This post is sponsored by eShakti. I was sent this dress at no charge and I’m sharing the process with you, all opinions my own.
With a formal wedding coming up in December, I needed a new dress to wear. I had a couple I could have worn, which are all black, but really what fun is that? It’s much more fun to get something new. I worked with eShakti a few months ago on one of their dresses and couldn’t help but notice then that they carry a lot of formal and evening type dresses, so I started looking through all of them. There are so many I narrowed it down to about a dozen and then showed them all to Mark. This one stood out to both of us. It was one of my top faves and he agreed, so I ordered it.
Mark’s youngest daughter, McKenzie is getting married in December and I thought it would be fun to talk about Mother of the Bride dresses, or stepmother in my case. The wedding will be at Monteluce Winery in Dahlonega, GA and the venue is gorgeous. We went with McKenzie and Patrick to their wedding tasting at the winery a few weeks ago and it was so much fun. I asked McKenzie if she would let me blog her wedding and she said yes, so I’ll be sharing it with you all! It’s going to be so pretty, she has spent well over a year planning her wedding and I can’t wait to see it all come together.
Now the great thing about eShakti is that you can take your measurements and place a custom order for a dress that fits you perfectly instead of just ordering a regular size. It’s an additional up charge of only $9.95. I think on a dress like this it is so important and I wanted it to fit me like a glove and it does. I love the style and colors of this dress. It’s a pretty peacock blue satin underneath with a polkadot overlay of sheer organza fabric on the bodice and skirt.
The top bodice is a black fabric. I have to wear a strapless bra with this, so that straps don’t show, but the other part of eShakti that I love is that you can choose the sleeve length, neckline design and the hem line.
Here’s the dress on their site, on a young woman. I love that this dress can be worn by so many ages and body types. See the sleeve length? I changed it to long sleeves since this is a December wedding and it will probably be cold. I got the formal length, but it doesn’t touch the floor with shoes on.
The back has one pretty little button and a zipper and I feel so elegant and pretty in this dress. The skirt is full so it would be very forgiving too along the tummy line, I think. Oh and it has pockets! I love pockets.
I already have these suede shoes so I’m going to wear them. Closed toed will be good for that time of year. I may have to take a back up pair to dance in though!
You’ll notice I had on a couple of different necklaces and then without. I’m thinking of wearing pearls so you all can help me decide. I think the chunky pearl might be too much, but I do like the long strand doubled.
Mark liked this one the best, the long strand doubled look and the simple pearl bracelet. I’ve got several pairs of earrings to choose from too, so feel free to vote for your favorite. I’ll share them below.
I had fun with this gif from my Live phone pics. for some reason it loses clarity when I uploaded it to WordPress so I don’t know what else to do to make it better. It looks so cute, but this one is grainy.
Here’s the long strand pearl necklace with the simple pearl bracelet. Which earrings do you like the best? I’m not sure which ones I’ll go with, but I’ll be sharing the whole wedding festivities when December gets here. We are excited for McKenzie and Patrick to start their lives together. They met when they were like 15, so have been together for about 10 years and they are the cutest!
We’ve already had a couple of bridal showers and now we wait for December to get here and the wedding to happen. I know it’s going to be beautiful!
I sure didn’t mind going along for the food tasting, that was fun!
Mark and I at Monteluce.
I visited here about 5 years ago and it’s still so pretty! The ceremony will be held inside the wine making area and the reception will be in the room where we did the tasting, where that big fireplace is. It’s going to be so pretty and I’m so happy for them!
laura janning says
oh rhoda, that dress is stunning!
Dorothy Moore says
Love, love the dress. It is so beautiful on you. Honestly, the pearls I do not like. I think you should try some different jewelry items with it and see what your other options are. The shoes are to die for! Have fun and can’t wait to see the wedding on your blog. Lucky bride to have you and Mark involved.
