Whooooo boy, this has taken me forever to get up. My apologies!

I'm here today with another review of eShakti. I am so happy to have eShakti's support, and honestly love their vintage-inspired styles. For those who don't know, eShakti is a online company that offers customized clothing, as well as "off the rack" (so to speak) styles, many of them vintage inspired. The clothing is made in India.

They've asked me to review their new fall line. It took me a very long time to even figure out what to select to review, as there was so much I loved! A few of my favourites:


But, in the end, I went with the Ruched puff sleeve crepe dress. My biggest concern when ordering this dress was that it would be a little low cut. I have v-neck top from eShakti and it cuts pretty low. My worst fears were confirmed when I put the dress on for the first time, without a camisole underneath.



Even after I put a white camisole underneath (oh, how I wish I had a matching olive or navy one) it looked a little strange. I honestly don't know why eShakti cuts these so low! I guess I will only be going with boat neck styles from now on. I think I will sewing a little built-in cami in this one. I can't even install a snap, because then it pulls all funny in the bust.

Now for some real outfit photos:

Dress: c/o eShakti Earrings: vintage Locket: gift from Miss Bee shoes: thrifted bag: vintage (bought from Miss Bee) hat: vintage (gift from Miss Bee)

For this dress, I understated my height and asked for a below the knee style when ordering, so it actually hit a few inches below my knee instead of just skimming the bottom of my kneecaps.

The crepe is lovely and flowy, and was actually quite warm. I added in my custom measurements, and the fit was very good! The material washes nicely, and irons up quickly.


I just love the sleeves! It's certainly my favourite feature. Many of eShakti's previous styles have been very geared towards the fifties and sixties, so it's nice to find some that work for us forties loving gals as well.


This is also my first chance to show off this beautiful locket! Miss Bee gave it too me as (totally unnecessary!) gift for helping out with some wedding stuff. I just love it!


I was very excited to solve two style conundrums that day: how to wear this hat (it's slightly too big for my head) and how to jazz up my lazy hair style of victory rolls and a back roll. problem solved!


So, onto the part you've all been waiting for - the giveaway!

eShakti is offering THREE gift cards, worth $30 each, to the winners of my giveaway. Sadly, this giveaway is only open to customers in the US and Canada. Also, I apologize for the awkward "Leave a comment linking to Pinterest" option. Rafflecopter only offers Pinterest entries if you upgrade.

For the mandatory entry, you MUST link to an item in eShakti's fall collection, or you won't be qualified. If you forget, simply leave another comment (however, only one comment will count).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Need a little spring in your step? From now until March 10, eShakti is offering Retro Reporter readers 20% off with the coupon code LRECLLSEN.


Conditions: Code has to be entered in the 'Promotional Code' box. No Minimum Order Value. The discount code is not case sensitive. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This code can be clubbed with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. Not applicable on previous purchases.

I was asked to pick three dresses (as if I could pick just three) to send my measurements for; one would be selected at random, custom-made and sent to me.


I opened up the package yesterday to find the middle dress, Graphic mixed media dress ($80), waiting for me inside.


First things first - this is definitely a spring dress. It's very lightweight and flowy, but despite the less-than-spring temperatures in Edmonton, I wore it to work and a Twitter meet up today anyway. I can't wait to wear it in the hot summer months, especially in August for Bailey's Vegas wedding. I tried to pick dresses that can be both work and weekend appropriate, and I think this fits the bill just fine. And it's comfortable to boot, thanks to the elastic waistband in the back.


One of the first things I noticed about the dress is how tiny my waist looks! Definitely a vintage-look must (and I didn't need to give up any chocolates to achieve it).


Another thing I love about eShakti is that all their dresses come with pockets! As someone who often has to lug a lot of stuff around for work but hates hauling a bag everywhere, this is very convenient. eShakti also allows you to remove the pockets free of charge.

The dress had a lot of static today (which may be because of shipping) and was crawling up my leg, but hopefully that will be resolved with a wash or some StaticGuard. One thing I was worried about was wrinkling - it's still fine after sitting at my desk all day - and sheerness - my skivvies are still a mystery - but so far, so good.

One thing that I also looked for were straight and finished seams (again, good) and pattern matching. Just look at how well these stripes line up!


