eShakti is a great website where you can customize dresses (and some other garments) to your specs for less than $100 a pop. You can shop by size or for $9.95 you can put in your measurements and have it cut for your body. You can also select from sleeve options or varied hemlines free of charge. I customized my dress by removing the pockets (I don't like having extra fabric at the widest point of my body) and I input my measurements for a perfect fit. I meant to make it longer but forgot so this is above the knee and I would have preferred it knee length. This dress actually comes with a belt but I chose not to wear it because it made the dress even shorter. The last dress they sent me wasn't as successful because some of the seams were sewn sloppy - and details like that drive me nuts. Luckily they have free returns so I sent it back and chose this dress instead. They always have coupons and promotions but right now their best deal is $25 off your first order which is pretty good considering most dresses are $50-80.
Popular dresses sell out pretty quickly (mine is no longer available) so if you see something you like - jump! I did find a similar dress here. eShakti is the perfect solution if you have a hard time finding clothing that fits - or want something that everyone else doesn't have. Right now they are flush with cute summer dresses so I recommend checking them out ASAP.
Head to toe:
- Earrings: AV Max, sample sale, $5 (their sale is coming up again - see details below!)
- Cape: Vince Camuto, sample sale, $25
- Dress: Eshakti, RV $59.95 + $9.95 customization fee, gifted
- Bag: Prada, borrowed from my mom again :)
- Shoes: Sophia Webster, Nordstrom Rack, $107 (RV $575)
Thank you to my amazing 12 year old son who left the party buffet to shoot me in the streets of Queens. He told me he wants to start getting paid for taking my photos. I told him his own computer and cell phone were payment enough. Plus I have to do the editing which is the hardest party anyway.
**************
Because it's been a while since I shared a peek at my blogger mail and sample sale scores...
I know I rag on Influenster a lot but this time they came through with a winner. I got this Lancôme Voxbox with a Matte Shaker Lipstick, Bienfait UV Spf 50+ and Visionnaire crescendo 28 day peel. My favorite is obviously the lipstick but the peel was ok too. They included the sunscreen to put on after the peel to protect your skin. I actually got a $50 gift card in the mail from Influenster this week - I guess I won a contest for completing a badge. The way Influenster works, you sign up and they send you free products to review. You can often get stuck with boxes of random stuff but every so often you get a good one. They also require you to do a ton of tasks/reviews to complete a badge for each box. If you're a blogger just getting started (or even a regular mom) this is a great program to join.
I've received some pretty good feedback on my flatlays lately so I wanted to break it down for you with a few tips. I always shoot outdoors on sunny days to get the best lighting. I'm sure strangers are looking at me funny when I drag a large white foam core board (I get mine at a local art store) outside in my front yard or driveway to shoot with my DSLR. If you shoot too early in the morning you can get a strong shadow so I like to try to shoot early afternoon. Later in the day the light won't be as bright so my photos get a bluish tint. Even if I brighten up my pics when I edit, I'll usually use the Juno or Ludwig filter on Insta to really pop the white. I also try to create contrast in my pictures so I've been grabbing whatever colorful flowers are growing in my front yard. I refuse to do the marble flatlay that every one seems to be using because I like the white to break up my busy, colorful feed.
I usually don't buy eye cream because I live off samples from Sephora (cheapskate tip 101) - so I was excited to try Lancôme Visionnaire Yeux when it popped up on Octoly. It's so good! In just a couple days I saw a HUGE improvement in the texture if my under eye skin. And it brightens so I don't need as much concealer as I used to apply. I have really sensitive eyes and allergies so I can't wear most eye products - but this totally works for me. I highly recommend it. I grabbed the L' Absolu Rouge Hydrating Shaping Lipsticks so I could have something else to review with the eye cream. I've really only worn the rose color but I don't like that they don't have pointed tips (it makes it harder for me to apply). I'm actually wearing the rose (pictured below on the right) in my photos above with my eShakti dress.
As you can see, I've been on an Octoly bender ordering up free luxury makeup. If you have over 10k on Insta or YouTube, you can apply for Octoly here to shop their free shop. They send you free stuff of your choosing in exchange for a post. I've been trying to either showcase my style or promote sponsored posts on Instagram as free stuff doesn't pay the bills. However, Octoly has been tempting me with pretty amazing high end goods - and they let you clump together 3 reviews at a time. It's like shopping Sephora for free so I'm hooked.
