Creating the dress of your dreams

The decision to have a bespoke dress for a special occasion is only the start of a wonderfully exciting process. Once you’ve experienced it with Get Waisted, you may never want to buy on the high street again!

Seeing the design through from start to finish – from choosing the fabric to the finished garment – is thrilling. You get exactly what you want and there are no compromises in fit, colour or material, as you might experience on the high street. Your dress will hang beautifully, highlighting what’s fabulous about you and bringing out the beauty in your skin tone. Just what you need to be the belle of the ball or the most beautiful bride.

Get Waisted’s Toni Pickles will be there from the very beginning; guiding, helping and advising, as well as making the dress itself. Inevitably, there’ll be lots of laughs along the way as you choose the fabric, design and style. There’s no haughtiness or exclusive prices you can experience with some of the couture brands and boutiques, although naturally due to the individual nature of dressmaking, we can’t match some high street prices – but that’s what you’re buying: individuality, bespoke tailoring and the control of knowing you’re getting exactly what you want and need.

All our quotes include fabric but prices will change accordingly if the fabric, shape or details are changed from the original design. Fabric prices may vary, but the main cost of making any dress or gown is the time. Prices are quoted on an individual basis after a consultation to choose style, fabric and embellishment. All items are designed, cut, fitted, sewn and finished at our boutique and atelier in Steyning, West Sussex.

Here’s how your dream dress becomes reality

Book a free consultation with Toni and when you decide to go ahead, you’ll need to pay a deposit (normally 50%). This deposit is to show commitment from both parties to the making of the design and is non-refundable. It is used to purchase the fabric for the outfit and any work carried out up to the first fitting. Sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances which mean you need to cancel, and in this case any refund will be up to the discretion of Get Waisted Designs. Paying the deposit secures your cloth.

  

Toni's design for a wedding gown

We don’t believe in the ‘hard sell’. You’ll have time to consider your next step. Your space will be held provisionally but if there is a waiting list, then a time limit will be put on your provisional booking but we’ll keep you posted throughout.

Although the design is generally agreed at the original consultation and the quote based on this is agreed, it is possible to change the design as nothing will be made in the real fabric until the second fitting. The fabric is bought on booking to ensure availability so the design can be altered but if it is a drastic change, there may be a cost alteration so we’ll let you know this as quickly as we can. Sometimes you may need a few consultations to reach the final design.

Get ready early

Once the space has been booked, the time for having your gown made is secured. Fittings for a wedding dress or elaborate gown are generally started four to five months before the wedding/event, unless you require it much earlier before the wedding date.

Simpler dresses and day wear can be much faster - but please don't come along the week before you need it! We do everything we can to make sure you have your outfit ready for the event but you’ll need to make sure you leave enough time so there’s no pressure, either for us or for you.

One of Toni's creations on the catwalk

With a day or cocktail dress, we’d be looking for a lead-in period of six to eight weeks ideally.

For a wedding gown, to achieve the best fit especially if you are trying to lose weight, the first

fitting for the gown is generally also started six to eight weeks before the wedding, allowing the final fitting to be done one to two weeks before the day.

If you’re happy with your shape and don’t need to lose weight for the big day, then there’s no reason your gown can’t be done as much in advance as you require. You may live far away, you’re getting married abroad or you just like to have things ready well in advance to set your mind at ease, it’s completely up to you.

Weddings are generally seasonal and peak times are between May and September so if you’re getting married during these times, we recommend you book 12-18 months in advance. The winter months are quieter so 6-12 months is adequate time for a Christmas wedding.

How your dress is made

Once we know the fabric, design and style, the next step is the toile. This is a mock-up of your gown made in cotton or another appropriate fabric closest to your gown.

Fitted skirts are made in calico first, but some bigger skirts can be made up in the real fabric to fitting state. This is then fitted and any adjustments made. Depending on the style of the gown and the adjustments made, there can be between three to five fittings. The average is three but if you have a more complex design, it can be more. It’s definitely important to get it right!

Unveiling your creation

This is the most exciting time – when you step into the finished garment. Barring the odd mishap with some emergency cream doughnuts or losing weight due to pre-wedding jitters, you can marvel at the way your dress fits you perfectly, safe in the knowledge it’s a one-off and you won’t ever see exactly the same design anywhere else.

To find out more about the dress design process or to book an initial consultation with Toni, call us now.

