A Dress Made Just For Me by eShakti!

I was recently contacted by eShakti to browse their store and choose a dress I would like to try out and show to my lovely blog readers!  Another blogger friend of mine had chosen a dress a little ways back and I was really itching to try it out for myself.  In case you've never heard about them yourself, eShakti makes both custom and regularly sized dresses, skirts, and tops.  If you want a customized dress, all you have to do is send in your measurements and from there they create a well-fitting garment!  They have a ton of very retro-inspired dresses to boot, along with trendy fashions.  For someone like me who is pear shaped and has to be careful about styles or cuts of dresses, I was really excited to pick out a form-fitting dress to see just how well the customized fit would work out.

So, I went searching through pages and pages of different dresses, skirts, and tops and finally came to this one...completely out of my realm:

Draped Cotton Knit Pencil Dress

Before I ordered, I took all my own measurements.  I must admit, this was a mistake.  But my husband was at work and they had already sold out of several styles I was going to try.  So, I measured my shoulder span as best as I could (they even recommend you have someone else do this part) and all the other spots like the length of my arm, bust, under bust, waist, etc.  I also had the chance to change the length of the sleeves (no thanks) and the length of the hem (I picked at the knee for work).  Surprisingly so, the dress itself was made in record speed and arrived one day after it shipped.  I'm not sure if their shipping is always this fast...but that was definitely a plus!

I did wash it first because it was quite wrinkled from the trip over to me and I didn't want to have to iron it. Heh heh.  For a sheath dress, this one first very well and the draping is quite flattering as well. Where else can you get a sheath dress that fits well?  (as long as you have someone else measure you that is)  So, by no mistake of eShakti's, the first thing you'll notice is that it is too big around my upper back. The only thing I can think of is because I did this measurement myself, but it is off by at least an inch as there is quite a lot of extra fabric there (see above picture...it is quite fitted in that area). I do plan to take this to a seamstress myself and get it fixed so I can enjoy the dress.

I've never had a form-fitting dress fit me well in the waist AND the hips.

What do you think?  It fits pretty well every where else except my upper back! 

I do wish it wasn't so long, since I thought by picking the hem at the knee would mean right above the knee.  I'm not sure if I will get the seamstress to fix it though.

All in all, the dress is good quality and the fabric is nice and thick.  Since it is cotton, I know it will breathe really well in the horrible heat here in Arizona.  I would really like to try out another dress, possibly a skirt since skirts tend to fit me in the hips but not the waist.  My hubby already said he likes it and even said it's so different than what my other dresses.  So that's a plus!  As I was putting together this post, I noticed their site is having a buy one get one sale!!!

So, here are a few other dresses I have my eye on for possible customizations.

1 /  2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Want a customized eShakti dress of your own?  If you go on now, not only can you take advantage of their BOGO sale, you get $25 off when you register.  I really think number 4 and 5 need to become part of my wardrobe...they are totally not my normal style either!!  Make sure you have someone else take your measurements.

So...what dress or piece are you eyeballing?

Please note:  This dress was sent to me by the company, but all opinions expressed are my own.  

Fabletics Seconde Outfit Review {June 2014}

I can't help but come back here on to my blog and post about the love affair I continue to have with Fabletics.  HERE is last month's (and my first outfit) post showing the lovely Failli set.

A couple days before the first of the month, Fabletics posted some sneak peeks of new outfits/collections over on Twitter. Once I saw the camo leggings, I was hooked...and I don't even like camo!!

{source}

My outfit for the month of June had 3 pieces...Lima Capri in black camo, Aventura tank in black, and the Sevan bra in pink grapefruit.

Seconde

{source}

VIP Price for all 3 pieces - $59.95

It is super sleek looking and yet fashionable.  I couldn't resist the black on black with the peach/coral colored bra top underneath, so I actually grabbed the exact look shown in my boutique instead of playing with the colors.  

Here's what is super special about the capris:

• Maximum compression/support - I fully agree with this!  I felt contained yet I was able to comfortably move and stretch in my yoga practice this morning.  
• Four-way stretch for comfort and movement - The material wasn't pulling at the seams, so this is a definite truth
• Mid-rise
• Smooth chafe-resistant design
• Convenient Hidden pocket (in the front)
• Moisture-Release for dryness - I also fully agree!  It definitely got warm in class today, but unlike other capris I own, I didn't feel stifled.  They were perfect!

