Frequently Asked Questions

Product Types

What is the difference between your product categories?

Made In-House & Ready to Ship
These pieces are personally designed, pattern drafted, cut, and sewn by Stephanie in her studio. They are fully constructed, available in listed sizes, and ready for immediate shipment in limited quantities.

Made to Order
These garments are handcrafted in-house after purchase. They may be produced in standard sizing or tailored to specific measurements. Certain designs may appear in both Ready to Ship and Made to Order, allowing clients to purchase an available piece or request a variation in different fabrics, colors, or patterns.

Curated – Studio Stock
Thoughtfully selected pieces sourced from trusted partners and stocked within the studio. These items ship directly from Stephanie’s studio but are not handmade in-house and cannot be modified.

Curated – Partner Fulfilled
Carefully selected pieces that ship directly from partner warehouses. These items align with the aesthetic of Stephanie Blake The Label but are not constructed or handled within the studio and cannot be modified prior to delivery.

Orders & Production

Are all Made In-House pieces personally made by Stephanie?

Yes. All Made In-House pieces are personally designed, pattern drafted, cut, and sewn by Stephanie in her studio. On rare occasions, collaborative pieces or temporary fashion interns may assist within the studio setting; however, design direction and construction standards remain under Stephanie’s direct oversight.

How long does Made-to-Order take?

Production timelines vary depending on the complexity of the garment and current studio workload. While some pieces may be completed quickly, standard turnaround times allow for careful construction and scheduling of existing orders.

Estimated timelines are communicated when your order is confirmed.

What about bridal and formal pieces?

Bridal and formal garments require extended timelines due to their detail and fitting needs.

  • Minimal gowns, rehearsal, or shower dresses require a minimum of 3 months.

  • Wedding gowns are recommended to begin 6 months or more prior to the event date.

Earlier planning allows for proper fittings and thoughtful finishing.

Do you offer rush orders?

Rush orders may be available depending on design complexity and current studio capacity. Approval is determined case-by-case, and additional fees apply based on project scope and timeline.

Custom Design

Do you accept custom design requests?

Yes. Custom design inquiries begin by completing the Custom Design & Alterations Inquiry Form. This allows Stephanie to assess project scope, timeline, and availability before scheduling a consultation.

Is a deposit required?

Yes. Once a proposal is approved, a non-refundable deposit of 30%–50% is required before work begins. The percentage depends on project complexity and material sourcing needs.

Do you provide sketches?

Sketches may be provided when necessary. Many clients provide inspiration images that guide the design process. Sketches are particularly helpful for clients developing their vision and needing visual direction before final approval.

Order Changes

Can changes be made to custom pieces?

Design adjustments may be made during the initial concept and sample phase. Once the sample is approved and final production begins, no further design changes can be made, as final fabrics are cut specifically for the garment.

Can I modify a Ready to Ship piece after ordering?

Ready to Ship pieces are pre-constructed and ship within 24–48 hours. They cannot be modified once ordered.

If a size is unavailable or you are interested in a variation of a design, you may submit a Custom Inquiry request. The garment would then transition into a Made-to-Order piece and follow those production policies.

Shipping & Fulfillment

When will my order ship?

Shipping timelines depend on the product type:

  • Made In-House & Ready to Ship and Curated – Studio Stock ship within 24–48 hours.

  • Made to Order ships once production is complete.

  • Curated – Partner Fulfilled items ship directly from partner warehouses and may have varying processing times.

Why did my items ship separately?

Orders containing both in-studio and partner-fulfilled pieces may ship separately and arrive at different times.

Returns & Exchanges

What is your return policy?

Return eligibility depends on the product type.

Made In-House & Ready to Ship

  • Return requests must be submitted within 5 days of delivery.

  • Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached.

  • Approved returns are issued as store credit only.

  • Customers are responsible for return shipping.

Return approvals are granted at the discretion of the studio due to the limited, handcrafted nature of each piece.

Made to Order

All Made-to-Order pieces are final sale.

Custom Designs

Custom pieces are final sale with no exceptions.

Curated – Studio Stock

  • Return requests must be submitted within 7 days of delivery.

  • Items must be unworn, in original condition, with tags attached and original packaging intact.

  • Customers are responsible for return shipping.

Once received and inspected, an exchange (if available), store credit, or refund to the original payment method may be issued.

Curated – Partner Fulfilled

Curated items shipping from partner warehouses follow the same 7-day return window. Return instructions will be provided upon approval. Items must remain unworn, in original condition, with tags attached.

Once received and inspected, an exchange (if available), store credit, or refund may be issued accordingly.

What if my item arrives damaged?

You must notify the studio within 48 hours of delivery and provide clear photo documentation with tags attached and prior to wear. If approved, a replacement, repair, or refund will be arranged.

Sizing & Fit

Do you provide a size chart?

Yes. A standard size chart is provided for Made In-House pieces. Curated pieces include sizing information supplied by partner warehouses.

How are Made-to-Order pieces sized?

Made-to-Order garments are constructed using the measurements you provide and adjusted appropriately for the intended fit of the design.

Do you offer alterations?

One alteration adjustment may be requested for Made-to-Order pieces. Customers are responsible for associated shipping costs unless a construction issue is proven.

Ready to Ship and Curated pieces are not eligible for alterations prior to shipment.

Do you offer in-person fittings?

Yes. Local fittings are available by appointment at Stephanie’s private office location.

What if I order the wrong size?

Exchanges may be requested within the applicable return window for Ready to Ship and Curated – Studio Stock pieces, pending availability.

Made-to-Order and Custom pieces cannot be exchanged.

Payments & Deposits

Do you offer payment plans?

Payment plans are available for custom bridal, formal, and select custom projects.

Most custom pieces require:

  • A non-refundable deposit prior to production

  • The remaining balance due before pickup or shipment

Ready to Ship and Curated pieces require full payment at checkout.

Are deposits refundable?

No. Deposits are non-refundable as they secure production time and material sourcing.

Is local pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available by appointment at Stephanie’s private office location once payment is complete.

Garment Care

How should I care for my garment?

Care instructions are provided with all Made-to-Order and Custom pieces. For all other items, when in doubt, gentle hand washing or professional dry cleaning is recommended.

If you are unsure about care, please reach out prior to cleaning.