Every single Very Slow Fashion piece is meticulously handmade by me, Alyssa. And because it’s truly handcrafted, no two will ever be exactly alike—expect tiny variations in color, size, stitch pattern, or hardware finish. That’s not a flaw; that’s the whole love-letter part.
Every single Very Slow Fashion piece is meticulously handmade by me, Alyssa. And because it’s truly handcrafted, no two will ever be exactly alike—expect tiny variations in color, size, stitch pattern, or hardware finish. That’s not a flaw; that’s the whole love-letter part.
What to expect (aka: the “please read before you fall in love” section)
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Color may vary slightly depending on the material used (recycled cotton cord vs. recycled t-shirt yarn) and the yarn batch available at the time.
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Customization is case-by-case. If a piece has options (hardware finish, lining, strap style, etc.), they’ll be listed right on that product page.
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Not every ready-to-wear piece is customizable. Some are already finished and ready to ship exactly as they are.
If you’re a perfectionist like me (hi, welcome), check out my made-to-order bags, clothing, and accessories. Those come with carefully curated option lists so you can customize to your heart’s content.
Materials aren’t random—they’re tested
The materials offered for each design are intentional and chosen through real-world testing. Ready-to-wear pieces get the same level of picky, careful selection as made-to-order pieces—because if it’s going out into the world with my name on it, it needs to make sense in both aesthetics and function.
Why it’s called Very Slow Fashion
I was only half kidding with the name. Even with thousands of hours of practice, I’m still one person turning recycled string into usable objects. Add in recent tariff changes (aka: sourcing chaos), and materials can be unpredictable.
What I can promise: prompt, transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and flexible design considerations when needed.
Waterproofed + lifetime maintenance (yes, really)
Every VSF piece comes standard with waterproofing treatment on the interior/exterior—and here’s the part I absolutely buried:
LIFETIME REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE for normal wear and tear.
Life happens. Stitches snag. Waterproofing needs a touch-up. If it’s normal use, I’ve got you—and I’m genuinely happy to help keep your piece looking good for years.
That said: if a bag has been severely neglected, heavily damaged, or altered and you’re expecting a miracle makeover… respectfully, no.
Standards & Steps for Made-to-Order Pieces
Pro Tips & Boundaries
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Turnaround times: ready-to-wear ships in X–Y business days; made-to-order takes X–Y weeks (and what can slow it down).
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Care + longevity: quick “how to keep it cute” notes (spot clean vs hand wash, how to re-waterproof, storage tips).
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What “normal wear & tear” covers (and what it doesn’t): examples like popped stitch, zipper tweak, strap reinforcement vs pet damage, fire, “ran it over with my car.”
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How to request repairs: please send all repair inquiries to very.slow.fashion2025@gmail.com
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Returns/exchanges: sales are final, but I'm not an unreasonable gal. I understand that crazy things can happen, and out of an abundance of caution, here are some examples of some reasonable exceptions that could warrant an amendment to that policy, or at the very least, a conversation. For example, if the details specified in your finished made-to-order piece do not at all resemble what was selected on your order, especially after details have been confirmed via itemized invoice, that we can fix. Or perhaps you are gifted a VSF piece that might not be quite your style, but you see something else listed on this website of equal value for which you would like to make an exchange, totally fair! Reach out the email swap that out something you might just like for something you love. In the unlikely event you need to inquire about a return or exchange, reach out the email listed above and lets have a chat. I make no guarantees but I can promise a conversation at the very least.
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Fit/size guidance: what each bag comfortably holds (phone, Kindle, water bottle), strap drop ranges, crossbody fit notes.
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Allergy/sensitivity note: please inform me of any allergies or sensitivies when submitting made-to-order requests. Including but not limited to: allergies to pets or hardware metals, waterproofing treatment, fragrance-free materials (if applicable).
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Sustainability transparency: each bag is constructed using one or more of the following materials (depending on the design silohuette & details) : braided cord made from a blend of recycled cotton, yarn made from one or more of the following: blend of acrylic & recycled ocean trash, recycled/dyed/repurposed t-shirts. Repurposed elements like linings/hardware/finishes are incorporated into designs
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Customization boundaries: custom bag designs will be located under the "made-to-order" category. Any customizable options for bags within the made-to-order section will be available on each individual product page. The options listed are the only options for color, hardware, etc. at that time and may be subject to change. THERE WILL BE A MATERIALS DEPOSIT OF 50% OF THE TOTAL PRICE OF YOUR BAG SUBMITTED WITH YOUR ORDER. Custom bags are ready for pickup or delivery 3-5 weeks AFTER YOUR MATERIALS DEPOSIT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.
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Contact + response time: “I’m one human; I reply within 24–48 hours Mon–Fri.”