Current project turnaround time: 2-3 weeks
Custom clothing alterations & repairs for everyone
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the alteration/repair process look like? What should I expect?
We are currently available by appointment only to folks in the Asbury Park, NJ area. If you are ready to schedule a fitting or consultation, start by filling out our Appointment Request form on our "Booking" page. Once you submit your request we will reach out to schedule with you. The exact location for your appointment will be provided to you upon booking. Please keep in mind that we do our best to accommodate last minute/rush projects (projects with less than 2 weeks turnaround time), but this may not always be possible depending on our current schedule and workload. Most alterations (and some repairs) require an in-person fitting. When a fitting is not required we will schedule a brief consultation for your repair(s). Fittings generally last 20-40 minutes depending on the number of garments and the complexity of alterations being done. Consultations can take as little as 5 minutes. Once your fitting is completed, you will be provided with a price quote and an estimated turnaround time. Fittings are always free of charge, and there is no obligation to go through with any alterations or repairs discussed in a fitting. When your garment(s) are finished we will reach out to schedule an appointment to return your item(s) to you. Payment is taken at your pick-up appointment. Depending on the complexity of a project, we will sometimes recommend a second 15 minute fitting for you to try your finished garment(s) on in the studio before leaving in case any adjustments are needed. We guarantee the quality of our work and offer free adjustments or repairs for any mistakes we have made within 10 days of your altered/repaired clothing being returned to you at no additional charge.
Where are you located/what area do you serve?
Fittings are held by appointment only at Lauren's home studio in the Asbury Park area of NJ. Lauren's studio is near the intersection of Asbury Ave & Ridge Ave. The studio is approximately a half mile from this location-- equating to a 1-2 minute drive or a 10-12 minute walk. The exact location will be provided to you during the booking process. Please note that the sewing studio is accessible only by stairs (with a total of 18 steps). If you need accommodations (whether for mobility reasons or other circumstances) please reach out, and we'll do our best to make arrangements that work for you. Please note: there are dogs in the home, but they will not be out and about during your fitting. If you have allergies or any concerns, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. We primarily serve clients in and around Asbury Park, but if you are outside of the immediate area and need special accommodations, feel free to contact us to discuss options.
How will I know where to go?
You may use the intersection of Asbury Ave & Ridge Ave to calculate your approximate travel time to Lauren's home studio before booking. A map marked with this location is available on the contact page. The provided location is a half mile (a 1-2 minute drive, or a 10-12 minute walk) from the actual studio location. For safety and privacy reasons, the exact address will be provided to you following receipt of the booking request form. There is an Asbury Alterations sticker on either side of the black mailbox in front of the house to help clearly mark the location. Upon your arrival you may ring the doorbell or text to let Lauren know that you are outside.
What is the parking situation like?
Lauren's home studio is located in a small neighborhood with plenty of free street parking directly in front of the house. However, if there is an open space in the driveway between 9am and 2:00pm on weekdays you are welcome to park in the driveway.
What should I know about the accessibility of your location?
There are a total of 3 steps to get into the building. The sewing studio is located on the second floor (up an additional L-shaped flight of stairs with handrails on the left side and one landing. If you have limited mobility or other accessibility needs please reach out prior to your appointment to discuss how we can best accommodate you.
Is there a fee for fittings/consultations?
Nope! There are no fees for fittings or consultations. There is also no obligation to continue the alteration or repair process with me if that does not suit your needs following a fitting or consultation.
What should I wear for my fitting?
To ensure the best fit we advise that you bring the shoes that you intend to wear with your garment(s) to your fitting. Shoes can affect the shape/length that we chose for the hemline of a full length garment. If you do not yet have the shoes that you will be wearing, we suggest bringing or wearing a shoe with a similar heel/platform height for the best results. We also advise that you bring/wear any structural undergarments (i.e. binders, bras, packers, and/or other shapewear) that might affect how your garment(s) lay on you to your fitting. These types of undergarments can influence the way that we choose to adjust the shaping of your garment(s) in the fitting. For sanitary reasons please always wear underwear to your fittings.
How much time should I expect to spend at my appointment?
Appointment duration can vary anywhere between 5 and 60 minutes. Below is a quick reference appointment duration guide: 5 minute appointments: -Quick pick-ups -Quick drop-offs -Quick consultations 15 minute appointments: -Pick-ups where you intend to try your garment(s) on before leaving 20 minute appointments: -Fittings for simple alterations -Fittings for a small amount of more complex alterations -In depth consultations 40 minute appointments: -Fittings for semi-complex alterations -Fittings for a moderate amount of alterations 60 minute appointments: -Fittings for extremely complex alterations -Fittings for a very large amount of alterations
Will you need to take my measurements?
Sometimes taking certain measurements on your body is important to getting the right fit for a garment. It is our policy not to verbalize or show you any body measurements that we take unless you ask for them to be shared with you.
You say that your fitting process is trauma informed-- what does that mean?
Transparency and clear consent practices are the key to a good, trauma informed fitting experience. At every fitting we will begin by explaining what you can expect from the fitting process for each garment and will allow you the opportunity to opt out of any portion of that process. Fittings do require us to be in close proximity with our clients, and can often involve touching/being near areas that can be considered sensitive while pinning and marking your garment for alteration/repair. We make it a point to check in throughout the fitting and let you know in the moment where we are going to be working and what type of touch that will involve before we touch you. You are always welcome to decline to be touched at any time. You will never be asked to provide an explanation. In addition to the above, you are welcome to invite someone who makes you feel safe into your fitting. If you foresee needing other accommodations in your fitting please don't hesitate to discuss them with us either ahead of time or in the moment.
How long will my alterations/repairs take?
We try to keep things moving as quickly as possible, but the answer to this will depend on the complexity of the project as well as our current workload. On average you can estimate that your garments(s) will be returned to you 2-3 weeks* after your fitting. However, we cannot guarantee that time frame for all items and will confirm the timing for your specific garment(s) at your fitting. For an idea of our workload and current project turnaround time, keep an eye on the "current project turnaround time" section of the header on the website. *For formal wear alterations for events please schedule an appointment at least 6 weeks prior to the day of the event to ensure that we are able to take on and complete your alterations in time.
What payment methods do you accept?
We currently accept cash and Venmo payments. Venmo payments are subject to a 1.5% processing fee. Cash is preferred. Your payment will be taken when you pick up your item(s).
What should I do if my alteration/repair isn't quite right?
Sometimes mistakes happen, but we want to make it right! If you get home and discover an issue with your alteration/repair please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss a solution. We guarantee the quality of our work and will fix any mistakes we have made at no additional charge if reported within 10 days of your altered/repaired clothing being returned to you.
Why don't you accept phone calls?
In general we do not accept inquiries via phone call. This is an accommodation Lauren makes for their particular flavor of neurodivergence. However, if a phone call is the only means of communication that is accessible to you, you may leave a voicemail specifying this we will do our best to call you back in a timely manner.
Do you make custom garments?
Custom garment creation services are available on a limited basis. Creating custom pieces is time consuming and can be pricey, so while we do occasionally take on bespoke projects, it is not currently our main focus. If you are looking for something created just for you please reach out via the contact form to further discuss your ideas.
Do you offer sewing lessons?
While sewing lessons are not our main focus, if you are looking to learn how to sew in a private lesson setting, please reach out via the contact form to discuss further. Sliding scale payment options can be arranged.