It’s been a while since I bought myself a proper Going Out Dress, so when I spotted this beauty – the floral print dupioni belted dress – on eShakti’s instagram feed I placed my order pretty much immediately.
It’s my third order from eShakti since they started shipping to Australia, and I couldn’t have been happier with it. The fabric is a poly dupioni that fakes silk pretty well – it even has that lovely whooshy sound that you get with a high quality fabric. It’s an absolutely stunning photographic floral print, very bold and rich in colour, and while I kind of wish I’d had a little more floral motif on the bodice, the skirt is an absolute dream come true.
The dress is fully lined, with all the usual eShakti extras that you know and love: bra-strap keepers, extra deep pockets, and a self-covered belt.
I added little cap sleeves because eShakti was doing a promo for free customisation, and I quite like the kind of fifties effect. It makes me feel like I should be teaming it with an impeccable red manicure and hosting the kind of fancy dinner party that starts with vol-au-vents.
The fabric has absolutely no stretch, and it’s just a little snug, especially around the bust (as you can see). I think that next time I order I’ll give myself a couple of centimeters grace around the Rack of Doom.
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On a far less formal note, I was delighted to receive an invitation from Adele at Zest Lifewear to give their range of activewear a whirl.
I’ve had a bit of a complicated relationship with my body over the past year, and I’m still not feeling entirely 100% comfortable in my skin at the moment.
I’ve been wanting to start a regular class, something gentle to ease myself back into regular physical activity that isn’t just walking, and Adele’s generous offer was just the kick in the bum that I needed.
I ordered the Let’s Get Meshy top in black, and the Girl Werk It leggings to match, and they arrived in a handy carry bag and cap.
The leggings are great – they’re made of a gorgeously luxe fabric, thick enough that there’s no show through, and it smoothes any lumps or bumps you might feel a bit uncomfortable about. There’s a handy little pocket at the back that’s perfect for slipping a locker key or swipe card if you’re at the gym. The mesh legs stretch juuuuust enough to encompass my calves.
They’re very comfortable around the waist , and don’t cut in at all. The size chart was spot on.
The mesh top is sexy, and airy, and edgy. It has an inbuilt bra, which my f-cups usually scoff at, but actually it holds the ladies up perfectly well! I wouldn’t want to jog in it (I wouldn’t want to jog at all, TBH) but for yoga, weights, pilates or floor-work it’s perfectly fine. Obviously you could wear a bra under it.
Zest Lifewear is one of a number of new activewear brands that are catering to, or created especially for plus size women, and it’s one of only a handful that are based in Australia (though they do offer international shipping). They also use a variety of plus-size models, for which I can’t praise them enough. There’s a few brands out there that talk the talk about supporting a broad range of sizes and shapes, but use tiny models, photoshop, thin fabrics, or inflate the prices for the larger sizes. Zest actually supports their customers with carefully designed products, great materials, diverse marketing, and body positive messages throughout their blog.
If you want to give them a whirl yourself, Adele’s offering Frocks and Frou Frou readers 15% off their order with the code LILLI15. Plus for a limited time, all orders come with a tote bag, cap, and temporary tattoo.
And, in case you were wondering, I recently discovered a yoga studio just a few minutes from my front door and just signed up for my first class. I’m proud of myself.
Nothing like getting a bit of a sweat on to make you feel good in your skin.
Beautiful dress and luff the activewear
Thanks honey – hope you’re going well 🙂
You look stunning in that dress – and I actually think it looks really good with the flowery skirt and then just the butterfly on the bodice, placed just as one might place a brooch.
Super cute activewear, too.
Ah, you’re right, the butterfly does look like a brooch! Thank you – it’s a lovely dress 🙂
That dress! It is perfection! You look so beautiful in it. Someday I will try eShakti.
I really like the mesh top too and good to know about the built in bra as I’ve got my own H cup rack of doom! Happy to see you’re posting more often. I haven’t commented in a long time but I’ve been a loyal reader for years!
Thank you! And thank you for reading for so long, too! (Can you believe it’s almost been ten years?!)
Definitely do give Eshakti a whirl – start with a knit piece if you’re nervous 🙂
I love this dress! It’s such a retro and feminine! It’s something I can totally see myself wearing this dress to go out.
It’s a lovely going out dress! I can’t wait for the excuse to wear it 🙂
Good on you. I keep looking at my neglected sneakers in the corner and feeling shabby AND guilty.
As I said on insta that dress is just fabulous. You look absolutely lovely in it.
Thank you!
One day I might even sign up for something more strenuous than walks in the park, frisbee with my five year old niece, or yoga… but today is not that day ?
You look amazing in both, but I absolutely love the activewear. I’d be too self conscious to show my arms, but wish I wasn’t because that top is everything!
It’s pretty fun, isn’t it? I know how you feel about the arms (I’m like that with the tops of my knees) so I won’t tell you to embrace them (but… you could always wear a little crop top or cardigan over the top if you wanted to give it a try 🙂 )
Hello! Just discovered your blog & I’m loving it! You look absolutely gorgeous in this stunning black floral dress. I had to pin it on my “Flipping for Florals” board! 🙂 Looking forward to reading more from you.
That’s so sweet, thank you! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the blog 🙂
Great dress! I love eShakti. I’m curious whether you ordered by standard dress size or by your own measurements?
Thank you! I did order with my own measurements with this one, because it’s non-stretch, so fit was important 🙂
I think your dress has made an appearance as a protest against Trump: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5687573/Teacher-wears-pins-trans-rights-accept-award-Trump.html
Oh my gosh! Good spotting! (also bravo, for ANY protest against Trump, but especially stylish ones and teacher ones)
Lovely one, what’s the shipping time like for eShakti? I’m thinking of ordering a dress for a wedding in 6 weeks but I’m worried I’ve left it too late.
PS: I found your gorgeous pic on their website ?
Lovely one, what is the shipping time from eShakti like? I’m looking for a dress for a wedding at the end of September and am worried I’ve left it too late.
I found your gorgeous pic on their website, too ?
Bec, oh no! I only just found this message! End of September, you might still be OK – It’s a bit hit and miss, but my first order only took four days to arrive from when they shipped, (but took three weeks to sew, as I custom sized)