Back when I was running my previous blog Curls and Pearls I was contacted by a company called eShakti to do a review on their clothes. At the time I was hesitant and didn’t take them up on it. Several other bloggers have done reviews for eShakti (most recently I’ve read Heather’s and Kayla ‘s review on H&K Style Journey) so I figured I’d give it a go this time around when they contacted me via Toronto Beauty Reviews.
According to the rep that contacted me:
“eshakti is a unique women’s apparel store online that allows custom changes in the style of the garment – sleeve, neckline, length can all be changed by the customer to her preference.We also offer the full size selection from size 0-26W and custom size too. Even custom clothes are shipped in 3 business days. We ship across the USA and Canada.
Shakti means power in Sanskrit. eShakti therefore means the power of the Net. We believe the internet empowers customers and helps companies be customer-centered.”
The website is quite easy to navigate. I wasn’t sure what to pick to review as there were so many pretty things on the site. I zoned in on this cape since I had been wanting to try out the cape trend but haven’t found one that fit my proportions. I figured this would be perfect since it would be a piece that didn’t need to be fitted but I could customize for my height and measurements.
For most of the items on the site you can choose a standard size (0 – 26 W) or for most items you have the option to customize at a fee of $7.50 US. (Customizing is free on your first order!)
^Standard size chart^
As you can see the standard sizes are geared towards women 5’4″ – 5’7″ so if you’re on the petite side like me or on the tall side you will want to look at the customization option.
^Customization Form^
You can see to customize your item many detailed questions are asked. I would suggest you get a friend or your partner to help you out to make sure you’re measuring accurately. The website also tells you exactly how to measure so it’s quite easy to do.
I was also quite impressed that the bra size options went from 28AA – 58J and the height options ranged from 4’6″ – 6’11”. The one thing I was a bit confused about was the last option “tunic length”. the options were “as shown, hip length, low hip length, mid-thigh length”. Since the original description of the item didn’t give a length I wasn’t sure what the “as shown” length actually was so I picked “hip length” after reading this post on Hemmed
I placed my order on September 27th but there were some issues with my address and some clarifications that were required so the eShakti rep helped me sort everything out the next day. I then received confirmation that my item had shipped out on October 15th and I received my item on the 18th.
So here is the end result.
Pardon the wrinkles, nothing a little steaming won’t get out.
(I kind of feel like Sherlock Holmes!)
Side view
Back View (a little wide?)
Here’s what it looks like with the arm holes. The arm holes are a bit awkward as they are placed low and therefore the opening only accommodates my arm below my elbow. But perhaps this is how the arm holes of capes are supposed to be?
Being 35% wool I found the neck area to be a little itchy for me but I would just layer a scarf underneath.
I did notice something strange on the shoulder, I don’t know if you can make it out but there is a little bump on either side in between my neck and shoulder – I’m not sure if it was supposed to line up with my shoulder bone area or not.
Overall I think the cape turned out well. I think it could be slightly slimmer all around. I’m going to experiment and see if I could incorporate a belt to cinch it in a little bit to give me another option.
The overall experience with eShakti was excellent. Because I’m not exactly sure how a cape should fit me I didn’t have a clear picture of what to expect.
I think that if I picked a dress I might have better luck with customization.
Would I order from eShakti again? I would like to but I’m terrified of duties charges. I might time my order with my next trip to Florida or perhaps order through an American friend. Duties and shipping are always a deterrent for me when considering ordering from US sites.
So what do you think about the cape, can I pull it off? Any styling suggestions for me?
***Disclosure: product provided courtesy of eShakti for review consideration***
Thanks Joy!
Super chic on you!!
Love the cape!!! It looks good on you!!!
http://www.laestetica.com.ph
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Hi Elaine! Well I have to say the cape fits you quite well, in comparison to the BR one you snapped a pix on twitter, this is a better option. I am also going to be doing a review on Eshakti and I selected a dress. We’ll see how it fits. The cape is adorable and I like the pattern, I like how you have the arm holes as an option, I am not a fan of those you cannot put your arms through it.. Very nice selection!
