Saris and Things — Local services in Plainfield

I got overly ambitious and decided to wear a sari to a Diwali event. I wore a Kurti pant suit last year but decided to brave it and get a sari this year. I searched online for shops that sell read- to-wear, pre-stitched saris and came across Saris and Things. I placed an order for a lovely navy and gold sari. The next morning, I got an email, text and phone messages, and a (missed) phone call from Ayesha at Saris and Things notifying me that my selection had already been rented out. I called her back and she apologized profusely, and sent me photos of a few other options. I settled on another beautiful navy blue and gold sari that she picked. The sari shipped out by UPS Two-Day shipping that afternoon. This was a Tuesday and my event was on Sunday afternoon.

The sari arrived on Friday. Because I had shopped around for ready to wear pre-stitched type saris, it got in my head that the sari I ordered would be similar. I was mortified when I unboxed the sari and found yards upon yards of fabric and only pre-pleated folds on the skirt portion! I was almost in tears. I’d never worn a sari before and didn’t know how I was going to wear this. I started to text Ayesha to see if I could return the sari. I figured I could skip the event this year since I didn’t have anything to wear. I stopped short of the second sentence of my message to Ayesha, took deep breaths, put on my big girl pants, and decided to search YouTube for videos on how to wrap/drape a sari. I watched hundreds of videos! I saved two that looked quick and easy. I texted Ayesha the next day (Saturday) and she reassured me that everything would be all right. She sent me a couple of videos similar to the ones I already had and told me I could do this. How amazing is she???!!!

I woke up at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday to make sure I had plenty of time to get dressed. Showered, put on my face, got my iPad, and watched the video on replay while draping the sari. I prayed under my breath and kept telling myself “You got this!” Well, I got flustered and I didn’t got this. I decided to wing it because the clock was ticking and I needed to leave. The event was at noon and it would take me 45 minutes to get there. I hoped there would be someone at the event who would be able to help me adjust the skirt and the pallu.

Someone was looking out for me because there was a lovely Indian lady at the registration desk who complimented me and also praised me for wearing a sari. I told her that I had draped it all wrong and she offered to help me adjust it. We went to the restroom and in about five minutes, she transformed me from a sack of potatoes to the belle of the ball!

The first photo was taken at home just before I left. I couldn’t figure out how to align the border for the pallu (the part that goes over the shoulder) and I couldn’t get the pleats positioned correctly on the skirt. The second photo is with my fairy godsister, who helped me adjust my sari. The third photo is with friends who dressed in traditional Indian clothing.

I’m extremely impressed with the quality and selection of clothing at Saris and Things. I love that they send you two different cholis to wear with the sari. The level of customer service that I received from Ayesha was above and beyond anything I expected. She’s just a lovely, lovely person inside and out, and ever so compassionate. We even exchanged photos while texting and she looks like a Bollywood star! I’m absolutely delighted that she’s someone who I can now...

I rarely write reviews — something about a product really has to inspire me to write a review — good or bad!

First, let me say how impressed I was with your customer service.

I was invited to an Indian wedding and it occurred to me that I may be able to rent something to wear that was in line with what most of the invitees were going to wear. Unfortunately, it occurred to me 4 days before the wedding (not too much lead time there!). I searched the web and decided to call Saris and Things based on the variety of items available to rent and the customer reviews. The woman I spoke with initially asked if she could return my call as she was with clients. I said, “of course” and figured I’d never hear from her again. However, she returned my call within 20 minutes, apologized for the delay. I was so surprised that she would apologize when I was the one that was interrupting her! I explained that I the event I was attending was only 4 days away and was concerned that it was too late to arrange a rental. She assured me, very politely, that it wouldn’t be a problem getting the rental to me in time and that they had a most items in stock.

She was very helpful when advising me what item to rent based on the event (a wedding), the time frame and activities involved (afternoon wedding with cocktail party / dinner / dancing extending into the late evening), and my experience wearing Indian attire (I had no experience at all). She also offered (with absolutely no sales pressure) to rent the jewelry that would compliment the sari I chose. Her patience and knowledge were invaluable in helping me select the sari. She also advised sizing options for the extra blouse that was provided. I ordered a pre-pleasted sari and it was so easy to put on and wear. (I must admit, I did watch a YouTube video to help me figure out proper dressing!)

Second, let me compliment you on the quality of the product. Two days after talking with your representative on the phone, I received the sari and jewelry and, wow, it was beautiful. I was blown away by the quality of the sari and the matching jewelry. It was even better than I expected and packaged very nicely. And I was glad for the advice on the blouse sizing as I did have to use the extra blouse (the original blouse that was included was too large for me). The color was fairly true to the image on your website — it was a slightly more intense pink than pictured, but beautiful. I received so many compliments from my Indian friends (and also several guests that I did not know). They were impressed that I was able to rent something and very, very surprised at the quality and beauty of the sari. And, they were impressed that I was able to wear it properly — something I don’t think I would have been able to do without the pre-pleating.

The return process was painless. I am very, very impressed with your company and wish I had another event to attend so I could try another one of your lovely products! Thank you again for all of your...

Hugely disappointing experience. Am married to an Indian man for 23 years and have worn/have many beautiful Indian outfits. But I was looking for something special for my niece's wedding in Feb. Fell in love with an Anarkali gown -Regal Crimson and Gold on website and was ready to purchase. Felt like I received really bad communication/ poor customer service regarding the item. When I first tried to order, Shital said that she had to check with India to make sure that it could be obtained. Several times, she promised to call me back which never happened. Several e -m ails and 5- 6 calls later, when I called her again and again, she abruptly told me that she couldn't get it and that were there were many other beautiful outfits on the site. The gown is still listed for sale on the website but not available for sale to me, apparently. There's quite a lack of trust to buy anything else from this company now though I wish I could feel otherwise. Would have even paid more for the dress as it was so beautiful. Wish I could find it somewhere else. I was really in love with it and now I have to go on a long search to many Indian clothing stores throughout southern California. At least hope that the gown is taken off the site because it's not fair nor reputable to still list it for...