Customizable Clothing from eShakti

I have used eShakti multiple times before and I am thinking that I might just return now that you can completely customize your clothes, not just as you did before (remember my first eShakti dress or the dress I went on my first brunch date with Molly in or even my first post Teddy dress?)... I am talking bust sizes, full measurements, the works. You're basically having the entire garment tailored specifically to you!

You can still customize based on your current size but you can also opt to change your garment into just about anything you want-- seriously, take a look. For $9.99 per garment, you're getting an absolutely amazing deal on something that would cost you a fortune to do at a tailor. For those of us that are busty or petite or super tall or whatever your shape or size, you can make something that fits like a glove.

eShakti was one of the first brands that ever contacted me when I first started blogging and is one of the longest relationships that I've had so far. I appreciate that they continue to work with women of all sizes, providing a way for us all to feel special in our garments because they fit and look great. You can create a garment that is as magical as you are without spending all the money. If you have any questions about the process or the quality of the clothes, be sure to leave me a comment below and I'll reply right away. I  gotta go... there's tons of new styles and I can't wait to find the perfect holiday party dress! 

On Self Esteem + What Shoes and a Dress Can Do

Post pregnancy, boy, does it do a number on pretty much every area of your life. Having the newborn living with/on you aside, there are hormones and the sleep deprivation and the dreaded post-baby body. I had sort of set my expectations on what the ol' bod would be like after this second baby but let's just say that if #1 did a number on me, well, #2 certainly pushed the envelope. The last three weeks have been an exercise in keeping my expectations of how fast I get my "body back" in check and trying to boost my own self esteem... self esteem. It's a tough one. No matter how confident you may think that you are, there's always a moment when you question yourself, how you look and how you behave. I'm just going to put this out there, I gained over 50lbs with this last pregnancy, a full 20lbs more than I gained in my first. From my last two doctors appointments, I had gained 10lbs in two weeks... it was kind of devastating, especially with some surging hormones. Once the baby came, I lost almost 30lbs of it in the past 3 weeks and I'm sure the last 20lbs will be an uphill battle. I'm trying not to think about the numbers but rather boosting my self esteem with positive thinking and now, guess what? The resurgence of what was once an "outfit post" but now it's going to serve as a reminder of what a little effort, some cute clothes/shoes and a lunch date can do for a Mom nursing a newborn. It's not about the numbers on the scale but rather how I measure myself in strength and smiles and happy things in my life, living well.

I love being a Mom and am excited to be raising another spirited boy who will make me proud some day but one thing I have to be sure of is that I'm not neglecting myself in the process. It's so easy for a Mom to be the martyr, selflessly giving up her shower to ensure that everyone else's needs are met. Guess what, this time, I'm taking my shower every day, getting dressed(ish), putting on a little makeup and ensuring that I feel good about myself, even if I'm just taking the kids to the park. I may not be in my pre-pregnancy jeans yet but there are things in my closet that will allow for the extra padding and these humongous, well, you know. Eshakti sent me this dress before I had the baby and I was kind of hoping/praying that I'd be able to wear it this century... and I did. Just this week, the man and I took PropahBaby2 out to lunch, I donned my new dress (that I altered in length and sleeves) and new boots that White Mountain Shoes sent. Not only did the dress fit but the boots also pulled up over my calves, which I thought was impossible. Seriously, this was an instant self esteem boost!

Sure, I still have some hangups when I look at these pictures. I see what I view as flaws and even hesitated to hit publish on this blog post. That being said, I think I may do more of these types of posts as I navigate post-pregnancy and beyond because my body is changing, my outlook on things is as well. I am hoping that more often than not, I'll give myself a pass, not stressing too much about my body image. We're often our own worst enemies and I plan to treat myself like gold and enjoy this new chapter of life with a positive twist whenever possible.

Do you have any tips and tricks on boosting the self esteem? Does a pretty dress and new shoes do it for you?

*Dress c/o eshakti, Boots c/o White Mountain Shoes, Trench Old (similiar), Cancer Zodiac Necklace: Satya Jewelry, Earrings: Cost Plus World Market, Sunglasses: LOFT

Outfit Post: Sunday Brunch Featuring eShakti

This past Sunday, I went on a lady date with my blogging buddy Molly of Wicked Cheap. She was adorable as per usual and I was sure to put on my Sunday's best for her and all to see. I may or may not have been serving up some Sunday morning cleavage but if so, I apologized as the ladies normally don't make appearances during daylight... moving on haha. Molly and I have chatted about our adoration of eShakti so I was sure to wear my newest addition from the site, which specializes in customizing dresses to suit your style and needs. This particular dress is from their new Spring line and I had it shortened for a funner, flirty look. In retrospect, I probably should have worn tights because in Massachusetts, it's still hella chilly in March.

Outfit Post: Working It

I think you guys remember the post I did on eShakti a week or so ago? Well, I wanted to show you what I wore with that fab.u.lous dress and how I did my hair and makeup to complete the look. You will have to let me know what you think!

• G by Guess Jackson Booties
• Dress c/o eshakti
• Rachel Roy Moto Jacket (similar)
• Petal Necklace from Etsy (Sea Lillie)
• Purse, thrifted (similar)

eShakti is Just My Size

As I sit here writing this blog post, I am looking at a pile of clothes that I plan to give to Salvation Army. This is a normal thing for me, to always have a trash bag, sitting near our laundry space, waiting for me to find clothes that I just don't see myself wearing any more. Some are well worn, for sure, but the majority of the clothes I am giving away just never fit that great. You know what I am talking about, right? You order a shirt online and just loooooved it but when it got home, it didn't look quite as you imagined but nevertheless you kept it in case something changed? Yeah, that's me.

Enter eShakti, which just happens to such an amazing concept. Here's the deal: You go onto eShakti.com and you choose the item of clothing you want to order. Theeeeeen, you can alter it before it ships to you. Are you a shorty like me? Well, then get your dress hemmed accordingly. Do you like long sleeves instead of sleeveless? Well, add some sleeves sistah! Where else can you get your clothes customized before you actually get them? All styles come in all sizes 0-36W, with customization. Seems to me like eShakti has hit a wide demographic that most retailers struggle with hitting.