Etsy heart my closet, experiences?

bran888

I just discovered the Etsy site through this forum...has anyone had something custom made here?

I love this dress:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75.....pired-from

and am surprised that it only costs $88 to have it custom made? It seems that a dress like that would cost at least that much off the rack.

14 years ago

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from DemarisJewelry

Nakidra

Veteran

looks promising! that dress is amazing!!

14 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

It does look very nice. Always ask to see photos without anything blocking part of
the garment before you order, though, including the model's arms. A lot of fitting
sins can be hidden that way.

14 years ago

rosee

Veteran

I know absolutely nothing but now I am very curious! Thanks for introducing this seller -- I have 2 dresses I really like too. Please tell about your experience if you decide to go with it.

"heartmycloset's Feedback

Positive: 797
Neutral: 9
Negative: 1"

Scroll down to read the neutral and negative comments to see what the issues were and to address them before you place your order. She is ranked at 100% positive overall.

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

the 2 substantive neutrals: 1 was due to sleeve not fitting as expected, second was due to getting the wrong dress twice before the problem was corrected.

the rest of the nuetrals and negative are due to the source of the dresses. they were expecting an american seamstress, but in fact the dresses are made in vietnam.

i'm tempted to order the victoria beckham dress to try them out.

14 years ago

Fruitful

Veteran

That dress is gorgeous!

I do hate when Etsy sellers do pose-y photos that impede a clear view of the garment.

I had some stuff custom-made via an Etsy seller and while I can't fault them, I was a bit unhappy with how the garments turned out. It made me realise that despite my figure concerns I actually have a relatively average body, and it's probably easier for me to buy off-the-rack than get stuff made and have it not meet my expectations (a dress that I thought would be red was raspberry; there were seams on a skirt in places I couldn't see in the photos; etc). I do think if you find it hard to wear off-the-rack clothes, bespoke clothing is a great idea.

14 years ago

Fruitful

Veteran

Also remember lack of bad feedback doesn't mean everyone is happy. My seller was so nice I wouldn't dream of leaving bad feedback and I saw they left retaliatory feedback to the rare person who criticised them.

If you want to be thorough, see if you can order fabric swatches first.

14 years ago

bran888

Active Member

Thanks Fruitful, those are good points. I can wear off the rack reasonably well, though I'm very petite and often have to get stuff hemmed. I'm also a little peary, so sometimes the waist is too big/hips too small.

I think I was moreso excited about getting the color and design combo I want for a reasonable price than the fit, but you're right that the color is not exactly what you see on your computer screen and some things about the style are difficult to see. I see all online purchasing that way, although I would imagine that you can't just return a custom made dress!

@ bj and rosee, thanks for looking into the reviews!

I think I'm going to try ordering one dress to see if I like it...now I just have to decide which one

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

bran let me know how it works out...i may order one myself just to suss it out.

14 years ago

bran888

Active Member

will do and same goes for you

14 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I got a little summer suit from someone else on etsy. It's worked out well, but I did convo with her about fit.

That's a really cute dress. But very fitted. I'd be tempted to ask the seller is she could make it on the bigger side, so you have room to have it altered. Definitely discuss your shape with her.

14 years ago

Lepoupou

Member

Since the past year I bought several dresses on Heart my Closet (or Ebay, which is where I discovered the boutique under oriental treasures). I have 10 dresses and three suits, all made to measure. With my choices of fabric and specifications. I'm in love! Everything is done in a very professional way. From order to delivery it's 3 weeks (I live in Canada). I wouldn't buy in stores anymore. I have a very curvy body and am a fan of the 50s' style, which suits my figure. You can buy without a worry. It's the best online shopping experience you will ever have.

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

rachylou, who did you use?

14 years ago

bran888

Active Member

@ Lepoupou, so do you get to choose a type of fabric (not just color)? I also really like the 50's style, so cute and good for curvy figures

14 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

bj1111 - mae henry on etsy used to make clothes. But she hasn't done so in a long time. She opened a brick & mortar shop, I do believe.

14 years ago

mamaKate

Veteran

A price like this is an indication that the item is made in a country where labor is inexpensive. But this does not necessarily mean that the labor is poor-quality. Bear in mind that a typical dress, say, made in China that retails for $325, has anywhere from a 100% to 200% markup. That means that the wholesaler sold it to the retailer for between $110 and $220. Because the wholesaler needs a markup as well, this means that the neighborhood of $40 to $80 is not inconceivable for the cost of labor plus fabric. So an Etsy price of $88 for fabric and labor, where the middlemen are cut out, sounds pretty fair - both to the seamstress and to us - and so I would not necessarily suspect it to be poor quality. Good luck and post pics if/when you go ahead with it!

14 years ago

Fruitful

Veteran

Bran, I'm excited for you! Can't wait to see the result.

LePoupou's experience sounds reassuring (although they appear to have joined just to make this post - correct me if I'm wrong)

14 years ago

balefulregards

Member

Late to this conversation - But I have some of Cynthia's dresses and not only the workmanship - but her service with you is fabulous.

I thought it might be too good to be true too - so I ordered One....and was so pleased that I ordered 10 more.

She does an excellent job of explaining how to get your measurements ( If I can follow these instructions, anyone can!) and working with you to find the right colours. After the first dress, she sent me swatches of all her fabrics, so I could see/feel.

She is also cautious - insomuch that we are doing One of the pencil dresses for me so we can make sure it fits well over the hips before she makes the next one.

And for what it is worth, I am a size 12 - with very large breasts. I've never had a dress fit me the way her dresses do - Not only do I feel fabulous, but the difference in How they Fit? Mind blowing.

She also has a newer "mad men" inspired line, which is a bit more expensive - but still amazing and well worth it for a dress I hope to have for a very long time.

13 years ago

DemarisJewelry

Member

New here. Just received my first dress from her. I cannot say enough great things about Cynthia. We had 26, count 'em, 26 emails before she started my order. I have a hard to fit body. 5'8", over 6' in heels. Very, very short waisted, long legs. I usually have to buy fitted dresses in the petite dept. You should see the looks I get with everyone a foot shorter than me, LOL. And I hate shopping, because most dresses don't fit, they bunch up at my waist. She was so careful and took such specific measurements and double checked them so that this dress fits like a glove. Also, she made me a dress from a picture, it wasn't even one of hers. I had bought a vintage late 50's, early 60's dress from an Etsy seller who then sold it out from under me. Needless to say, I was not thrilled. But to tell you the truth, I'm glad I had Heart my Closet make it. The fit and workmanship were great, they even lined it beautifully for only $8.00. Amazing. I know people complain that they are made in Vietnam, but really, isn't everything made there or in China? If it was U.S. made, It would be 2-3 times as expensive. If you're buying a dress from a store here that's made in China, then what's the difference besides her beautiful workmanship? I know this is where I will be getting my dresses from in the future, send her a pic, get it in three weeks. I'm sold. Wish I could post a pic.

13 years ago

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