You can see more about Get Waisted on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us on:

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Steyning boutique, 94 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

We make real clothes for real people!

We are really pleased to see some of the big fashion brands and high street stores embracing models of real sizes on the catwalks and in-store mannequins instead of the waif/twig variety held in such high esteem for so many years. This means there’s been a shift in their approach to better reflect our ‘diverse society’ of consumers. This was highlighted in comments made by Jo Swinson last autumn, who was at the time Under Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (http://www.libdemvoice.org/jo-swinson-launches-size-16-mannequins-37093.html).

Some men and women feel pressured into having to conform to model sizes shown in glossy fashion and lifestyle magazines, and wrongly believe life will be a bed of roses if they do. Sadly we know that for some, this can lead to eating disorders, psychological issues and worse.

Sizes also vary, as we all know only too well, from store to store and brand to brand. Where we are, say, a size 16 with one retailer, we could be an 18 or 20 elsewhere. Before the invention of clothing sizes in the early 1800s, all garments were made to fit individuals by either tailors or makers of clothing in homes. The standard clothing templates are not adhered to and of course vary with the drape of the cloth as well as by manufacturer. Sometimes this can even differ within the same size at the same store!

We say ‘hats off’ to Debenhams for using ‘plus size’ models in their stores, but even using the term ‘plus size’ has its own connotation that being larger than, say, a size 14-16 means you need to be in a special category. Retailers like Mango, H&M, ASOS, Net-a-Porter and many more now have plus size ranges, but Mango defined ‘plus’ as over a size 12. How does that make the average British size 16 woman feel?!

Why not ditch the vaguely insulting terminology and celebrate our bodies for what they are – individual and just as lovely?

Here at the Get Waisted boutique in Steyning, that’s exactly what we do. We make quality bespoke made to measure pieces that enhance your shape, no matter what it is, give you confidence and make you feel special. We’ll give you advice on shape, fabric, texture, drape, length and fit, as well as accessories. And this applies to men as well as women.

We’re not all made the same shape or size so why should we be expected to conform? After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

You can see more about us on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us on:

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Steyning boutique, 94 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

Spread the love with fashion, jewellery or lingerie this Valentine's Day

Whether it's a divine piece of bespoke corsetry, some fabulous jewellery or a fashion piece to make every heart melt, we have it here at the Get Waisted boutique in Steyning. And our sale is on till the end of the month, with up to 50% off selected items.

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate romance and love, but its origins were actually rather dark. It's believed to have started in ancient Rome with the feast of Lupercalia where drunken men would hit willing women with the hides of slain animals, believing it would make them more fertile.

The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men called Valentine on February 14th (different years) in the 3rd century AD. Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St Valentine's Day, although there appears to be some confusion with other festivals and rituals in later centuries.

As the years went on, the holiday grew somewhat more enchanting. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticised Valentine's, which gained popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. Handmade paper cards became the thing to give in the Middle Ages.

Eventually the tradition made its way to America. The industrial revolution lead to factory-made cards in the 19th century and in 1913, Hallmark Cards began mass producing Valentines.

Woe betide any partner who forgets Valentine's Day! But here's the good news ... you can shop early with our 'up to 50% off' sale going on till the end of January. Take your pick from our superb range of high fashion affordable clothing, jewellery, beautiful corsets, handbags and other accessories. There's even something for the man in your life too!

Some, though, will celebrate Valentine's in a SAD (that's Single Awareness Day) way but that's even more reason to come along to Get Waisted and choose something really great to make you feel special.

Will it be some knitwear to snuggle up to, a coat to take you out on Friday night, a bangle to dangle, or some stiletto shoes or boots to make your point?!




Don't forget - come and see us soon in Steyning. Those sale pieces won't hang around for long, and if you need something tailor made bespoke for you, we can't wait to get cracking.

You can see more about us on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us at:

Steyning boutique, 98 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Tel: 01903 812992
Mobile: 07947 497342

Shopping frenzy hits the high street

Sky News[1] says shoppers are expected to spend £12bn in just four days as they make the most of slashed prices and promotions, according to retail forecasters. There’s going to be a big battle both on the high street and online.

About three-quarters of retailers are now offering deals and 13m people are expected to shop on the high street today, the last Saturday before Christmas, with many having finished work for the festive season yesterday. Clothing, fashion, jewellery and lingerie are always popular.

