Team Chipmunk is listed here as "children's clothing" -- but they have much more than that! This…read morebusiness also sells womens' dresses and other accessories. This review is for the adult ladies' dresses.
These dresses are *handmade* in small batches, using upcycled/vintage/sustainable fabrics. I put in all those slashes because I think the key here is that the fabrics are not new-off-the-mill-from-who-knows-where, and the owner looks for fabric sources that fall into her value set for the company.
Anyway. Yes, handmade dresses. The patterns are fairly simple, but timeless. I sew, and these dresses are probably within my wheelhouse to make... nothing too complicated, just pretty and easy for summer. Even though I *could* make them, I'm happy to purchase this kind of quality from Team Chipmunk (I prefer sewing quilts to clothes anyway).
I won't say these dresses are constructed and finished to a couture level. The seams are mostly finished with a serger, with bias tape finishes in hardworking areas like the armpit. Proper hems, that kind of thing. These (summer) dresses are faced, but not lined. Buttons, not zippers. My point here is that the effort is exactly what it needs to be to keep these pieces affordable and accessible. You'll still get great construction features like darts and pleats, sometimes pockets.
The two dresses I chose are made from African prints. The cotton is light and thin, but still has a bit of body to it so it holds those pleats amazingly well. It doesn't feel like it'll stick to me if I get sweaty. The pattern pieces were cut with the print in mind; the fabric design features compliment the cut of the dress. I have a feeling I'll be wearing these dresses constantly. One of them is the perfect "dress up or down" piece. I am wearing it right now, actually, with a blazer over it and it looks totally work-appropriate. I could also wear it to a casual picnic. Or, I could wear it in the winter over thick tights and boots. It's that versatile.
One of my recent goals is to cut down on my clothing. I want fewer, higher quality pieces in my wardrobe, and I'm willing to pay for them (the secondary industry for second-hand clothing, especially as an export product of the US, is really scary!). Anyway, Team Chipmunk fits into that goal really well. Plus these classic dress shapes fit my body really well. And my wallet really well. Win-win-win.
Pro-tip: because the dresses are handmade, there will be some variances in sizes. Each piece is unique. Try on everything.
Team Chipmunk is well on its way to 5-stars. This is a company worth checking out, supporting, and following as they continue to develop. I look forward to seeing the shop evolve. Right now they are very much focused on building the buzz and sewing clothes (as they should be). The shop itself will only improve with time. For example, the changing area is a little awkward and sparse. The inventory is a little light when comparing to a conventional apparel store, but Team Chipmunk is not conventional. They can't just order in their inventory, so stop in often and see if something is right for you!
Oh, and I'll definitely be back to pick up some cute outfits for my little twin niece and nephew! The ladies' dresses are a bit limited, but the kids clothing area is very abundant.
