THE CITIZEN INDEX

Monday, May 28, 2012

Product Review: United Styles

When I was asked to review unitedstyles, I jumped at the chance. It's an interesting concept in where you can choose a design and customize it to your specifications. The website is user friendly, fairly easy to understand and navigate.  you're encourage to post inspirations and to have at it in designing the perfect garment for you. In fact, they are so dedicated to a bespoked experience, unitedstyles guarantees a perfect fit.


After you design your desired garment and order it online, you'll receive a sample of the garment in the mail approximately 3 weeks after you order it. It is a simple black jersey knit version, and when you try it on, you make a note of adjustments needed, if any. You then send back the specs for the needed modifications (you keep the sample dress) and they will make the final garment according to your instructions. In fact, they are so committed to that perfect fit, in case the garment still doesn't fit, they will reimburse you for taking the dress in and having it altered by a professional tailor. Sounds good?

There's plenty of dresses in the gallery to give you an idea of what's possible. And when you are ready, just click the design now link and you're good to go. At the time of this post, there are 10 basic styles for you to design from. To give you a feeling of international fashion flair, the templates of the designs are named after a fashionable city, such as the Tokyo, the Malibu, or the Amsterdam. I chose a charming design aptly named Paris.

From there, I had to options to customize: the trim, and sleeve. I went for a gathered 3/4 sleeve, and no trim. Then comes the fabric choices, mainly there are 2 selections: solid colors and prints. You can even mix up the two a bit, which I chose to do, giving a cardinal red trim to my black/white bird print dress.


In no time at all, I received the sample dress- basically an awesome LBD. The material had a good feel, a thick knit that hangs beautifully. I was surprised to see the hem as high as it was, but liked the way the dress fit, so I gave my approval, and within two weeks, I got my custom print dress.

The print looked a bit faded. Instead of being BLACK fabric with white birds on it, it appears to be white fabric with the color printed on it. So it's sort of an ashen grey, not black and white. I remember reading this feedback in Sally's review of her unitedstyles dress- and while the solid colors are saturated and rich looking, I would probably avoid ordering another printed garment. Which is a pity as the prints are really great, and I love how you can customize the prints. 


The dress is pretty cool all and all, however. I found it cute and comfy. There's a little too much "cleavage" in the first loop- I'd probably ask them to make that keyhole smaller if I were to do it again, but I love the dress, and wear it quite frequently. However, since the fabric is a bit faded looking even before a first wash, I don't know how I'd feel if I would have paid the $119 dollars (plus $20 shipping) for a dress I basically look super cute running errands in. For me, a dress over $100 is usually one that I can "dress up" in and should be comfortable in a more formal setting than coffee shops and farmer's market. That said, I would and will probably order another item from unitedstyles, and I would recommend you to try the experience. My only suggestion is that you stick to the solids if you want a garment that doesn't look faded from the get-go. 

The folks at unitedstyles has offered 3 readers a 30% discount if you order by May 31st. 
So I'm going to throw the codes out there, and it is open on a first come, first serve basis. Who ever uses the codes first, gets the discount.
Here are the codes for a 30% off discount. They expire May 31st.
  • rosebudjycs30
  • rosebudjvbw30
  • rosebudbgxl30



unitedstyles - design your own fashion



24 comments:

Sara Kristiina said...

What a beautiful dress, that print is adorable ! Great!! <3

Anupriya DG said...

But that's such a cute dress!!! Love the bird print & those red trims..... :)

Although $119 is a bit steep for this, as you say...

Melanie said...

I like your honest appraisal of this dress/company. If I had not known the fabric was faded I would have assumed that this was the original look of it. Your choices of fabric and style are great, but my favourite shot is you with the coat on top. The red sunglasses with the red hemline - perfect combo.

Penny Dreadful Vintage said...

Wow, you are looking amazing in that outfit Bella! Love you hair x

Penny Dreadful Vintage

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Ooooooh delish indeed Bella!!!! I love the fit and neckline detail plus your choice of fabrics is perfect:)). It's a shame the quality of the birdy fabric wasn't quite up to scratch but honestly I didn't notice - jacket and sunnies and you, gorgeous!!! Xxx

squidword said...

gorgeous printed dress!! love your hair and the red sunglasses!!
mychoicesaremystyle.blogspot.com

Patti said...

You look fab - I love your dress and the concept - I've been over there playing for a while : > The prices are a bit high, but it would be fun to try.

Marie said...

Amazing! You picked a gorgeous fabric and style. I'd gladly buy that little number.
Marie @
Lemondrop ViNtAge

Please may I? said...

Loving the dress.

X x

Unknown said...

You pick a great look, Bella!
I can't see paying that much for a dress,though. I'd die ;)
(even at 30% off)
I like your honesty. That why I love you so much!
Big hugs
Reva

Curtise said...

The dress looks great, you made some very stylish choices with the print/red contrast, shame about the quality of the colour (though you can't tell in the pics.) You look stunning in the dress, and your review is a clear and reasonable appraisal, but it would be too pricey a frock for me, I'm afraid! Lovely on you though! xxxx

Unknown said...

Wow what a great concept! I love the print and cut of your dress. It's so you!

Stacey said...

This sounds like a really interesting way to shop! The final product looks gorgeous, and it does fit you very well. It's a shame about the faded colour though - I love the print & the red contrast!

Stacey said...

This sounds like a really interesting way to shop! The final product looks gorgeous, and it does fit you very well. It's a shame about the faded colour though - I love the print & the red contrast!

Anonymous said...

What an interesting concept--I love the teardrops along the neckline.

doradadama said...

Ypu look most adorable in this frock.
Love your choice of style, added red trim and neckline.
I agree dont like to spend too much money on a dress in less it is for fancy night wear even then I like to save mula.
You got some great sexy legs amor.
Too bad about the color of the dress fading.
I am eyeing your vintage little jacket.
Besitos

Hang T. Tran said...

It's a great experience to get to design your own dress and have it made in a labour-expensive country like the USA. Next time you come to BKK, bring your sketch and we'll have it made together.
I love your review Bella. It's one of the most honest and constructive reviews I ever read.

Cheers
Hang

Unknown said...

I didnt know about this brand!! Will check it out now..
Your dress is just perfect, specially the detail around the neck <3

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I knew I was going to like this dress when I saw the cutout detail on the top and the bird print. So pretty on you, luv!

Miss Simmonds Says said...

oh do cute, probably too expensive for me but such a great idea! your hair and sunglasses are super cute in these photos!

FASHION TALES said...

Oh how brilliant! I want to check out this site. I love the silhouette and print, especially with the multiple keyholes. I love that first shot of you! -xo Hope your week is filled with sunshine!

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

OMG... I love the dress you designed! Too cute. And your hair looks amazing :)

The Foolish Aesthete said...

Great concept for a custom dress, and your design is so feminine. Perhaps due to the faded quality, it actually has a vintage look to it. Most importantly, you look adorable in it! -- J xx

Monsterchen said...

wow this is really cool that you can design your very own garment! k viva la creatividad;) and i love the print, neckline and red contrasting of the dress, how darling it looks on you and how cute are this heart shaped sunnies!
love and kiss,mary
http://maryloucinnamon.blogspot.com