About Jen Gay

Dress Magician

Recent posts

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  what's the standard deal with a "cleaning fee" when buying a new wedding dress from bridal shop?

  1 0 I think the shop should always tell the customer in advance if there are any additional charges. At Cicada (my shop) if we are making a new dress for the bride there is no need for additional cleaning- it hasn't been worn aside from her fitting appointment, so it shouldn't be dirty! However, many brides decide to purchase a sample gown (at a big discount) which has been tried on by other customers, and could use a little cleaning. In those cases, she is buying it AS IS, and cleaning and alterations are offered at an additional charge. We always let the bride know at the time of purchasing what the options are, and let them make the decisions. Keep your store clean, and keep your customers informed. It's not rocket science. Jen Gay answered in Women's Fashion 4 months ago Answer and comment »

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  Where can I get my trusty 10 speed serviced without a kid behind the counter giving me an overdose of attitude?

  0 0 20/20 Cycle folks are super nice. Jen Gay answered in Bicycles 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 5 more answers »

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  Where can I get a wedding dress hemmed & cleaned?

  0 0 National Drycleaners- 206 789 0584 tell them Cicada sent you- they clean all of our gowns. Alterations- Heather Culver- 206- 721-7740 She used to work in our shop, and is a terrific seamstress and nice person. Jen Gay answered in Clothes Clean/Fix 11 months ago Answer and comment »

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  Seattle stores that sell fascinator hats?

  1 0 My shop- Cicada (1st and Seneca downtown) carries facinators by local designer Miriam Goodman-Miller. (colorful ones! not just bridal.) www.millinerybymiriam.com Jen Gay answered in Women's Fashion 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 4 more answers »

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  Where should I look for cute, comfy walking shoes that aren't running shoes?

  1 0 I've found cute shoes from Sofft, and Born...but I just checked their websites, and meh. nothing I would buy this season. Aerosoles are incredibly comfortable- their store always has cute things. (Their website is a bore though.) I bought some oxford/jazz shoes from them this spring and they are very comfy. Also, drugstore insoles can help out quite a bit. I always pick some up when I go to NY. All that pavement is a sole killer. Jen Gay answered in Women's Fashion about 1 year ago Answer, comment & read 6 more answers »

• Comment on Cori Ready 's answer…

  0 0 you guys are so helpful. I was thinking the secret to success is a nearby hotel. Jen Gay commented about 1 year ago

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  DIY Bridal veil??

  1 0 Here's some good detailed instructions- http://offbeatbride.com/2010/09/diy-mantilla-veil and a great quickie video for encouragement- it looks as if she really does make the veil in 2 minutes! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOVgjlHtGN8 You should take a crack at it. It's not very hard, and will be a lot more special than buying one off the rack. Lace can be expensive, so measure the length and width of the veil you want carefully before buying. It's also a little easier when sewing the lace on to sew it 1/2" in from the edge of tulle, and go back and trim the extra tulle off later. That will keep the tulle from stretching out too much and the lace from sliding off the edge. Good luck! Jen Gay answered in Weddings about 1 year ago Answer, comment & read 3 more answers »

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  Am I a jerk for wanting a "real" wedding?

  1 0 Do it! You are actually in a pretty sweet position without realizing it. Weddings are a great way to bring family and friends together in a way that is more meaningful than just a summer party. Stories are shared, drunk bonding can happen, and it's a milestone. Because you have already done the legal part you can skip the stress of The Downsides: commitment panic, expense panic, and family issues rising up from the deep past. I don't think you should feel bad about wanting to celebrate with your family and friends now that you have the opportunity to do so. Jen Gay answered in Weddings about 1 year ago Answer, comment & read 6 more answers »

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  looking for a non wedding wedding dress-- nothing white, sexy and elegant, something i'll want to wear again. suggestions?

  2 0 Even if you are not wearing a white dress, you (and the groom) are still the focal point of your wedding. Consider the feature of your outfit that you want to convey this message. There should be something that sets it apart from the norm- like a full skirt, a train, or amazing fabric. Every year brides come in to my shop who have purchased a fun party dress to wear for their wedding- and at the last minute decided it wasn't special enough. They purchase a white or ivory dress last minute, and under a lot of time pressure, because they are concerned about looking like a guest at their own wedding. At my shop (and I'm sure many others) we offer bridal styles in color, so you can wear them again, but still feel like the bride. If you want to avoid bridal shops in general, I'd suggest looking through Polyvore.com for ideas. It's a nice way to get an overview of what's out there. Good luck! Jen Gay answered in Weddings about 1 year ago Answer, comment & read 9 more answers »

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  Tips on integrating electronics with clothes?

  0 0 http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CSTL1 I bought this LED sewing kit by Stern Lab throught the Maker Shed. I haven't tried it out yet, but it looks doable for that age range. Jen Gay answered in Women's Fashion about 1 year ago Answer, comment & read 3 more answers »

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