Carolinadressroom Reviews 

The dresses are lovely, when you get them.

But as others have found, its a very odd business model. Customer service is only accessed through facebook messenger, so if you dont have social media but have bought through the website, guess you're just out of luck if anything goes wrong?
I'd really recommend they set up a more professional model with at least an email box, or a phone number, to discuss missing orders.

(oh, and you can get banned from the facebook group by unpaid admin volunteers, which also makes it hard to communicate with the actual CDR staff)

Finally, I've had cases in the past where I've bought a dress full price, but they take so long to post, that theyre reduced in price and in the sale before my full priced one has even been posted. Leaves you feeling ripped off and wondering whats the point in rushing to buy, if youre going to be financially penalised for it.

I used to love this brand and it used to be my first choice for buying clothing, however since the brand has grown, it’s definitely not what it used to be.

I ordered a bunch of things in July, and two days later I had an email to say the order was dispatched and considering you have to pay for 48hr tracking I was expecting it in a few days after the email. Almost a week later, I still hadn’t received my order, so I messaged the page. I got a quick response however was told that the majority of the order wasn’t even in the warehouse… not very sure how it works being told its dispatch but it’s not even in the warehouse to dispatch..

The clothing is great when it does arrive, but I’m buying less and less because of the issues that keep happening.. I.e not enough stock arriving and orders being cancelled. I ordered a onesie a year or two ago and it was cancelled but then appeared on Miss Society right after?

Lovely quirky joggers & active leggings with pockets, the material is so soft & comfy. Aware others have had delivery issues but touch wood that's not something I've ever experienced & have always had queries on messenger answered quickly. Designs are very popular & sell out quickly and I'm not always able to get the ones I want but I always look forward to my orders.

When I first started buying from Carolina (& Miss Society Sleaford, their other site) I was really impressed by the dresses, the range of styles and patterns.
However, on closer inspection, the majority of the designs appear to be created by AI - this might not be noticeable to everyone but some of the prints have been shocking (characters with backwards heads/dodgy hands etc.). When it's not AI it often appears that it is artwork that they do not have permission to use (copyrighted/licenced franchises etc). Rather than churning out tons of designs each month I think it would be better to make a fewer items in higher quality prints.

The way they run the business is just odd, most of it being run through their Facebook group (not page - private group). They will announce a new drop, often of new styles, then sometimes these dress styles never surface, or they do but in different prints to what has been advertised. There are also unanswered comments on almost every post in the group from customers with complaints/issues that don't get addressed.

The website is a shambles & hard to navigate. It's not that difficult to create a streamlined website and it feels like the attitude towards the site is "it will do".

Honestly, I believe it would be better for the company and their customers if they had set dress styles (i.e. Peggy, Tea, Rizzo, Maxi, Pinafore, Ella etc.) and as a customer you can choose your size and then choose from a limited range of prints. By all means update the prints & keep things fresh, but the lack of continuity in the styles they release is bizarre. You will fall in love with a style and then no new dresses in that style are released for months.

The prices no longer reflect the quality of the products either, fair enough when these dresses were £20-£30, but when it's upwards of £45 for a dress it's just not realistic compared to the quality of the fabric and the quality of the prints.

About a week ago the reviews on here were a truer reflection of the business as it currently stands, however one of the business owners has run an incentive in the Facebook Group to get £50 for leaving reviews (not necessarily positive ones, but the way it was posted implied that was what they were looking for).

I have ordered 20+ times from this company, this is a genuine review of the first order I have ever had an issue with. I will give a break down of the process and then give a review of the products and customer service at the end.

Two dresses ordered on the website. Dispatched next day and arrived within the expected time frame. They were well packaged.
First dress was fine no issues.
Second dress had a small hole that was opening further in the seam under the bust.
I contacted customer service via the Facebook messenger (keep in mind there are a few Facebook groups and you must contact the proper page one).
I contacted on a Sunday and ‘bumped’ my message after 48 hours as had received no response (it instructs you to do this on the automated message).
I received a response shortly after (within a few hours). They confirmed they could supply a partial refund if I wanted to keep the dress or I could exchange it for a like for like replacement. I accepted the exchange after confirm I would receive a refund for return postage costs. They instructed me how to return it (via Royal Mail) and what to include in the package.
I returned it the next day and sent them the receipt the of the postage costs.
After a 5 days I sent another messaging asking about the refund for the postage costs now that they will of received the dress. They sent the refund instantly and confirmed that my replacement dress had been sent out in the same parcel as another order I had placed in the meantime.
The replacement dress arrived within a week of sending the item back from my side which I think is fast compared to most companies and the refund for postage was received within this time aswell.

