THE STYLE DIARIES: CHAMBRAY ALL THE WAY + eSHAKTI REVIEW

If you ask me, chambray and chambray dresses in particular are so versatile! Depending on the occasion, you can easily dress them up or tone them down, with the proper styling, or course! For this outfit, I paired my pintuck pleat shirtdress with simple accessories to create an effortless (and oh so comfortable) outfit for Sunday service. 

A fews weeks ago, the brand eShakti reached out to me, asking me to review one of their *lovely* dresses! I, of course, jumped at the opportunity as I appreciated the brand's customization options and dress collections! What girl wouldn't love a new dress, one that she could tailor to her preferences?! With this site, you can customize the dress/skirt length, the sleeve length as well as plug in your exact body measurements to create a piece that will fit you to perfection!

After scouring their site for a few days (#TooManyOptions), I decided on this dress. Simple yet timeless are the words that come to mind when I consider my option. I feel as though this dress will become a staple in my closet and because of it's color, the styling option are endless!

I especially loved that the zipper was on the side of the dress as opposed to on the back of the dress. For me, it's more a matter of aesthetic than anything else.

And can we talk about that gorgeous detailing across the shoulders and along the bottom of the skirt! I love how, despite this being one of eShakit's simpler dresses, these details jazz up the dress's overall look.

 dress: c/o of eShakti

shoes: Old Navy 

watch: Betsey Johnson

Overall, I was very pleased with my eShakti experience! Within about a week and a half, my dress was delivered and the custom alterations I made, like dress length and sleeve length, were very well executed! I also found the dress to be of excellent quality and should become an essential piece in my wardrobe. I can easily picture this dress with leggings, boots and a fun infinity scarf during the fall and winter months.

When I ordered my dress, I chose the size that I thought would best suit me. I had measured myself but wasn't confident in the accuracy of my measuring skills so just tossed my numbers to the side. When  you order your dress, measure yourself! There are just three main areas to measure, but it will make a world of difference in the way your dress fits! Now I know for next time to use the customization options to their full capacity as my dress was a little loose at the waist and bodice. NOTHING MAJOR!

If you want your own eShakti dress, which I know that you do, head on over to their site and use coupon code "kiannarose" for 10% off your order! I know you'll have a hard time picking just one piece from their collections, so here are some of my favorites. 

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TERMS + CONDITIONS:

Valid from 09/21/2015 – 10/21/2015. Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box. It is not case-sensitive. Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions. This discount code is not applicable on clearance, gift cards & overstock categories. Not applicable on previous purchases

OTHER DETAILS:

I paired my chambray dress with a simple hairstyle. Very quickly, I curled my hair using the Remington curling wand and added a few quick sprays the Batiste dry shampoo in Blush for added volume and oil-control.  Then, after creating a side part, I twisted up one side and secured it with bobby pins. Easy!

For accessories, I have on my beautiful Betsey Johnson watch in rose gold. It seems like the exact style I have is no longer available, but you can find a similar one here and here. I am also wearing the covenant ring my parents gave to me this week. Eek! It's just so pretty!!!

Do you like the idea of custom clothing? Do you think it's worth the price? Also, how would you style a chambray dress for summer/spring or winter/fall?

And don't you just love waterside photos?!?

xoxo, 

Kianna Rose

A HOMESCHOOLER'S GUIDE TO COLLEGE: BASIC WARDROBE ESENTIALS

If you didn't already know, I will be attending college this fall! Despite being homeschooled from grades 7 to 12 and wearing pjs ALL DAY (or for most of the day, anyway...), I still have a pretty good idea of what I'll need for my first day, thanks to my time spent in public school.

When it comes to clothes shopping, I've taken on a more realistic mindset:

1. Quality over quantity. For my college wardrobe, I prefer well-made, durable, pieces over a poorly made piece in three different colors, that will only only last a season. Now, don't get me wrong, I sometimes buy shirts, skirts, dresses and shoes just for the looks of them, but I won't pay much if I know they won't last too long.

2. Basics should be neutral. This school year, I've purchased a lot of neutral colored pieces. I seem to have added a lot of blue, brown, black and white colored things into my shopping bags almost unconsciously. I gravitate to these colors now because I know that I'll be able to wear them with more than one outfit and customize the look with brighter, colored accessories later. Again, this is not to say that I won't buy a brightly colored spring jacket. Of course I would! I LOVE BRGHT COLORS! I just mean to say, that for the most part, I plan to keep the bulk of my basic items (jackets, sweaters, tees, etc.) neutral toned so as to allow me to add other pieces to fancy them up.

As far as wardrobe essentials go, I think every closet, no matter if you're going back to school or just off to work, needs:

1. basics tees // 2. trench coat // 3. comfy slip-ons // 4. midi dresses // 5. scarves one, two and three // 6. structured bag one and two

In addition to the dress, I think a pencil skirt and a flared, midi skirt are a must!

What are some wardrobe basics for your closet? Ooh! Do you think I should do a skirt version of this post, detailing what style and cut of skirts I think are essential?!

 xoxo, 

Kianna Rose