This place is my go-to for unique form-fitting dresses for my curvy lady body. Laura is an artist, and her customer service is unparalleled. I feel great supporting these talented women! I can't recommend especially the stretchy fabric dresses enough. They wash in a sink and dry quickly, making them a must for travel. Even the free bags the clothing comes in are great shoe bags for travel. I have used their dresses for weddings, red carpets, and BBQs around the neighborhood. These dresses are so comfortable. I can't say enough good things about this place and Laura. read more

I get compliments EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I wear something from the shop. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. If you want to look and feel good, shop here. I am tall and very curvy and the pieces are made to fit. Treat yourself to something beautiful. read more

Beautifully constructed locally made dresses. This is a piece that will be in you rotation for years. You won't be disappointed, you'll just have a hard time choosing which fabulous dress you want/need! Happy shopping! read more

I was able, for the first time in my 42 years, to walk into a store and find so many dresses that fit me and all my curves perfectly -- this store was shopping nirvana. I walked out with *ten* garments (including a jumpsuit, which I swore I'd never wear) and two purses. (On that note: their curated selection of accessories are on point.) The owner, who is delightful and who designs all of the dresses, suggested additional cuts and fabrics that would suit my shape. She then volunteered to make alterations to make two of the garments more comfortable. She told me going forward, I can just ask for particular patterns and pick fabrics and basically order exactly what suits me online. I mean? Yes, please. The store tagline, printed on every label, is "Size is relative" and that kind of inclusion is deeply appreciated (not to mention good business). I'm going support that ethos with my discretionary dollars to the furthest extent I can. Tl;dr: I love, love, love this shop and all the things inside it. read more

I love this place very, very much. I've worn Laura's designs for years. My friends are probably sick of me talking about this store, but they all end up shopping there too, so whatever. I love the concept that "size is relative" and they've been operating on that philosophy over at Matrushka for many, many years. Casual stuff, formalwear, everything in between! Go enjoy yourself and buy some great stuff. I have found beautiful things no matter what size I might be in a conventional store. read more

I love Matrushka endlessly. I literally have fifteen versions of the Veronica lake and cleopatra styles. Everytime I go out in a Matrushka dress, i get compliments. Great customer service as well! read more

Matrushka Construction - Black cleopatra dress - Women's Clothing Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Unique and flattering designs at affordable prices? Yes, please! Laura has made numerous items for me and every one of them gets a, "hey, where did you get that?" when I wear them. If you need a custom garment, go here first!!!!! Alterations and the ability to make the exact dress you want make it worth the trip into Silverlake! read more

Yay for my friends, because they are apparently NOT liars! :) For months and months, two of my best gal pals have been raving about this store... "Oh my gosh, Steph, you have to go!" "The girls here are so cool and the stuff is soooo cute!!" "You haven't been yet, what the hell is wrong with you, Steph?!!?" Well, I finally went this week and I will say that I was impressed with the fashionable creations that are being sold here. All seem very simple (in a good way) and classic and the fabrics and prints they used were darling. There was this long green dress that I totally flipped over, but sadly it only would have held one of my boobs and seeing as how flashing is considered gauche in some circles, I had to pass. But man, had it only been a tad larger, it would have been MINE!! Apparently they also do custom clothes for you here, so if you see a style that you like, ask them and if they have fabric left then you too may be the lucky owner of a snazzy cool dress! The prices lived in a pretty broad range and some of the things really surprised me how cheaply priced they were, but others were on the higher end. All in all, it's a delightful little addition to the Silverlake scene and I will definitely be popping in on the regular when I'm in the neighborhood :) read more

I'm going to do my best to give an impartial review despite being insulted at the end of my second visit to this place by the clerk. Okay, Matrushka is adorable for out there original dresses that are sewn by the staff there. The patterns are different and you can at least be sure that whatever you pick up there you won't find (very likely) on another girl versus a situation at the local Forever 21. Downsides: the price tag. a 130 for a dress is a norm for the place. In fact, that's what I paid. The clerks can range from extremely disinterested in you to rather helpful but overly familiar. Familiar in a way that they think it's okay to joke around about certain characteristics you carry with as much distinction as possible. Ok, ok, I slouch, okay? I slouch a LOT. Granted, it was worse when I was a kid but I don't even let my friends get away with making fun of me to my face about that little problem. The comment arouse when I said that it was a little loose in the back of the dress since she bragged how they did custom tailoring. While all the pieces she picked out for me - while not my desired color that I asked her for (purple, red, pink, warm colors) - were wonderful looking on me, I didn't appreciate her little sense of humor. I was too polite to catch her in it and purchased my overpriced dress in any case. I'm not shopping here again. The first time I came here the staff basically ignored my existence. The second time, I'm insulted however goodly intentioned. Whatever. Come here if you want to blow a fortune and you can brush off that sort of attitude. I'm going back to just shopping at Shareen's Vintage. I could've gotten two to three dresses for the price I paid for one at Matrushka. Best of all, Shareen knows better than to resort to those sort of comments. Or at least pick a classier way of saying it to my face. read more