I knew all the pink would be prefect for my YSL Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Star Collector by YSL Beauty. I needed another YSL item (I like having at least 2 items to review at a time) so I grabbed The Shock mascara in Underground Blue. The blue was very subtle but it clumped too much for my taste. My all time favorite mascara brand is anything by Korres - which is super natural and gives you that fanned out, un-clumpy lashes without falsies look. They do have sample sales a couple times a year but never seem to have the mascara :(
I love my Samina bow slides in hot pink that I was gifted at the Nina Shoes fall preview. I wish the heels were a little lower so I could wear them daily. I paired them up with my Kate Spade diary that I got on sale at Nordstrom (I could only find it full price now, sorry) thanks to a tip from Tracy's Notebook of Style.
I was excited to try the Dior Airflash foundation even though they didn't offer my color - I just chose the lightest color available (200 light beige) and figured I'd apply lightly. I love it. I usually prefer a dewy finish but this literally made every imperfection vanish. You spray it on and it's amazing. I grabbed the Rouge Dior lipstick in 634 strong matte and it's ok but again, the bullet does not have a pointed tip.
Linking up all these goodies should you need them too :)
Finally, here are my favorite sample sale scores from the past couple weeks.
Rebecca Minkoff wasn't as exciting as years' past but I still managed to score some goodies on the last day. I'd hoped they would do epic markdowns on bags at the end (they did not, they went to $75 across the board but the selection was weak) but they did slash all clothing prices down to $20 so I grabbed a leather "Rockin" skirt (RV $398). Not sure when I'll wear a mini again but who knows. I had my eye on the Minnetonka Moccasins collab shoes but I found they ran big and they were not made in half sizes. I'm typically a 9.5 in her shoes but in these I would have needed a 8.5. Luckily their sample 9s run a little smaller than the production 9 so I snapped these up for $20 (RV $98). All the shoes at the sale (except the samples) were $84 for 3 pairs ($28 each) on the last day so my partner in crime, Belle and I split three pairs. I got an extra discount on my sample shoes, which were originally priced $30, when I complained they should not cost more than the brand new boxed shoes. They had a few really cute booties but these "Jennies" (RV $225) were the only ones left in 9.5. I wish they were at least leather because I haven't been able to wear suede with all the rain we've had lately.
Saving the best for last, let's talk Choo! Jimmy Choo, started markdowns earlier in the day than expected so I missed most of the good stuff on their last day. I still managed to snap up these crown glitter "Crown" heels for $100 (RV $895) and my piece de resistance, my $2,895 Lockett Petite Boho Purple and Silver Sprayed Metallic Dégradé Python Shoulder Bag that was just $350. I was annoyed that they charged an $200 upcharge for exotic skin on the last day (they usually don't) as it would have been just $150 at previous sales, but I felt better when I googled the price. I was also informed that it was on the $700 luxury table (which didn't get marked down at all) on the first day and it probably shouldn't have been with the regular bags anyway. Because it was a current design and I loved the color I went for it. Most of the bags at the sample sale on the last day are typically pretty beat up and several seasons old so I got lucky. As it was, someone must have put it back because it wasn't there when I first arrived. The reason I was late to begin with was because I was at a sponsored event - and my paycheck more than covered all my Choo finds, hence justifying my splurge. I also grabbed a couple pairs of $50 men's shoes for my son for his Bar Mitzvah but one pair turned out to be too small for him. He's 12 and already has bigger feet than me - and mine are pretty big LOL.
I found a few of these (or similar on sale) so I linked up what I could:
So I realize I could have easily split this post into 2-3 different ones, I like just putting out one post a week. It's long, so feel free to come back and finish at any time. But like all my posts, they are jam-packed with info that you probably don't want to miss.
And now for my sample sale picks for the next couple weeks...
Sample sale season is on and new ones pop up daily. I recommend checking sites like Chicmi, which has the most comprehensive NY listings these days (they also cover London, LA and San Francisco). Some of the best sales are word of mouth and may not even appear anywhere online. I always share the sales that I personally shop and the ones that tend to have the best values for designer bargain hunters like myself.
So if you're super cheap and super chic - this is where you need to be:
DVF
The last few sales have been pretty lackluster but they always have some inexpensive accessories or $40 shoes worth checking out. Wait for markdowns.
