eShakti Review

Recently, I was contacted by a representative from eShakti who wondered if I would be interested in 

reviewing one of the items from their extensive online clothing store.  I began looking through pages and pages of delightful, modern designs and fell in love with their dresses!  I have long been a devotee of the fit and flare dress: flattering on nearly every figure (and on me at any weight).  When I saw that the side bar of the eShakti site had a "Fit and Flare" category, along with Sheath, Cocktail, and Little Black Dress, I was elated.  I adore easy navigating when shopping online.

As soon as I saw Her Fifties Colorblock Dress in french blue/cream, I knew I had met my soulmate! 

                                                       

As a rule, I am hesitant to shop online for clothing unless I own several items of clothing from a company.  Like most women, I have persnickety peculiarities in how my body fits or *doesn't* fit into clothing.  For my general hourglass shape with hips larger than bust, I find that I need to put in some real dressing room time in order to select a garment perfect for my body and shape.  

When ordering with eShakti, you are offered the choice of 'off-the-rack' sizing from 0 - 36W (XS-6X), or you are able to enter your own custom measurements for an addition nominal cost.  I elected to go the custom route, as I haven't had a custom made dress since my Prom gown...thanks Mom!  I submitted my specs and placed my order on December 16.   

Much to my surprise, my custom dress arrived promptly on December 26, well before the 7 business days for shipping + 7-9 business days for transit time as specified in eShakti's fine print.  I was wowed by the super-flat shipping box and neat presentation.  I immediately tried the dress on to find that the straps were too long and did not conceal my bra straps effectively.  Going without support is not a luxury that I am currently able to afford ;) , so I quickly tacked the straps, taking them up about 2" on each side to achieve a better fit.  

Aside from the strap length, I felt that the dress fit well.  I might have sized down in the waist had I realized that the back of the dress was so elasticized.  I suppose I would need to have it properly tailored were I to lose more weight down in the future.  I thought that the fabric was vibrant and beautiful, lined properly in the places that a good dress should be.  I did notice a few minute flaws in the stitching, but nothing that was flagrant.  The pockets, a feature on many of the eShakti dresses, were a nice touch.  

On a recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, I brought the dress to wear out on the town.  The dress packed well, not taking up too much space despite its voluminous skirt.  After a quick ironing, I slipped it on, pairing it with a french blue main/pedi, white leather jute-soled sandals and a cream woven shrug.  The crisp cotton poplin fabric was well-suited to the tropical climate.   My husband and daughter both complimented the color and fit.  Here I am striking my best 'red carpet pose':

After returning to the icy tundra that is the Midwest, I laundered the dress according to the tag specifications and was delighted to find that it washed up so well.  I despise Dry Clean Only duds!

This beauty will have to hang out in the closet for a few months, but I am excited to bring it out again in the spring!

In all, I am most satisfied with my eShakti experience and I have ordered another dress from them in the meantime.  Disclosure statement- I was provided with a dress sample from eShakti in exchange for this review.