Last week, Una posted a jacket from eShakti that I really fell for. (From now on, I'm just letting Una pick jackets for me.) I ordered it and it has already arrived! I thought others might enjoy a quick briefing on it.

I ordered the jacket last week, and it arrived this week. That's pretty remarkable. I didn't have it customized, though. I think the only customization they may have done is to make it proportionate for my height.

I ordered my standard, off the rack jacket size: size 10. This fit perfectly. Actually, I am really in love with the fit of this jacket, even if there are design details that I don't love, hence the keep/return.

The site describes it as: Notch collar, long sleeves. Princess seamed to shape. Front welt pockets. Hip length. Lined in polynylon taffeta. Polyester/acrylic, woven, no stretch, heavier weight. I'd say that was 100% accurate. This is heavy enough that it would be a light outdoor jacket or a heavy indoor jacket.

The fabric is very soft, almost too soft. I think they should have used some interfacing in the collar, for example, to give it a bit more structure.

Love the pattern, love the clever pocket placement (see how they make an angle to reinforce the shape in front? And they are still deep enough to put your hand in), love the design.

Don't love the comically oversized buttons. I'd have to take them off and replace with similar, but slightly smaller ones. That wouldn't be a problem, though. (See picture 3 for an idea of what it looks like without the buttons.) The quality of the buttons is pretty marginal. The ones on the sleeves clunk together in an audible plasticy way. Not so keen on the matching of the pattern placement on the back, which I think they could have improved on. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either.

All in all, I think this is a great design. The quality is pretty much in line for what I would expect for a $99 at full price jacket, but it certainly wasn't a bargain. Nordstrom's in store lines like Halogen and Caslon offer better value, but I don't feel like this was a bad price. Acceptable.

So, there you have the review. Now the K/R: Should I? I like it. I think with slightly smaller, better quality buttons, which would be an easy switch, this would look better. I'm going to the fabric store this week anyhow for "mummy supplies" (kids' Halloween costumes).

In favor: 1. I don't have a light, patterned autumn jacket. Just a leather jacket and then rain/gearish and winter jackets. 2. I like the fit generally. I think it is surprisingly slimming given the weight and busy pattern of the jacket. 3. I loooooove houndstooth and haven't ever found one that looks good on me.

Against: 1. Pattern placement on back. 2. Collar might be a bit heavy for my short neck and I'm worried that it might make my shoulders look really heavy. On the other hand, it may do that, but in a peacoat sort of way, which isn't displeasing to my eye. Sometimes bulk isn't bad.

Let me know what you think about the K/R!

ETA: Emailed them to see if they could fix the pattern placement on a replacement one and if 1" buttons are possible. I'll let you know what they say....