Dress: Mode-sty // Shoes: Ann Taylor // Belt: DVF, thrifted (similar) // Necklace: Dailylook
Clutch: Zara // Ring: Rocksbox (Get a month FREE w/ code downtowndemurexoxo)
If you feel like you’re experiencing a moment of déjà vu, you’re not going crazy. You likely recall that I featured Mode-sty in my first modest retailer spotlight post last year. But some brands are worth featuring twice. Since that post, I’ve had the great pleasure of getting to know the woman behind this lovely brand, and she is even more lovely than the beautiful modest clothing she carries on her website. So when Zahra reached out and asked me to review a dress from her collection, I immediately agreed. Fortunately for me, she sent me one of her most popular dresses: the Emperess maxi dress. I’ll spoil this review by saying I’d recommend this gorgeous dress to ANYONE, but here’s why:
Fit
It’s official: I’m a sucker for flowy, figure-flattering maxi dresses. The Emperess dress fits like a dream and moves beautifully. I seriously felt like a princess during this shoot, gliding through the dusty streets of DTLA and looking WAY too overdressed for the occasion. The dress is very slimming as well and would allow for figure-flattering optical illusions on any body shape. With the maxi length, long sleeves, high neckline, it truly provides modest coverage. One of my few concerns with this dress is the elastic gathered waistband. It adds some shape to the dress, but it was still a bit too loose for me to wear as is. Still, the elastic in the waist mean gives the dress a more forgiving fit.
Quality
As I said in my eShakti review, I’m no seamstress, but I can tell this dress is very well made. The buttons were sewed on neatly, and the blind hem finish was done perfectly. It’s made of quality chiffon fabric in a rich dark teal color that is truly stunning. Another bonus: the long sleeves increase the versatility of the dress, meaning it can be worn in the spring (just roll the sleeves up as I did) or in the fall. It’s fully lined, but I suggest wearing a camisole and a slip underneath because chiffon is a slightly sheer fabric. I couldn’t see through the dress when I wore it, but the sunlight illuminated the sheerness of the dress when I hung it from my windowsill.
Function
This dress is ideal special occasions or formal events. You can dress it down a bit, but the fabric and silhouette is a bit too elegant for everyday wear. Despite the layers of fabric and formality, this dress is easy to wear and style. Just throw on a pair of heels (unless you are taller than 58 inches) and minimal accessories (I suggest a dainty good necklace and an elegant black, gold or violet clutch), and you’re ready to go!
Price
With a $79 price tag, the Empress dress is not cheap. However, it’s competitively priced with similar dresses you’d find at a fast fashion retailer like H&M and Zara. I say, if you’re going to give that money to a big box retail store, might as well support a modest fashion retailer instead. If $79 is a bit too steep for you, there’s another option…you can enter the Mode-sty giveaway I’m hosting below!
That’s right! As a sweet surprise for my readers Zahra is giving away a $25 shop credit to go towards ANY purchase from Mode-sty.com. That would make this gorgeous dress $54 before shipping and taxes. To get you excited about this giveaway, here are some more of my picks for what you should choose if you win. 😉
Short Sleeve Boyfriend Maxi (Fuschia) – $49
Linking up with these lovely blogs: Happiness At Mid Life // The Red Closet Diary // Mix Match Fashion
Oak & Oats // Modest Mom Blog // More Pieces of Me // Creative Mondays // Mom Trends
Pleated Poppy // Shopping My Closet // Cappucino and Fashion
The Comments
Danielle
Their Secret Garden maxi dress is gorgeous!
Elizabeth
> DanielleI agree, it’s stunning!
Amanda
Oh my gosh that maxi dress is absolutely amazing! Love this, and thanks for the giveaway:) Coming in from the Peony Project.
Elizabeth
> AmandaThank you so much for visiting and leaving such kind words, Amanda!
Holly Loube
Hey girl! The dress is absolutely stunning! I would love something like this to add to my wardrobe for fancy occasions. I LOVE what you did with the belt!
Elizabeth
> Holly LoubeThanks, lady! This would be a wonderful ‘fancy’ dress (I’m actually wearing it to a wedding in TX this weekend). Rooting for you, my friend!
Ashley Bree Perez
I would love to win this:http://shop.mode-sty.com/collections/basics/products/bodycon-midi-dress-black
elleroc
I would love to win this
http://shop.mode-sty.com/collections/midi-skirts/products/exotic-blossoms-maxi-skirt
and then I saw the starry night skirt….#anothercuteskirtiwant!
Elizabeth
> ellerocHaha! #somanycuteoptionstochoosefrom 😉
Margaret
*gasp* so beautiful!
