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Customized by Marie LeBlanc. (c) 2010 Allison Erickson, Aetas Designs Login
Customized by Marie LeBlanc. (c) 2010 Allison Erickson, Aetas Designs Login
Policies
Policies:
All of our clothing is made to be worn for a long time and, in most cases, even sent through your washer and dryer. If it doesn’t fit you the way you want it to, we will work with you until it does – be it altering it to fit you or replacing it for you within reason. We take pride in the fit of our clothing here at Aetas Designs. To achieve this we must have accurate measurements or there is no way to guarantee the fit of the clothing.
This page has a lot of information on it, IF ANYTHING HERE DOESN”T MAKE SENSE PLEASE ASK US AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO EXPLAIN!
BRIDES AND WEDDING PARTIES: Please be sure to read our wedding page to read about how the process works for wedding parties. We do our best to make sure that everyone looks great on your special day and that everyone is happy in their outfits. We work hard to make sure that clothing is not a stress when planning for your wedding day!
Ordering Process:
This is a very simple process of order, confirmation, payment, and receive! But just in case you need more information than that:
Sizing and Measurements
We have standardized measurements for our stock clothing we produce; however we also know that not everyone is built the same way. At Aetas Designs, we prefer to measure you ourselves if you are having something made for you whether it is a stock item or not. It is important to us to get the best fit possible.
If you cannot make it to an event or to meet us you can have the measurements needed taken for you. We strongly recommend that you find someone who has taken measurements before. We recommend a tailor, costume shop, sewing center or someone you know who has experience making clothes. All measurements should be taken snug to the body without squishing in the body. Also make sure all your pockets are free of cell phones and wallets or anything else that would add bulk. Please refer to the measurements page for directions on how to take each measurement.
IT IS CRITICAL YOU WEAR THE UNDERGARMENTS YOU INTEND TO WEAR UNDER WHAT YOU ARE ORDERING WHEN YOU ARE MEASURED! If you intend to wear a corset under a dress you are ordering but take your measurements over your normal bra then your dress will probably be loose and not fit properly.
Alterations
If you are buying a garment off the rack the only alteration that is included is if it needs its hem altered. If you are ordering a garment and can not come for a fitting to confirm the correct fit one set of alterations to achieve a quality fit will be done at no extra charge, as long as you contact us within two days of receiving your garment. If you can not make it for a fitting please be sure to order the garment early enough that if you need alterations they can be done, allow approximately 4 weeks to allow for shipping time. If there is not enough time to send back your garment for alterations you may be able to have it altered at a local seamstress or tailors shop. We are not responsible for alterations if you supply us with inaccurate measurements, this is why we recommend professionals take your measurements. Alterations requested after the two day period will be subject to the current hourly rate and will be charged accordingly. If you are planning on losing weight or getting pregnant we cannot alter the garments for these reasons after the two day period. Also be aware that most of our garments are designed to give support and are hence designed to cinch you in, you must let us know ahead of time if you do not want you garment fitted so tightly.
Repairs:
If we make a mistake we will fix the garment or replace it. This follows the same rule as returns, you must find the mistake within two days of receiving your order to have us repair it at no extra charge. If the garment breaks due to normal usage please let us know and we will handle each case individually. We are not responsible for damage that occurs during reckless usage of our garments. If you take your garment to another person or business for repairs or alterations we cannot be held responsible if they fail.
Custom Work:
The process of Custom work is a bit different than ordering straight from the Fictrix line. If you are not sure quite what you are looking for we are willing to talk with you either in person or on the phone and/or via email to determine the design of the item you want. If you already know what you want you may send us a picture or drawing of the item you want. The next step is the first fitting, preferably fittings are done in person but if you live too far away you may send in your measurements and we can make the garment to fit you. You will also have to select the fabric and trims you would like used for your piece this is best done in person. If you are to far away we can send you scans of fabric swatches and trim selections, however colors on a computer monitor are not always accurate. Once the fittings are complete and all fabric and trim choices have been made the item will be finished and sent off to you once full payment is received.
