May 7, 2013

Cute green eShakti spring dress review






Outfit details


Hair flowers: Arden
Pearl stud earrings: Claire's
Pearl necklace: Birthday gift from Tony ♥
Green and white tipped trim poplin dress: eShatki
White ruched sleeve cardigan: Fairweather
Mint green 1950s gloves: eBay
Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore
Green glass bead and brass lucky horse shoe charm bracelet: Handmade by me
Black vintage handbag: etsy seller A Vintage Revival
Nude on nude seamed stockings: eBay
White pumps: Payless
Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace

Photography by Antonio Cangiano


 






 photo GreeneShaktidressvintageoutfitinSummerland_5_zps8007dd01.jpg






As you may recall from this post a couple of months ago, I was contacted by the eShakti.com customer service team again early on this year in regards to reviewing another one of their garments. My previous experiences with eShakti had been mixed, especially due to the sizing on two dresses I'd purchased myself from them last December being significantly smaller than what was actually stated (for the size's measurements). I detailed, at length, my thoughts on that particular eShakti order here, so shalln't rehash it all again in today's post.

I received the cheerful kelly green and white dress that I'm wearing in the photos here (taken back in late March - it will be a while still before I've recouped enough from my recent surgery to bop around and take outfit photos again) from eSkati, having been instructed to selection three different dresses from their vast spring lineup, one of which I'd receive at random (based on their inventory levels, I was told) to review.

Having previously has such unfortunate luck with the sizing (the dresses I'd bought were both more than two inches smaller than the measurements listed, thus making them too small in the torso for me to comfortably wear), I decided to veer on the side of caution and order up not one, but two sizes larger than I normally would have (worn) based on the measurements listed on their website.

I also opted for a dress with buttons up the front, instead of a side zipper (as it's only fastening), as the two I'd purchased both had, in the hopes that this would grant me an even easier time with the torso fit. Both of these choices certainly had their desired effect, in fact, I'd venture to say that (in the case of a button front dress), I could have perhaps gotten away with order up just one size, as there was a fair bit of excess fabric in the bust area (I'm not very larger busted to begin with, so I might wear more of a bullet style bra the next time I sport this dress, to help fill out the chest area a bit more). The waist however fit very comfortably and I have no issue with things there this time around.

Perhaps my one main qualm with this dress is the hem length. The listing specs for this dress said that it would hit below the knee - which it does, just barely. When you order a dress or skirt from eShakti, they ask you to specify your height, which I did, and I assumed that it would come down somewhere at the mid-calf length, however it just barely skims my kneecaps.

Now, to be perfectly fair, eShakti does allow you to specify the hem length that you'd like from a few choices, but having opted for their "mid-calf" length with the two dresses mentioned above and having them both hit at my ankles, I was leery of picking that option again and instead decided to try my luck with the standard "below the knee" sizing that the dress came in.

While I realize this is something of a personal preference, I tend to like my dresses to come down a bit further past my knees, and had this frock not cleared mine, I would have returned it and exchanged it for a longer size. It's (relatively) short hem length ensures it will be great for the toasty summer months though, and it was also met with much approval from my husband.

Overall it's a very comfortable, well constructed dress and the colours are cute, classic and fun. I'm much, much more pleased with this frock than the two I'd purchased last year. The dress may be going for a retro vibe, but the cut is quite modern and more boxy than I'd generally like (I find boxy dresses with a-line skirts tend to make me look heavier than I am, and I feel that this one does that a bit, though styling it differently - such as with a medium width belt - in the future may help in that regard).

That said though, I'm happy with it - minor shortcomings and all, and feel that I'd be considerably more comfortable shopping with eShakti again (especially now that I've really got a good grasp on their various sizing and fit quirks). I appreciate that they sent me this dress and would be pleased to work with them again in the future.

In terms of styling this dress, I wanted to go with something sweet and springtime-y, but not overly cloying, so I grounded the green and white (which can easily veer unintentionally into spearmint candy territory) with hits of black care of one of my hair flowers and my handbag. Next time I wear it, I think I'll use a belt as just mentioned, and perhaps slip a basic blouse underneath (the dress itself has wide strap sleeves) thus transforming it into more of a jumper style dress (I think having a blouse underneath will also help add some bulk to the bust area and thus make the excess fabric there less noticeable).

These photos were taken on a small stretch of beach along Okanagan Lake just outside of the neighbouring town of Summerland, as the pale sun was beginning to set on a mild spring day and Tony and I were out running errands. I love the gentle, skin flattering lighting at work in these images and so wish I could reach into a magic bag and pull out that kind of soft light more often for photo shoots.

So while this eShakti dress might not be 100% perfect in terms of fit, it's a far cry better than the others I've gotten from them and I'll definitely wear it again. Though it's summery in cut, the colours help ensure it would also work well for Christmas or St. Patrick's Day, making it a great year round piece that I look forward to styling in various ways in the months and years to come.