June 1-4
F-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-4
260 Fifth Avenue
A.V. Max
My all time favorite jewelry sale boasts prices of $5-25, friendly smiles and mimosas in their beautifully lit showroom. You'll see. You can read past sale reports here and here. The designer Amy often asks customers how they found the sale so be sure to mention I sent you :)
June 5-9
M 10-5, T 10-7, W-Th 10-5, F 10-2
39 W 38th St, 10th Fl
Etro
Not sure how pricing will be but I love their use of patterns and colors so I'll be taking a peek.
Met Pavillion, 125 West 18th St
June 5-7
M-T 10-8, W 10-5
Carmen Marc Valvo
If you need a gown on the cheap check here first. Samples range from $25-100 and stock maxes out at $300.
June 6, 10-6
132 W 36th St, 2S
Vince Camuto, 1.State & More
This Clothingline sale was where I found my $25 cape pictured above a while back. It's sample sizes only so don't bother if you're not a 4/6 (though I've spotted plus-sized samples as well in the past).
June 6-8, 10-6
261 West 36th Street, 2nd Fl
Natori
There is usually a crazy cheap lingerie sale about now and I'm not sure if it's this one. If you know which one I'm talking about please comment below!
June 7-8, 10-4
Dana Co Showroom, 102 Madison Avenue, 3rd Fl
Halabaloo Kids
I love their detailed designs and I read prices were $10-40 so I'll be taking a peek for my girls.
June 8-9, 9:30-6
423 West 43rd Street, Ground Floor
Sophia Webster
My all time shoe love is finally back in NYC. This past month she had a pop up downtown and I was lucky enough to meet her. I put on one of favorite pairs and of course forgot to ask her to sign them. Then again it probably would have been pretty gross to pull off my stinky shoes as ask her to sign LOL. At this point all the RSVP spots have been filled so you'll have to arrive after 2pm if you don't already have a reservation. Prices are good but not dirt cheap. You have to really love her shoes to go. Hoping they'll have a sample table again as that's where I did most of my damage last round. Read about my last adventure here.
June 10, 10-6
80 Wooster Street
Boden
Usually not super cheap and you have to dig thru piles of stuff to find anything decent (lots of used and damaged goods mixed in) but this brand has a cult-like following and worth a trip for their super fans.
June 10, 10-4
Met Pavillion, 125 West 18th St
Teri Jon
This sale is every modest girls dream for party dresses. At previous sales sample dresses started at $75. Read a past sale report here. Lines are crazy so get there at least an hour early on the first day for best selection.
June 11-12
M 9-5, T 9-4
241 W 37th St, 2nd Fl
Alice + Olivia
I usually don't get a lot, but what I do buy is usually pretty amazing. Samples are the best deal (usually size 2-6) and you can read past sale finds here and here. Not sure what's gonna fit me from here but you betcha I'll be buying for future size 6 (I started T25 again) Michelle.
June 12-17
M 12-8, T 9-8, W-Sat 10-8
260 Fifth Avenue
Purchase an early access voucher for $10 here - I highly recommend it for this sale!
I plan on being out and about next week. Be sure you're following my Insta stories for a peek inside sales as I shop. Hope to see you around! As always, please say hello :)
Happy shopping!
XO
Michelle Amidst the Sample Sale Madness
Love the fun dress and ugghhhhh your wing sandals are everything! I need to get a foam board! I use marble only because it's my marble suitcase and I didn't know how to get a solid white background lol but in general, flatlays don't do well for me in general.
ReplyDeletehttp://asequinloveaffair.com
Thanks Shira! You do - they have smaller ones at the dollar store but I buy the $12 larger one so I can use it for ebay as well. But yeah, pics of me do better but I need some contrast in my feed...
DeleteGorgeous!!! Love it all, and your hair looks amazing, the dress, earrings and shoes all play off of each other perfectly! Your flatlays look so pretty, I have a white board too I used to use, but rarely post at home anymore, just not enough light or time lol. Thanks for the shoutout too :)
ReplyDeleteTracy
www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com
You know it girl! I like your shopping shots - and I hear you, who has time for anything LOL. I usually shoot a few at a time (you can always tell by the flowers) but the struggle is real!
DeleteYou look absolutely amazing! This dress is truly gorgeous! I love the print and the way it fits , so elegantly. Most of all I love the way you coordinated these amazing shoes ! They are definitely the most magnificent shoes I've ever seen! Your flatlays are crazy amazing ! I need help !!! I wish I could arrange things as beautifully as you ! The product reviews are extremely helpful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennifer. You're too sweet :)
DeleteI love this dress! You styled it perfectly! It is so cool that you can type in you measurements to get the perfect fit!
