You guys are SMART. Thinking of way more questions than I’d ever think of!
I’m going on about as little sleep/brainpower/as Leanne-ly possible right now, so please excuse my zombie like writing style and sleepy sleepy eyes (oh wait, you can’t see them? technology IS good for something.)
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between Luxe & Velvet?
Luxe is our classic alternative to wool that is windproof, snow resistant, and heat retaining when combined with our 100% recycled closed loop zero waste satin ripstop. It is 100% Recyclable, made in the USA, super soft, pill resistant, and takes 3 months to make. We make custom runs each year and so we make new colors each year that you’ll only find for one season, unless we have a little left over from last season for a teensy run. It is made by Polartec so it has the weatherproofness of a Patagonia or North Face coat, but A. it is NOT fleece, it has a very luxe (hence the name) textured face that a lot of people liken to a cashmere or something fancy like that (I don’t know, I don’t wear cashmere! All I can hear when I hear the word cashmere is George Costanza!) It’s so soft people tell me they KNOW when someone is wearing a VC coat because when they touch it-it’s unmistakable. B. When lined with our satin ripstop (which is windproof), it makes this coat pretty invincible… we also structure our coats in a special process so that they have the structure of a pretty wool dress coat (with the warmth of high tech fabrics, and the ethics of vegan & eco materials & production.)
Velvet: I am SO excited about our new velvet! It’s all the things Luxe is PLUS it is A. 100% Recycled Fibers, and B. VELVET! You can see how it looks here on the Look Book cover. That’s it, that’s the only difference. All the other things from the Luxe- warmth/protection/etc.- are all there.
2. I’m having trouble ordering online. What can I do?
Sorry about that, I told you I hate technology. (well, hate is SUCH a strong word!) If you’re international, it’s likely because of my store’s extra security measures so just email me with “International Order Request” in the subject heading, the style/size/color you’d like to order with shipping address & phone in the body (a sweet note doesn’t help either!) And I’ll tell you the total you can send to me via Paypal.com directly. Same goes for anyone with issues checking out via the Paypal button on the site, just make the subject “I hate technology too- Order Request” and I’ll give you the discount going on at the time of that email.
3. What if I live around NYC and want to pick up my preordered coat?
Great idea. Here’s a code for checkout: “NYCCoatPickup” It’ll have you bypass shipping online and then I’ll send out a note with the days you can pick it up in mid-late October (dress coats), late Oct-early Nov (urban snow coats.)
4. What are the other charges besides the price of the coat itself?
I live in NYC now, that means all NY residents have to pay tax, I’m sorry, there’s no way around that SADLY! Shipping is expensive because A. the coats are heavy B. large C. insured. So to get it to you safely it costs about $20-25 including packaging (recycled eco conscious packaging that is!) & handling, since I no longer can ship all the coats myself. Again if you live around NYC you can skip the shipping (see above). If you live in another country, please note you might have to pay duties and import taxes and that’s not anything I have control over- so please check out your country’s policies first to make sure you’re comfortable with that.
5. When will I be charged for my preordered coat?
We give a discount for preordering your coat (while it’s still warm out! a couple months in advance!) because you help us fund production OF your coat. This means that you will be charged now for your preorder, so we can pay for the fabric of your coat and the workers who cut and sew your coat in NYC’s fashion district. If we didn’t need to charge your card now, there wouldn’t be a preorder special at all. We are self-funded and community funded, so you make it possible for us to be here. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
6. When is the NYC Pop Up Shop? Chicago? DC? And the Toronto & Montreal Shops?
The NYC Pop Up Shop will be at MooShoes September 11th-14th, we’ll be in town for Chicago Vegan Mania November 5th with a Pop Up Shop on the 6th, DC is to be decided but likely DC Veg Fest with a shop (late Sept), and Toronto and Montreal October 23-26th. We MAY be at Paris Vegan Day, we are still deciding!
7. Why aren’t your coats cheaper? I wrote this a while ago, but here it is just in case you missed it!
8. What is the difference between the Audrey & the Hepburn?
The Audrey for this season is exactly the same as last season except with a Zipper instead of buttons, because the coat was too darn heavy and long to hold all of those buttons properly! It made me nervous and I hate hate hate disappointing people with loose buttons. The Hepburn is a happy accident, as the first sample of the new Audrey was made shorter and it turned out super pretty. So that’s the Hepburn, identical to the Audrey except in knee length.
9. Do you do custom orders?
I nearly kill myself every season with the production run so sadly at this time I just don’t have the time to do custom orders (though I would indeed LOVE to if I could!), and they would end up being a gazillion dollars to make since we’d have to do the whole pattern/fitting/sample just for you. You can however order the coat closest to what you want then take it to a tailor to get the sleeves/skirt shortened, or something else changed to be what you want. Custom sizing alterations can be made at your tailor as well, but of course there are limits to this. As we grow, we will hopefully be able to offer a petite/tall/plus range, which we just don’t have the means to handle just yet. I am trying my best-please stay with us until we do!
10. What is sizing like?
Here’s the size chart, same as last year. We tried to size the collection as closely to what you’d expect (if you’re normally a small, you’d be a small, etc) and some times it goes one way or the other. If you plan to wear lots of layers or are at the top of the measurement chart, definitely size up.
11. What is the return exchange policy on Preordered coats?
The same as on a coat you’d order while it’s in stock. Since we have limited runs and styles and sizes sell out quickly, it’s helpful if you can let us know within a week of receiving it that you’d like to exchange or return for a refund. That being said, I’ve never turned away the return/exchange of an unworn coat so just let me know, especially if it was a gift for someone- because there are always exceptions!
12. Who are you? Are you a designer who loves animals?
This is me. I’m an animal activist who loves design, the creative process, and all that we can do together. I’m cheesy, but I’m cheesy for you. I’m not perfect- I’m always learning- and I try my best. Please know that I really really do try my best and most of all that I really do appreciate you. You allow me to live my dreams- speaking out for animals in my own voice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
PS- what happened to my comment on your blog?
I get so much spam the comments are not filtering properly- I’m so sorry! I need to get that fixed, until then please feel free to comment on the same post on our Facebook page.
SENDING YOU INFINITY OF HUGS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
warmest,
