FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

1.  How did you start your business?  We moved to Leavenworth, Washington, otherwise known as “Little Bavaria” of the Pacific Northwest to operate our old time photo studio, Step Back In Tyme in 2008.  During the course of collecting Bavarian clothing for Bavarian themed portraits, we became fascinated with the dirndl dress in all its historic and modern varieties.  Due to customer request and our own need for portrait costumes, we began planning Oktoberfest Gal in 2009.

2. Why does a traditional dirndl (dress) and leather lederhosen (Men’s Bavarian shorts with suspenders) cost so much money?  A well made German dirndl which is marked up for American sale can skyrocket to $500 and lederhosen can approach $300 or more.  They are very well made and last a very long time. We have looked for the most reasonable sources for our products and we pass the savings along to you.

3.  What do I need for a complete look?  The modern style costumes we sell look best with a short lace edged slip giving an even longer and more modest look, along with various types of bloomers or ruffle pants. Head wreaths that lightly set upon the hair look great with any costume and with any hairstyle as a finished look. Many women choose to wear any black shoes with a little heel. We prefer medium height lace up boots and white thigh-highs with a bow to give a fun youthful look.  We currently sell the costume, slip, hose and head wreath, with plans to offer the fabulous boots soon!

4. Can I see your products in person?  Yes, you may visit us in person and purchase products at our old time photo studio in Leavenworth, Washington, USA.  Please call for an appointment if you are buying in quantity for your performing group, dance studio, restaurant or brewery.

5. How do I know what size to order?  A great fit is fairly simple, using the chart on the Size Chart page. Please remember that we are selling costumes and not the traditional clothing that requires a more perfect sizing.

6. What is your return/exchange policy?  We seek to please every customer and therefore we try to describe in as much detail as possible all of our products.  Due to the specialized and personal nature of our products we do not accept returns so we suggest a careful purchasing decision on the part of our customers.

7.  What is your Privacy Policy?  We do not sell or divulge any private or personal information obtained through communications or ordering by our customers or obtained from web site origin statistics.  We do email notices of sales, specials and new products only to those who have requested such.

8.  What is your Shipping Method?  We ship via United States Postal Service using the Priority Mail Service.

9. Where can I wear my costume?  Anywhere and anytime you want to feel feminine and pretty and have a great time wearing beautiful variations of the traditional folk wear attire of Bavaria.  Some of these times could be:

Costume parties

Oktoberfest

Halloween

Modern Dance or Singing performances

Working in Bavarian themed restaurants, breweries, hotels and businesses

Participating in Bavarian themed parades such as Harvest Festivals

Starting your own local fashion trend

10. How can I order from you?  Email us at stepbackintyme@msn.com to begin a correspondence and let us know what you are interested in and any questions you may have.  We will go from there.  You may also call us at 509/548-4249 and we will make every effort to chat with you, although at busy times, we may need to call you back – thank you for your patience! We appreciate your business!

11. Tell me about your old time photo business.  Please visit our web site www.stepbackintyme.com for information and an extensive portrait gallery!  It’s one of the most fun and memorable activities to do in Leavenworth, Washington!  We are located at 217 9^th St. in the Alpenhof Mall in the lower level where it’s cool in the summer and cozy in the winter!

12. Can you tell me about your town?  Please visit www.leavenworth.org to learn all about our fantastic little town!  We are located just east of the Cascade Mountains in a little valley that resembles Bavaria, Germany, which just happens to be the theme of our town!  Every season brings beautiful scenery and so many things to do.  We know you will love it here as much as we do!