Feature Post: eShakti

By Ms. Mommy

Auntie Amelia had her turn, now I (Ms. Mommy) want to share my opinions on eShakti. First of all, as I'm sure everyone saw on Amelia's post, eShakti makes beautiful, basic dresses with simple, lovely embellishments, in sizes 0-36. Best of all, they offer customization. eShakti was kind enough to also send me a dress of my choice from their NEW Spring line for review. I chose this contrast trim poplin dress in navy blue. 

Custom size, custom style

I also requested customization of the length; to have the hem fall at my knees rather than below (what can I say, I'm older than Auntie Amelia and perhaps a bit more modest in my dress). As Amelia noted, because eShakti asks for one's height along with dress size, they were able to customize the dress to hit exactly where I asked! Might I just say that this dress fits amazingly. It's actually my second dress from eShakti, and I love both of them. 

The best part? Not only is it comfortable and flattering (hooray for cinching in at the waist and hiding problem tummy areas!), it's the perfect dress for a busy mommy. It even has (are you ready for it?)... POCKETS! I love them. Seriously. I actually forgot the dress was supposed to have them and had to check after I'd taken it off, because they are so well sewn that they don't add any extra bulk to the hip area. Which, believe me, is the last thing I need. Those hip carried twins to a few days shy of 40 weeks, they take up enough space all on their own.

All in all, I've had a great experience with eShakti both with this dress and previous one. My package was shipped promptly and came perfectly wrapped a mere three days after it shipped! 

Don't forget, because they are awesome eShakti has offered readers of our blog a special discount code LEFTVERMME which is good for 20% OFF from now thru 03/10/13. Thank you, eShakti!

*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 or on previous purchases. 

Disclaimer: This product was offered to me free for review.  All opinions stated are my own.

Princess Petunia

By Petunia
Have I mentioned lately that I'm a Princess? Because I am. I tell myself that every day. My Bubbe visited recently, and brought with her this gorgeous, eggshell blue princess gown! Is it not simply divine?!

Thank you, Bubbe!

eShakti Review

By Auntie Amelia
A long time ago, Ms. Mommy was lucky enough to win a free dress from eShakti.  Needless to say, I was wrought with envy.  So when our inbox received an email offering us the chance to review a dress for free, I jumped on the chance to get my own!

eShakti is an online apparel store that offers an awesome mix of trendy, classic and unique looks for women.  Best part, they offer customization on all their dresses, sizes 0-36W plus Custom sizing.  I chose the Birds Eye View Dress because I love the retro style and full circle skirt.  Plus, I live in Portland and am now inclined to put a bird on everything I own.

I love the feel of this dress - a sturdy cotton and woven poplin that is fully lined.  The side zipper makes for a nice fitted bodice and there are even secret little straps on the side shoulder to keep your bra strap from showing! Genius!

And...pockets! Look! There are invisible POCKETS in my dress!  

I customized this dress to be "aboveknee length".  Since you can input your height it actually falls right above the knee!  Other customization options for eShakti apparel includes adjusting length, neckline, sleeves and embroidery.

Overall, I am very happy with my eShakti dress and my experience ordering from the company.  I received my dress via FedEx Express mail two days after getting my confirmation email from them.  I loved having to sign for the package and unwrapping my new present!

Here's a peek at the beautiful embroidery on the dress.  I guess my own negative would be that the embroidery doesn't wrap around the back of the dress.  Which I knew it wouldn't...but it's so lovely I wish it would!

Disclaimer (1): This product was offered to me free for review.  All opinions stated are my own.

Disclaimer (2): I have no idea what was going on during this photo shoot.  I may have been drunk really tired.

To indulge myself (having spent a TON of time recently browsing their website) a few of my favs:

Sign up for eShakti mailer and receive a free $25 promo code!