47 comments:

  1. How beautiful you are & as usual your sense of color is just outstanding...!

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  2. It is a cute dress and I love Kelly green!I prefer my dresses at right below my knee too.I have a few that are right about and they always feel really juvenile.I probably wouldn't ever order from them cause they measurements being so off would drive me absolutely nuts!

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  3. It's so refreshing to read reviews that don't just blindly gush about the product - and actually analyse both the good and bad points.

    The colour looks lovely on you - and it's a massive improvement from the dress you received last time!

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Helen. I agree with you about reviews and try to be unbiased about anything I'm sent. If something was (and thankfully this has yet to happen) so bad that I didn't have anything good to say about it, I won't likely post, as I'm not one to bash or complain for the sake of it, but by the same token, I don't like to treat things with kid gloves and look at them through rose coloured glasses. I've had such an up and down road with eShakti's garments over the past half a year, but am glad that at least at this point in time, I feel positive about this site and their offerings, even if I struck out with those two frocks before.

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Hey,
    beautiful vintage look! Suits you so good.
    Love

    http://wolkedrei.blogspot.de/

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  5. Cute! I love the green and white combo. Not spearminty at all.

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  6. Great dress! I love green!!

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  7. This is such a great color for you and I adore those wonderfully hued gloves. You always put together the best outfits!

    Im so glad you have reviewed the eshakti dresses again. I have often thought of ordering from them and its nice to know how to adjust for the fit before ordering the wrong size.

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  8. You look darling as usual and I just love that lucky horseshoe bracelet! :)

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  9. This is a lovely dress and the colour looks lovely with your hair colour. Glad you finally got one from eShakti that fits you a bit better although shame about the small issues that you mention. Still, it does look nice and I don't notice the bust looking an awful lot too big on you, especially with the wrap over the top.

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  10. The dress is adorable and the outfit as a whole is great!

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  11. You look wonderful in green! I'm glad you like the dress. Hope you are feeling better!

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  12. eShakti does have some beautiful dresses, yours have such a beautiful colour. Green looks great on you!! :) Thanks for the review!

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  13. beautie miss cutie :-)
    the green go´s so nice with your hair- and skin color and the black flower and black bag takes it on the elegant side. very good done!
    with all this fitting issues - thats sad. they make so nice dresses, why is it impossible to claim or use the right measurements? i worked for years as a seamstress and it is not THAT complicated.....

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  14. you look perfect.
    I like the green of the dress very much, gorgeous=)

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  15. You look like a doll - and i think it's great you gave them a second or third chance and that this dress worked for you.

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  16. Very cute! I would love to see a photo without the sweater. The accessories you have added realyy makeit pop! Loveit. I hope you are mending well, after your surgery. (((((Hugs)))))

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    1. Thank you very much, Kim. I've always been woefully slow to heal (throughout my whole life, not just since becoming chronically ill about 11 years ago), so I tend to take longer than your average person to rebound post-surgery, but I'm happy to report that things are going in the right direction (and that's what counts! :)).

      The next time I wear, this I'll likely slip a blouse under it, so you'll get to see what the top looks like sans cardigan over top that way.

      Many thanks again for being so caring,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I love the way the green contrasts with your hair! Those gloves are so classy, lady :) xx

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  18. Love the colour of the dress on you! With the black & white flowers it looks really fab :)

    I know what you mean about sizing of clothes and dress lengths - they always seem to be short and clothes unless I have them made to measure are often to small on my bust and hips and too big on my waist!

    I think the dress really suits you :)

    Lots of Love

    Katy
    xox

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  19. I think the dress looks lovely on you :) You might well enjoy the shorter length as the weather warms too!

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  20. Oh Jessica! You look SO beautiful in green that you make me green with envy :P I love the Irish theme in this outfit and the beautiful lake backdrop is so perfect too. One thing I always love about your photos is how perfect the lighting and backdrops always are. Your dedication to perfect photos is always so inspiring to me, you have been my blogging role model for a while now!

    What I really love about your review is how unbiased you are. I have been thinking about eShakti a lot lately and your review has been very helpful in giving me an idea of what to expect! I will be keeping in mind everything you've said in regards to sizing and lengths if I end up ordering something, so this has been a truly wonderful review.

    Hope your recovery is going well and that you have been able to enjoy the beautiful spring that I imagine you must have in Canada :)

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    1. What a tremendously touching, wonderfully nice comment, honey, thank you deeply. I adore sharing compliments that Tony receives here with him, and know that your comment will certainly brighten his day after work.

      I have not forgotten your question/request for a post about how we take photos (fear not! :)), and will certainly be blogging about that at some point this year (I was so touched that you asked - especially because I too am constantly blown away by how beautiful all of your photos are, too).

