u/Grand_Masterpiece173

Something charming, atmospheric, slightly magical or eccentric -quirky characters, cozy settings, witty writing, maybe even a little surreal. Not too heavy emotionally, just beautifully immersive and comforting.

Books I’ve liked with a similar vibe:

• The House in the Cerulean Sea
• Howl’s Moving Castle
• Anne of Green Gables
• The Night Circus (for the atmosphere)

Would love recommendations for books that feel whimsical, dreamy, funny, or quietly magical!

Okay I know we've all been having this conversation for almost two years now and every "eShakti alternative" thread ends in disappointment. I'm cautiously optimistic about something and wanted to share before I forgot.

Background: I'm a size 22, 5'2", short torso, long legs, the eShakti custom measurement form was literally the only way I ever got dresses that didn't pull weird across my chest or pool at my ankles. When they closed I cried (not exaggerating, my closet was 70% eShakti).

What I've tried since:

• Karina Dresses — cute, no custom sizing, fit is hit or miss for plus
• Svaha — love the prints, sizing inconsistent
• Custom Etsy sellers — 3 out of 4 were disasters, one was good but took 11 weeks
• Old Navy / Torrid — fine for basics, not for the occasion dresses eShakti did
• Boden — expensive and not custom

A few months back I got a midi from a brand called Talethread. Found them through an Instagram ad targeting eShakti customers (the founder literally said in the video "we built this for eShakti customers" so I rolled my eyes but clicked anyway).

The good:

• They take full measurements like eShakti did (bust, waist, hips, height, sleeve, hem length)
• 2 weeks door to door, I'm in Ohio
• The fabric and fit is accurate to the last cm
• It has pockets (non-negotiable for me)
• $89 for the dress I got, paid 12$ in shipping. For my next order I got 4 dresses and then shipping was free
• The waist hit at my actual waist which NEVER happens with off-the-rack

The honest caveats:

• Smaller selection than eShakti had -they're newer
• It's not the same exact aesthetic, they lean more "Timeless and flowy" than eShakti's preppy-with-pockets vibe
• One dress isn't a full review, ask me again in 6 months

Not affiliated, not getting anything for posting. Just know how desperate this community has been for an actual solution. If anyone has tried other replacements that worked, please share - I want to build a master list. Now looking for some occassionwear too!