I appreciate this comment! I really try to be as honest as possible without also bad mouthing any companies or products and one negative review isn’t the end all if that makes sense. As an aside I tell companies that them sending me products or offering me services does not guarantee that I will do a review. I only review something if I think it’s interesting to readers and if it’s something I would recommend to a friend!
OMG that sounds sooo fashionable!! Need to see what I have to pull that one off
Oooh cute coat! I would pair it with slim black pants and tall black rider boots! And a doctor style purse to be held in the crook of your elbow! Large black sunglasses too!
I really appreciated the honesty of your review. I’m skeptical of a lot of blogger reviews because their reports are often glowing – I wonder whether they felt obligated to write only good things so as not to scare off other companies. I’m fond of the button detailing on the front of this cape, very cute!
It’s so cute on you! I agree that the back looks pretty big on you but capes are supposed to be a little bigger? I can’t wait to see how else you wear this!
OMG Lisa that’s brillant! I’m sooo going to try that out!
I don’t mind the capelet on you – I think the length is good and they’re supposed to big, aren’t they? I can envision you killing it with a slim pencil skirt and some heels!
Thank you! Well I can’t take credit for picking the fabric LOL but I should try to get some use out of it before winter really hits!
Oh yes you had a great experience too! I’m glad to hear.
Oh yeah for some reason I didn’t notice that puffiness! I wonder if it has to do with the wrinkles too, the cape didn’t lie quite right. Perhaps I’ll try again after steaming!
That’s what I was thinking about trying out!!! I’ll report back if it works!
Hmmm yes it’s a bit big over all isn’t it? But there was a BR cape that I tried on and I was drowning in it although it had a belt to cinch it in a bit.
Thanks Jessy!! I’ll have to experiment with styling it – after steaming the wrinkles out
Yeah capes are kind of love ’em or leave ’em!
LOL Cher I didn’t even think about carrying a purse! I guess it’s a wristlet or a clutch when I’m wearing this, and thanks for the armhole confirmation
Thanks Jill! Still not sure how to wear it out though LOL!
Capes are such a hard thing to style, but it looks adorable on you! You picked a good fabric, especially for the colder weather months.
Capes are such a hard thing to style, but it looks adorable on you! You picked a good fabric, especially for the colder weather months.
Capes are such a hard thing to style, but it looks adorable on you! You picked a good fabric, especially for the colder weather months.
Capes are such a hard thing to style, but it looks adorable on you! You picked a good fabric, especially for the colder weather months.
Capes are such a hard thing to style, but it looks adorable on you! You picked a good fabric, especially for the colder weather months.
Cape is very tricky to wear. I think they did a great job but as a petite, it’s hard to pull it off. I agree, eShakti has the best customer service.
The cape looks good when you have your arms out (and armholes on capes are typically positioned there) but looks like there’s a weird puffiness in the side view right below your bust? Good color and overall look, just a little big.
The color will go with many things and allow you to wear as thick a sweater for those cold East winters you get. Can you look a belt through the arm holes and around your back under the cape?
I really like the texture of the cape….but I feel like it is slightly overwhelming on you. I really love the stripes peeking out from underneath! Agreed that it could be smaller. Glad you had a better experience than I did with Eshakti!
Wow it looks terrific on you! The colour will go well with anything. They offer such a great service!
Hum…I’m not a big cape fan but I do like it when the arms are peeking out in the last couple of pics. I def agree it could be slightly smaller.
Great review Elaine:-)
Yes, that’s the way the armholes are supposed to be. LOL. It really makes it difficult to put a bag over your shoulder. You have to carry it in the crook of your arm or in your hand. The cape itself looks pretty good, I think I would prefer it in a heavier wool material though.
Wow that looks so great on you. Way to go.