Customer service 3/5: Having worked in customer service most of my working life I think the customer service was good but could improve. I did have to chase things twice but it was always polite and friendly and overall the outcome was great. The process is a little bit finicky with which Facebook page to message but luckily I was already aware of where to message to get a resolution.

The items 4/5: the prints are outstanding but keep in mind they are limited runs. A lot of customers seem to complain about items not being available in their size or restocked but this is a business model that works for the company and keeps their designs constantly fresh and changing and also stops the risk of being lumbered with unsold stock which has been the downfall of many similar businesses so please don’t condemn them for this and just know that there will be another design in the future you will want just as much. The fabric is soft and very stretchy so great for sensory issues. The seams are generally good although in some designs they have raw edges (where the seam is sewn but not folded under itself and the fabric is cut raw at the back of the seam which for the fabric is fine as it doesn’t fray) which isn’t usually an issue but sometimes they get cut a little too close to the seam stitch which I think is what causes the issues of them having seam holes as sometimes the stitching is caught when cutting and starts to unravel. Although for the amount of items I’ve bought the fact I’ve only had the one hole is really a good ratio.

As an overall experience I give it 4/5. People seem to get very passionate about their experiences (whether good or bad). Please remember there are real people and sometimes things will get forgotten or missed. I think the company is well meaning and genuinely wants to provide a good service and keep their customers happy which is more than can be said for most companies. The process of multiple Facebook pages and the website can be confusing but the company seems to be taking feedback on board and actively making changes.

The date of my review reflects when I initiated contact with their customer services and today (14th August) is the day I received my replacement dress)

I truly love this company because of the different styles & the fact that they cater for larger sizes, but as the sizes are small, 1, 2 & 3 you don’t need to admit what size you are ie 18 etc. The fabric is so soft. Downside sometimes the fabric can be a bit thick so if it’s a hot day I personally cannot wear the dresses as I feel a bit uncomfortable. Other reviews have mentioned the Facebook offers which can be a bit inconsistent at times, one day it’ll be offer code X to get “buy 2 get 3rd 1/2 price” then it’ll be Y the next day which will be a better offer, so you feel a bit disappointed you missed the better offer. Although the designs are limited which I quite like, there is an option on the Facebook page for those who missed the design to request an ISO (in search of) so if anyone is selling their dresses/leggings you could get the design that way! Ok it is annoying when you miss them on first release, but “snooze you loose”. The limited stock makes it more special when you get them. All in all, I’m very happy with this company & I couldn’t imagine life without this company, but some areas of Customer Service could be looked into a little bit.

I can honestly say that with only 2 hiccups with some orders, on thd whole, my experience with CDR has been positive. I am disappointed to see nasty reviews from people and calling honest reviews 'fake'.....the owner didn't offer 'cash for reviews' as people are suggesting especially one person who left a review using a female name and is a bloke, he was removed from the facebook group, hence his scathing review.......she just asked people for honest reviews regardless of content and they would go into a draw....even the negative reviewers.... although that's not being mentioned! This is a company run by the owner with a few employees....I hope the people moaning about getting more staff, realise that will push the prices up....something else for them to moan about!
I shall still continue to buy and wear, my favourite brand and I was not paid for my review! 😊

Writing this as a forewarning to potential buyers.

Firstly, the owner is constantly in the private Facebook group asking people to leave feedback, due to the bad reviews on here. People are even being bribed by a £50 incentive to leave reviews and a winner will be picked.

Why a business runs from a private Facebook group is always a red flag. If you dare question anything in the group you are removed/banned. That is not professional.

They are bad for a reason. And that reason is the customer service. If you have no issue with your purchase, then you would never know. But if you want a refund etc, then that's where the issues lie. You are ignored for months on end, then when you raise a claim with your bank all of a sudden they refund you.

Website is very dated and clunky. Need updating.

