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.
Mother of the Bride dress
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!
Very elegant dress. However, you definitely need some sort of classic black satin belt to finish it off. Agree with other about styling your hair in a nice updo so the earrings can seen. Something fun to look forward to!
I agree, no pearls. I do like the suggestions of a simple belt or black satin ribbon. Less is more and looks more elegant, too much jewelry takes away from an outfit..
Yes, no pearls! The dress is beautiful!
Diamond and/or silver jewelry. Nice black shoes but too much, look too businesslike and are rather distracting from the elegance of the dress. Maybe a pretty silver peep toe or dressy sandal with a heel…..and a pretty pedicure!
I agree with the other comments that the pearls detract from the dress. I would suggest a simple lavaliere or nothing at all. You have a nice figure, so a dressy belt/satin ribbon is a good suggestion. And, definitely, top with dangling, sparkling earrings.
I vote for no necklace. The neckline is very pretty and I think a necklace takes away from it. I would wear a large earring and bracelet. They could both be pearl and the bracelet could be layers of pearls.
What a perfect dress! I do love it. And you of course wear it like a statue. Agree w/the consensus that you won’t need a necklace. Only fab earrings, and maybe some strappy black heels that have a tiny bit of black crystal bling. You’ll be exquisite and I can’t wait to see all the pics!
I know less than zero about fashion but bright white feet look really odd to me with this gorgeous dress. My eyes are immediately drawn to your feet because they contrast so much with dress and shoes. Again I am stupid about fashion, just looks odd to me.
The dress is beautiful but it does need something to finish it at the waist. A black velvet belt could do the trick. Also, say no to the pearls. Too stark against the dress. A shorter, multi strand necklace of black jet beads with some rhinestone accents to pick up light would look great. 4-5 strands, no longer than 20-22”. If you are ever in Charlotte, I know of a great place that can custom make a necklace for you that would be perfect. Of course it will cost more than the dress! Will be excited to see what your final decisions are for the dress and it’s accessories. I know it will be a gorgeous look
Beautiful dress but I don’t think you should add a necklace. The neckline has such pretty detailing that a necklace just takes away from it. The color is gorgeous, I would probably rethink the shoes as well. Maybe something a little more elegant. Just my thoughts🙂.
You are so pretty, Rhoda! Always elegant. I also think that any necklace takes away from the bodice of this lovely dress. The belt idea is great, and I also think dangly earrings and a pearl bracelet will set it off to perfection. Have you ever modeled? You have the figure, beautiful face, and elegant bearing for it!
HI, Caroline, thank you for the compliment! I’ve never modeled, although I thought about it in my 20’s, but never really got anything off the ground.
I too agree the pearls as pictured don’t work. I do like the idea of a belt and something else for shoes. The dress is the showpiece!
I agree the pearls are too heavy. A fine llightweight silver necklace wih a lone diamond would work beautifully with the elegant dress. Also silver or diamond earrings. A bracelet is too much. Narrow belt and very understated.
The dress is beautiful and looks great on you! I like the dress without pearls. It has enough loveliness going on and the pearls take away from that. Less is definitely more in this case! Some beautiful earrings and some blingy black shoes would be awesome. It sounds like a lovely wedding and am looking forward to sharing it. Many congrats to the bride and groom to be!
I prefer the first photo with the long double strand of pearls. Those pearls elongate your torso and will look the best in the family photos. I would wear simple earrings and no bracelet. The dress is simply beautiful.
Wow. I hate to pile on – but the first thing I thought was, “Perfect dress; I’d skip the pearls.” I hadn’t thought about a belt but I’m on board with that. The dress will take center stage. Perfection! Congrats to the bride and groom. They look so happy!
Pretty Dress. No necklace, simple black suede or satin pump shoes with a black rhinestone clip, ribbon belt, pretty simple traditional earrings, and simple bracelet, Do not overdo it. And enjoy.
You look so pretty in this dress! I would vote for a diamond dangle earring. I would definitely
go with black velvet or satin heels. Personally, I like the silhouette of the dress without a belt.
It is elegant and not meant to be form fitting. Have fun!
Beautiful dress! I like it with the double strand or no necklace. A belt would also look nice if you chose to go with no necklace. I like the blingy earrings!
Congrats to the happy couple!
Cute dress! However, I have to agree with the majority…no necklace. In fact, I don’t like any pearls with this dress…some black sparkly earrings is all you need. I would also recommend adding a black sash belt to finish it off. Something like this…https://smile.amazon.com/BlackButterfly-Bridal-Wedding-Bridesmaid-Satin/dp/B0727RTLY7/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=black+velvet+sash&qid=1568403398&sr=8-8
Hi Rhoda,
This dress is so elegant and fun! You look fabulous in it! I personally would not wear the pearl necklaces, and I would wear the sparkly dangling earrings and a simple sparkly bracelet. The bodice of the dress does not need any more, it’s beautiful as is! The shoes you chose to wear would be fine, in my opinion. With such a gorgeous dress, less accessories is more! As suggested by others, possibly a ribbon belt, maybe with a rhinestone accent. You have time to play with it, and it will be perfect!
The dress is fantastic. The hoop w/pearl earrings look nice. No necklace or bracelet needed. I will gladly wear those shoes.