In Person Consultations and Fittings

 

If you are local to, or are visiting the Toronto area, I would be happy to discuss your corset needs and desires with you over a cup of tea in my home studio.  Appointments are generally made via email and swatches will be prepared as necessary based on email correspondence.  Below is a bit more about the process and our terms for in-person meetings.​

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First, I'd love it if you would send an inquiry regarding your desired order that is detailed and possibly even includes pictures to aid your description.  Due to the high demand for detailed consultations, both in-person meetings and detailed email quotes require a deposit to be made in advance via Square.  We have two options for this: a basic $50 deposit that covers your appointment and some basic sourcing to quote your order appropriately. Alternatively, if you're certain about moving forward with me even before our consultation, a $500 deposit allows me to do further sourcing and sketching ahead of our meeting. This amount is then applied to your order should you decide to proceed.  This deposit is non-refundable.  Fabric swatches, if necessary, may be prepared for your approval at your consultation, and I am happy to do my best to colour match other fabrics where possible. Any inspiration images, daydreamy doodles, and materials are most welcome at your consultation, so please do bring anything that inspires you about the piece you've dreamed up! If you have experience with corsetry, feel free to bring along a corset or two that you really like something about (or really don't like something about, as we can often troubleshoot a fit issue). Generally speaking, I am flexible with appointment times and we can discuss what is most convenient for you.

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​Welcome, let's get cozy! Choose a tea from my collection, settle in, and together you and I will dream up something gorgeous.  Detailed measurements are also usually done at this meeting if the order is being finalized, and the first deposit of the order total is paid (30% for couture orders, 50% for other garments).  If you're ordering a fully custom garment, a date will then be set for the first fitting (many garments can be successfully fit with one toile, but additional fittings maybe be required). Couture overbust corsetry includes two toiles in the estimate. Consultations average one to one and a half hours. Bespoke orders require a contract to be signed at our first meeting (if possible) to make sure the details, timeline, and payment are all agreed upon. If the details and complexity require further research, I will send your contract by email for you to sign.

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At your first fitting, I will assess the fit of your toile (a mock-up of your corset made of boned plain fabric that mimics the fit and feel of your corset).  Once both you and I are satisfied with the documented changes to be made, if any, the second half of the deposit is made and work on the final garment can proceed and a date is set for the final pick-up appointment.  These appointments are generally shorter, lasting a half hour on average.

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Pick-up appointments are joyous occasions where you'll want to try on your new piece and gaze into the mirror for the first time!  I will talk with you about basic wear and care, as well as any other questions you may have, and you'll sign a paper that confirms you're pleased with the results. You'll leave with a smile on your face and the process is complete!

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Studio Etiquette

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Please review the following etiquette policies for visiting with me in the studio, which is also our home.  Much of this will no doubt be common knowledge and basic courtesy to most well-mannered individuals, but some are important details.​

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​Please arrive as close to on time as you're able.  In my carefully structured schedule for consultations, too early can be as problematic as too late.  If either situation does arise, please let me know as soon as possible by phone.  Depending on other scheduled appointments, I may not be able to see you if you are more than 30 minutes past your booked appointment time.  If you are more than 30 minutes past your appointment time and I don't hear from you, your appointment will be considered neglected and a cancellation fee of $25 will be applied to your future order. As an immuno-compromised person, I must urge you to reschedule your appointment if you or a member of your household have *any* symptoms of contagion.​

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Good hygiene is very much appreciated when fitting garments such as these.  No need to apply perfume on my account though, a simple shower with soap and deodorant will do! 

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Please wear or bring a thin, close-fitting camisole to measure over.  Sometimes measurements will be taken next to skin if the corset is to be worn that way.  It is also of benefit to have an excellently fitted bra and/or any other relevant undergarments to wear that may affect the final fit of your garment. Bulky clothing such as jeans, or pants that dig into the hips and abdomen (such as jeans or heavily gathered skirts ) are not recommended for good measurements.

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Families and friends are wonderful, but your consultation/fitting is not the place to enjoy them.  It is our experience that extra guests at a fitting can not only distract attention from the client, but worse, can sometimes inspire doubt in the client regarding her or his choices.  This is a moment all about you! If you absolutely must bring a guest, please discuss this with me first as I want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome.

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As this is a living and working space, it's eclectic and lived in. Tools, in-progress works and other studio equipment are really neat, but please be respectful of the space at all times by not touching things we use for our livelihood unless invited to.

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Remote Fittings

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For clients out of reach of an in-person consultation or fitting, I offer a combination of Skype appointment paired with physical toiles that will be mailed to you. I have been fitting clients remotely through the mail with excellent results for the past twenty years.  You'll be provided with detailed instructions for measuring, which I recommend be taken by a tailor or dressmaker local to you for the most accurate measurements possible.  Your pattern is then meticulously drafted using a formula that is the result of many years of fitting experience.  Your toile is mailed to you to assess the fit and style lines, and you'll send it back with your markings for changes, as well as notes and pictures from various angles for me to assess.  We will often do a Skype call to go over how it looks and feels and I can further guide you on how to make changes to the toile. Work can then begin on your corset!​​

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Payment

 

At this time, we are able to accept Canadian currency, PayPal, and Visa or Mastercard through Square for payments the day of a consultation or fitting. Typically, a 50% deposit is required for work to begin, however larger orders may be split into up to four payments. Payment in full is required for work on any project to be completed and garments are not released without full payment prior to the pick-up date. HST is required where applicable.

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Thank you for taking the time to go over these details. Collaborating with you is at the very heart of what I do, and I'm so eager to meet with you soon!