frequently asked questions
“The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions.” — Susan Sontag
No! I can barely manage my own brain, let alone try crawling into yours. As my friend Bill said, "Your work is Pre-Custom, custom for people who didn't know they wanted it." If you want advance notice of my new work, please join my mailing list.
— What forms of payment do you accept?
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) plus Paypal and Apple Pay.
— Do you accept returns? Mostly yes ...
Clothing: Yes. You may return your purchase for any reason within a week of receipt as long as the tag is still attached and the piece is unworn and in the same condition.
Candles: Not returnable but you can exchange them, within a week of receiving them. They need to return in pristine condition. But if there's damage or a defect of some kind please email and let me know.
How to return:
You need to let me know ahead of time that you're sending a return. Really, really you do. When it arrives I'll refund your money through the same channel I received it, minus your shipping costs.
——> Send your return to:
——> Send your return to:
Helen Carter
Secret Lentil
501 W Fayette St Studio 214
Syracuse New York US 13204
Secret Lentil
501 W Fayette St Studio 214
Syracuse New York US 13204
It's easy to buy my clothes online and have them fit. Most things are one-of-a-kind — a piece just is the size it is. So I offer a rough size first, which will help you narrow things down. Then I follow up with specific measurements of the garment itself — if you don't know your measurements you can compare my numbers to a similar nice-fitting piece from your own closet. Feel free to email and ask me about fit if you are uncertain.
Yes yes and yes. But I'm only one person, making everything by hand, so at any given time there are limited options for most sizes. It's nothing personal.
— How do you ship? (aka my Shipping Policy)
Your package will go out via USPS First Class or Priority Mail, (depending on the weight) with Delivery Confirmation (within the US). You'll get confirmation and tracking info!
— Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, gladly! We use First Class International shipping from the US. You are responsible for paying any taxes or customs duties that your country adds to shipments.
— What about allergens? [cat, lavender, cedar]
Pandemic-days update: I'm working in my home right now, which is also the home of the handsome cat Jimmy Patterson. He is in, and around, my working area. Finished clothes are stored in our cat-proof shipping / storage room, which he DARTS INTO whenever we open the door. So, cat-free-ness is not guaranteed. I also store finished clothes in lavender and cedar.