eshakti custom sizing & "fatshion"

I had learned about Eshakti a couple of years ago and then completely forgot about them until Kristine brought them up a few weeks back. They have so many cute retro styled garments, they're worth a look for inspiration if nothing else. Check out this gorgeous 40s-esque number in their sale pieces:

The company has a really interesting concept: All garments are available in every size 0-36W, AND you can order a custom fitted garment by entering a selection of measurements on the website (for an additional $7.95 per garment). I would pay an additional $7.95 for a custom fitted dress. Wouldn't you?

The prices are extremely reasonable too. So reasonable, that I had my suspicions and went on a google hunt for reviews. Most are positive. The one blog I found with a negative (and it wasn't so much fit as it was dress length) was a sewing blog...aren't we sewists the pickiest when it comes to garments? The comments on that article had interesting negative "reviews" too, so it's possible the negatives aren't getting talked about I suppose.

The funniest article though (by far!) was on XOJane by Leslie, titled: "How I shop for basically all my plus size clothes online." HIGHLY recommend a read, because A) I hooted, and B) there are some cool sites and tips in both the article and the comments.

I'm most definitely bookmarking Leslie for further reading. She's hilarious and down to earth and my kind of girl.

So how about all you sewing enthusiasts out there? Should I use the website for inspiration or give in to temptation and see if the customization really works?  More inspiration:

You see my problem now, don't you.

Love your thoughts people of the interwebs! <3 p="">
**NOTE: The dresses, I've discovered, are made in India. I'm still investigating the fair labor practices for the factory and will update if I find anything newsworthy. Yeah, I know. Most people don't care. I care.**

To Shirley

There wasn't a single day of my childhood that I didn't want to be Shirley Temple. (Except maybe the days I wanted to be Judy Garland.)

Growing up during that quaint time period (BC: Before Cable), I had PBS to entertain me after school and on the occasional weekend night. My local PBS station ran a classic movie every Saturday night, and I lived for the weeks the feature was a Shirley Temple film.

For my 5th Christmas, Santa brought me a Shirley Temple doll, and I have her to this day (sans panties and shoes, but still in her original white with red polka dot dress). She was a beloved playmate, always my favorite, never eclipsed.

The first set of movies I ever bought my daughter, once I was a grown up, was not about Disney princesses or fantasy animals come to life; it was a box set of Shirley Temple movies. My Lu loves Shirley too.

Rest in peace, Shirley. You will be missed.