Fashion - Pocketful of Joules

Reviewing eShakti: A Dress Made Just for Me

{This is not a sponsored post. eShakti is not paying me to say nice things about the company. I don’t actually accept money from anyone with the instructions that I have to say nice things about them. eShakti provided me with a dress of my choice for review purposes – whether my experience is good or bad. All thoughts and opinions are my own}

I am not a mannequin.

I never really know what size I am when I go into a store and typically will try on two sizes of the same item to try and figure it out. Sometimes three sizes. And I might not even find one that fits properly.

Does this sound familiar?
Like, pretty much EVERY lady out there has the same issue, right?

Which makes me kinda mad… because if EVERYONE has issues with clothing sizes WHO are they supposed to fit?

So, when a nice person at eShakti reached out to me, I was intrigued. Using their website, you can customize your clothes to your size and style. And for my Canadian friends, they ship to the US AND Canada.

Let’s say you see a dress you like, but aren’t a fan of the neckline? Well, you can switch it out to a different option. Maybe you need something more modest than a miniskirt shown on a design you otherwise love… you can pick to have it made into a longer skirt!

The best part though is the sizing. For those who just want a standard size, eShakti offers everything in sizes 0-36W. However, you can customize any piece to your specific size and shape by giving them your measurements! It only costs $7.50 to customize, but for your first order it’s free.

I had a really hard time narrowing down the dress options, so once I got it down to three I asked my Facebook friends which one I should get.

The one in the middle, the Colorblock Graphic Print Poplin dress ($79.95), was the clear winner. It looked like something that was totally my style, but like NOTHING else already in my closet. Normally I would just pick a size and cross my fingers that it would fit when it arrived, but this time I decided to make sure. I used eShakti’s instructions for how to measure myself and added each of my measurements into the customization form. In addition to giving them my personal measurements, I also had them shorten the dress to knee-length since a calf-length skirt is not very flattering on me.

I was hopeful, but a bit apprehensive about the order. I had googled eShakti blogger reviews at some point after I placed my order and come up with a mixed bag of experiences. I figured since the company was giving me a dress for free to review, at least I wasn’t losing anything. I know you guys expect fully HONEST reviews from me (as you should), so I knew I’d have something to write about… even if I hated the dress!

When I heard the delivery man at my front door, I bounded down the stairs and threw the door open like I was expecting the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol! {Is that still a thing?} Luckily the driver had returned to his truck so quickly, otherwise he may have been frightened by a crazy-haired, pajama-wearing lady with coffee on her shirt and cookie butter smeared across her face. {It’s been a difficult week. Okay?!}

I was in no shape for pictures at that moment, but I did Instagram it. Check it out, instead of a size tag it says ‘Custom’ because it’s exactly JOULES-sized!

Well, it took a couple days but I finally have a fashion show for you:

For the first styling I just let the dress shine all by itself with no jewelry and just a pair of simple black wedges (Adrianne Vitadini). And um… do you see that thing that gets every lady’s heart excited? POCKETS! Man, do I love a dress with pockets!

The fit is PERFECT. There is not an extra bit of fabric anywhere – it fits my bust, my waist and my hips with no room to spare. Just the fact that it fits all three is pretty much amazing for me. Typically, I will have to have a little extra room at the waist in order to get the bust to fit correctly.

For this picture I added on my favorite bright yellow necklace to add some color (found on etsy). Even though apparently bubble necklaces aren’t cool anymore, I don’t care because it makes me happy. I also threw on my pair of gold heels (Loft) that I’ve nicknamed my “Wonder Woman Heels” because I feel like I can kick some butt in them. And be sexy too. And yes, the fact that the skirt is flipped up on the side is driving me nutty.

This is probably what I’m going to end up wearing for my friend’s wedding this weekend. It’s super cute, comfortable for the 1+ hour drive to get there and has a fun skirt to twirl around on the dance floor.

Here’s my ‘work’ look. I toned it down a bit with a black cardigan (Banana Republic), but kept the hourglass shape by buttoning just the middle buttons. I also added a pair of beaded hoop earrings (Sasa Designs by the Deaf), a bright green bracelet (World Market) and my favorite gladiator wedges (Franco Sarto). Oh and my hair went up in a messy bun, because I’m ready for WORK people. WORK IT!

Just kidding. My hair went up because I got all sweaty running up and down the stairs getting the accessories for the pictures.

