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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.

Well, after months of saying "We should meet up" and "Let's get together sometime", it finally happened. The Edmonton Chapter of the Alberta Vintage Roses (oooh, sounds so official!) met up for a few cocktails at the Fairmont Hotel McDonald on Friday night.

Nicole, Bailey, moi, Erin and Jill

We were talking about vintage girl groups in other cities, like the Feathers and Fur get-togethers in Oregon or the parties at the Ric-Rac Club by the Vintage Mafia and envying them for their strong vintage communities (and being slightly fan-girlish). But in Alberta, there are about 10(!!) of us vintage ladies, and absolutely no reason that we can't have little get-togethers of our own. We're hoping to make our cocktail nights a monthly thing, so if you're an Alberta vintage girl who wants to come out, please drop me a line via email (laurie [at] retro-reporter.com), on Twitter or through my Facebook page. It's such a great reason to get all gussied up and have fancy drinks, especially when you're at a very posh hotel.

Speaking of posh hotels, Hotel MacDonald is a beauty. Opened in 1915, it's probably one of the oldest hotels in Edmonton, and certainly the most beautiful. We couldn't resist taking some snaps in the lobby and the Confederation Lounge.

What I wore: Green silk dress from Imagine Vintage, Payless Shoes, Great-Grandma Callsen's brooch

Around this point my camera died and I couldn't get individual snaps of Nicole and Jill. Drat!
(Also, can I just mention how much I miss having a real flash for my camera? Pop-up flash just doesn't do it for me. Le sigh).

Of course, you get that many vintage ladies together and there's bound to be a few questions. We were asked what the occasion was (Friday night, of course!), if we were bridesmaids (nope) and why we were all dressed up (because we like it!). People were very polite, and it was nice to not be asked if we were in a play. Also, Jill has been elected/voluntold to be PR for us, she's the best at explaining what we're all about. I usually just say "I'm a vintage girl" and people blink at me.

Addenum: Being asked if I was a time traveller by a few drunken boys in High River is still probably the best question I've ever gotten from a stranger.


In hindsight I regret not getting a photo of just the painting behind us because OMG YOU GUYS it's hilarious. It's a painting of 12 Lords of Strathcona a-leapin'. You know, like in the 12 days of Christmas. We particularly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the Lord leaping over Bee's head.
Go home Lords, you're drunk.


XO Laurie