I’m updating this review for several reasons. Mainly, because I have received the final packages from Utsavsarees, and they haven’t been up to the standard that I expected.
So, I have had to downgrade my review of the store.
First, let me explain my "stars": I gave them one star on parking and store ambiance, since I shop online and simply don’t know.
I gave them 5 stars for store range because of their huge selection of salwar kameez, lengha choli, and sarees. I gave them three stars for value for money, basically because of the value of the fabric which would be at least$30 per yard USD to sew the same outfits which I have ordered from them. Caveat Emptor! Please read my experience below before you make up your mind.:-)
My online shopping experience with Utsavsarees has been a mixed bag at worst; a fabulous fashion experience at best. Their fashions are up to date and have beautiful fabrics that I have been unable to find, even in the wonderful South Asian communities of the Bay Area.
However, even giving them my exact measurements, garments have arrived late, with non-exact fit: a baggy choli(blouse?), a sari that was supposed to be pre-sewn to the petticoat(yes, I know that I’m a wimp and should learn to drape my own - and in fact have been forced to do so now!:-D)
The salwar kameez that I have ordered from Utsavsarees have been well-fitting and beautiful; however, VERY PRICY, which I did not realize until I went to Berkeley and shopped along University Avenue.
The same suits that cost$75 plus$28 shipping, were$25-35 USD in Berkeley! However, the suits from Utsavsarees were(at least supposedly) made to order. Perhaps that makes the difference.
I will give them kudos for the BEAUTIFUL fabrics, with a silky hand, which so far have been easily hand-washable and have garnered compliments in the street(from other ladies who want to know where I purchased them).
On balance, would I recommend shopping at Utsavsarees?
If you have a lot of money to spend, if you can bother them with a lot of e-mails and also if you have sewing skills and the patience of a saint with their mistakes - then yes. One of my kameez arrived with the lining: but not sewn to the kameez!
However, they seem to still be a young company working out the kinks and bends of Internet commerce. Their website promises 15 day delivery. I have been waiting for over 15 days for some of my items to be delivered.
I will say this though. They have an EXCELLENT shipping service, quick and reliable, with the packages traceable every step of the way.
I think though that if you live in India and have access to the beautiful fabrics - well, make up your own mind.
Bottom Line: I would tentatively recommend them to a US or UK friend who needed a beautiful fabric, trendy outfit not available in the region of the country where they live.
For a South Asian friend, I’m pretty sure you could do better shopping closer to home where your fingers are right on the pulse of trends and all the wonderful fabrics are easily available.
Hope this is helpful.
Bottom line as of 8/10/08: I would print the pictures of the items from this website and take them to an Indian tailor for a price quote before paying the prices that Utsavsarees charges. You might be getting a better deal, and the money would go directly into the pocket of the person making the outfit, instead of a middleman.