ReplyDeleteI dream about warmer weather as well. Have had a few days here but now it is jacket weather again.
Hopefully it will clear up for the weekend.
Seriously your sample sale shopping is making me so jealous! I need to move so I can join you on these bargain hunts!
LOL thanks - LMK if you ever come to town :)
DeleteYou nailed it with this eShakti dress! I am glad you were able to return the ones you didn't like (that's good to know). This one is perfect with those killer heels. Love the butterfly details in the back! All those makeup goodies look so fab. I love the Lancome lippies and need to try that Dior Airflash. Wish I lived in NYC to hit up all these amazing sample sales! xoxo, Christine
ReplyDeletehttp://dailykongfidence.com/
Thanks so much Christine!
DeleteOh I don't mind your posts being long at all as I enjoy reading them. There's always something fun, interesting, new aspects or just the joy of reading a well written post. I was laughing when I read your son is asking you to pay him nowadays. Well, maybe some of your blogger friends could pay him a few bucks for the trouble, but like you said, for now he should settle with his computer and phone and I remember you talking about not spoiling your kids too much as we were raised in an entirely different way (and age). I love that with you. You find the best sales, bargains, but you do it for a reason. Not only to prove you can look amazing by doing that, but also because it's both saving money and our planet. I know that sounded cheesy, but it's true. We are all victims of consumerism and that's not the way to go to be honest.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your look you always pull it off perfectly and those Jimmy Choo's are just to die for!
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
I feel like if I lived in NYC, i would have a huge closet of the shoes and I would be poor, because I will spend all my money on sample sale! Haha. I love what you picked to wear for your niece engagement party. You know, I am big fan of nina shoes and this mules are so pretty. I have tried Lancome foundation, but never eye balm.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.queenhorsfall.com
I actually have to attend a wedding this weekend, so hearing of eShkati came in really handy! Can't believe the dress you got under 100$! It looks like a million bucks on you! Adore the way you styled it with the cape and your mom's Prada bag. The statement heels completed the entire look in such a lovely way! Hope you had a great time at your niece engagement party! Have a lovely week ahead! xx
ReplyDeleteAndreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
I'm so jealous too of people that have warm weather hahaha even though it was a nice weekend here in Chicago! Hopefully it gets better in NY girl, I totally feel you!
ReplyDeleteThis dress is adorable and can't wait to check out this company, it's always nice to have your clothing customized, especially for a price that reasonable.
Love all the Jimmy Choo's deals OMG!!! I really need to go to NY!
PS: Your son is the funniest lol! So cute!!
Thanks for sharing!
XO
Aimara
www.waysofstyle.com
Sometimes you have to wear what you wanna, regardless of the weather; I know I do, haha! I love brands like eShakti that cater to all body types and sizes. It makes fashion that much more fun! I love that shirtdress you're wearing, and those adorable heels with the wings, omg! And you're like me; all the neighbors look at me weird when I go outside and take pics of random things. It's all good though because they don't have to understand! You're also tempting me with Octoly again. I stopped accepting products for a while, but I may have to start again. I'm a sucker for luxury makeup!
ReplyDeleteLove your Sophia Websters! They are so cute on you! Also so jealow of all the fabulous sample sales you get to go to! Wish we had more in the windy city!
ReplyDeletexo, Jennifer
www.publicistinpearls.com
That dress and heels look amazing together! I like so much, and thank you for all the recommendations it will helps me a lot!
ReplyDeleteHey Sweetie,
ReplyDeleteHows you?
Love the Blue Embroidered dress on you and God those heels to Die For, And the Earrings too, I want sooo much those Earrings:)
Love your Flatlays and how You show the Products:) Adore to Try Luxury Cosmetics;)))
Love Kisses
Happy Tuesday
Open Kloset By Karina
Such a beautiful look babe the dress is just beautiful and so obsess with Sophia Webster is one of my favourite shoes designers ever! She has so great fun and colourful choices. I've been craving those butterfly shoes since a while.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Marcy
Beautiful dress from eShakti, I love the Sofia Webster butterfly heels that you paired with it. Such a gorgeous look overall! So lucky that you found that pair of Jimmy Choo for such a steal, you are the queen of sample sale!!
