So, we meet again eShakti! (Or, what I wore for Christmas Day this year)

Outfit details

Black satin 1950s hat: eBay
1950s sterling silver and rhinestone screw back earrings with matching necklace: Gift from a dear friend ♥
Vintage style metallic brocade dress: eShakti (this specific dress is no longer in stock)
Silver faux leather skinny belt: eBay
1950s black velvet stole wrap: A Better Time
1950s/60s metallic mesh handbag: Either a gift or thrifted (can't remember for sure)
1950s black gloves: ChameleonCMC
Opaque black tights: Ardene
Sparkly champagne peep-toe heels: The Bay
Lip colour: MAC Russian Red

Photography by Tony Cangiano

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Two years ago quite literally to the day, I had my first experience working with the well known online fashion powerhouse eShatki. This brand offers a wide range of modern and vintage-y looking styles that can either be purchased in standard sizes or customized to your exact measurements/specifications, including changing things like sleeve and hemline lengths, as well as, in some cases, necklines (either for free or at very modest prices, depending on what the change is).

Unfortunately, for reasons pertaining both to fit and absurdly high DHL courier fees that I was charged, my first experiences were not very position ones and though I did work with the company again in early spring 2013, with somewhat better results all around, I haven't worn the dress I got then since and honestly doubt it will ever see much play in my wardrobe, as the fit isn't particularly flattering.

I always like to try and get along with everyone - very much including the companies I partner with here on my blog or personally buy from (both of which I've done with eShakti), and when they contacted me again in early December to ask if I'd be interested in reviewing one of the items from their elegant holiday line, I took a few days to think about it, but ultimately said "yes" to the dress. :)

Knowing already from past experience, that eShakti has yet to fit me to size (each garment I've received from them has measured at least 2 inches smaller than the stated measurements given in their item listings in key areas like the bust and waist), I ordered up two sizes and am extremely glad that I did. While this did mean a bit of extra fabric in the waist and a little in bust, the addition of a silver hued skinny belt from my closet was able to help wrangle that in instantly.

Due to the fact that eShakti puts their zippers on the side and tends to cut very narrowly in the torso (an area that I would generally consider myself to be quite slender in - you can clearly see my ribcage when I'm in the buff), I size up to ensure that I'll be able to breath and that their garments (excluding skirts, naturally) will fit me comfortably.

If we went off measurements alone, in theory I would be a size six, but I ordered a size ten (I never care in the slightest about size numbers, fit is what counts in my books) and am extremely glad that that I did. When ordering garments from them, eShakti asks for your height and here I also "sized up", so to speak, and stated my height as 5'4", instead of its actual 5'2". I did this because I've found that past garments that claimed to be below the knee, rarely were and as that's super important to me with all my clothes (that they hit below the knee, I mean), I'm very glad that I did add a couple of inches to my height when ordering this dress. In addition, I opted for the custom options of 3/4 length sleeves and a princess neckline on the dress, which came in standard form with a v-neck and short cap sleeves - two styles that generally look awful on me.

Though even with sizing up, due to the side zipper, it's tricky to get in and rather hard to get out of this dress (doing so involved me kneeling on the floor and Tony pulling the dress off over my head by the ends of the sleeves), which is made from a lovely, thick brocade fabric (that is lined in the skirt, helping to add to the garment's fullness). Still even with these relatively small issues, I really must say that this is my favourite eShakti garment I've owned to date and I very much appreciate the company's desire to collaborate with my blog again.

When I ordered the dress, I did so with the intent of sporting it on Christmas Day, which is precisely what I did. I must say, it garnered compliments from Tony and all my relatives who were present that day, with my mother even saying that it was her favourite dress she'd seen me wear in years (aww, thanks, mom!). I really adored this great 1950s inspired dress as well. Its thick, but comfortable, brocade fabric - a rich mix of silver and gold metallic threads forming a floral design on a cranberry hued background - was both warm and incredibly holiday season appropriate.

Christmas Day was very grey, overcast and accompanied by dim light, so for our photo shoot that afternoon, we just took snaps on my parent's deck. This is a formal dress and I truly love that about it. In keeping with the sophistication it exudes, I went with a gorgeous mid-century vintage sterling silver demi-parure comprised of a rhinestone necklace with matching screw back earrings, which was an amazing gift from a treasured friend two Christmases ago. I also teamed it with a 50s/60s metal mesh handbag, 1950s black velvet wrap, black vintage gloves, modern silver faux leather skinny belt, a beloved black satin 1950s hat, opaque black tights, and a killer pair of sparkly champagne hued peep-toe heels that I feel in love with, and Tony promptly bought me, nearly three years ago now.

I really believe in dressing to the nines for the holidays and centering my Christmas Day ensemble around this stunning eShakti brocade dress allowed me to do just that. Though the fit isn't 100% perfect and I did have to rig the system when ordering, again, it's the best fit I've had from this company so far and I'd certainly be happy to review and/or purchase from them again in the future, as I now have a greater degree of confidence when it comes to figuring out what size of theirs to select for dresses.