Here are my pros:
I’m in love with this dress. I’ve never had a dress that has fit me so perfectly and this one fits me like a glove. When I saw on the website that your order would be delivered within 14 days I was a bit skeptical that I’d get a great quality dress made to my custom measurements, but that is EXACTLY what I got. The best part is that because I customized the dress to fit my style, I know I’ll be the only one at the wedding wearing it. Not like when I find a great skirt at Loft and then see it on three of my friends {true story}.

Here are my cons:
There are only a couple things that I don’t really like about the dress. First, the zipper is on the left side of the bodice, so it is really awkward to zip it up and I’m kind of terrified that I may get a chunk of my skin caught in there if I zip too quickly. I’d much prefer a back zipper, even if I might need help to get it zipped up. The other thing that bothers me is that I requested knee-length and it’s just a smidge too long. I think it would be better if it were an inch or two shorter, but it’s not enough to make me dislike the dress.

eShakti is supposed to send me a special reader promo code for you all, but I haven’t gotten it yet and really wanted to get this post up. As soon as it comes through, I’ll add it for you all. If you visit their website, they are actually offering a $25 gift coupon for any new customers… so you might want to check it out!

Do you have trouble finding dresses that fit your figure? Have you ever tried eShakti? Do you also get a little giddy when you realize your skirt or dress has pockets?

10/3/14 Update: I now have a super awesome coupon code created exclusively for my readers! Use pocketfulofjoules to get 10% off when you shop at eShakti between 10/3/2014 – 11/3/2014. Enter the code in the promotional code box upon checkout (it’s not case-sensitive) and it can be used any number of times until it expires. It can also be combined with ANY other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order (unless explicitly specified), so you can use it with their $25 gift coupon for new customers! (The code is not applicable on previous purchases. The code is also not applicable on clearance/sale, gift cards and overstock categories). Happy shopping!!

{Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. eShakti provided me with a dress of my choice for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own}

Let’s Talk Toddler Fashion

Okay, let me get this out of the way first. This is NOT a toddler fashion blog. I don’t gel my kid’s hair or dress him in ironic bow ties and suspenders.

I go for cute and comfy. {Which is kind of my theory on grown up fashion and home decorating too.} I don’t really like the clothes to look too “babyish” and prefer stuff that Travis or I would wear, shrunken down to kid size.

Over the past 2 ½ years of Jack in our lives, I have found some favorites that I’d love to share. So, if you’re looking for some clothes to add to your kid’s closet for the Fall, this is my Joules & Jack approved list:

For our favorite tops we keep it pretty simple. I like to always have one or two toddler cape shirts in rotation, because they make for some fantastic pictures… even if you’re just playing around the house or visiting a local petting zoo.

I’m kind of obsessed with contrasting elbow patches right now and love the striped shirt with patches, as well as the Carter’s sweatshirt with camo elbow patches. So freaking cute, right?! I like to include a couple shirts with some of Jack’s current favorites – Jake, Elmo and Mickey are usually represented in some way, as well as some tractors, trucks and construction equipment. Last, I always have a few zip-up hoodies around the house in his size in case I’ve misjudged the weather.

I had the WORST time finding jeans to fit Jack this year. Apparently he hit a growth spurt over the summer, which I didn’t notice because he was wearing shorts. When I took him shopping for new jeans, they all looked either too short or CRAZY baggy on him. Do you remember JNCO jeans?! Yeah, it was totally like a mini version of THAT!

Luckily I did find a couple pairs that worked… one being the straight fit jeans from Old Navy. LOVE these jeans and I picked up a couple pairs to last us until Jack’s next growth spurt. I also bought a pair of super cute camo pants, because as you know I have a weakness for little boys in camouflage. The rest of his wardrobe is pretty much made up of 4 pairs of the pull-on cargo pants from Target and 4 pairs of the cargo sweatpants from Old Navy in assorted colors.

These two styles of pants have been in rotation since Jack was big enough to wear pants and they always hold up incredibly well. Last, I grabbed a couple pairs of the pull-on waist jeans from Target while I was there.

Do you sense a theme? Yup, potty training is coming up soon…

I haven’t bought Jack his new winter coat yet, but I have my eye on this canvas utility jacket from Old Navy. It’s similar to jackets that we’ve gotten there over the years and they always wear really well. Also, the hood is an added bonus for chilly Maryland winters. Add in a cute hat, like the ones shown from Carters or the Gap and I probably won’t be able to contain myself from pinching some kiddo cheeks.

