The Joy of Sewing & Embroidery Service
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10/31/2019 1 Comment POST #3/5 Dress sizing/online orderingSizing/Online Ordering TipsAs noted in the previous post (please review if need) you want to be sure to order the correct size base on how the dress fits you in the store. (Don’t forget about stretching as can often be the case with samples.)
In addition, please keep in mind that you always want to order for the biggest part of your body. For some that may be the bust and others that may be the hips or waist. Yes, it is possible that your bust could have you a size 8 while your hips or waist have you at a size 6 but you MUST order the 8. On the other end of that, a size 8 bust and a size 10 hip or waist you MUST order the size 10. What if you have a big difference in sizing from bust to hip? Depending on your body type you can be a 10 for bust, 8 for waist and 12 for hip. Again, you order for the largest measurement...the 12! You can always take in but letting out you are limited to the amount of in-seam, if there is any. On dresses with a lace overlay or chiffon let-out is limited due to "serged" or "French seams" of which there is NO let-out. Please don't risk it over a number. It is just a number." If you aren't sure if you are making a good decision on your purchase be sure to ask questions and you can even take pictures and send to me. Please keep in mind I offer a MEASUREMENT Service, which is under the CATEGORY "QUICK APPOINTMENT" on the scheduler. It is a 15-minute appointment in which you bring the picture of the dress and designers sizing/measurement chart for that particular dress. I say for that particular dress as every style of dress by a designer can be a different size/measurement chart. Please be sure to come wearing comfortable clothes and regular bra. No sports bra as that compresses the bust and doesn’t allow for accurate measurement and no padded bra as it adds to the measurement. I will go over appropriate measuring and show you how to order the correct size. Please keep in mind there is a small fee for this service and is payable in cash only $10 for formal-wear and $30 for bridal wear. Ordering Online can be very tricky especially when most dresses are made overseas. The standard sizing for USA and Overseas is very different. Typically their dress sizing is cut much smaller than ours, varying 1-4 sizes, depending on your body type. Please be advised that most will wear a larger size in a formal dress than they will in a regular/everyday dress, so please DO NOT get too focused on that number as it is just a number! So that aside, you may find you wear a formal size 8 (when you are a size 6) well factor in a dress from overseas and you may need to order a 10, 12 or even a 14. It is best that you educate yourself on the company you are ordering from and read the reviews. Again, I offer the MEASUREMENT service so please utilize that to your advantage so you aren't blowing your budget. Some online sites are great with returns while others don't accept or make it challenging then your left with trying to sell it or spending more money than necessary to make it work, if it's possible. COMMON MISCONCEPTION: You can lose weight and not inches or lose inches and not weight! It better to SCHEDULE THE MEASUREMENT SERVICE and allow me to assist you in the thought process of your goals. When Reading their reviews, and researching the company online consider this...
Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier. #1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia #SharingIsCaring Click here to see scheduling guides to assist you with your particular garment! Thank you for allowing me to better serve you! POST #4 will be on 11/5.
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10/25/2019 0 Comments POST #2/5 WHERE TO SHOPWhere to ShopI always recommend that it is best to shop at a store instead of online first. In a store you:
The dress is a sample and they typically have been tried on many times and may be stretched out. The last thing you want to stress over is whether there is enough material inside the dress to let it out or losing weight/inches. On the flip side of that, if you try on a size 6 and it is a little big you will want to order a new 6 which would most likely fit you perfectly. If you are pinching an inch in all areas (bust, waist, hip-again depending on designers measurement chart) then go down a size. {Sensitive subject but one that must be noted: Weight and Inches are completely different. We all gain and loose in different areas which can effect sizing. Always order for largest part of your body.} These are some of the places I recommend: (please note some of these places are more bridal but carry nice bridesmaid dresses that look great for Prom) Edel's Bridal Boutique (carries a formal-line of dresses) - Located in Havre De Grace K&B Bridal Boutique- located in Bel Air on Main Street Love & Lace Bridal Boutique - located in Edgewater , MD {bridal only} Deja' Vu - Located in Towson Synchronicity - Located in Pikesville Pizazz - located in Aberdeen (I do believe she has retired and store location may be moved to home) Amanda Ritchey - Locations Fallston & Parkville Renaissance Prom - located York, PA Elegant Touch - Silver Spring, MD Betsy Robinson - Pikesville Lilly's Bridal - Halethorpe David's Bridal - Glen Burnie, MD & York, PA Lord & Taylor - Various locations Nordstrom - Various locations JC Penny's - Various locations Macy's - Various locations What can you expect to pay for a dress? For Prom: Based on last year's numbers I had dresses $90 - $1120. I know this is a wide range but this is what came through. ON the average range most were between $250 - $800. This may be a little sticker shock for some so it may be a good idea to have family give money for Christmas so that you are able to afford your dream dress. Let's face it parents/guardians try their best to do the most they can but sometimes you need to take on responsibility to help out especially if you have your eye set on something high-end. If you are needing ideas to make things more affordable, maybe borrow a dress, check craigslist*, E-bay* or consignment shops. {Before you buy...Do your homework to make sure you are getting a good dress.} I do offer a payment plan for alterations if you allow enough time and it's needed. We can talk about this at your first appointment. {{4-6 weeks is recommended turnaround time, please follow me on social media so you can plan ahead of me booking ahead.