www.civilwarballgowns.com Houston, TX
Almost all vintage items, even "New, Old Stock" (NOS) items, will show some signs of wear or storage. Some items appears to have never been worn, while others have obviously been worn, but have been well cared for and are in near perfect condition. Most vintage items will have at least some small flaw - such as tiny pinholes, or small spots. Each item's description will include all observed flaws. Dresses requiring new shoulder elastic, buttons, or seam stitching are repaired before being listed. Dresses have not been washed or dry-cleaned unless indicated in the description. The condition of each vintage dress will be described as one of the following:
NEW: This description of condition will apply only to gowns on the New Ball Gowns page. NEW OLD STOCK: Vintage gown, unworn, with tags still attached. NEAR MINT: Item appears unworn, no signs of wear. EXCELLENT: Item shows minor signs of wear, but has no flaws. VERY GOOD: Item shows signs of previous use, has no major flaws, all minor flaws are mentioned in the description GOOD: Item is wearable, but will require repairs FAIR: Item is damaged and not wearable without repairs
We measure all garments on the outside of the dress, with the garment laying flat. Bust and waist measurements are then doubled to approximate the circumference. The skirt length is measured from the waistline to the hem. The sweep of the skirt is the total circumference of the skirt at the hemline. The circumference is difficult to measure on skirts with deep bottom ruffles; when this occurs the description will state what size hoop slip the skirt will fit over. Although some vintage dresses may include a size tag, sizes have changed considerably over the decades and vintage sizes are not accurate by today's standards. Be sure to compare your measurements to those of a dress before ordering.
To determine if an item will fit you, do one of the following: 1) Take your measurements as close to your body as possible, not over your clothing. Be sure to leave some room for give and comfort when comparing your measurements to those of a garment. Your measurements must be smaller than those listed for the dress. 2) Use a fitted dress in your closet as a comparison garment, one that you know fits you well. Measure the comparison garment on the outside, with the dress laying flat on a flat surface. Compare the measurements of the comparison garment to those listed for the vintage or new gown you are considering.
Domestic shipping is free; buyer is responsible for return shipping on any returned items. For items shipping by USPS Parcel Post or Priority mail, we ship on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please note that shipping times indicated at checkout depend on your location, and begin the day the item is shipped. If you would like expedited shipping, please contact us before your placing your order. We are usually able to accommodate requests for expedited shipping. Overnight shipping to domestic locations is available, but is quite expensive (we charge only actual costs).
We ship internationally to most countries. Shipping fees range from $15 - $65, depending on the size of the package and the shipping destination. A default rate of $65 is shown at checkout. Please contact us prior to ordering to get a shipping quote, and have the shipping fees for your order adjusted to the true shipping fee for your destination country.
Gowns: Gowns can be returned within 3 days of receipt if unworn and returned in original, unused condition with all tags still attached. Buyers are responsible for return shipping fees. If you wish to return an item: (1) Contact us to let us know that you wish to initiate a return. We will send a confirmation email. (2) Place the gown back in the bag, and in the original box (or your own packaging). (3) Ship back to us by USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Buyers are responsible for return shipping fees. Be sure to insure the package for the purchase price of the item and email us the tracking number. (4) We will notify you as soon as we receive your return, and credit the original method of payment, less a 10% restocking fee.
Hairpieces and accessories: Hairpieces and accessories can be returned within 3 days of receipt (hairpieces are only returnable if they have not been removed from the plastic packaging). Follow the same steps for returning a gown.
Special Order items are not returnable.
Hoops and crinolines are not returnable.
We love to post customer photos! Send us a photo by email with your permission for the photo to be posted - it is always fun for us to see you in your gown and/or at your event!