ReplyDeletexo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
This eShakti dress is so gorgeous, I love this flirty embroidered print, and I think this dress looks just stunning together with these Prada shoes. They perfectly complete the look! I've never heard about the eShakti before, but after reading your post I just wanna check em out. I love pretty dresses!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Eliza | www.fashion-confession.com
Your skin and makeup result so beautiful w this dress. Absolutely interesting brand you can custom your dress. Never heard before but I'm really interesting to check out their site. Your boy is a great photographer like mine daughter so sometimes you can give home some penny to motivation:) hey are happy w a few dollars. The SE sandals was a great purchase like the fuchsia satin open toe mules , love them lol
ReplyDeleteI'm think to register at INFLUENSTER . What don you think ?Can they send me in Italy??
Xx
Eva
www.themermaidfsshion.com
I love that there is so much customization with Eshakti! I have a dress from them that I love but it's not something I wear all the time! I'm sure you knew the day was coming when your son would make a comment about that but I LOVE your response! I likely would have said the same thing and I hear you on the editing! Now that I've finally got Lightroom down I spend way more time on detail in coloring! But I'm learning tips that make it slightly quicker! Still takes me days. I love your shoes too! I adore that they are so unique! I always gravitate toward piece like this! Glad you could break out some of your summer stuff! I used to use Influenster and I think it's great, like you said, if you are just starting out or don't blog full time! It just got to be too much for me to be able to dedicate too but maybe in the future I'll do it again! Actually, you just reminded me that I need to tell one of my friends about it! I'm super curious about the Dior foundation! The fact that it sprays blows my mind. lol I've been stuck on Estee Lauder Double Wear but it sounds like this will be a close contender! Also, I SO adore those Minnetonkas !
ReplyDeleteManda | http://EvocativelyChosen.com
You look so pretty on that eShakti dress. I know how it works because I have a skirt from them. I think it's a great idea that you can customize your own pieces. Your shoes are to die for! So cute, love the butterfly detail, that makes this pair so unique. Even that you have mentioned that the weather is not warm at all, your look is screaming: Summer! Hope you can wear the dress by itself without the cape soon!
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you that I definitely think that your flatlays are so pretty, you are a PRO doing it. Love all the products you're sharing, especially the Dior makeup.
Have a nice day!
Vanessa
http://thefashionstatement.net
Girl you always get the best deals! And I hear ya. I'm jealous of everyone enjoying sunny days haha. It's going to be raining the rest of the week and into the weekend here in the PNW. I got that influenster box too and I'm digging the matte shaker! As for the dress I think it's so cool that it's custom fit! More places need to do that
ReplyDeleteI always love reading your sample sale recaps! You check out the most amazing sales, and I'm totally dying over your Jimmy Choo scores! The heels are stunning, and that bag- what a steal! A beautiful lifetime investment piece for just $350? SOLD. I didn't realize so many sales took place in NYC. I just discovered Boden recently, and while it's not quite my aesthetic, they really do have some beautiful pieces. Hope you get a chance to check it out! Really appreciated your Influenster and Octoly reviews as well. I debated getting the Dior foundation but was afraid it would get everywhere. Glad to hear you like it though, perhaps I'll give it a go! And of course, I have to mention how cute that eShakti dress is. The print is just perfect for summer. Thanks for sharing so much great intel!
ReplyDeletexo Soo | www.BrownEyedToast.com
Love your sample sale posts!! Really great picks especially those Jimmy Choos so gorgesous love the details.XOWP
ReplyDeleteThe Sophia Websters look so pretty on your girl! omg and i'm drooling all over those shoes!! They are so pretty!!! I love pretty shoes but i found a lot of them are quite uncomfortable to wear. But the ones picked by you look so stylish, pretty and comfy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
xx, Jessie
You have such an amazing style! Those wing statement shoes are so fabulous! I love the dress and the rest of your outfit as well. They match so perfectly and they still let the shoes be the star of the show. You look lovely !
ReplyDeletexx, Maryam
This post is EVERYTHING! Not only do you share such a pretty dress and shoes, but your sample sale buys and the perfect way to take a flatlay. For me, I am so happy to hear how you take your pics because I too feel strange when I go outside to take pics that normally wouldn't be outside in the first place. xo, Jessica
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post! eShakti sounds amazing! I love that you are able to customize dresses all for less than $100! I also like that you can give your exact measurements. Thank you for always sharing the best sample sales! Any good ones happening in LA? Those Jimmy Choo finds were a steal!
ReplyDelete