I've been a loyal customer of Marla's Fashions for around 4 years. In August 2023, my experience took a disappointing turn. If I could give the store 0 stars, I would.
My sister's wedding is approaching, and I visited Marla's Fashions in early June 2023 to find a dress. I found a dress in a size 6 that was slightly too tight. I ordered sizes 8 and 10 in the dress. After 2 weeks, the 8 and 10 came and fit worse than the 6. We later learn the size 6-floor model was stretched out and the sales associates did not inform of us this at our initial point of purchase. Still liking the dress and with time to spare before the wedding, I ordered sizes 12 and 14 in July. The size 12 fit decently with alterations needed (tightening straps and making the zipper fall half a centimeter lower). I paid for alterations and they were supposed to be ready by early August. The company told us we should use their in-house seamstress as they are more familiar with the dresses. We trusted them.
When I received the altered dress (in mid-August), it fit worse than before due to poor alterations. The seamstress lowered the zipper so much so that it looked like there was a gaping hole in the dress, the elasticity was removed and the straps were not tightened.
The manager was unhelpful, blaming us for not managing time well. The manager said that most people need 2nd, 3rd, or 4th alterations... but if your seamstress was good, this would not have to be the case.
As we did not pay for the dress to look this way and because the seamstress removed so much material that the dress was unwearable and unfixable, we asked for a refund. We even offered to buy a different dress of theirs in the store that day or pay to ship in a new size 12 to have it altered elsewhere (contingent upon a refund). Both options were denied. The manager stated that it is their policy that refunds cannot be issued (note: their website says absolutely nothing about refunds being issued if the seamstress botches the job). The manager remained rude and uncooperative. The manager took a break mid-conversation and later refused to continue the discussion claiming she has other, more important things to do. The bookkeeper was equally rude, emphasizing the (non-existent) store policy.
Feeling mistreated, we left the store empty-handed, without a refund, and found a dress at Esti Boutique on Avenue Road. Esti's customer service is phenomenal, the dress selection is gorgeous and the atmosphere is stunning as well. I could not speak of them more highly. Marla's, on the other hand? Well after this experience, I won't support Marla's Fashions due to their poor treatment of customers. And if you want to pay for a butchered dress with a premium price tag, go to Marla's. read more