Would it be weird to just wear these to every single workout I do?!  Okay, I'm kidding, but I am a HUGE fan of their capris now.  I've never owned a pair that felt so soft, comfortable, stretchy, yet compressing (is that even a word) at the same time.  When I walked in to my gym (or just stood in front of my mirror before leaving the house) I honestly felt like I was stylin'!  I don't leave the house on a daily basis without making sure what I'm wearing is doing nothing but flattering me and making me feel good.  Sometimes, my off-brand athletic clothes don't make me feel like that and I HATE it.  But this...this outfit made me feel like a rock star!  Did I mention how in love I am yet?  I mean come on! When you catch several people turning to look and doing double takes to look at your capris, that must mean they stand out.  That totally happened in the yoga studio today.

My tank was just as great too:

• Relaxed fit
• Length is below hips (but slightly longer in back) - perfect for hitting right above the spot to make it flattering on pear-shaped gals like myself
• Curved Hem for a slimming effect - so very true!!
• Easy, breezy racerback style
• Soft viscose blend
• Sexy dropped arm hole - I hate it when tanks are cutting into or close to my underarms because it is so constricting and my sweat gets all over the place, so I loved the feel of the arm holes!

I feel like I will always say this about Fabletics items, but this tank was super duper soft!  It was that perfect thickness to give coverage yet allowed breathing room when it got warmer so it certainly didn't add to the heat at all!  I loved the way it moved with me as we did side stretches...the relaxed fit was perfect for yoga.  I really do want one in every color now!

I mentioned the Sevan bra in my first outfit post, but it came with this outfit as well:

• Soft, seamless, chafe-resistant design
• Heavier-weight fabric to support and cover
• Four-way stretch for comfort and movement
• Super neat strap design!

I would recommend this sports bra for light exercise like yoga or pilates.  Not only is it very comfortable, but it supported me well through all the bending over and moving side to side.  The strap design is unique and I love how stylish it is.  The color of the pink grapefruit is akin to my favorite spring/summer color of coral or peach too.  I can't wait to try out some of their other sport bra styles!

If you'd like to check out the Fabletics site for yourself to see what kind of stylish and comfortable outfits they can put together for you, you'll notice you can either join as a VIP or buy items at their regular prices.  I myself am a VIP and was reeled in right away by the awesome deal they have for newbies!  It is not one of those annoying monthly subscriptions either because their product is beyond worth it in so many ways.

• Complete 2-3 piece outfits starting at $49.95 and up to 40% off retail
• 20% off items individually (in case you don't want to buy the full outfits or in addition to your monthly outfit)
• Free shipping on orders over $49.95 
• Reward points towards free outfits when you refer friends and review your pieces
• Super easy returns and exchanges (I can attest to this as I had to exchange for a smaller size with my first outfit...it was painless and very easy)
• Personalized picks according to your Fit Quiz (types of workouts, body style, wants, needs, etc.)

If you don't want to buy anything at the start of a new month, all you have to do is pass by the 5th. They send out reminders via email, Facebook, and Twitter.  I myself put a reminder in my iPhone calendar just in case.  You can earn your reward points by passing on the love of Fabletics, so I'd love for you to try it out for your first outfit at $29.95 by clicking my referral link.  And please share what you get, because I'd love to know!  So what are you waiting for?!

All items were paid for by myself and not provided by the company.  The opinions expressed here are my own and totally and utterly true.  I am in love!

Gettin' My Fix with Stitch Fix {#3}

I love putting my Stitch Fix posts together for everyone almost as much as I enjoy looking at other people's fixes!  And it's that time again.  Let me know what you think of this month's fix.  And I've decided after this 3rd fix...to turn it into a monthly subscription.  P.S.  What I love about Stitch Fix is I can cancel or hold off on a month if I ever want to!  

My 3rd fix came about a week ago and I am finally getting some spare time (not really spare, when you are supposed to be writing lesson plans for the week) to put it together and show it everyone.  Here are my 1st and 2nd fixes in case you just found your way over to my little blog.  My awkward fashion show for one (technically 2, since my hubby takes all the pictures) was a bit rushed this time, so the pictures are sort of mish mashed...you'll have to pardon the blurry pictures, weird poses, and faces! LOL

In case you've never heard of Stitch FIx, go ahead and check out these quick tidbits...

• Sign up using this referral code and get yourself on the calendar.

• Take a styling quiz so your stylist can see what you like, dislike, your body type, sizing, etc.

• $20 styling fee (you don't pay it till your fix is put together) gets you a personalized box of 5 hand-picked items from tops to bottoms to necklaces to everything else you could imagine

• Sign up for a monthly fix or whenever you'd like as often as you'd like, it isn't a subscription service...which is a PLUS!