We own the exact pajamas pictured, as well as a few other pairs so that there are always some clean ones in the drawers. Little boy running around in stripped pj pants = so adorable. We also recently bought these sneakers and I’m OBSESSED with them and totally want them in my size! I usually only buy Jack one pair of shoes at a time, but in the winter I try to find some inexpensive boots to use when it’s snowy out. These are from Target, but Old Navy usually comes out with some cute options when the weather starts cooling down.

There are certainly a ton of adorable kid stores out there, but I just don’t see why you would pay a ton of money for clothes that your kid will probably only fit in for one season. I’ve done most of my shopping at Old Navy, Gap, Carters and Target over the past few years and have been perfect happy with the style options and how well they hold up in an active toddler boy’s life. I’ve also found some really cute superhero caped shirts on ebay for a steal… so be sure to do some googling if you’re in the market.

So what do you think, do you have any favorite kid stores for shopping? Are you also in love with those adorable sneakers? Is it annoying the crap out of you that I posted about kiddo fashion?

My September Stitch Fix Review: Happy Birthday to ME!

Oh my goodness, I feel like I’ve been waiting for this Stitch Fix delivery FOREVER! My schedule got all discombobulated in July when I got a ‘do over’ Fix. Since I ended up buying every darn thing in the box, I figured I should skip my August fix and just have one come for me in September… on what happens to be my birthday week.

Before we get into what I received in my September Fix, if you are wondering “What the Heck is Stitch Fix” you should probably check out this post. If you’re feeling super stalkery and want to see ALL my Stitch Fix posts, you can find them here.

In the notes section for this month’s Fix, here is what I put: “Stylist: Sara J again! I love the moto jacket you sent me, but it’s more of a comfy yoga-type moto jacket. I’d really like to try more of a ROCKSTAR kind of moto jacket in my next fix. I’d also like some fall transition pieces, like maybe a colored pencil skirt and a pair of fall colored jeans (like green or teal). Check out my pinterest page!”

Ok, on to the FASHION SHOW!

Item #1: Market & Spruce Colibri Abstract Print Sleeveless Top – $44
I love a good sleeveless top. I mean, I KNOW it’s September and the weather will soon be quite frightful, but it’s a great layering item. I love to throw one on with a cardigan, or top it with a blazer for a work event. That way, if I get overheated while I’m running around like a nut getting things set up, I can strip down for a bit.

My initial thoughts on this top were that it would have been perfect for spring. The pattern is a really pretty mix of an orangish-red and gray and for some reason initially said ‘spring’ to me. The back of the top is a bit longer than the front (but not in full mullet territory), which makes it nice for skinny jeans.

Once I actually tried this top on, I really liked it! The fit is perfect and there is no pulling around chest buttons or gaping at the armholes. It looks super cute on its own with my gray skinny jeans (Kate Spade by way of Nordstrom Rack) yellow necklace (etsy) and brown gladiator wedges (DSW). Since it will soon be a bit chilly for a sleeveless top, I also tried mixing some patterns by throwing on a brown & taupe polka dotted cardigan (Nordstrom Rack).

Keep or Return? I’m leaning towards buying this one. At $44, I feel like it’s quite reasonable for a top I can wear to work all year long. What do you think?

Item #2: Renee C Alondra Ruched Pencil Skirt – $58
When I asked for a colored pencil skirt, I was hoping for something like this from my Pinterest board. Instead, I got this navy blue jersey skirt. It’s okay, I know what you’re thinking and I’ll say it for you: Not Flattering. But I just wouldn’t be me if I didn’t show you the good along with the ‘oh HELL no.’

I can rock a good pencil skirt, but it has to have some stiffness to the material – a jersey skirt is NOT flattering on me and even though it is a couple layers you can still totally see panty-lines in the back. Also, the front runching isn’t doing it’s job of camouflaging problem areas… it actually makes my stomach and hips look much larger. Not cute.

Keep or Return? Not flattering at all, so it’s going back. It’s not me…it’s you.

Item #3: Mystree Delanie Mixed Stripe Cotton Sweater – $28
First off… $28?! I’ve never gotten something in a Fix that was only $28! AWESOME! When I initially saw this sweater I was in LOVE. The mixed stripes were calling my name and whispering sweet nothings into my ears.