Fittings:
When you place an order if the item that needs a fitting please include a few dates and times when you are available for a fitting. Fittings can be done at our studio in Chicopee MA or in Storrs CT or if there is an event at a time that works for you. Whenever and wherever you come for a fitting there will be a private space for your fitting and for you to change. If you cannot make it in for a fitting we will mail a mock up to you to try on and have fitted to you. If you require more than one fitting we will charge you for each additional fitting based on our standard hourly rate, this will be included in your final invoice.
Cancellation of fitting appointment
If you need to cancel a fitting appointment please call or email us at least one day ahead of time so that we can reschedule it at a better time. Keep in mind that your item cannot be completed until it is properly fitted, moving a fitting back may effect when your project is finished.
Payment:
Once you have received your estimate total or your actual total %50 is due to start the process of making the garment, the remainder is due upon completion of the garment. NO GARMENT WILL BE SHIPPED BEFORE IT IS FULLY PAID FOR.
Payment with Cash
Cash is accepted in-person only. Please do not mail cash payments.
Payment by Check
If this is your first time making a purchase with Aetas Designs we do not accept personal checks, please send a Money Order of a Cashiers Check. The only exception to this rule is for larger custom orders, the down payment may be made in form of a personal check because there is time to allow it to clear and then buy the fabric and begin work. Also any returning customer may pay via personal check as long as they understand that there will be a waiting period of a week or more to allow the check to clear before your order is sent. Any Customer using a personal check is responsible for any and all fees related to it being returned. Checks are accepted in-person as well as through the mail. Make checks payable to Aetas Designs and mail to Aetas Designs, 281 Spring Hill RD, Storrs CT, 06268
Online and Credit Card Payments
At the moment, Aetas Designs only processes online payment via email using Pro Pay. At events Aetas Designs can take all major credit cards with phone number and zip code provided as well as a valid ID, we are very careful for your protection as well as our own.
Cancellation of Order or Returns
If you need to cancel an order of an in-stock item please let us know before it ships out, after that it may not be able to be returned. If you need to cancel a custom order before any fabric is purchased you will only have to pay for any fitting/meeting time used so far. If materials have been purchased and/or work has begun on your custom project you may be required to pay for all services rendered thus far. Once we have bought materials for your project they cannot be returned and once time is used it is gone, sadly we do not have a time machine. Shipping costs cannot be returned or refunded under any circumstance. ALL CANCELLATIONS/RETURNS WILL BE DECIDED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS BY THE OWNER AND ALL DECISIONS WILL BE FINAL!
Shipping information
If we can hand deliver you item we will. If shipping is required let us know how you wish your item shipped. The current default is the US Postal service via Priority Mail, if you wish us to use another carrier such as Fed Ex or UPS please let us know. If we need to ship it to you we will box it up and calculate the postage cost then notify you of the amount. Once you have paid the bill and we have received the payment we will ship out your item.
Care and Feeding
Please follow care and feeding instructions supplied at time of purchase. Most things can be washed in a regular washer unless they have metal boning, leather, are tailored or are a fine wool item. We pre-wash all our fabrics so that there will be less shrinkage when you wash your garment. Cotton, Linen, and any man made fibers may be washed and dried with all your regular clothing, if the item has a strong color to it the first washes should at least be with like colors to reduce any re-dying in the wash. Wool items can usually be gently washed by hand and hung to dry, agitation and heat are what make wool shrink so please be careful. When in doubt please call to ask or have it dry cleaned. We do not take any responsibility for any improper care of your garments.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
We cannot be held responsible for any injury sustained while wearing our clothing. We do our best to make sure our boning does not shift or come out but sometimes it will come out and jab you. If you are running around at your favorite larp and trip over your skirts, we can hem it up hirer for you if you wish but we can’t be held responsible for you tripping.
FAQ: If you do not see a question here that you would like answered feel free to email me and ask.
Q: Do you have a Store I can come to?
A: We do not have a Store front that you can come and shop at. However we can meet with you at our location in Storrs CT or Chicopee MA. Our stock is stored in Storrs CT for the most part but we do not have hours that folks can come and shop. If you are looking for something specific please contact us and let us know what you are looking for, we can then set up a meeting and show you what we have for options for you. Fittings and custom order meetings are usually held at either location or at events depending on your preference.
Q: How Do I contact Aetas Designs?
