Current project turnaround time: 2 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 regarding repairs start by filling out our Appointment Request form. Once you submit your request we will reach out via your preferred contact method to coordinate the best time & date. We will then provide you with the exact location for your appointment. Please keep in mind that we do our best to accommodate last minute/rush projects, 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 repairs. Fittings generally last 15-30 minutes depending on the number of garments and the complexity of alterations being done. Consultations usually last 5-10 minutes. When your garments are ready we will coordinate with you to return your garments to you and arrange for payment. We guarantee the quality of our work and offer free adjustments for any mistakes we have made within 10 days of your altered/repaired clothing being returned to you.
Where are you located/what area do you serve?
Fittings are held by appointment 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 2 minute drive or a 7 minute walk from this location. The exact location will be provided upon booking. 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.
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 payment methods do you accept?
We currently accept cash, check, and Venmo payments. Venmo payments are subject to additional fees. Cash is preferred.
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 garments 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.
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.
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.
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 will I know where to go?
You may use the intersection of Bimbler Blvd & Asbury Ave to calculate your approximate travel time to Lauren's home studio. A map marked with this location is available on the contact page. The provided location is a 2 minute drive, or a 15 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.
What is the parking situation like?
Lauren's home studio is located in a small neighborhood with plenty of free street parking. However, if there is an open space in the driveway between 9am and 2:30pm on weekdays you are welcome to park in the driveway.
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.
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.
Do you ever 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 and we will call you back as soon as we can.