Our Christmas was filled with all the usual joys of the Day - family, feasting, gift giving and receiving, playing games, basking in the glow of the tree, and other pleasures that - much like sporting such a fabulous holiday season dress - come but once a year. It’s hard to believe another Christmas is behind us again, but thankfully the season as a whole still has a few more days and I’ll be celebrating each of them with loved ones to the very fullest.

Happy New Year’s Eve countdown, my dear friends!

Special Christmas 2013 edition of Vintage Fashionista Friday

 

{Bows are a must at this time of the year, not only on parcels and packages, but in your festive seasonal attire as well. Slip this charming little vintage rhodium plated rhinestone bow barrette into your locks for an instant dose of stylish cheer all through the holiday season. $22.00 from etsy seller Ready Made Jewelry.}




{Help keep your lips looking picture perfect smooth and pretty while also enjoying one of the best, and most iconic, scents of the season thanks to this lovely little tube of handmade peppermint lip balm. $4.00 (for a 4.44g/0.15oz tube), from etsy seller Peculiar Potions.}




{Whether indoors or out, keep fight off some of winter's rough chill with this sophisticated, timelessly gorgeous white faux mink fur scrunch stole. It's perfect for everything from tossing over a coat on a sleigh ride in the snow to wearing atop a ladylike cocktail dress at the company Christmas party. Available in modern ladies sizes small/medium and large/extra large, $89.00, from Blue Velvet Vintage.}




{As it is for many people the world over, the classic holiday song Silver Bells has long been one of mine and my mother's favourites, so when I saw this immensely lovely vintage sterling silver bell dangle brooch recently, I knew it just had to appear in today's post. $32.00 from etsy seller Boudoir Barbie.}




{Hit two big holiday notes in one go, with this fantastic 1950s red Carole King holiday dress featuring red ribbed faille with velvet bow detailing, velvet cummerbund buttons at the back, and a wonderfully full skirt. Fits up to a 36" bust, 26" waist, $140.00 from etsy seller Dalena Vintage.}




{No need for doorways, just dangle your hand adorned with these whimsical, sweetly pretty mistletoe decals above your holiday honey and a smooch is sure to ensue! Set of 40 water slide mistletoe nail decals, $3.95 from etsy seller Nail Pretties.}




{Let these beautiful ruby red NOS 1950s kid gloves do double duty this season: warding off winter's icy wrath and helping you look fabulously stylish in any setting. Fits size 6.5 hand, $85.00, from etsy seller Road Less Traveled Vintage.}




{If ever there is a time of the year for glittery handbags, this is most definitely it! Add some tinsel approved sheen to favourite holidays looks with this classic mid-century silver sparkle evening clutch with chain strap. $8.00 from etsy seller C Style Vintage.}




{If you're on the hunt festively hued shoes that will see you through this Christmas season and all others for as long as they last, this timelessly pretty 1940s red leather pair is your answer! Fits approximately a modern size 8/8.5, $98.00, from etsy seller Bloomers & Frocks.}

 

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Five more days, just five more magical, snowflake and sugar cookie filled days until Christmas arrives! Isn't it amazing how, no matter how long the year up until this point may have seemed, December 25th always seems to get here faster than Santa's sleigh zooming across the frosty night sky?

What still seemed so far off to most as we tucked away the Halloween decor less than two months ago, is now barreling down on us at the speed of light and all the world is aglow with its beauty and excitement.

I love dressing up all year round, but few times suit it better or call for it more fittingly than during the holiday season. There's parties, dinners, functions, plays, pageants, services, photo shoots, and of course the big day itself all in need of our most festive finery.

This is a time of the year when glitz isn't just good, it's grand! When more is often better, sparkle no knows bounds, lux is the name of the game, and everyone suddenly seems to remember just how much red and green they really do have in their closet.

Our stylish gal today is named Noel, the French word for Christmas itself, and she comes sporting the sartorial spirit of the season in full force. Much like myself, she rarely goes for an understated approach this time of year, preferring instead to take a cue from the nearest Christmas tree and deck herself out in holiday loveliness from head to stylish toe.

Follow her lead as you continue to dress up during these last few wonderful days of 2013. Before we know it, the twinkling lights, bubbly music piped over loudspeakers near and far, and the season of sequins will be behind us again. Revel in the chance to go big or go home, as they say, whether you interpret that literally, or just see it as a way of giving yourself permission to sport those kinds of special garments and accessories you rarely, if ever, bring out of your closet during the other eleven months of the year. 

This season is one of profound and meaningful beauty, just as your outfit choices should be. Celebrate December 24th and 25th, Boxing Day and New Years with what you wear, and it will be next to impossible not to have a holly, jolly Christmas. It is after all, as the classic song says, the best time of the year!