People are becoming more canny though, waiting for the sales and hoping the items they’re after are going to be reduced. In larger stores which stock many of each size and design, that’s possible but in independent boutiques like Get Waisted in Steyning and Brighton, it’s a different story.

If you’ve been window shopping recently or popped in and seen something you love, as we have room for a bijou selection of unique clothing and accessories, you might be disappointed if you think they’ll still be there for you in a few days.

We’ve all done it – we think we’ll grab a bargain when the sale starts but only found the few items the gannets have left when we turn up. Instead of hoping for the best and taking the risk of getting what you want, we say that our clothes and accessories are good value to start with and as you certainly won’t see them anywhere else on the high street, you’re getting a great deal anyway!

We’ll be open today, tomorrow and Christmas Eve until 2pm so there’s still time to pop in to say hello and look at the wonderful display we’ve put on just for you.

Meantime, everyone at Get Waisted wishes you a sparkly Christmas and fun-packed New Year.

You can see more about us on www.getwaisted.co.uk or contact us on:

Email: toni@getwaisted.co.uk

Steyning boutique, 98 High Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD

Open 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Mondays

Tel: 01903 812992

Mobile: 07947 497342

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[1] Source: http://news.sky.com/story/1185618/christmas-shoppers-to-spend-12bn-in-four-days

Free Photoshoot AND 20% off when you Get Waisted for your Prom

At Get Waisted we like to do things properly. Prom 'season' is no exception. So we have got together with Phase Photographic to make an unbeatable offer.

Order a prom dress from Get Waisted before May 1st and not only will you get a 20% discount you will also receive a free photoshoot in your dress from Phase Photographic.

The photoshoot includes a 7"x5" framed photo (you can order more in a wide variety of sizes and frames) and is alone worth £100.

Make a splash with your prom dress

There is always a last minute rush. So this is Get Waisted trying really hard to give you a real incentive. Phase Photographic are the perfect photographers to capture you in all your glory and Get Waisted can cater to your every whim in terms of design, colour and fabric.

So call me, Toni, now on 07947497342 or email at toni@getwaisted.co.uk to discuss your requirements or arrange an initial (free) consultation.

I look froward to hearing from you.

Toni

Love is in the air (and maybe a little snow)!

So here we are, snowbound as I write, and Valentine's Day is almost upon us. But before I start trying to get those creative juices flowing and showing you a few ideas I thought I would just give a little history.

If, like I did a few years ago, you thought Valentines Day was just an evil capitalist scheme dreamed up by Hallmark you couldn't be more wrong. In fact its origins can be traced back to pre-Christian times and the Pagan festival of Lupercalia. It seems Roman and subsequent Christian cultures 'adopted' Lupercalia on the basis of 'if you can't beat them, join them. Lupercalia was celebrated from 13 to 15 February in Roman times.

Whilst Lupercalia involved the 'encouragement' of female fertility through men stripping naked and whipping the backsides of young females with goatskin this can hardly be considered romantic love...although I can think of a few former...enough of that. The first linking of romantic love to Saint Valentine seems to have come with Chaucer in 1382 and his Parlement of Foules celebrating the engagement of Richard the II and Anne of Bohemia - "..for this was on Saint Valentines Day when every fowl cometh there to choose his mate" (rough translation).

The first recorded passing of a Valentines note seems to have been from a Frenchman (of course) captured after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 to his lover and subsequently imprisoned in The Tower. Throughout the 18th century the passing of notes became customary in England and in 1847 Esther Howland of Worcester Massachusetts starting producing cards in the US. In 1913 Hallmark produced their first cards and we were on the slippery slope. By 2010 the market was worth almost $15bil in retail sales in the US and over 1 billion Valentine cards sent worldwide making it second only to Christmas in this regard.

OK, and breathe. Hopefully you're still with me and we can take a look at a few ideas to get those pulses racing (now that's what I call target marketing).

A Get Waisted creation for Valentine's Day

As you can see we have moved on a little from Chaucer - you don't have to go all out 'vamp'. Here is a nice selection from Tight Flavor to illustrate the point.

At Get Waisted we like to add our own spin. As I may have mentioned, I just love corsets and what they can do for just about any woman. There are a few ideas (all from Get Waisted) above - I hope you like them.





Of course, if you want one of these or something similar with your own twist, well that's what bespoke is and the Get Waisted 'Raison d'etre'. Just call me, Toni, or email on toni@getwaisted.co.uk