Fashion: eShankti.com Review

Recently I was contacted by the website eShankti.com, who asked if I would like to receive a free item off their site as part of their Real fashion for Real people campaign. 

"Um, HECK YES!" was my response.

They have a lot of cute and classy things on their site, and that made it super hard to choose. I ended up choosing this black trench coat, and then I also placed an order for a dress, but we'll get to that later. Also they have limited amounts of each style. So they are always getting new items. That means if you like something, you better buy it quick.  

What's cool about this site is they carry all sizes, from 0-36, so you know they have your size. Also you can get your item made with your custom measurements. You get this option for free on your first order then after that it's $7.50. 

I really like the over all look and feel of the site. They have a lot of cute, quirky things that happen to be actually wearable (they have more than crop tops and disco pants). They kind of remind me of a toned down ModCloth.com.

So, the items I got are the Cotton sateen belted trench in black, because I thought it would make me feel really sophisticated to own a trench coat (also you can pretend to be a spy). I also got the Havana dress, because it looked amazing. I love how it gives you the heart shaped neckline (that every woman likes. I think.) while still having sleeves. I got them both in black because it never goes out of style.

The shipping on my dress was about $10, and it ships from India. It says on the site it will take 14 business day, but I think it was less than that. They also keep you very well updated on the status of your order.

The costumer service on eShankti is pretty great. After my first order they sent me an email with a coupon code for $25 off (the coupon code had my name in it!), and it works on already marked down items. They also send you a measuring tape with your first purchase. All these things make shopping from them a really exciting experience. Okay on to what I think about the actual clothes.           

This trench fit me almost perfectly in every way but one, the shoulders were too wide. But I fixed it with some quick sewing (scroll down to see). I don't actually think this is the company's fault, I think I just measured my shoulders wrong.
The fabric is not my favorite. It wrinkles pretty easily (I didn't iron it because my iron was not working), and attracts lint quite a bit. It's also pretty thin, so I'll wear it in the fall but this will not keep me warm in Midwest winter.
This is a very classic style of trench and it has great details and seaming. I love that it has pockets and I like the high lapel, and the buttons.
I got this jacket for free (and I'm very grateful) but the original price is about $100. I don't think this is quite worth that price.         

You can see here how I fixed the trench with some simple hand sewing.

Using the sites size guide, I easily determined that I was a size 8. When I got it, it fit perfectly in the waist, and was a great length, but the bust needed a little fixing. It's not really that it was too big, it just needed more of a curve (see how I fixed it below). If you are a little bigger chested than me, you'll probably be fine. 

This is made with a cotton fabric, so it wrinkles. It doesn't have a lining, but doesn't really need one. 

I really love this style! I wore this outfit to a funeral (hence all the black), and two women said they loved it and asked where I'd gotten it. Also two of my siblings said, and I quote, "You look very classy." So I'm not the only one.

They have a lot of cool deals and promotions on this site. When I signed up they were giving away $30 gift cards to new costumers. This dress was already on sale, so I only payed $6 for it, plus the $10 shipping. However this dress is back up to it's original price $59.95. More than I would pay, but I'm a cheapskate. I think if you really want a nice simple, classic black dress in your wardrobe, $60 is worth it.

   

I fixed the top by folding a half inch in on either side of the top, and hand stitching down.

In concision, I would (and have) recommend eShankti to others. They have a lot of cute things and great customer service. I was a bit disappointed that both pieces needed some altering, but one of the things was probably my fault. I would recommend you check out the overstocked section of the site and wait for a promotion. I hope this was a helpful review! Thanks for reading! 

OOTD: Coral Crochet

Tank: Walmart Clearance, $2
Sweater: LOFT via secondhand
Necklace: DIYed
Skirt: DIYed
Shoes: American Eagle via Goodwill, $4

I've been really liking the look of long pencil skirts. I think it looks really classy, and is flattering on taller people. I'll have a blog post all about it, coming up. I got this Target skirt as a hand-me-down from my sister, when she joined a convent. I think the lace/crochet trend is super dope so I decided to DIY this skirt and add a layer of fabric for some pzazz(tutorial coming). I hope you've enjoyed this outfit. Let me know what you think in the comments.  

The Struggles of Keeping it Classy in the Summer (Sometimes Modest is Literally Hottest)

As you well know we are heading into the summer months, which these days seems to turn the world into a land of crop tops, short shorts, spaghetti straps, and skimpy swim suits. Now, I get why some ladies choose to follow these trends. I remember being at a very hot music festival one summer, in my catholic camp T-shirt and jeans, being quite jealous of the girls wearing droopy tank tops and short shorts.  I mean, no one wants to be in a turtle neck and ankle length skirt in 90 degree weather, but can't we find a happy medium? I think YES!

So, here are some tips to help with your summer shopping, and to keep you looking classy without melting away.

Maxi Skirts  

If you haven't already jumped on board the maxi bandwagon, I suggest you do so. Or at least try. They're everywhere! You can find lots of long skirts in all different styles in tons of stores theses days. I love how elegant it feels to wear a full length skirt. And they keep you cool and classy.

       

Loose Opaque Tops

When it comes to summer blouses, there are lots of sheer light colored ones out this time of year. These are fine, but remember you're going to want to wear a cami underneath. That's a whole other layer. So finding more opaque, brighter colored, tops definitely help with cutting down on those necessary layers, thus keeping you from melting. Keep in mind how tight your tops are. Sweat happens, and the last thing you want is some moist shirt sticking to you like a second skin. Also, with loose tops, pay attention to how low they're cut. Try the bend over test when trying things on. You don't want to take a nice loose-ish, non-see-through top home, just to find it needs an under shirt.

                                                                              

DIY Shorts

There are a great number of crazy shorts and DIYs on personalizing shorts out on the web. (Just log onto Pinterest!) You've got american flag shorts, studded, tie dye, bleach ombre, painted, floral, lace trimmed ect. Usually in these tutorials you see girls getting secondhand vintage jeans and cutting them off pretty short. But no one says you have to. You can cut them off at an appropriate length for you (to where the tips of your fingers fall is a good guideline) then fray or roll the hem and personalize them how ever you want!

       

I hope these tips helped you somewhat. I know there's always going to be the temptation to follow the not-so-appropriate summer trends and look like the "cool girls" in the magazines. This is especially a struggle when you look darn good in them. NEWS FLASH: Women are the crown of creation! We are created beautiful even with all our flaws. So of course you look super hot in that tiny sundress (you look great in anything) . But with great beauty, comes great power, and with great power comes great responsibility. (Yes, that's from Spiderman.) Remember what you were created for and why you wanted to dress with dignity in the first place. Stick with it this summer and know that I'm on the struggle bus right there with you, girl. -Zoe