Use code: LEFTVERMME to save an additional 20% off your order.  First customization free :)

Return of America's Next Top Preschool Model

By Earl
Today's special post is brought to you by the winner of last year's America's Next Top Preschool Model - my big brother, Hank!  After minimal coaxing, Hank has agreed to share some of his modeling tips and tricks that he has picked up over the past four and a half years.

Hank says:
1. Don't be afraid to flirt with the camera
2. Try out different expressions - don't be afraid of what Tyra calls, "ugly-pretty"
3. Model from head-to-toe
4. You can't miss with a kiss

Wordless Wednesday

Perfectly Purple

By Petunia

Too much of a good thing simply does not exist! There are some things in life that a girl cannot get enough of - like glitter, chocolate and the color purple!  Balance doesn't come from moderation so much as variation.  As in, look at how many amazing shades of purple exist in this big, beautiful world!

Sweater: Macy's
Tutu: Gymboree
Boots: Stride Rite

Outfit Name: Perfectly Purple

Petunia's Fashion Rating: 10/10

Earl's Fashion Rating: 10/10

How to be a Princess

By Petunia

Let's talk about something every budding fashionista needs - self-esteem!  When trying out bold new fashion statements, such as mixing red, green and pink, it's important that a girl be confident in who she is and what she's doing.   

My tips include telling myself how fabulous I am every day!  Even when it's 7 a.m. and I sure don't look it - I am fabulous!

Another trick I use is to remind everyone else that I am a princess!  When I wake up in the morning I like to remind myself, "I'm a princess!"  When Auntie Amelia asks if I'm a big girl - I tell her "I'm a big princess!"  Ms. Mommy asks if I'm a poopy girl, I'm not even embarrassed.  I just tell her "I'm a poopy princess!"  See? It's all about having confidence in knowing who you really are on the inside and showing it on the out.

Tiara: Target

Shirt: Gymboree 

Pants: Gymboree

Tutu: Aunti Amelia

Outfit Name: Princess

Petunia's Fashion Rating: 9/10

Earl's Fashion Rating: 8/10

Barrettes

By Petunia

Today's topic is my favorite accessory! It's fun, it's trendy, it's a barrette! Every little girl needs an assortment of colorful barrettes to wear. Fortunately for me, my auntie Amelia is super crafty, and has ever so kindly created flowers, bees, birds, and even cupcakes for my hair!

They can even be worn upside-down, if so desired. Or if you're squirming while Ms. Mommy is trying to clip back your golden locks.

Auntie Amelia is the best!

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins!

By Earl
This fabulous recipe was discovered by Ms. Mommy after a google search for "peanut butter and banana muffins". It's from the lovely blog Once A Month Mom. It's a very simple recipe for whipping up a quick batch of tasty muffins.

The recipe, along with her inspiration for it and batter freezing instructions, is found here http://onceamonthmom.com/peanut-butter-banana-muffins/

Ingredients:

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  
• 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
• 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 0.5 cup banana, mashed
• 1 medium egg white
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.33 cup cocoa powder (if desired)
• 0.25 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins (if desired)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper baking cups. In a large mixing bowl, mix 1/2 of the brown sugar with the peanut butter, applesauce, mashed banana and egg white. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder (if using) in a separate bowl. Add to the bowl with the peanut butter mixture and stir just to combine. Add the remaining 1/2 of brown sugar and stir once or twice. At this point, incorporate any desired add ins (I prefer dark chocolate chips). Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake until the muffins are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. 

Ms. Mommy added extra banana, and baked the muffins a bit longer than recommended because of it, but considers these a success because she managed not to burn or otherwise completely ruin them. They were a HUGE hit! Hank even devoured two whole muffins.

Wordless (?) Wednesday

Two "Wordless Wednesdays" in a row without anything else in-between?! Never fear, fine fashion friends, though illness and a hectic schedule have been keeping us busy, we have more posts in store for you in the coming weeks!

One does not have to give up the finer things in life (like shoveling dirt into one's hair) simply because one enjoys skirts and frippery.