Love love Matrushka! I have two dresses and a jumpsuit. They are so amazing, that with my petite frame, offered the alter the jumpsuit to fit me in store same day! How amazing is that? The softest buttery-ist fabric, I feel so good wearing their clothes. They hug every curve and always so flattering. I highly recommend Matrushka. Plus, the cutest prints, too! read more

If I could give this store a million stars, I would. Laura was so kind and took the time helping me select dresses that flattered my body. The clothing is gorgeous and this place is a total gem. read more

The story of how a love affair began. . . .I understood all the clothes in the store were designed and made by the women in the shop, but had no idea what that could mean until my third or fourth wistful visit. I find a beautiful short black jersey dress I love, but alas, it was just a tad too small in the torso. A lady comes along and sees my sadness as I linger at the rack, and says--"Oh, well, we can make that for you! Let me check to see if we still have the fabric." Minutes later, I am handing over my credit card, stunned but hopeful nonetheless. I return for a fitting, during which Laura the owner of the store listens to my gentle woes -- why are clothes built for sticks? crewnecks don't flatter the bosomed! most girls hate their arms! And voila, after Laura takes my measurements and makes reassuring noises, I return three days later to pick up my totally custom, totally rockin' dress with a gorgeous translucent gray panel in the middle--WITH cap sleeves and WITH a scoop neckline. Enormously flattering and completely unusual. And for which they charge me the same price as the dress hanging on the rack. Ahhh! This girl is forever in love. read more

I'm not a rich girl, though I've always dreamed about having my own personal tailor. I have these visions in my head about how clothing could look on my body, if given the proper nips and tucks (the fabric, not my bum, thank you very much). But the difference between my vision and the reality of factory-made crap clothing really depresses me. Today I stopped in Matrushka because one of the red and white polka-dotted dresses in the window caught my eye. After browsing the racks for several minutes I realized that these are NOT your typical boutique styles, fabrics, or prices. No, these are clothes and dresses made with a skilled eye for a woman's curves and a practiced hand for seams and gathers. The designer deftly pairs a tease of decolletage with a dress style that is family and work appropriate, modest, and flat-out-sexy. I tried on five dresses. I fit into a SMALL, which was shocking in and of itself (in chain stores I'm a size 8). As I showed off my selections to my husband, the proprietress discussed the various ways the she could quickly tailor each of them to better fit my body. Once I had decided to buy one of the dresses, she took in the sides so that it would perfectly fit my torso - while I stood naked in the dressing room - and holy shit, it fit like a dream. Or should I say: fits like a dream, because I wore it out to dinner tonight and felt like a million bucks. And that red and white polka-dotted dress? Made of a very soft, suitcase/travel friendly fabric that clings to my every undulation, it was kind of a leap of faith for me, cuz I've always had a little bit of a belly. But it makes my teeny boobs and ample rump seem to go together, which is freaking awesome, since they're kind of attached to the rest of me. I was FLOORED to have a dress tailored for me in seconds while I waited, and then I fell in love when the proprietess gently folded my two new dresses into her own hand-sewn fabric sacks that are beautiful. Not even the purchasing/packaging is an afterthought here. Highly, highly, highly recommended. read more

