ecstaticI have seen a few reviews for English Charm as a source for petticoats and the occasional small item, but not for larger items. So, after weighting the risks with the benefits of English Charm's reputation for quality, I decided to take the plunge, and put in a rather large order. Following is the review of my experience with English Charm.
1. Shipping - 5 / 5
(Crown blocks out my address)
My items were shipped in a large Post Office Flat Rate Shipping box. She shipped it using Priority Mail so that it would get to me in the shortest amount of time as possible. The box arrived in near pristine condition. I'm very pleased by this--especially that she used a BOX instead of a plastic bag.... Because I've had a horrible time lately with my items coming in damaged condition because they were in flimsy packaging!!!!
And, of course, the item arrived with Jacqueline's trademark hand-written note! I love the little details she put into just packing this. The little hearts closing the tissue paper packages were adorable, as well!
2. Communication - 5+ / 5
Jacqueline went ABOVE AND BEYOND what was expected in the communication department. She let me know when there were ANY issues with the time allotment for making my order, and helped talk me through the ordering process. I ordered this dress custom; I originally asked for a black and white version of her "Rose Trellis" design, but she informed me that black and white could possibly bleed together and ruin the quality of the item. I opted for an all-black version, as a result of her thoughtfulness. She could have chosen to simply let me order whatever--and let me deal with the issues that would surface when I washed it; but she didn't. If that isn't good customer service, I don't know what is!
3. Item Quality - 5 / 5
My items are GORGEOUS. I ordered quite a bit from English Charm, so I'm going to go through them bit by bit.
And let's begin with the small items, shall we? I ordered a headbow as a part of my order. It was well-made, and I love that it's adjustable-- I can wear it center or off-center, depending on my preferences. She also included a corsage for the dress (top right), which is adorable! The bow on the bottom right was a free addition. I can change up the look of the JSK I ordered as I like now! Super courteous. =3
The blouse I ordered was folded up expertly inside the bag. I cannot even BEGIN to rant about how nice the fabric she made it from is!!! Very high quality, and obviously made with love.
Maybe it's just me, but I love their tag design.... I suppose I just love Coats of Arms, and incorporating it into a brand logo is something I would find awesome. Jacqueline even had a care tag--which, I have to admit, greatly surprised me!
The front of the blouse. The buttons are shaped like little flowers, but it's subtle enough to where it can work with other motifs in an outfit. After some of my previous purchases in the blouse department, I was very pleased with this. The buttons are sewn on very sturdily, and the button holes are finished very well. All the seams are also serged!
The back! The ribbon may be a tad too thin for my taste, but that's easily remedied. I'm a sucker for corset backing, so this was a lovely addition for me.
And now for the main reason I ordered! The JSK. It was folded up very nicely, and was the last item I removed from the box.
The neckline of the bodice was finished with a lovely rose-design lace that I absolutely adore! Like corsets, I'm a sucker for roses, so this made me one happy frill-girl.
The gathering along the hem also had a lace detail; it reminded me something of spiderwebs, actually, for some reason. Either way, it's a nice design addition that adds a little extra umph to the hemline.
The bodice of the dress. I tried to fit the skirt into the picture, as well, but as you can see, it doesn't really fit on my desk!
And even when it was only the skirt part of the JSK on my desk... I couldn't fit it all into the shot without standing too far away from my desk.
The back. More corset work!!!!!! =D Again, the ribbon might be a tad too thin for my taste, but I have tons of extra ribbon lying around that now has a use, perhaps.
And return of the cute tags! An invisible zipper runs up the side of the JSK, making it very easy to get in and out of. Awesome! The zipper was installed very well, and is--as it should be--invisible when zipped up!!!
As you can see, the entire dress is fully lined. However, the bottom is left open. Personally, I like this very much! If, God forbid, there was too much stress along a seam and it came undone, it's easily remedied without having to tear the entire dress apart. Again, all seams are serged!!!
4. Tailoring - 5 / 5
Though not particularly related to "Tailoring", I'm going to put some worn pictures of the headbow in this section, as well, because it has to do with how things fit. I apologize for my lack of hair styling. I'm not going anywhere today, so... No need to dress up, I guess! haha....
Worn center....
And slightly off-center. It can be positioned wherever on the headband. Which, actually was pretty comfortable. I've heard otherwise, but I think either my head is weird or she's switched brands for base headbands. (God looking at these pictures I realize I need a haircut really badly lol!)
The blouse, worn with a skirt I've made....
Another angle of the blouse. I love how loose and poofy the sleeves are! One thing I noticed is how well the cuffs fit. I have rather small wrists... I don't know if this is huge, but for lolis who want to order from her but have larger-to-average-size-wrists, it might be worth noting. It fits me like a glove, though, so I'm fine with them!!!!
And a full-body view of the JSK and blouse together!!! Not wearing the headbow in this picture.... Also in the picture are my Sock Dreams "Fairytale" socks from Leg Avenue, and my Bodyline shoes (192). Underneath the JSK is my Malco Modes 582.
And a close up of the bodice. The problem with picturing myself is that I get horrible/weird angles.... the JSK is actually VERY flattering.
5. Overall Experience
English Charm has gained a loyal customer. Jacqueline's customer service was amazing, and she was very patient and informative. Her items are crafted with skill and love, and most importantly... I LOVE MY ITEMS!!!! I will definitely order from EC again. I already plan to order a few more shirts before I go to Italy. =3 Thank you, Jacqueline!!!!