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.
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!
