Frequently Asked Questions

Smiles Couture is a made‑to‑order fashion and sewing studio specializing in vintage‑inspired, custom‑designed pieces for women. Along with creating one‑of‑a‑kind garments, we offer professional sewing and alterations to ensure every piece fits beautifully. We focus on high‑quality craftsmanship, intentional design, and sustainable fashion practices. Each garment is carefully crafted just for you, with love, precision, and attention to detail.

The  process:

1. Step 1: Intro Call (Google Teams)

2. Step 2: In‑Person Consultation (Deposit Required)

3. Step 3: Fitting / Project begins

4. Step 4: Alterations begin

5. Step 5: Pickup + final fitting

To maintain quality and protect your garments, I do not offer:

• Same‑day alterations without prior approval

• Heavy-duty upholstery

• Leather reconstruction

• Shoe or handbag repairs

• Large drapery installations

• Mass-production manufacturing 

If you’re unsure whether your project fits, feel free to ask.

All services are offered by appointment only. This ensures each client receives dedicated time, privacy, and a focused fitting experience. 

To protect both your time and mine, all in‑person consultations require a $25 non‑refundable deposit. This deposit is collected after our Google Teams intro call.

Why a deposit is required

• The deposit confirms your commitment to the appointment.

• It prevents no‑shows and protects the time spent traveling.

• It ensures the in‑person consultation is reserved specifically for you.

How it applies to your service

Your $25 deposit is applied toward your final service if you choose to move forward with alterations or a custom project. It is not an extra fee it becomes a credit on your balance.

When the deposit is due

• After our intro call, you’ll receive a secure payment link.

• Your in‑person consultation is confirmed once the deposit is completed.

    If you need to reschedule, you may reschedule once with at least 24 hours’ notice.

 The deposit remains attached to your appointment.

 If you cancel or do not show, the deposit is non‑refundable and does not transfer to future appointments.

This applies to:

• custom garments

• large alteration projects

• rush orders

• fabric shopping services

Your deposit secures your spot in my schedule and covers initial materials or prep work.

To ensure accurate measurements and a smooth fitting:

• Please bring your garment clean and ready for alterations

• Bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear with the outfit

• Arrive on time so we can make the most of your appointment

• For custom projects, bring any inspiration photos or fabric if applicable

    Your preparation helps create the best possible result.

Standard turnaround is:

• 1–2 weeks for everyday alterations

• 2–4 weeks for formalwear

• 4–8 weeks for custom garments

• Rush options available depending on schedule

Turnaround times may vary during peak seasons (prom, weddings, holidays).

Rush services are available when my schedule allows. Because rush projects require rearranging my workflow and prioritizing your garment ahead of other clients, an additional fee will be added to the standard service price.

• Overnight Rush (Same‑Day or Next‑Morning Turnaround)

• Overnight rush services start at $25 for simple hems and increase based on garment complexity 

48‑Hour Rush (Within Two Days)

• 48‑hour rush services start at $15 and vary depending on the project.

Rush fees are non‑negotiable and due at the time of booking. Availability is NOT guaranteed.

Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Late cancellations or no‑shows may require a deposit for future bookings.

If you are more than 10 minutes late, your appointment may need to be rescheduled to avoid overlapping with the next client.

Thank you for choosing my sewing, alterations, and custom garment services. To keep the process smooth, transparent, and stress‑free for both of us, here’s a clear guide to how payments are handled.

Accepted Payment Methods

I currently accept the following forms of payment:

• Debit & Credit Cards

Processed securely through my payment system.

•  Zelle

Fast, secure, and free.

• Cash

Accepted for in‑person appointments.

A digital or written receipt can be provided upon request.

 Invoices (Digital Payments)

You may receive a digital invoice for:

• deposits

• custom projects

• rush fees

• online consultations

Invoices can be paid online using a card or bank transfer.

Late Payments

• Work will pause until payment is received.

Unclaimed Garments

• Garments must be picked up within 14 days of completion.

After 30 days, unclaimed items may be donated or repurposed.

When Payment Is Due

Alterations:

Payment is due at pickup.

Custom Garments:

• Deposit due at booking

• Remaining balance due at final fitting or pickup

Rush Services:

Rush fees are due upfront.

Receipts

You will receive a digital receipt for all electronic payments.

Cash payments can receive a written or digital receipt upon request.

• All sales and services are final.

• Adjustments related to the original request may be offered within 3 days of pickup.

After‑Hours Payments

• Payments made after business hours will be processed the next business day.

This helps me maintain a healthy work/life balance and provide the best service to every client.

As a solo creative professional, I take great care to honor all deadlines and deliver high‑quality work. However, in the rare event of illness, emergency, or an unexpected situation that prevents me from completing your project on the original timeline, I will:

• Notify you as soon as possible

• Provide an updated estimated completion date

• Offer alternative options when available (such as partial completion, simplified work, or rescheduling)

• Refund any portion of the service that has not been completed, if applicable

If I am unable to complete the project entirely due to circumstances beyond my control, you will not be charged for unfinished work.

Your understanding and flexibility are deeply appreciated

Each piece is handmade with care. Orders typically ship within 1-2 business days of purchase (jewelry). During high-volume periods, please allow a few extra days. You’ll receive a tracking number once your item is on its way.

Shipping Method: We ship via USPS with free shipping on all U.S. orders.

Yes, you can cancel your order within 12 hours of placing it. If you'd like to cancel, please contact us immediately at Admin@smilescouture.com  with your order number. After 12 hours, production begins, and we cannot accept cancellations or changes to the order.

Due to the personal nature of earrings, all earring sales are final for hygiene reasons.

If your item arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 3 days of delivery at Admin@smilescouture.com and we’ll be happy to make it right.

For future made-to-order garments and handbags:

COMING SOON 

Every Smiles Couture piece is crafted with intention.

Earrings: Made from lightweight, durable Lucite, each pair is one-of-a-kind. Some may feature embedded vintage accents, foil, or pigment swirls.

 Our pieces are crafted with plated metal, which may naturally darken or tarnish over time with regular wear. At this time, we are unable to offer repairs or restoration for discolored items. To clean, gently wipe the metal with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid over-polishing, as it may wear away the plating or cause scratches.

 Please keep your jewelry away from direct contact with lotions, oils, and perfumes. Exposure to light, heat, and moisture can affect the quality of Lucite, plating, and stones over time.

We offer custom sizing, fabric selection, and minor style tweaks on select pieces. Customizations may extend processing times by 1–2 weeks.

If you have sensitivities, want to request a custom piece, or need more info about materials, email us. We’re happy to help!

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this tracking number to check the status of your order through the shipping carrier’s website.

We’re always here to help! You can reach us at Admin@smilescouture.com  or through our Contact Us page. We aim to respond to inquiries within 1–2 business days.

Thank You

Thank you for respecting these guidelines  they allow me to maintain a smooth, organized workflow and provide high‑quality craftsmanship for every client. If you have any questions about payment options or need help choosing the best method for you, I’m always happy to assist.