Ok, after purchasing 2 darling dresses & 2 gorgeous skirts from JessaKae & then needing to return one of each because they didn't do what I was hoping, I SO didn't get the low reviews so I read them.
It seems most people are upset by the return policy. I think this is because we've all grown used to fast fashion. These aren't that.
First of all, the box they arrived in: I just wanted to sit & gaze at the lovely, semi-glossy powder blue of it, play with the hope-chest-like opening & admire the beautiful floral inside. Each garment is carefully folded in its own high quality plastic bag for protection, with tissue paper layered between each bagged dress.
It all speaks of care & attention to detail.
If you, like I, are one who's grown accustomed to an Amazon lifestyle, already this is a wholly novel experience.
As for construction, the dresses I purchased are made of relatively high end textiles & beautifully lined. I have seen no loose threads. The stitching is admirable.
I have sensory sensitivities & each textile felt like a poem against my skin--not something I write lightly.
As for fit, my dresses hit at the natural waist with flare midi skirts & puffed sleeves. Both were smock-backed and pull overhead. The sleeves were not at all constrictive. Huge fan.
The collar of one dress is too high on me, and I'm returning one skirt because it was too full at the bottom for my proportions, t-length always being a gamble with my figure. The candy pink layered fine net tulle skirt, though? Angels sang & wept for joy when I put it on. Not even kidding, it is that gorgeous. And that shade is not one I normally choose, but I am living for it.
Returns: unfortunately, I had to return them in the darling box that I am far too preoccupied by. Le sigh.
Easy peasy though. I knew the return policy before purchasing but had a question & emailed their support line. Michelle almost IMMEDIATELY got back to me! And was completely darling & wonderful & we emailed back & forth a bit & I've decided we're friends now.
I already have picked out the two dresses I plan to purchase instead with the store credit.
This is a small boutique house, not a conglomerate. They make small batch high-middle end goods & they appear to do it well.
As a former bridal & formalwear designer myself I can tell you they probably are not operating at much of a profit margin on these dresses. Not if the textiles are responsibly sourced (read: not from overseas sweatshops--especially not ones reliant on child labor), which they appear to be, & not if any part of construction is in-country instead of overseas. They must pay employees minimum wage here. When we support companies like JessaKae, we are supporting our own economy & refuse to fund oppressive practices.
No, I cannot afford to buy dresses like these every month. I'm a stay at home domestic goddess & am paid in sticky floors for my labor these days. But when I have something important coming up as I do? You best believe I look for quality. Dresses that will last.
I can't even express how glorious it has been to find fashionable dresses that aren't too short or too shoulder-baring for my needs. To find this degree of size-inclusivity so I can see the gowns on the types of models I'm accustomed to, & also on ones built more like me? This aspect alone is worth the shopping experience.
And it is an experience!
Nevertheless, because I am now in love with these dresses & am on more of a budget than I would wish (le sigh), will I look for NWT items sisters are looking to rehome because they missed the return window? You best believe I will. Those poor orphan dresses need a loving home & I am uniquely qualified to provide one.
These dresses are the real deal, y'all.
Detailed, beautiful, well constructed, lovingly cared for & shipped.
Do not expect an Amazon experience on ANY level here. There's no Bezos bankrolling this mom & pop fashion house. That man has more dollars than there are people in the world, he can carry losses, he can have extravagant return policies while he takes over the market share.
But if you want something stunning? Something that provides a beautiful experience from the moment you clap eyes on that ridiculously darling box?
This is the place. read more