I tried this one on with my favorite jeans (Stitch Fix) and some adorable gray boots (9 West). Unfortunately, the sweater was cut with a swing-style bottom that just looks terrible and dumpy on me. So sad. If it were hemmed to be fitted (like I’m holding it in the second picture), I’d snap this baby up in a heartbeat.

Keep or Return? Sorry Stripy, we could have made sweet, sweet love together… but you’re going back!

Item #4: Mavi Gold Nigel Tall Length Skinny Jeans – $138
Oh geez, now I see why they threw in something so inexpensive… to even out THESE pants. Well, I asked for it. I really wanted to try a pair of fall-colored jeans and these olive pants are EXACTLY what I wanted. I don’t know if I would actually consider them jeans, they’re made out of a lightweight cotton material. I styled them for a daytime hanging out look with a casual shirt (Lucky Jeans) and a pair of Toms. Then, I did a work-appropriate look with a black top (Stitch Fix), leopard print wedges (DSW) and a snazzy statement necklace (J.Crew).

The pants are SUPER soft, but because the fabric is so thin they show every lump and bump going on. I like them, but when you compare how flattering the gray jeans are in the first picture to these… well, these are just NOT winning that contest. And for $138, they would need to win. And win BIG.

Keep or Return? I love almost everything about these jeans – the color is fantastic, the fit is pretty good, but there is certainly room for improvement. I think they’re going back. What do you think?

Item #5: Skies are Blue Terese Quilted Faux Leather Jacket – $88
So, this would be my rockstar moto jacket? Initially I was a bit disappointed when I pulled it out of the box, because it doesn’t look much like the moto jackets I pinned on my Pinterest page. Actually, it’s not a moto jacket at all, it has a straight zipper in the front.

It does have some GREAT quilted stitching though and fits really well. There is plenty of room in the arms/chest area to move comfortably and it looks equally nice with a pair of distressed jeans (Stitch Fix) and boots (9 West) as it does with a work dress (Loft) and strappy gold sandals (Loft).

I’m super undecided on the jacket and every time I pass it in my room I throw it on with what I’m wearing. Over a sweatshirt… hmmm. With my pajamas… hmmm. I think what’s throwing me off is that I wanted a jacket to wear with jeans and this one seems a bit dressy. Which makes it good for work, but what about that first picture for a casual look?

Keep or Return? I’m SO undecided on this one, so please help me decide!

Help me!
Now it’s time for you to chime in and tell me what I should buy! I’m leaning towards buying the sleeveless top and maybe the quilted faux leather jacket. I really like the olive-colored jeans, but they don’t seem like they fit as well as I’d like them too. Same goes for the cotton sweater, I WISH it fit better because it is so freaking cute. An absolute NO WAY on the jersey pencil skirt. Blegh.

Please take a minute and help me decide – leave your comments below!

Also, I’d like to give a big THANK YOU to the person who used my referral code a couple days ago. Because you were so nice as to use my code when signing up for your own Stitch Fix, I received $25 in my account. So anything I purchase will be $25 less. Thank you!

9/16/14 Update: In the comments section, Mary suggested that I try styling the quilted faux leather jacket a different way… so of course I did what she asked x 2. The first new picture is as close as I can get to an image I pinned AGES ago with a t-shirt (J.Crew) and my snazzy red jeans (Stitch Fix):

The second styling is exactly as Mary requested, jacket open with a colored t-shirt (Loft) and jeans (Gap). Apparently Ollie felt left out, so he jumped in and gave a little pose too:

9/18/14 Update: I ended up buying the sleeveless blouse and already wore it to work once! I also decided to buy the quilted faux leather jacket after doing a quick peruse of Nordstrom Rack to try on the moto jacket style that I THOUGHT I wanted. Well, apparently I don’t want it anymore. While browsing the store I came across this little number that’s almost identical to the one I was sent, so I decided to go for it and just buy the Skies are Blue version. And yes, I’m ALREADY wearing it today as a blazer for a sassy suit look. Thanks everyone for your help!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix, I pay for the $20 styling fee and any clothing I purchase with my own hard-earned money. If you enjoyed my review and decide to try Stitch Fix for yourself, the biggest compliment you can give me is by using my referral link. Thank you to anyone who chooses to click through and support my shopping addiction!

Psssst…Do you love checking out what other people received in their Fixes? I added quick links to every single one of my reviews on my Stitch Fix Reviews page!