Dress: eShakti (similar here and here) l Necklace: J.Crew l Clutch: Zara
Confession: I browsed eShakti’s website for years before finally making a purchase. I was intrigued by its mission to provide custom clothing for women size 0-36 that “that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best.” (This modest fashionista considers customization a God send). I liked the selection of dresses in fun colors and whimsical prints. But I wasn’t sure I could afford their beautiful custom made dresses. Then eShakti started running major promotions – I’m talking $35-40 off your first purchase + major site-wide discounts. That was enough to encourage me to take the plunge. 2 dresses and one skirt later, I guess you can say I’m hooked. There is something so rewarding about getting a tailor made dress for less than $50 (?!). Rather than rant to you about how much I love eShakti, let me show you why in this detailed review. (By the way, this dress was not provided by eShakti. These are my honest opinions. Affiliate links ahead.)
Price
The dress I’m wearing in this post (similar dress here) was originally $99.95, but don’t worry, I didn’t pay nearly that much for it. When I purchased this dress, eShakti was running a site-wide sale with every item 30-50% off and giving $35 coupons to new customers (promos on promos, y’all!). After the new customer discount was applied to the sale price, the dress came to $14.95 (crazy, right?!). After paying $11.95 for shipping, the dress came to a grand total of $26.90. I was VERY pleased with that total.
From what I’ve observed, eShakti frequently has generous promotions. On top of that, eShakti has an overstocked section where the dresses are permanently marked down 30-50% off.
A few things to keep in mind: 1) They are currently running a $40 off your first order promo and a buy 2 get 1 free/ buy 3 get 2 free promo. (hint hint: you can combine both promos and potentially get three dresses for less than $100). 2) eShakti offers free customization for first-time customers. Repeat customers will have to pay an additional $8-$16 for alterations per garment. They also do not refund alteration fees. Find out more about land based casinos in California here. Whomps.
Fit
We all know how absolutely frustrating it can be to find a nearly perfect dress that is too short, too low cut, or doesn’t have sleeves (like my favorite Anthropologie dress). eShakti eliminates those problems by allowing you to choose your desired neckline, sleeve and hem length. With this dress, I chose the cap sleeve and knee length options to ensure it provided enough coverage for me, and I chose to remove the pockets to prevent bulkiness in the front. I’m so glad I did because this dress is certified bulk-free.
The waist is a bit roomy, but that may be entirely my fault. Instead of carefully taking and imputing my body measurements for the complete customization experience, I chose the easy lazy customization method: I only entered my height and desired sleeve and dress lengths. Thankfully the princess seams and banded waist gave the dress a feminine shape and brought in the waist a bit. Even without the custom sizing, I think the dress fits well enough.
Something to keep in mind: In order to get the best fit, you need to take several measurements of your body. eShakti provides a detailed guide on its website that’s easy to follow, but you may want to get some assistance from a seamstress family member/friend before placing your first order.
Quality
I like ponte knits in general, and this ponte dress didn’t disappoint (for those of you needing clarification, ponte is a combination of rayon/polyester/spandex). The faric is thick enough to last multiple washes without showing signs of wear and light enough for me to wear it in the spring and summer. I also adore this fun magenta color.
I’m no seamstress, so I turned to my mom for a more…errr…professional opinion: “clean lines, good stitching, finished properly. Yup, this is a well-made dress.” That’s all the approval I need to declare this a quality dress.
Selection
eShakti has a wide variety of custom dresses, skirts, and tops (now they even sell pants!) – but that variety is a blessing and a curse. If you suffer from polarization due to choice overload like me, the large selection of clothing may be overwhelming for you. That’s part of the reason it took me a while to order. I couldn’t make up my mind!
That said, the selection is handy because you can find a dress or skirt for ANY occasion on eShakti. Lightweight dresses that are perfect for spring and summer. Check. Modest bridesmaid and formal dresses. Check. Work appropriate dresses. Triple check.
Shipping
This was my least favorite part of the eShakti experience. Every items is manufactured in India and cut to order. That means customers have to wait 2-3 weeks to receive their orders. I’ll admit I’m a slightly spoiled consumer who is used to free shipping and delivery within 3-6 business days (Ok whatever, I’m a brat). Waiting was unpleasant, but I was thrilled to receive my first package within 2 weeks as advertised, and eShakti did a good job of communicating throughout the shipping process. My package even came with a cute mini tape measure so I can accurately measure myself in the future (that’s if I don’t take the lazy way out again. I make no promises.).
My second package is another story. 3 weeks and counting, and still no goods. On top of a delayed delivery, I have to deal with DHL’s nonsense. DHL apparently has this ridiculous policy that they won’t provide a time window for delivery, so you have sit around all day waiting for the package to arrive. Yea, that’s definitely a reasonable request. I’m currently doing just that – hoping, waiting, and wishing for my package to arrive, all while NOT going to the bathroom for fear of missing my delivery.
Overall
Even with the 2-3 week shipping process, I highly recommend eShakti. With the crazy promotions they frequently, eShakti is definitely worth a try. Beautiful, quality dresses that are tailor made for your body. I once thought that sounded too good to be true, but now I’m a believer.
If I’ve successfully imparted my love for eShakti upon you, you might want to check out some of their other super cute dress:
eShakti Women’s Vented neck ponte sheath dress – $89.95
eShakti Women’s Scallop popover cotton knit dress – $79.95
eShakti Women’s Scallop trim cotton poplin dress – $79.95
eShakti Women’s Scallop trim cotton poplin dress – $79.95
eShakti Women’s Shawl collar sash waist gingham check dress – $69.95
eShakti Women’s Chevron stripe colorblock maxi dress – $99.95
So what do think of eShakti? Think you would give their custom clothing service a try?