• Keep all 5 items and get 25% off your total and also get your $20 taken off the price

• You have 3 days to try everything on and send it back in a pre-paid envelope

• If you don't keep anything, your $20 is well...wasted. But there are ways to ensure your fix is right for you. (see first review or the pro-tips I give each time)

• Feel pampered and like a bit of a celebrity as you try on items picked just for you!

First Look 

I liked the color I saw peeking at me from the box when I opened it.  But as I pulled each item out, I became increasingly uneasy.  Nothing really stood out to me, except the patterned blouse.  Sadly, this was my least favorite fix because it lacked uniqueness.  The prices were much more on point though, so I'm glad my stylist has figured that bit out about me.  I can't help it!  I'm used to shopping at Forever 21, JCPenneys, and Kohls.  

{Stitch Fix Pro Tip #2}

I really liked my stylist from my 2nd fix, so I really wanted to get him again.  Best way to do this, in case you fall in love with your stylist, write a quick note in your comment section on your style quiz. You can go in and edit this any time you want.  I also mentioned it in my return/keeps section just to make sure Brent would be my stylist again.  It works!

Look #1

41 Hawthorn Bixby Ladder Print 3/4 Sleeve Blouse | $48

 

At first glance I really really loved the pattern and the color combo.  I am a sucker for navy.  Plus, it's my favorite!  Blouses!  Not to mention it is from my new Stitch Fix favorite brand, 41 Hawthorn

Okay, so.  I have a feeling some ladies will think this looked fantastic on me and some will agree with me and say it is too boxy.  I swear to you all out there, it photographed much better than it looked in person.  It was baggy, so I tucked it in (my favorite flattering way to fix any top) but the sleeves are meant to be straight and baggy.  Unfortunately, they can't be folded up either and they hit me in a weird spot on my arm.  For some reason, the neck line area looked weird in real life as well...it gave me a sort of uniboob look.  Meh.  Even if it did look decent, I didn't want to keep it.  

Status:  Sent Back

Look #2

See?  This is one of those "deer in headlights" shots I mentioned earlier.  Whoops.

Kensie Benzer Mixed Material Sweater | $78

This picture is HUGE, but I wanted you to be able to see the buttons and the different materials.

I wanted to love this top because it was a thin but warm material with a sort of silk type peekaboo fake blouse hanging out at the hem.  But sadly, you can hopefully see how it is too baggy.  While I didn't need to be fitted, I certainly didn't like the way it didn't cling all around.  From the front, you can see it was pretty flattering.  But from the back, you could really tell how ill-fitting it was.  This was a size small and fit in my chest and was tight in the sleeves.  So, it was definitely meant to fit in this way around the midsection.  Not somethingI wanted to rock...but I loved the idea of it since it meant not having to wear a separate bulky lumpy blouse under the sweater.  Since I am a pear shape, I need tops to have some sort of a fit or be nipped in at my natural waist.  Oh well!  The $78 price tag was also a bit of a turn off for something that was too simple and ill-fitting.  

Status:  Sent Back

Look #3 and #4

Like the way I threw on textured tights so I wouldn't have to shave and lotion up my legs?  Whoops, I probably should not have announced that.  

41 Hawthorn Wrenn V-Neck Cap Sleeve Jersey Top | $48
and 41 Hawthorn Jordanne A-line Skirt | $68

 

These two items paired well together, but I felt like both together aged me like crazy.  The length of the skirt and the A-line cut were not flattering on me.  I also think it was the thick jersey-like material.  Even though the skirt has darts, it was not flattering from the back either...not sure why there isn't a picture of the back.  But if I recall, it might be because it was that bad and I didn't want to show that view off.  This top was short enough to have kept untucked, but it looked too sloppy.  So, instead I paired it with my black skinnies from my 2nd fix and it looked much better!  I thought of keeping the top, but the price made me think otherwise for how simple it was.  

Status:  Sent Back

Look #5

Mak Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button-Up Cardigan | $38

Thank goodness!  By the time I got to this piece, I was seriously wondering if I would have to settle for one of the other items in order not to lose my $20.  I used to wear cardigans a lot, but it gets so warm in my classroom that I don't wear any type of sweater material anymore unless the sleeves are shorter like this one.  I can see myself wearing this with a dress in the spring and I just love the color.  Surprisingly enough, I do not have anything in this shade in my closet.  Plus, I LOVE the way it looks with my new favorite jeans I got at the after-Christmas sale at American Eagle.  I've never liked shopping there since it's not my style...but they were having a half-off jeans sale and since their jeans are about normally $80, I wanted to take advantage!  Is it weird that I have basically lived in them the last month? They are so flattering!  I digress.  Anyway...

