So who is eShakti?

“eShakti makes distinctive designer clothes for women. We offer custom-size as well as standard-size. And our custom-styling option makes it truly unique - you can make a top/bottom shorter or longer, change the sleeve length or the neckline, the way you want it. We are based in Seattle, USA and Chennai, India.

Our design team creates magic. They work at the details; a lot of the designing is hand-crafted. In some, hand-working starts with the weaving. In others it is the fabric texture, detailing, hand-block printing, or embroidery. We like cotton, linen and silk, but also use some man-made fibers. Our clothes are comfortable to wear – customizing helps this further. ‘Comfort and workmanship’ is our design philosophy.” (read more)

I’ve read a lot of reviews online, and the majority is very positive. eShakti is very popular with plus sized women because they offer such wonderful customization and styles that aren’t always available in plus sizes.

I’m putting an order together for myself, check out the cute stuff that is about to find a home in my closet:

Smooth cotton satin top is designed with precise pin tucking along the front and back yoke that releases at the waist and finished with leafy print at the hem and cuffs.

Pintuck trapeze top $39.95

-Cloth covered button-and-loop front closure.
-Three-quarter length sleeves with banded cuffs.
-Mid-thigh length.
-Side slits at hem.
-Cotton satin; machine wash.

This would be so cute with jeans!

Pleat front kimono silk top $34.95

High-sheen, drapey silk shapes a gorgeously subdued top with an easy cut through the body. Pleated layers on the front offer a structured contrast, while curved side panels cleverly convert to floaty flutter sleeves.

-Center back zip.
-Curved hem.
-Hip length.
-Silk; dry clean.

This is a sexy top! $34.95 for 100% silk?! WOW!

Shop for affordable plus size clothing at Smarter.com.

Push-up triangle top with double string bottom: top $22; bottom: $14.50

Halter cover up dress: $130

Plunge Demi Bra: $33.50

Organic Button-front romper: $22

Lace-trim silk teddy: $44

Ruffle neck top: $14.99 on clearance

Pyramid studded thong: $29

Body 3-In-1 Wash for Shower, Bubble Bath & Hair:  3/$25

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bikinis, women’s cover-ups and women’s sandals.

Mango can’t get enough of Penelope Cruz, but who can? Seemingly pleased with last season’s results, the Spanish-based fast fashion company has tapped their compatriot for yet another season of glamorous ads.  The campaign goes public in February and will feature Mango’s spring line. It’s already been shot in London by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the guys behind the Scarlett Johansson Louis Vuitton ads and countless other dazzling projects.

Online shopping has really improved my outlook on the holidays. Remember when you used to have to go to the mall and fight your way through the crowds to find something for everyone on your list? Well, who needs that? Now, my shopping takes a few hours instead of days…and nobody gets hurt.

This year, one of my fave sites to make everybody I know squeal with delight is 80sTees.com. They have lots and lots of funny and cute shirts–it’s one of those something-to-please-everyone places. I mean, where else can you nab an “I Heart Jake Ryan” or a Monchhichi shirt? They also have fun 80s and non-80s movie, cartoon, tv shows, superheroes, and brand icon tees. I think I might need the “Flux Capacitor” shirt to wear with my orange puffer vest. Ah, the irony.

They also carry sizes from small to 3XL, which is good because my family and friends come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of my top picks (they all range between $20-25):

And for me, you ask? Well, I’ll be grabbing this “FRA-GEE-LAY” ornament for myself:

At $8.00 bucks, it’s a scandalous steal.