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Comfort/Ease of use:
As one dancer to another, the Garment Goddess knows if an outfit isn't comfortable, you're not likely to wear it. So she tries to ensure the comfort and fit of every item she makes. This ranges from the type of bra she may use in an outfit, to adding darts, to adding "modesty pieces" (which provide that extra coverage if you need it), to using anti-static lining, and other general construction variations. She will take into account your preference of being able to lace, hook, or zipper yourself into a piece of clothing, or need someone to assist you in doing so. For those quick costume changes, it can be a real pain to find another person to lace or tie-up the back of a choli.
Cost:
Most seamstresses charge $30/hour. The Garment Goddess only charges $10/hour. If you'd like to see a more specific price guide for various items, click here. Materials and shipping are a separate cost. Rush orders; i.e. less than a week; can be done, but you will be charged double my normal rate-- $20/HR instead of just $10/HR. Depending on the exact nature and content of your order, a rush order may not be possible. There is only one seamstress, me, and each item takes me a certain amount of time to make. We can discuss what you want rushed, and see if I could do it.
The cost for materials, i.e. fabric, thread, lining, interfacing, trim, elastic, zippers, hooks, buttons, clasps, frogs, casing, etc., are to be paid to the Garment Goddess up front, so that she may purchase the items necessary for your outfit. Nothing will be purchased until she has received payment. The costs for her labor and shipping will be paid upon completion of your outfit. Before asking for the balance of your bill, she will e-mail you a photo of the completed item(s).
Payment:
Paypal or a money order are the only accepted forms of payment. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are using Paypal, you will be assessed an additional 3% to cover their usage fees.
Returns/Refunds:
As everything is custom-made, there are no returns or refunds. Once the materials for your order have been purchased, there are no cancellations. If there is a problem with fit, the Garment Goddess will do everything possible to rectify the problem. However, if the sizing or measurement mistake was yours, the Garment Goddess will not incur additional charges; i.e. shipping and labor; to fix the problem.
Caring for Your Items:
The Garment Goddess only chooses fabrics that will withstand use and wash. Although she recommends only hand-washing and line-drying, or spot-cleaning, most items, particularly those with beaded trims or tassels, she has put a few of her own items in the washing machine on "delicate" and they have been fine. However, these were items that either had no trim, or just a flat braid. She does NOT recommend you do so, as she can't guarantee the result.
The Garment Goddess is also not responsible for what a dry cleaner does. Many dry cleaners refuse to be held responsible for what happens to beads, etc trim on outfits, and many make you sign a waiver indicating such; this is why the Garment Goddess does not recommend a dry cleaner to care for your clothing. However, you may do so at your own risk.
Quality/Durability
The Garment Goddess uses various construction techniques to provide durability and quality in each of her creations. One technique is lining various items, like vests and belts. She can also line bras and/or provide a removable lining so that you can wash that out instead of washing the entire bra. Another technique is double-seaming all exposed edges, so that you'll never see a "raw edge"; i.e. exposed threads, frayed edges of the fabric itself. Also, to prevent frayed edges even on the inside seams; i.e. the inside of pants; she uses a zigzag stitch. This technique is especially necessary for fabrics like the sari/brocades, which fray quite easily. Interfacing is used to stiffen and/or provide extra support or "structure" to an item so it doesn't twist, fold or "buckle" when you wear it; i.e. belts, under the breast bands in various tops, or even in the "yoke" (waist) of pants. In combining these various techniques, and others not mentioned, the Garment Goddess ensures quality and durability in each of her items.