Status:  Kept

All in all, this was a fix I was not expecting.  My stylist, Brent, did such an awesome job last month. So, I was a bit surprised to find things that didn't seem to fit my body type well or lacked that sort of uniqueness I love about Stitch Fix.  But, I really emphasized how I wanted the items sent to me to be more inexpensive than previously and I really think he tried hard to do that for me.  It seems you forego the unique bits for the more inexpensive items.  Although, I don't know this for sure...it was just something I was wondering.  

I still requested Brent for my next fix and will give him another shot!  Not only that, but I decided to start getting my fixes monthly and so we shall see how that works out.  I may be canceling my POPSUGAR Must Have box since I would much rather get clothes for about the same cost.  

Oh!  I did indicate I'd like him to visit my Pinterest board because I've been updating it and pinning things with notes just for him.  I decided I'd like him to try and find a top to go with my new boots I bought myself after Christmas.  

{source}

Here's hoping he finds something I love and can afford!  

Have you received a fix from Stitch Fix?  What kind of items have you received?  Leave a comment and include a link to your posts so I can partake in your fashion shows too.  It's just as much fun to see others' fixes as it is to play with mine.  

Gettin' My Fix with Stitch Fix {#2}

Last month, I got my first fix from Stitch Fix and I seriously enjoyed opening up that box and seeing which 5 items the stylist put together for me.  It was something I just thought I would try and hopefully like...but once I got that first box and tried everything on in my awkward party-of-1 fashion show here , I was definitely addicted and HAD to try it again to see if it could get better!  I am happy to say, it did!  This 2nd fix was even better than the first...I had to sadly send back 2 items that I really wanted to keep...but a las, I wanted to use that money to go shopping with my mom (our annual tradition) the day after Christmas.

If you are reading this and wondering what exactly this lady talking about (that's me!), feel free to click your way over to my first review and check out my little run-down on the amazingness of Stitch Fix.


Or check out these quick tidbits...

• Sign up using this referral code and get yourself on the calendar.

• Take a styling quiz so your stylist can see what you like, dislike, your body type, sizing, etc.

• $20 styling fee (you don't pay it till your fix is put together) gets you a personalized box of 5 hand-picked items from tops to bottoms to necklaces to everything else you could imagine

• Sign up for a monthly fix or whenever you'd like as often as you'd like, it isn't a subscription service...which is a PLUS!

• Keep all 5 items and get 25% off your total and also get your $20 taken off the price

• You have 3 days to try everything on and send it back in a pre-paid envelope

• If you don't keep anything, your $20 is well...wasted. But there are ways to ensure your fix is right for you. (see first review or below about my Pinterest tips

• Feel pampered and like a bit of a celebrity as you try on items picked just for you!

First Look

Look at those patterns!  This time I got a dress and a pair of pants instead of all tops. 

When I gave them feedback from my first Stitch Fix, I asked that they send more winter-related items that I could wear to work and out afterwards as well and to keep including unique patterns. While I was hoping to see a sweater in the mix, I was still pretty happy with what came.  I'd say they listened pretty well no?  

{Stitch Fix Tip}

I highly, highly, highly recommend putting together a Pinterest board (title it My Stitch Fix Style or something along those lines).  You'll be set to go!...because your stylist will actually take a look at it, as long as you provide a link to your Pinterest account in the quiz.  Pin fashion icons or people you look to for inspiration (mine being Lauren Conrad). In your pin descriptions, write up a short quick bit on why you like the picture or what it is that you would wear in that pin. 

And here is my fashion show this time around!  It was so much nicer having my hubby take the pictures.

Look #1

41 Hawthorn Dominic Brick Print Shirtdress:

Waaaaaaaah!  This is one of the items I had to send back for cost purposes.  I am super sad because I really did love this on.  I don't really own a shirtdress and I loved the pattern of it as well as the navy color.  The dress had some nice details such as the tabs on the shoulders and the thick band at the hem as well. Sigh. Either I was going to keep the jeans (see below) or this dress.  Since the jeans were something I had been looking for for 2 years, I went with those instead.  I'm secretly hoping my stylist sends this back to me for my 3rd fix that I already scheduled for the end of January.  Let me stop thinking about the painful reminder that this isn't hanging in my closet.  So...I paired this with textured tights and my knee-high black boots as well as my off-white statement necklace.  It could easily be worn in the summer as well because it is lightweight. Darn it! Strangely, both my mom (who came in shortly after my fashion show after driving over from California) and hubby didn't quite like it on me.  They thought it looked big, which I disagree on since it is a shirtdress and is supposed to be a little less fitted.  Oh well.