Jane says
How exciting. Congratulations. Sorry, the pearls take away from that gorgeous dress and neckline. No necklace. No bracelet. Go with a beautiful statement earring. Something long and not too faux “blingy”. Kendra Scott has the color bar if you want to customize a pair. JCrew and Banana Republic have good choices too. The shoes are great. Very classy elegant look but I would not do anything at neckline. Enjoy this special season.
Carol Griffin says
I totally agree with the above statement….the pearls take away from the beautiful dress and neckline. No necklace.
Carol H. says
Rhoda,
The dress is stunning and looks amazing on you. Skip the necklace…..it distracts from the beautiful detail of the dress. I vote for the long teardrop earnings. I’m a fan of pearls but not with this particular dress. Less is more when it comes to formal dressing.
Carol
Marilyn Bailey says
I agree with Carol H. You look beautiful, just don’t need the pearls.
Mary Sturgeon says
Beautiful! Of the two necklaces, I like the pearls doubled up the best. Although, have you thought of possibly a simple gold/diamond necklace? Oh, those shoes 😍 Love the navy choice too😍
Lisa says
The dress is stunning. I agree with the others, I don’t think pearls are right for this dress. I agree that a gold necklace closer to your neckline may look better. Love your shoes, they look perfect with the dress.
Debra Schramm says
The dress is stunning. I don’t care for the pearls though – maybe a black rhinestone necklace and earrings.
Kathy says
Love the dress and the color is stunning. I would keep the lovely bodice free of any jewelry and wear statement earrings. Love your shoes too! Sounds like a beautiful wedding and a wonderful venue. We were at Monteluce several years ago and need to return.
Jan says
Lovely dress, a statement maker, so pretty and you look stunning in it. I think the pearl necklace is a little too much. A bracelet and fab earrings is all I’d wear with this.
Monica says
Oh the dress is so lovely on you – no necklace required! I think the pearls distract from your beauty!
kathy says
Gorgeous!!
Barbara Moore says
The dress is so fabby, you probably don’t need the pearls. Just some statement earrings, your beautiful self and that gorgeous dress equals perfection!
Judy Clark says
Rho,
That dress is so pretty and looks wonderful on you. I agree with everyone else that you don’t need a necklace with that beautiful dress. The teardrops look the best. I am Southern and all about my pearls, but in this case you don’t need them. You look beautiful girl!
Love the wedding venue. I visited there several years ago. It is beautiful. Marks daughter and her fiancé are so cute. I know that she will be a beautiful bride.
Marla Carter says
The dress is perfect! I love weddings and will look forward to you documenting it! Since you asked, I think the neckline is pretty enough that you should not wear a necklace. Maybe some bolder earrings instead?
Denise says
Your dress stands on its own and I think any necklace detracts. If you don’t want to get new earrings, my vote is for the long glittery ones. If you wish, add your pearl bracelet. lol, less is more
Wilma says
Stunning and perfect dress on you! No necklace needed…but definitely statement earrings and bracelet. Have you thought about a black satin ribbon sash or belt around the waist?
Brenda Lynch says
I’m in the no necklace group too–or maybe a small bling y–solitaire. and beautiful bling earrings. Pearls do take away from the dress to me too–and I love pearls!! And I love the dress, will be beautiful for a December wedding.
Kimberly Nations says
The dress is gorgeous.. it looks beautiful on you. I agree no necklace.. pretty statement earrings is all you need.. an maybe a pretty bracelet and ring..
Pam says
Such a beautiful dress and you look gorgeous! I agree with the majority to drop the pearls and go with statement earrings.
Barbara says
Let me first thing congratulate on your amazing relationship with your stepdaughter.
The dress and the pointed shoes are perfect on their own, I mean quite a few jewels might be added on.
I would only wear black bracelet and earrings, for instance made of onyx or black diamonds.
Jewell says
I love the dress! It is beautiful. My vote – no necklace! The polka dot appliqué on the overlay is enough! Anything else would detract from the beauty of the dress. I agree with those that suggested statement earrings and no bracelet. The seams provide enough detail in that area. Fantastic choice!