      I hope that your eShakti experience is really positive one if you do end up ordering. It's interesting you know, after all these mixed experiences with them, I'm actually eager to order or review another product one day, as I think I have a really good grasp (knock wood!) on how to navigate their sizing and garment construction (for example, side zippers) at this point. If that happens, I'll be sure to share it here.

      Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your immensely touching comment (and letting me know that I'm a blogging role model for you - there's no higher compliment).

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. That is an adorable little dress and you accessorized it perfectly! I always wonder why more ladies don't wear gloves? They really complete an outfit. As far as length, does the site give you measurements of the actual skirt length so you have an idea where it going to fall on you? We always make sure to include that in our product descriptions. Very helpful, as women are all different heights and knowing the skirt length lets you know right away before you purchase if it is going to be too short or it's going to need hemming!

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    3. Hi Theresa, I'm with you 100% on the wearing of gloves. I really can't see how we (by which I mean society as a whole) stopped wearing them (much as with beautiful hats) on a very frequent basis. I love them to pieces and rarely wear a skirt or dress without a pair, unless it's a very casual look or I know I'll be doing something where my hands are likely to get quite dirty.

      It seems like such an obvious point on their part doesn't it? But, no, at present, eShakti does not list the specific length of their garments (they do say where on the leg, approximately, it's intended to hit woman of "average" height though, which is certainly better than nothing). It would make things so much easier (especially for those, I'd venture to say, who fall on either the petite or taller sides of the spectrum) if they did.

      Many thanks for your comment & have a wonderful Wednesday,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. The color looks great on you! Green is my favorite!

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  22. What gorgeous photos of you! So pretty! :D

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  23. whoaa..your hair is so cool and your style look so unique! gorgeous!
    by the way..mind to visit and follow me? i will follow you back for sure :)

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  24. This dress is so cute! It really suits you. It's such a great colour x

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  25. You look like a dream! And I envy you the pale green gloves, very lovely. My thought was to wear it with a red cardi over or red blouse under for Christmas. I really think it would look festive, and do wear red shoes with it then. But Christmas is far away. :)

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    1. I'm with you on that idea for sure, dear Sanne! Would you believe this, and I just realized it a few months ago myself, but I don't presently own a long sleeved red blouse! How is that possible? Red is one of my most favourite and frequently worn colours? I'm really hoping to unearth one while thrifting this year. Even without it though, I could still slip read under this dress no problem, as I have a red cardi and a red fitted t-shirt. I'm feeling festive just thinking about it! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. Green is so your colour! You look stunning lovely lady.

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  27. You look beautiful, the dress looks nice on you, but I know what you mean I like the length very much past my kness! xxx

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  28. Beautiful, darling !!! Kisses for you !!! <3

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  29. i honestly never heard of eshakti before, but this dress looks absolutely adorable! i love that fresh shade of green!! and the white highlights are great with it! what a spring beauty;)
    hope you are having a wonderful week!
    love and kisses,mary

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  30. You are seriously freakin' adorable. This outfit is retro at its best. I adore the green color - green doesn't get nearly enough love. Your gloves are super cute too. And your hair looks lovely, by the way. I am following you now!

    May the force be with you.
    Emily

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  31. What a fabulous dress! And the colour suits you perfectly!

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  32. You look very happy and relaxed and natural in these photos. I hope you're feeling better soon and able to get out and enjoy your Spring - after your recent green and seasonal-themed posts you seem to be longing for it. This green looks lovely on you, I'm glad you were able to make this dress work for you.

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    1. You know me so well, my sweet friend. It's true, I am longing deeply to get back out in the world. I wasn't doing well on the health front pre-surgery, so all total it's now been about six weeks since I went out (save for the day of my surgery and one lengthy doctor's appointment shortly before that), and now that the glorious spring weather has returned here, cabin fever has sunk in big time.

      Fingers crossed I'll be able to venture out again - even just to the front yard or across the street to the little creek there - before the month is out.


      Huge hugs & many heartfelt thanks for both of your blog comments today,
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. You look so pretty Jessica xxx

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  34. Dear Jessica, I'm happy to see you again as a beautiful model that looks like the Goddess of spring. How wonderful that you've recovered and I hope you feel really as good as you are looking. Your hair looks great and matches the green dress perfectly. The fourleaf clover shall bring you lots of luck I think. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  35. You look great in that lovely dress! Love the flowers in your hair and those cute shoes too, beautiful photos.

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  36. green looks excellent on you. so fresh and pretty.

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  37. Gorgeous colour on you, truly!

    Playing catch up with blog reading, so excuse my sporadic comments on your lovely posts...

    P x

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  38. Super cute and springy! Glad this one worked out better for you. ;-)
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  39. Dear Jessica, I have no idea how I missed this post. This dress is just splendidly lovely on you. I am so very pleased this dress worked out better than the first. I am so in love with that kelly green! Eeep!

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