What I Wore: eShakti Jumpsuit
jumpsuit | sunglasses | earrings | bracelet | lipstick
Jumpsuit: c/o eShatki (16) | Shoes: Nine West | Bracelet: Ann Taylor (old; similar) | Earrings: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: LeSpecs (on sale!) | Lipstick: L'Oreal La Lacque in Lacquerized
I've tried eShakti twice before (see here and see here – sorry I deleted my old giveaway blog and can't find the rest of the review but it wasn't positive) but it didn't really make a positive impact on me.ย Many of you over the years have raved about eShakti and asked me to review them again.ย Then I went to a wedding and saw my sister in this dress.ย She told me she ordered several pieces from them and while some didn't work, some like this amazing dress did.ย That week, I placed an order for two dresses with eShakti (review to come).ย Two weeks later, eShakti invited me to try one piece of theirs for free.
When a blogger has this opportunity with eShakti, she's provided with a specific link offering a limited selection from their collection.ย I scrolled through, saw one of the dresses I ordered and clicked on it but it was sold out.ย In fact, everything that looked like something I'd normally wear was out of stock.ย I must have popular personal style! I decided to go with this jumpsuit because it seemed like a really good piece to test eShakti's fit and was one of the few pieces in stock that worked with my personal style.
The jumpsuit is described as being made of ponte, but to me it seems to be made from a heavy matte jersey, a true matte jersey that has the matte slightly pebbled texture that looks dressy, doesn't cling, and drapes beautifully.ย The collar and cuffs are made from faux leather; I find it very stiff and it clearly looks faux.ย Front pockets and back closure.ย From my experience with the two dresses I ordered previously, I knew to choose a size 16 instead of a 14.ย I informed eShakti I was 5'3″ but wanted length to wear with 3″ heels.ย I did no other customizations. I received the jumpsuit in two weeks.
I am wearing a control brief and my everyday bra under this jumpsuit.ย I think the fit is pretty spot on.ย The only thing that feels off is the cuff of the sleeves which is tight, likely due to the faux leather being so stiff and thick.ย The neck is a bit high but again I think that's due to the faux leather.ย With my short stature, the wide legs look really extreme; I think this style would better suit a taller person though I am pleased with this hem length.ย In general, I find this jumpsuit nice quality, great fit, and I've had a much better experience with eShakti than in the past.ย This jumpsuit could easily sell for $150 in stores though at the time of writing this it's on sale for less than $70.
But the thing that I find problematic is wearing this jumpsuit in the real world.ย There are two hooks and eyes at the collar and a long delicate hidden zipper that goes down to the small of my back.ย I could not even start the zipper on my own, could not close the hooks and eyes.ย Karl helped me get into this, and it took me pulling the jumpsuit taut for him to be able to zip the zipper, and he had a hard time with the hooks and eyes.ย I got myself out of this jumpsuit myself, but it literally took me 7 minutes to do so and I pulled a muscle in my chest trying to twist my arm to grasp the zipper.ย How are women supposed to function in society when designers continue to make clothing impossible for us?ย Come on fashion world, humans urinate, and to be healthy we need to drink liquids on a regular basis.ย A jumpsuit like this is for a festive occasion, and festive occasions mean festive beverages, whether they're alcoholic or club soda with lime.ย If it was a sturdy exposed zipper it may be more doable, but the structure of this makes it impossible to be a functioning human being.
I will have a post next week with the dress from eShakti that I purchased and kept.ย I thank eShakti for this opportunity, and know that the issue is partially on me making such a choice of garment.ย This experience did make me like eShakti far more.ย I'm impressed by the fabric and think without custom tailoring with measurements (an option eShakti has for their clothing), this is a pretty great fit.ย I now get why you all rave about eShakti… though maybe stick to their non-jumpsuit options!
I’ve had such great experiences with eShakti, but not every piece has been great. I started customizing my sizes to be sure I had enough space in the bust and tummy (where I hold all my weight), yet could still get a defined waist and shoulders. I also hate the side zippers they do on a lot of their dresses because I have a hard time contorting my arms in that direction, and they’re difficult to pull up over seams.
I have consistently found that as a short curvy gal, ALL of their v-neck styles had been cut too low and a significant portion of my bra shows. Normally v-neck is my go-to neckline, but for their stuff, I always get the scoop neck or the split boat-neck. I wish there was a way to customize how deep a v-neck would go.
I’m going to play with their custom sizing in the new year, it too has mixed reviews but in general more positive and like you, makes it so some necklines and styles are finally wearable.
While I appreciate your human desire to actually be able to use the restroom, who CARES when you look so cool?! That jumpsuit is EVERYTHING!!!!
LOL, wonder if a pair of Depends would fit underneath! It did make me feel pretty fierce!
It’s a shame that the jumpsuit didn’t work out because you look fabulous in it! But, I literally feel your pain. I have a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder, which is my dominant arm used to get in and out of my clothing. That means, if you’re having a difficult time getting in and out of this outfit, I’d be unable to get it on or off without contorting my arm followed by some serious aches or pain. I’ve noticed that zippers are being manufactured to be more difficult to access in dresses as well. As I get older, I have no patience to struggle getting dressed in the morning. Give me clothing that’s simple and easy to slip on any day.
Oh Sonia sorry to hear about your injury that sucks! And yes, the older I get the less I want to waste a portion of my life struggling to get in and out of clothing!
The jumpsuit looks fab on you, it’s a shame to hear about the zipper though! Maybe it would be worth having the zipper replaced for a sturdier one so you can get in and out of it on your own? And I know you have a sewing machine, maybe you could take the wide legs in just a bit to your liking. Or maybe that’s too much trouble for something you might not love. The fit around the bust and waist looks great though! Thanks for sharing your review, I’ve always been intrigued by eShakti.
I think it would require some serious alterations and likely would double the price. And still, even with a sturdy zipper I don’t think it would be easy to use in the bathroom. But a great idea!
You look absolutely amazing, but yes, the functionality of that garment leaves a lot to be desired. Thanks for the info on eShakti. I bought a dress from them about 5 years ago and had some issues with shipping and customer service communication, but after hearing so many people rave, they are on my radar again. I’m standing up in a wedding in October, and the bride just wants us to wear a knee length or midi black dress. eShakti seems to be a good option.
It sounds as though eShakti has only improved with time. I plan to try the custom fit option in the new year!
The jumpsuit looks great on you and I love how you look with the background of felled trees. The scenes for your photos have gotten very creative lately. I like it a lot! I so agree with you about the absurdity of fashion Being impractical for real life. My pet peeve is clothing without pockets. Women carry stuff. Imagine if men’s pants were made without pockets? Unimaginable. Happy holidays!
Thanks Christine! And yes, men’s pants would never NOT have pockets and always are made to be easy to take on and off and use the facilities!
Great feedback on the jumpsuit and the brand– I often feel the same about rompers and jumpsuits for the same reason; they give me potty anxiety!
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
LOL it’s sad but true!
I know what you mean about the zipper! I have actually cried in dressing rooms because I’ve gotten stuck! Hopefully your dresses work better for you!
x0x0 Caroline http://thecarolove.com/
Thanks Caroline!