The dress is a little low cut (as I find all my eShakti dresses and tops are - but perhaps I'm a prude!), but could possibly be worn with a cami underneath. I found once I put my necklace on it was fine. I also appreciated the snap on the bodice to keep it in place so there's no awkward peek-a-boob (it would also be handy if you're nursing). The collar detail is also a cute faux-peter pan collar look.

boobs.

In terms of eShakti as a company, I've dealt with them a few times in the past and can say that their customer service is top-knotch. I love that they offer custom sizing and I recommend that over picking something that is a standard size. If you can customize, why not go for it? No only can you give your measurements, but you can also change the sleeves, neckline and length on some garments, but not all.  I've also had to return some things in the past and have never had a problem with giving something back.

The one thing that annoys me with eShakti is that they use DHL as a shipping company, but that's just because I haven't gotten along with DHL in the past.

Do you have any eShakti pieces? What do you think about them?

Disclaimer: This dress was provided by eShakti specifically for this review, but my opinions and thoughts are my own.

Hi all! Sorry I've been super slack on the blog front, but expect a big post after this weekend of tea party/burlesque extravaganza with Miss Bee and Krista Dee.

But before I launch into what will surely be a massive post, I wanted to let you know about a deal eShakti is offering Retro Reporter readers. From now until December 31, first time eShakti shoppers can receive $25 off their order with the coupon LAURIEMARIECALLSEN.

Happy shopping!

Hello dear readers! As you may remember last month, eShakti offered my readers a 10 per cent off coupon on their purchases with a coupon code. Well, they're offering another for August! Lucky you :D

The promo code LA24SEN can be used to get 10% off at eShakti on their custom made, tailored to fit clothing. The coupon is valid until August 31, 2012 and can be used in addition to the other offers online (like their fall preview sale!) except for overstock.
Full disclosure: I am receiving 10% credit on orders purchased with this coupon code. 

Right now, eShakti has their fall preview line on sale for 20% off, so you could received up to 30% off on a item made custom for you! Here are some of my favourites from their fall line, via Pinterest.

(Click the eShakti link in the credit to be taken directly to the item on eShakti.com)

Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest

And here are some favourites of mine from the all-season line.

Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest	Source: eshakti.com via Laurie on Pinterest

Hey friends! I have a big post in the works from my trip to Calgary for the monthly meeting of the Alberta Vintage Girls  Contingent (AKA road trip with Miss Bee to see the wonderful Krista Dee) but I just wanted to let you know about a special deal eShakti is offering Retro Reporter readers.

Until July 31, take 10% off any eShakti order with the code LA24SEN. You can also use the coupon on eShakti items that are up to 40% off, which means you could get some lovely retro styles custom made for up to 50% off.

Note:  The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This discount code is not applicable on the Overstock category.

If you use the coupon, please let me know once your purchase arrives. I'd love to see a round up of styles!

xo Laurie

Earlier this month, I entered a giveaway for an eShakti dress held by Edmonton blogger Vicki at Adventures in Fashion. I had heard a lot of good things about eShakti and their custom made dresses with retro-inspiration, so I quickly commented and went about my day, never thinking I'd win. Lo and behold, I did! My dress came yesterday and I couldn't wait to give it a test run today.


It's the same colours as Metro! I should have found a paper box to pose with >.<

I don't have much green in my wardrobe, so I ended up picking this eyelet shirt dress. It fits me to a tee and is the absolute perfect length! I think my only negative point is that it's a little too low for my liking for work, but I wore a scarf underneath.

The website is super easy to use, I LOVE that you can input your custom measurements and it shipped (from India) super fast. Their shipping company isn't my favourite, but I'll live.



These photos were taken at the AGA after work. G and I met up at Edmonton city hall, which is right beside my work, the theatre and the library and snapped these in front of the gallery. It was such a gorgeous day that I just couldn't stand to be inside any longer!

Edmonton's city hall is beautiful - and it has a giant fountain/pool, which is always busy on hot days (like today) and during festivals (two were happening today in the city, The Works and National Aboriginal Day).

An snapshot of my view from my phone while waiting for G. I work in the tallest building in this photo :D