Linking up with these lovely blogs: The Modest Mom Blog // Happiness At Mid Life // Sydney Fashion Hunter // The Pleated Poppy
The Comments
Charlotte Boyer
Wonderful review! I love eShakti, though I must admit that 2 out of the 3 dresses I’ve order from them in the past have gotten discolored in the wash… who knows why! So ever since, I’ve been a little wary of ordering from them again, though my sisters haven’t suffered my same misery with their eShakti garments 😛
The dress looks fabulous on you, and I adore your necklace!
xo,
-Charlotte
Elizabeth
> Charlotte BoyerOh dear! I don’t blame you for being hesitant to order again. That’s disappointing. I haven’t seen any discoloration yet, but I’ll include an update in this post if I do!
Thank you for the kind words, Charlotte! You are so sweet and wonderful.
Alecz
This dress is STUNNING. I love the magenta colour, and the fit is so classic! I’ve never ordered anything from eShakti before, but that gingham dress is calling my name…
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Elizabeth
> AleczThank you, Alecz! That gingham dress is a looker. It’s taking ALL the restraint in me not to get it.
Elizabeth
This is so funny that you post on this today because I was just talking to a friend about them last night! I had heard of them before and had been to their website, but didn’t know a whole lot about them. My friend(who also makes modesty a priority) was telling me that she has gotten 3 dresses from there and was completely satisfied! The first one she got was only $20 because of all the promos, but the other two were $110 combined. I think that is awesome that there’s a company like this! It would be perfect for someone too who is built different and has an extra hard time finding modest clothes. For me, they are too expensive without some kind of promo. However, I think it’s a great price considering that it’s custom-made for you 🙂
Elizabeth
> ElizabethWhat perfect timing! Haha. I agree, they aren’t cheap without a promo. My second order (a dress and a skirt) came to about $65 with shipping. But that’s still very reasonable for custom clothing. I definitely recommend getting at least one dress with the current $40 promo before it ends. Can’t go wrong with that deal!
Courtney Kincaid
Um, hi. Can I steal your closet?
Your posts always inspire me to step up my game on my fashion front. I love the idea of custom made dresses for an extremely reasonable price! I’m eyeing the gingham dress… It would be perfect for summer!
Elizabeth
> Courtney KincaidHaha! You are awesome … And you’re making me blush. If you move to LA, you’re more than welcome to borrow! 😀 I agree, that gingham dress is gorgeous. If I wasn’t on a self-mandated shopping timeout, I’d get it.
Rachel G
That dress is perfectly lovely on you! That color is simply gorgeous. I have a bunch of eShakti dresses, I actually wear them to work all the time–I love my dresses with short sleeves–the cotton ones are very comfortable!
Elizabeth
> Rachel GThank you for he love, Rachel! I just got a cotton dress from them, and it’s so comfortable and appropriate for summer. I’ll likely wear it on a weekly basis. Haha. Are you on Instagram? I’d like to see some pics of your eShakti dresses!
Katie Forsyth
That dress is lovely on you – I love the color, so feminine! I bought my first two eShakti dresses over Easter weekend, and they finally shipped on Saturday. I can’t wait until they come in so I can try them on!
Elizabeth
> Katie ForsythHow exciting! Let me know when you get your dress so I can check it out. You can even tag me on IG if you post a pic. 🙂 I’m such a fan girl now; I’m recommending eShakti to everyone. I hope you like your dress!
Ursula
The cut is perfect on you and it looks beautiful. I thik even without the sale it would have been worth it to have a high quality dress that can be worn time and again
Elizabeth
> UrsulaI agree, Ursula! Can’t beat quality and custom made. I feel like I have a personal, fashionable tailor! Haha.
Anna D Kart
I have tried their dresses and they run on a large size I’d say. But I liked the fact that they are lined… Love your dress and how you styled it!
Happy Medley
Elizabeth
> Anna D KartThank you, Anna! Yes, the dresses are very well made and lined (which I love). I do think they run large when you don’t choose the custom sizing option.
Dhruvi
What a pretty dress – you look beautiful in it! I loveeeee eShakti!
Dhruvi
Stilettos & Sequins
Elizabeth
> DhruviThanks, pretty lady! eShakti is so easy to love!
Gina
Wow, you got a really great deal! And it is beautiful! eShakti is really great for modest stuff, I have a skirt from there that I love <3
Gina
Pink Wings
Elizabeth
> GinaThank you Gina! I’m a huge fan of eShakti’s promos. 🙂
Happiness at Mid Life
This dress is stunning on you! When I tried eShatki a few years back, I did not like the 2 dresses I received. Both quality was not there in both the material and the sewing ( and I am not seamstress) so it was visibly bad. I am glad that they have expanded their product offerings to different materials. I hope you will receive your other package soon and will love the dress too. What a great price to try a new dress.
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Elizabeth
> Happiness at Mid LifeOh no! I’m sorry your experience with eShakti was not good. I’ve heard they can be hit or miss in terms of quality and fit. I finally received my other items, and both items appear to be well made with good fabric. Maybe the quality has improved since you last ordered?
Thanks for stopping by and leaving some love! See you soon at your lovely linkup. 🙂
jade P
im a little confused about the casino link, lol maybe the joke went over my head lol