-Margaret
http://happyinheels.blogspot.com
Elizabeth
> Margaret*blushing* Thank you, my dear!
Alecz
I absolutely LOVE the colour of this dress, and that belt you chose is amazing. Really great edgy touch!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Elizabeth
> AleczHaha Thanks, Alecz!
Buife
That first time you reviewed them was my intro to mode-sty. I agree: Zahra is such a cute lady; her responsiveness is simply POW-WOW! and her collections are just amazing!
Back to you Elizabeth, you look absolutely GORGEOUS in that outfit! So stunning!!! I always love ‘coming’ to your blog. Always!
Elizabeth
> BuifeHaha, you are a riot, girl. I always appreciate when you stop by my little corner of the internet and leave awesome comments!
rhea
gorgeous dress… and i love a good twirl photo! <3
rhea @ rheaetcetera.com
Elizabeth
> rheaThanks, Rhea! I’m a sucker for twirl photos (and twirlable) dresses too.
Ashley L
Oh my gosh Liz I love that dress on you!!! Can I just take a second to gush over that picture of you twirling? WOWZA! So yeah, I’d buy the dress you’re wearing and then twirl everywhere.
Elizabeth
> Ashley LHahaha! You’re too sweet, Ashley! Thank you, lady.
Daily Sports USA
Stunning look, that maxi dress is absolutely gorgeous, I really love the color.
Elizabeth
> Daily Sports USAThank you!
Samantha
The dusty rose maxi skirt is pretty! That would be great for my closet!!
Elizabeth
> SamanthaGreat choice, Samantha!
Alison Brant
> ElizabethI really appreciate what you are doing with this BLOG, and showing that the Maxi Skirt and other items that are being modeled here can accentuate a woman’s beauty while still helping to preserve Christian conservative morals. It looks like most everything you BLOG about is on the high fashion side of things. What do you think about Christian T-Shirts?
Elizabeth
> Alison BrantHi Alison! Thank you so much for that encouraging comment! Most of my photos feature dressier outfits because the actual shoots cost money (so I figure I should get dressed up). I actually love to wear t-shirts and jeans most of the week!
Natasha Atkerson
Stunning! Absolutely stunning lady.
And what a cool picture background!
I thought maybe last time it just hadn’t loaded, but I can’t see anything saying what the boxes above the comment are for (so I’m guessing). Just thought I’d let you know.
Natasha
A modest fashion blog: http://www.natashaatkerson.blogspot.com
Elizabeth
> Natasha AtkersonThank you so much, Natasha — for the sweet compliments AND heads up! I assume you’re talking about the related post boxes? I’ll see if I can fix that…
Kim Pincombe Cole
They have swimwear too?!! wow. I LOVE the Daffofil Scoop Neck 1 Piece – so cute & the coverage is perfect!!!
Happiness at Mid Life
Liz, this dress is stunning on you!! The color, the fit – so beautiful!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Elizabeth
> Happiness at Mid LifeYou are so sweet, Alice! Thank you!
Sandra
A midi skirt or basic tee
Cynthia @ My Rose Colored Shades
I love the unexpected length of this dress. It’s so flowy and beautiful. You look gorgeous in it! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet comments on my blog. Congrats on being a finalist in the REDBOOK contest as well! It truly is an honor to be among such beautiful and stylish women such as yourself. It would be so fun if we both made it! ~Cynthia
Elizabeth
> Cynthia @ My Rose Colored ShadesYou are so sweet, Cynthia! Thank you for those kind words! I’m rooting for both of us. 🙂
Adri
You look amazing! These pictures at LACMA are the perfect backdrop! So happy to find another LA blogger!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Elizabeth
> AdriThank you, Adri! Always happy to meet fellow LA girls in the blogosphere!
Abby
Her pieces are gorgeous! I love the dress on you and the fuchsia one 🙂
If you have a sec, I’d love for you to check out my latest on the blog:
xo,
Abby of Life in the Fash Lane
Holly E
I would get the Belle of the Ball Skirt in Red.
Elizabeth
> Holly EThat’s one of my favorites!
Victoria / Justice Pirate
What a very stunning dress this is! I love the color on you as well! It is fun when people send you dresses to review. I haven’t had that in a long time, but man it is so nice to be given free stuff just to review it!
Elizabeth
> Victoria / Justice PirateThank you, Victoria! I agree, hard to beat free clothing for an honest review. 🙂 Congrats on mak wing the Modest Fashion Network blogroll this week!
Christina
What a pretty coloured dress!
Elizabeth
> ChristinaThank you, Christina!
lenora
This is simply lovely….love your blog will be back soon for updates
Elizabeth
> lenoraThank you, Lenora! Would love to have you back soon. 🙂