Status:  Sent Back (against my will) | $78

Look #2

41 Hawthorn Selfridge Cowl Neck Long Sleeve Top:

I was up in the air with this top.  The texture and weight of it is very light yet warm at the same time.  It has a sort of sweater feel to it, yet a really light sort of jersey feel as well.  This top itself can be dressed up (mostly) or down.  When I unfolded this top after opening my box, I immediately thought how opposite of my style it truly is.  What I loved is how flattering it was on my upper body (wink wink).  I chose to style it with my mint jeans because I sadly do not have peach jeans (shorts yes, but not jeans) as you can see in the styling card.  The first set of flats I paired it with didn't look so hot, but I loved it with my nude heels!  My hubby deemed this top his favorite out of everything, but I thought it made me look older in a way.  BUT!  I would have kept this if I could have afforded to keep all 5 items and get my 25% off. Unfortunately, I could only afford to keep 2-3 items from this box.  

Status:  Sent Back | $48

Look #3

41 Hawthorn Filbert Polka Dot Print 3/4 Sleeve Blouse:

Can you see the seriously unique sleeves on this blouse?  At first I thought they were folded up and I'd have to fix them before I put it on.  Those sleeves are the reason why I will keep getting fixes from Stitch Fix!  Plus, I have an addiction to blouses and polka dots (stripes too).  Oh, that and I need more navy in my closet..no really!  There is a ton of black and even brown in my closet.  So...in other words...this was a match made in heaven.  Well done to my stylist Brent!  I fell in love with this blouse as soon as I slipped it over my head, saw the sleeves, and then saw how it flattered me completely.  It has a seam on the bottom that makes it easy to wear untucked but it looks fantastic tucked in as well.  I wore this, tucked in with the nude heels, on Christmas Day at home and my hubby's parents' house and then later on when we went on our traditional movie watching outing, I untucked it and paired it with my black knee-high riding boots (not seen here...I didn't think to take a picture, stupid me!).  I was so comfortable in it all day!  Score a HUGE point for my stylist Brent.  Did I already say that?  Heh heh.

Status:  Kept | $58

Look #3 and #4

(pants)

(top)

Mavi Freida Skinny Jean:

Hello skinny black jeans!  Where have you been these last 2 years?  I have searched high and low for a pair that I like.  I've tried on many pairs, and I even bought several pairs because I was desperate.  The pairs I do own are not comfortable or don't truly fit well.  But THIS, this pair are comfortable (soooooooooo darn soft), look fantastic, and fit perfectly!  The pricetag was really high on them as well, so I knew the quality was going to be superb.  I'm used to buying my jeans at Old Navy or Target.  Thanks again Brent!  

Status:  Kept | $98

41 Hawthorn Corinna Striped Dolman Top:

Sigh.  I had a love hate relationship with this top.  It had that winter feel to it because of the material. This was the other item I sort of wondered about when I unfolded it and noticed the sleeves.  Don't get me wrong, I looooooove the color and the stripes.  But the Dolman sleeves are something I do NOT gravitate towards because they are uncomfortable and not exactly flattering.  You can see in the trio picture it does NOT flatter me when it is untucked.  So, I did my favorite lazy/half tuck and it worked like magic.  I love how this type of tuck can take a top from icky to superb just like that.  Yet, when I raised my arms, you could see that it adds width where I don't want width to be added.  Maybe if I was a little more curvy up top it would have been more flattering.  Along with the gray cowl neck top, if this one had been more versatile (tucked or untucked), I would have kept the entire fix to get that 25% off!  

Status:  Sent Back | $48

For curious minds, this is what you get with your fix along with the styling cards and all the other goodies they pack in.  It seems I might be quite a fan and made well for 41 Hawthorn clothing items.  I think one of my other items in my first fix was a 41 Hawthorn piece.  Either way, I'm hoping to see more in my 3rd fix, which I scheduled for the end of January.  I also hope Brent is my stylist again because he definitely knows my style and wants.  But again, like my first fix, I'd like to see more inexpensive items because I have seen them in my friends' boxes, so I know it is possible.  It would also be great to see a sweater AND that shirt dress in my box in January.  

Are you read to try out Stitch Fix?  You can click on my referral link here and I do get a $25 credit, which is one of the reasons I can keep up with getting fixes...so basically?  I'll love you forever!   But I also really enjoy seeing and hearing from those of you who do click on my referral link so I can see and hear all about your experience.  It's like going to the mall with friends and having a great time in the fitting room.  And please...enjoy it!  

Have you received a fix from Stitch Fix?  What kind of items have you received?  Leave a comment and include a link to your posts so I can partake in your fashion shows too.  It's just as much fun to see others' fixes as it is to play with mine.