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.

I haven't done a shopping haul post in forever! May 2012, in fact. In case you missed those kinds of posts, I'm back with a vengeance.

My parents were in Edmonton this weekend for an Ukrainian New Years Eve celebration with friends, so before their big shin-dig, mom and I went to West Edmonton Mall for shopping, lunch, a pedicure and more shopping.

I don't particularly like West Edmonton Mall, mostly because it's so busy, but there are some stores in the mall that are ONLY at WEM. For example, Quebec department store Simons, who opened its first store outside Quebec in Edmonton this fall.

I scored this cardigan (with detachable fur collar) for $20.


These socks were $2 from Simons! Aren't they adorable? They'll be so warm under my winter boots too.

These two pieces are the creme-de-la-resistnece. The faux-fure beret was about $10 from Simons, while the faux-fur stole is the one I previously showcased from Sears. I'm in love! 

Sears had some crazy deals on when we were there. I got $90 worth of stuff for under $40!

I was incredibly warm after taking these photos. I may have melted a bit.

Super cozy house-slipper-boot things ($10+80% off), as well as two pairs of fleece-lined knee-high socks from Winners.


I also stocked up on some super cute kitsch for next Christmas!

These were $3 after discounts.....

While these were $1!

Daisy, Ian's dog (and my step-dog, I suppose) wasn't quite sure what to make of my funny poses and tripod.


Gizmo just wanted to trick me into feeding him again. Silly kitty.

Important announcement: Retro Reporter is now on Facebook! 

There are two kinds of clothes shopping in the world: The casual 'I'm just going to pop over and see what catches my eye' kind and the 'all-or-nothing, marathon' kind. The latter is not for the faint of heart, but the stress of shopping can be eased when you follow a few key rules.


1. Hair and Make-up

Prime example of my everyday hair and makeup

Wear your hair and make-up to go with the kind of garments you're looking for. If you're shopping for a fancy dress and find the perfect one, you'll feel blah if you're not wearing any make-up or just have your hair up in a pony.
There's been lots of times that I feel an outfit doesn't look right on me, only to realize it's because my hair is up in a scarf or just lying there straight. Just a little concealer, mascara and red lippy with a pair of victory rolls can make me feel fabulous in 15 minutes.


2. Proper undergarments

When you undertake marathon shopping, you likely have a few specific items in mind that you want to look for: perhaps its sweaters and cardigans, work clothes, shoes or a cocktail dress. No matter what you're shopping for, you should always wear the correct undergarments.

• If possible, wear nude underwear, so if you put on a slightly sheer garment you won't be distracted by your black and leopard print bra. The same goes for wearing sheer pantyhose instead of coloured tights. You want to start with a clean slate.
• If you're looking for a dress or blouse with a little va-va-voom, wear your pushup bra.
• If you're looking for the perfect sweaters, wear a bullet bra (and pads!) to see how it fits. 
• If you're looking for something that requires shapewear, bring it along (or wear it if it won't make you too terribly uncomfortable). 

I am facing a strange dilemma, dear readers - what am I going to spend my Christmas money on?
I got a pre-paid Visa and a Sears gift card for Christmas from my parents and grandparents (thanks guys!).

I have no idea what I should spend my cards on. There's lots of things I want, but I really want to make sure I use it on something I truly need.

Here's what I'm narrowing it down to, thanks to Pinterest.

Sugar Swing dance lessons - $69 for four weeks



Anyone who knows me/has seen me attempt to walk will know that I am the least coordinated person on the planet. That said, swing dancing is something that has always appealed to me, especially know that I'm a vintage girl. Even better, Ian also wants to learn to dance, so we'd be able to take lessons together!

1940s repro bra from What Katie Did - ~$50 CDN



Since learning how to sew, I've manage to put together some bullet bra pads for my longline from Sears to make my girls nice and pointy! But even though I have a longline, I'd love to get a "real" bullet bra from What Katie Did because:
a) sometimes I like to eat waaaay too much, which makes the long-line uncomfortable
b) the longline is textured, which can sometimes show up under sweaters
c) the longline bra sometimes is a little too high for my lower-cut sweaters. (Mind you, these ones may be just as high)

But if I do get a BB from WKD, I'm not sure if I'd get the 1940s style L6036 CC09 (top), which isn't as pointy as a 50s style bullet bra, or the Harlow (bottom). If only there were a supplier in Canada I could go to try them on first! For more on vintage bras, visit BooBoo Kitty Couture's post on the vintage silhouette and Janey's series called Bullet Bra Revue.

Wonderform Garter - $37 (Sears)





I currently have a girdle gifted from Miss Bee, but it's much too large and long for me, so I mostly use it as a garter. I'd love to get this garter from sears, since I rarely wear stockings (despite what you may think, it's quite uncomfortable to wear a too-big girdle!)

Books - ~$50

 

These books have been sitting on my Pinterest shelf for quite sometime now, and all seem like great books for the vintage gal. Have any of you read them? I know the Retro Make-up one is well-known, but what about any others?

Ridiculously amazing 1940s-style winter gear from Sears - A bajillion dollars





Ok, some of this stuff is somewhat affordable, but just look at that cape! I dieeeeee. If only it wasn't $88 (gift cards or not, I'm still a cheapie) and totally not practical in Edmonton, due to it being white and really a fair-weather winter garment.

Did you get some gift cards or money for Christmas? What are you planning to get with them?

XO Laurie

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!

Don't forget about the coupon for Retro Reporter readers to get 10% off at eShakti until July 31! 

Like I said in my previous post, a few weekends ago (gosh, I'm behind) Miss Bee and I took a road trip to Calgary to see Krista Dee, go shopping, watch Magic Mike and generally be fabulous. We also happened to go during Stampede time, so it meant almost no one was in the vintage stores that we frequented. Me likey.

After the HOUR it took for Bailey and I to get off on freeway ramp onto another (seriously Edmonton, why?) we were finally on our way to Calgary. After a very chill evening we were off bright an early to an estate sale. Krista already documented her haul here, but she still left some bounty for the rest of us.

Like these vintage knitting patterns:

And these cute utensils:



And la pièce de résistance, this red arborite table.


All for a total of $25. Yup.

Carrying on, we went to Cat's Eye Vintage. My total: $50. I am in looooove with that sailor dress!

Adorable sailor dress

"Christmas" green skirt

THEN (yes, there's still more) we went to A Vintage Affair. And I spent lots more money. Total: $130

Adorable patio set. Almost left without knowing there was a skirt!

Ann Taylor silk shirt dress

my "dustbowl" dress

Picnic skirt!

Aaaand: