frequently asked questions

I need to change something on my order. How can I do that?

Once your order has been placed you will need to email letstalk@gretchenbohling.com within 24 hours with any modifications you would like to make pertaining to your order.

I’m unsure about a size or I have a fit question. How do I find this information?

If you are placing an order for a made to order piece found on our website’s shop page you can find a size chart and a diagram of how to measure yourself correctly located within the photos of each piece.

When will my order ship?

All private label collection pieces take 4 weeks to complete and will be shipped upon completion. Shipping time varies depending on the location and what shipping method was selected at checkout.

All custom pieces take different lengths of time to complete depending on the design. Turnaround time will be discussed in the final design consultation with Gretchen. Like our handmade to order pieces the shipping time will vary depending on location and what was selected at checkout.

*all rush-orders will be charged a 25% upcharge (rush orders are any handmade to order pieces needed before the 3 week turnaround time - and any custom orders needing to be expedited )

What happens if my package gets lost?

we ship via USPS or FedEx for all orders which provides secure and easy trackable methods of shipping. If your package gets lost in transit we will do everything we possibly can to assist in finding it.

we cannot be held responsible for packages once proof of delivery is generated.

Once the carriers have hold of the package we cannot be responsible for delivered items that have been lost or stolen.

What are your Business hours?

our studio hours vary throughout the year and fittings are by appointment only.

How do I place a custom order?

If you are interested in placing a custom order email Gretchen at letstalk@gretchenbohling.com to set up an appointment for your design consultation.

Do custom orders have to be done in person or can they be completed remotely?

While it is much easier to complete the custom design consultation process in person it can also be done remotely - over the phone, or via video chat.

If you are interested in ordering a custom piece but aren’t local to the Des Moines email letstalk@gretchenbohling.com to chat with Gretchen about the easiest way to proceed.

Phone/video consultations can be done if you know your measurements head to toe (list of necessary measurements will be provided) and if you can provide Gretchen with images of inspiration for what you are looking to get made.

What happens in the Custom design process after the initial design consultation is complete?

Once the initial design consultation is complete and measurements are taken the next steps happen behind the scenes at the studio - gretchen gets to work on making a pattern of your design and will sew a muslin sample - then we will have our first fitting to take care of any fit issues - deepening on the detail of the custom garment it could take several fittings in order to get it just right! during the fitting process gretchen will source fabric and you will select your final choice.

If you are a remote custom client the process is the same it just happens virtually (over the phone, via email, or zoom call).

What are the last steps in the Custom design process?

After the fabric is selected Gretchen will begin work on the construction of your garment!!

*the nature of custom garments generally require multiple fittings in order to get the fit just right.

For all local clients appointments will be scheduled for fittings as necessary.

For all remote clients the garment will be mailed back and forth as necessary to obtain the correct fit. (Garments will be shipped up to a maximum of 2 times back and forth.) Because this requires extra shipping costs a 25% up-charge is applied to the order up front. A diagram of how to notate alterations will be included with the garment, and a video chat with Gretchen will be scheduled so she can walk you through how to document the necessary alterations needed before shipping it back.

do you work with male clients?

yes we do! While we don’t currently offer a menswear private label collection we do work with men to fullfill their tailoring and alterations needs. we also love creating custom garments for men - Gretchen has an extensive background in menswear and custom suiting and she loves the chance to tap into that aspect of fashion design!

What are your prices?

please reference the pricing tab in the menu to see the prices for all of our services. the made to order collection pieces available in the shop are priced as marked.