A: There are many ways to reach us. You can email us at allison@aetasdesigns.com. You can call us at 860-874-3581. Heck if you want you can send us snail mail at 281 Spring Hill Rd Storrs CT 06268.
Q: I have an idea, sketch, elements from these five photos, link, painting – Can you make that outfit?
A: YES!!! We specialize in making custom outfits for people based off anything from extant garments to pencil sketches on lined paper drawn by your friend in high school. The more information you can give us the better but we will work with you to create your ideal outfit no matter what it is. If you don’t believe us take a look thru our gallery at all the different things we have created and know that that is not the limit. So far we have not turned down any order.
Q: Will you make an outfit for me with my own fabrics?
A: Yes is the short answer. We are picky about fabrics. We prefer to help you select your fabrics or at least guide you in the shopping. We will be honest with you about the fabrics you provide and tell you whether or not your choice is a good one or how it will effect the garment. Most of the time it is weddings we encourage to select there own fabrics because they are looking at the whole picture and if time is limited it is hard to go back and forth with swatches. We do reserve the right to veto any fabric choice for any project we are working on.
Q: Will you send me samples of fabric choices?
A: We can send you swatches either thru the mail or we can scan them and send you an image file to look at. The only note here is each computer monitor displays colors slightly differently so please keep this in mind. Also if you want to come visit us and look at different fabric choices in person you may do this at either location or at any event as long as you let us know ahead of time. We do not carry fabric at every event we go to.
Q: What would I look like in that outfit?
A: We can’t answer this question for you. However we are at various events throughout the year and you are more than welcome to come and try on what we have in stock. Also it is much easier for us to give advice about what would flatter your figure when we can see you in person. Advice is just that, it is not meant to tell you what you should wear and it is just our opinion.
Q: If I order multiple items do I receive a discount?
A: Our prices are as low as we can make them so normally not. We do offer a discount to military personal. Also if you provide the fabric for a project we do offer a discount because you payed for the fabric. If you place an order of many of the same item we may then offer you a discount.
Q: What if I get the outfit and it does not fit?
A: This happens very rarely but if it does we will be happy to alter it or replace it so that it fits you properly. You must notify us within two days of receiving the garment to have it altered for you. Please read the alteration section above.
Q: When should I place an order?
A: An order can be placed at any time. Please take into consideration what you are ordering when deciding how far ahead of time to order it. The more complicated an item the farther ahead it should be ordered. For wedding dresses we ask that you place your order at least 6 months ahead of time. For Wedding Parties we ask that you place the order a full year in advance. The other factor is how many orders we are currently working on. Be sure to let us know what your deadline is when you place an order and we will tell you if it is doable or not.
Q: I like the fabrics you use can I buy some thru you?
A: Yes you may! We do sell fabric at the historical events we do, we do not bring them with us to any faires we do. We do not list them on our website because they are ever changing so it would eat up too much time and it is not the primary focus of the business at this time. If you are looking for a specific fabric just ask us and we will let you know if we can help you.
Q: Do you have any more pictures of ‘blank’ item? Can you send me a catalog?
A: If you want more information or more pictures on any item you see on our site just ask and we will do what we can to get you what you have asked for. The only catalog we have is on line, we do not mail out any catalogs.
Q: Can I do a payment plan?
A: YES!! We do realize that sometimes, especially with larger projects, that payment can be difficult. We will get your materials and begin working when you have payed us %50 and you will not receive you outfit until you have paid in full. Be aware if you have a deadline to make sure that you have paid in full ahead of your deadline by at least two weeks so that your outfit will be there in time. It is your responsibility to make sure that if you are worried about alterations or anything else to make sure that your outfit can be completed with time to spare.
Q: I want to make something for myself; can Aetas help me? I am interested in starting my own costuming business; can you help me get started?
A: We will never give any information away for free, not our customers info, not our suppliers info, or any other information relating to our business. HOWEVER we do take on interns, basically if you get in contact with us we can help teach you thru having you work for us. If you do an internship with us you are required not to use any of our designs, names, etc when running your own company, it is all copyrighted material and hence illegal. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SEWING CLASSES we do offer them at an hourly rate, you must have your own machine and if you wish to split the rate between a few people you will also need somewhere to have the class. I can only have one-two students at any given time at my studio.
If you are interested in an internship or in classes please contact us.