}} I have worked on the above dresses in addition to the brands Allure, Sincerity, Alfred Angelo, Sherri Hill, Bill Levkoff, Azazie, Jasmine, Adrianna Papell, Mon Cheri and many, many more. (I have been trying to track this but fell a little short so just ask me if you have any concerns.) Some dresses are made exceptionally well while others have their quirks, which most are fixable. If you have a concern on a dress you may send me a picture via email or FB messenger. Please be advised I do not give estimates in this form. Why not? Pictures do not showcase in full detail what may be needed and I believe in giving true estimates that respect both your wallet and the quality of work I like to give. My appointments are FREE and this allows for us to be on the same page with your desired outcome. I do have base pricing listed on my website to assist you. Also, I know I mentioned this in Post #1 but shopping Now through January is Best For Prom and booking your alteration appointment as soon as you walk out of the store (or by Valentine's Day) is highly recommended. After that it becomes slim pickings on appointment slots and fitting slots to get back in and try on your dress. For Wedding: The price range of dresses that I had come in this year averaged $800 - $3000 depending on designer, detail and where you buy. I did have come consignment dresses that were less and a couple dresses that were in the $4k-$5k range. Be sure that you are planning ahead and ordering ahead so that you allow enough time for your dress to come and have alterations performed. Typically I recommend that you should purchase your dress 12 months ahead as it takes 6-8 months to come and 2-3 months for the alteration process. Once you purchase your dress you can make a reservation with me to save your wedding date. Regular booking appointments aren't released till 6 months from date if they aren't all reserved. Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier. #1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia Remember Sharing is Caring. *Please be sure to take Post #3 into advisement. Thank you for allowing me to assist you. Updated Post #3 will be on 10/31. (If you missed Post #1 is was a couple days ago.) 10/10/2019 0 Comments POST #1/5 PLANNING AHEADPlanning AheadBiggest Suggestion is PLAN AHEAD! I Honestly can't STRESS this ENOUGH!
Brides it is best to find and order your dress 12 months in advance to allow for delays and the alteration process. For Prom it is best to shop over Christmas break but no later than the end of January. Whether Bridal or Prom make your appointment as soon as you know what your dress is. Sharing Is Caring! Remember these tips cover all formal attire! In the event, you are one who typically has a hard time finding what you like, it is best to start shopping early. The further along you get into the Season your selection may be limited to style, size and color based on what is in stock or what can be ordered to arrive in time for alterations. Prom: Some stores, as a courtesy, will not sell the same dress to another student going to the same Prom, thus having a classmate get to your dress first. Remember they do this so you aren't embarrassed with another classmate wearing the same dress. Which brings me to the next thing, have your class president set up a Prom page on Facebook for your school that is monitored by a staff member, like the guidance counselor or other adult. Be sure to note the restrictions clearly so there are no misunderstandings. "YES... You are more than welcome to share my posts to that page!" Suggestion: "That you only post once you have bought the dress and that anyone posting the dress afterward will be the one having to make another choice." Several schools already do this and it has been helpful. BRIDAL: Once you find your dress keep in touch with the bridal shop on its arrival. I recommend checking in with them monthly then every 2 weeks in the last 6 weeks of its delivery date. KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW FOR ALL GARMENT TYPES: In the past, I have had girls order a dress and find out that the company/supplier underestimated the demand, thus not getting their dream dress and having to shop for something else last minute. Simply put company/suppliers sometimes struggle to have dresses made to fulfill orders not only for Prom but for other formal events going on at that time. This can also be the case for bridesmaid dresses and even Wedding dresses. In some instances it can be weather related delays or delivery issues out of the company/suppliers control. This can result in added stress wondering whether you are going to get your dress in time and are you going to get it in time to get it altered, if needed. Planning ahead helps increase your chances of getting first pick over everything... your dress, appointments, photographer, flowers, limousine, and more making your Prom or Wedding a memorable one. Remember scheduling is ALL On-Line and available 24/7 so please be sure to get your appointment scheduled sooner rather than later. On Scheduler select Category -"ALTERATIONS" then select Service - "ALTERATIONS - FORMAL" for Prom, bridesmaid and other Formal events. This is a 30-minute appointment. For Bridal Select Category - "ALTERATIONS" then - "ALTERATIONS - INITIAL BRIDAL CONSULTATION". This is a 90-minute appointment and fittings will be 45-minutes. If you wait too late and there isn't an available appointment "Put yourself on WAIT LIST ASAP." The Wait List Saves Your Place In Line and it is "First Come/Submit, First Serve". (see Wait List tab on website for details) Please be sure that you have “LIKED” are “FOLLOWING” my Facebook page and “SHARE” this information with everyone you know so that you may all breathe a little easier. Sharing Is Caring! Scheduling Guides for all services BRIDAL, FORMAL, PROM, EVERYDAY/EMBROIDERY and CUSTOM WORK are all on the Scheduling page of my website to assist with planning. #1TipPlanAhead #2TipFollowMeOnSocialMedia Thank you for allowing me to better serve you. Updated Post #2 will be 10/25. |
AuthorJoy Pelt Archives
November 2019
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Office HoursM - Thur. 9am - 7pm Alternating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Customers Seen By Appointment Only! Appointments are offered on these days so that I may provide my customers with a timely delivery and tend to other matters of my business and family.
Phone # 1-667-200-2SEW(739)
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