiers check or money order. See the Order Form for shipping charges. (Due to past problems, please let me know if you are having things shipped to a military address.) Garments which are rush orders require higher shipping fees for next day shipping services. Partial payment may be retained for orders canceled.
IÂ accept Paypal payments, which is a service that allows you to use your credit card. In general Paypal is a great resource if you are familiar with it already. Fax number is available upon request and can be used to receive measurements and your order form.
I welcome international orders, payment will need to be in US funds, and shipping charges will be only the rate the post office charges me, no handling fees. International shipping takes a long time- even next day air means about 2 weeks from my experience. I will let you know when it has been shipped, and then it is (quite literally) out of my hands.
Please note:
In the case of a bounced check, or other invalid payment, the order is canceled.
If time permits, I will generally allow the balance to be repaid by cashiers check or money order, for the garment at the current catalog price (sale prices will no longer apply) plus a $50 returned check fee. Your original due date my be forfeit.
 I want to order something really form fitting, can you get it to fit via mail order?
Yes. I ask for a very detailed set of measurements, and am very precise in construction of the garment to fit you. You are therefor able to order your garment in your size rather than a small, medium or large A size 16 can mean any number of things, real measurements are the trick here! When you buy a dress from a bridal store, most likely they have mail ordered it, and you will have it tailored when it is finished, this is very similar, but the fit is better because rather than a stock size- it is made for you!
Please note that because your order will be completely made from scratch, it will look very slightly different from the photographs- for example- it will be in your size, instead of in the size photographed. Garments may need minor alteration, but only rarely, and this is taken into consideration with the low prices in my catalog. If you have special fitting concerns- such as curvature in the spine, uneven hips, or are busty (over a DD), you will want to work with a designer who offers personal fittings. I work mail order exclusively. If you have any questions on fit after receiving your order- please let me know right away and I will be happy to help! I can not be responsible for incorrect measurements being provided. The garments shown are available for adults with a 30 inch bust/hips, to a 54 inch bust/hips, corsets are available with finished waist sizes appropriate for the wearers figure, and no smaller than 18 inches.
What if I am planning to lose weight?
It is totally understandable to want to look your best for a big event, and these gowns must be ordered early. All the gowns lace in the front or back, which gives them a bit of flexibility in how you wear them. If you are concerned about any differences in size between ordering the gown, and it arriving to you, I recommend finding a tailor local to you whom you can trust, rather than ordering later. (tailoring charges would be less than rush fees!) This is an excellent reason to order early, rather than waiting till the last minute. If you are planning a dramatic weight loss, you may wish to determine what is the best option for you specifically.
Will you work with a design I provide?
No, sorry. Small changes to designs, and combining two designs et cetera may be available, please inquire. (for example the sleeves of one gown on the bodice of another, adding or removing trim or a train, etc.) It is not possible to make a gown off the shoulder, for example, or to remove the neckline ruffle from the Lily Gown.
What about Fabrics?
Each gown has a listing of the fabrics that can be used to make it. Most gowns are made in brocade, with is a lovely, breathable cotton blend fabric, and very flattering for the styles shown here. Some gowns are not available in velvet, for example, due to the style. I have worked very hard to list the lowest price combinations for each gown, making changes will surely raise the cost of a gown.
You may provide you own fabric for a gown, each gown takes about 8-10 yards of fabric, 5-6 for the underdress), and the fabric provided must be of the same sort as the fabric shown as available for the gown. I do not work with beaded fabric, white or ivory velvet, heavy edged lace, fabric with things glued onto it, or that has been painted with a raised design.
What else should I know?
All garments are made in a nonsmoking, pet free environment. If you have special allergy needs, please let me know.
I am sorry, I do not offer in person consultations, fittings, or have a store for you to visit. I prefer to conduct any and all communication via email, so that there is a record of all transactions, price quotes and estimates. I do not offer telephone consultations. I reserve the right to decline orders. If I do not offer the service you are comfortable with, I recommend working with another company. Finding a good match between style of gown, desired price, and level of service is very important.
Please do not copy my designs, garments, or pass my work, and photographs as your own. This means that when you own a garment created by me you own the garment, not the design, pattern, and reproduction rights. The photographs on this site are the sole property of Yosa Addiss. If you have any questions about this, please let me know. Historic styles remain common usage, while my distinct methods of creation, personal touches, and photographs make the design unique.
I am not able to provide sewing instruction, help with homework, or advice on how to start a business like mine. For this type of help, I recommend looking into design/business classes at a local community college, et cetera. Thanks for your understanding!
References:
For security reasons, I will not give out the name, address, phone number, or email address of my previous customers. You will not be added to any spam lists, or anything by contacting Silks and Velvets. I have had people ask for my customers addresses, to drive to their houses and try on their wedding gown- can you believe it? To protect your privacy, I will not give out that information.
Photos of my customers in their clothing by my company are here:
http://www.yosa.com/catalog/catalog/gallery.html
I am adding the original notes they send as feedback when they receive their orders :-)
my feedback on Ebay(where I occasionally sell catalog items) can be seen here.
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What about returning something?
Your gown will be made for you and you alone, not in a general dress size.
As every garment is a one of a kind, made to your precise measurements and in your color choices, I do not accept returns.
I will of course, address any questions as to the fit and quality of my work, prior to the garment being worn or altered. Contact me right away. Simple alterations may need to be made for a personalized fit, and this is taken into consideration with the prices in the catalog. These alterations can be done by a local tailor in person (which I recommend) and you are welcome to contact me with any questions. I am not responsible for fitting errors due to incorrect measurements being provided. Please contact me with any questions about the fit, if there are any. If you need to be able to return your garment, please work with another company.
Thanks for your interest in my work, it is a tremendous pleasure to send my dresses and corsets all over the world.
Yosa Addiss
Silks and Velvets
EMAIL: catalog@yosa.com
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