I would like to point out that over the years I have ordered many dresses and own over 20 from this company. However, the utterly disgusting lack of customer service, poor communication and cliquey Facebook group was enough to make me never buy from them again.

Beware!

I have purchased form CDR many, many times and absolutely love their clothing. My wardrobe is nothing else. Their clothes are beautiful and super super comfy. I feel like a whole new woman since wearing their dresses. I can understand others frustration as designs go out of stock quickly and communication can be a bit stringy at times, but I don't feel it's bad enough to warrant such low reviews. I have only had an issue once with a parcel, and I got a quicky reply and it was with me within a week.

Ordered a boyof maxi dress and absolutely lovely. These designs are just incredible: doctor who and labyrinth!! Going to order more. Delivered swiftly with no issues whatsoever.

Yet another delivery turned up on time and as ordered.
This was a pre order of Rizzos . Just as all the others they are well made and properly packaged. Just been notified that my sake ones are on way and my maxis ( pre order) should be on way soon.
Keep it up ❤️

Another beautiful dress and another fantastic sale price! Came within a week with no hassle. Thank you CDR!

Absolutely love the CDR range, in particular the new rizzo style dresses. I only found CDR about 2yrs ago and really wished I had found them sooner. The material is so soft againgst the skin and very cool to wear. Love the fact the dresses have pockets in them as well. Only every had 2 minor order issues, both times customer services were fab and resolved the issues within 48hrs. Fab company. Can honestly say that I wouldnt shop anywhere else for my clothes now.

Honest review from long time buyer:

My first dress from CDR was about 6 years ago. It was more than I would usually spend on a dress but I fell in love with the pattern and style. I go to Disneyland Paris a lot and always get compliments on my dresses from here, they're so comfortable and easy to wear, and they have pockets!

The good:

As mentioned, so comfortable, easy to wear, non-crease, pockets (!!).
Beautiful patterns.
Unlike some brands I haven't noticed a drop in quality at all over the course of my purchases, the fabric is still soft and comfy and just heavy enough to flow beautifully.

The middle:
Pre-orders just don't seem to work. The idea is sound, but putting the size you were hoping to buy on a Facebook post isn't a sure enough way to ensure everyone will get the dress they think they've pre-ordered.
Customer service has slipped over the years. Can't truthfully say I've had any major problems recently (I'll come to that in a minute) but I did have to chase a little to solve any issues I did have and from what I see online it's only gotten worse.

The bad:
Honestly very little actually *bad*.
Some comments and posts on the facebook page are off-putting, truthfully, and I think it's only because I'm a repeat buyer that it doesn't put me off. I know it's only people sharing their experiences which is important but if you were a first time buyer I'm not sure if I'd take the plunge.

I now buy most of my dresses second hand, either through the Facebook page where other buyers sell on or through sales sites like vinted or eBay.

Honestly I truly think with maybe a couple more employees and little bit of work the company could go back to where it was when I was first a customer.

Lovely selection of dresses, great designs and the quality is good. It's nice how confident the clothes make you feel.

Punched a star wars dress in the sale. Easily purchased, arrived quickly and great value for money, the dress is great quality. Very happy.

Ordered arrived quickly and items were perfect

Absolutely love love love these dresses. Great material. Great prints. Great fit. Always get amazing compliments when wearing them.
So glad I found this company. My bank is not so pleased !
Sarah Sharpe x

I have never known a business run like it. No continuity, promises of stock that never gets listed. Offers that change hourly so you never know where you stand. Orders half missing, no explanation and endless badgering for a refund. Constant complaints on their page and nothing changes. Management and admins aren’t up to the job and don’t seem to order enough stock - even if you preorder they don’t fulfill it all the time. The clothes are wonderful but the way the business is run is just too much to deal with. Shopping for clothes should be a fun thing to do, not a constant stress.
They break consumer law by refusing to refund postage on returns, they offer cash incentives for ‘honest reviews’ hence the massive uptake in 4 and 5 star reviews last week. Just about done with them until they learn how to treat customers and runs business less like a scrimmage.

I enquired about a product and was met by a very rude comment. Including, "You should know better" customer service is honestly just rude and unprofessional.

I've bought from the past will not be returning. Will be going elsewhere for professional staff and items.