I had a bad experience the first time i visited Matrushka Construction, and after writing a Yelp review, the owner contacted me because she was concerned about my dissatisfaction with her store and she offered to change that experience for me. Her email was very humbling and kind so after a year of walking by without going inside, a few weeks ago i visited the store yet again, a fresh start. From the window the dresses were very inviting, the patterns were current and the fabric designs very exciting, summery, and colorful as well. When i entered the owner greeted me from behind the counter where she was sewing and offered to help me. She was very helpful and very polite, even after I tried on almost every item in the store (because everything looked so cute on the hangers). I found a long red dress that i LOVED but it was only in the size Medium left so she altered it for me on the spot, taking her time to make sure it was done well, but with much skill and agility, she turned a size Medium into an Extra Small. I was able to return an old dress (unworn of course) which i had not been satisfied with in the past, in exchange for the new red dress that i was in LOVE with. There was a $30 difference on the new dress and she let me have it without paying the difference for the exchange. I left feeling really good about my dress, but more importantly about my experience at the store. It was very personal and Laura went out of her way to make sure i left a happy client, maybe even a life-long client. If you have a unique sense of style and like to stay current, modern and comfortable, Matruskha Construction is the place to shop. It is definitely a neighborhood store, and the owner makes it a point to know her clients and work with them so that they are satisfied and excited about their dresses. there was also a new line of 50s inspired little jumpsuits that were very very cute, in fresh summer fabrics. i will most definitely be coming back to Matrushka for unique dresses and a most pleasant and personalized shopping experience! read more

I'm so inspired and impressed by Laura Howe. My friend and I were drooling over dresses in Matrushka Construction, and I didn't even notice Laura behind her sewing machine, working away. My friend asked, "Do you design and make these dresses?" Laura kept sewing but said, "Yes, I do." Wow! Some of the gowns were like flowing liquid, molten silver in '30s style simplicity... so Jean Harlow-esque, they screamed glamor. Absolutely stunning! Others were wonderful and eclectic prints of cotton in flattering styles. I must have one of her dresses!! read more

It wasn't a convenient time when I walked by this store. I hadn't slept in two nights and had approximately 20 million more pages to write on an already late journal review. But there it was. In the window. This deep emerald green strapless cocktail dress in raw Thai silk. It had a slight sweetheart neckline and a beautiful green silk sash. I actually stopped in my tracks, looked up at this dress and uttered 'Be still my heart." (flutter) I went in and looked around - the beautiful dress came in several other iridescent colors and the store was awash with interesting hues and vintage looking prints. The owner makes everything there and will custom alter anything you buy to a perfect fit, free of charge. Btw - she said the name means Russian nesting dolls, very unique for a boutique. My roommate bought a couple dresses and within two minutes, the owner had sewn her two adorable and funky cloth bags to carry them in. How much better than a plastic or canvas bag is that! Next time I have a little cash, this is my first destination. Love! read more

A weird little store, hit or miss, I suppose it depends on your personal style. The sales person was listening to something like NPR, which was a downer to say the least. I wasn't really helped until it came time to swipe my card, but I can't complain because she wasn't rude or anything, just not especially chatty. I found a very cute halter top there on sale, which was still like 50 bucks, but I found a lot of things were made for somebody with a larger bust... like, a lot larger... Can't win em all, I guess. Anyhoo, cute stuff, wacky as hell. Come see it for yourself, I'd say. read more

I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a tobacco shop. I didn't see one stick of incense, water bong or hookah..that is unless they keep them in back. Great, independent, handmade clothing store for both the male and the female persuasions. I came at a very convenient time for my pocketbook...they had just put mad stuff on sale. I got 3 kick ass unique dresses and a shirt for under $150! talk about a sweet deal. really cute screen prints and patches. everything is special and unique...you won't see the same bitch wearing your shit! Inside the labels it even says "Stop Bush". You can sign up for their mailing list and find out when they are throwing their quarterly t-shirt making parties, where they custom make t-shirts right there. you pick out the design and materials and viola, a shirt all your own stitched on the spot! The girl in the store, Jovita, was cute and very helpful and friendly too. Check it out! The progressive way to shop. read more

This is a great place to shop for dresses if you've just gotten paid! Their dresses are quite pricey ($100 - $150!) but you get what you pay for. You are supporting a shop where dresses are lovingly made within these walls and tailored to fit you, if necessary. What a breath of fresh air from a world full of sweat shops. I happened upon a very pretty dress on sale for only $50 and I couldn't resist! It fits me to a T and the lady who helped me was very friendly and cool. I'll come back. read more

If you want clothes that truly fit and flatter while giving you a unique look no matter your size and shape, Laura will rock your wardrobe year round with a never ending array of styles and fun fabrics. Her clothes are effortless letting you look your best with the least amount of effort and the highest level of comfort I have yet to experience. If she doesn't have what you want she will make it just for you and quickly. Simply an amazing designer! read more

ok.. My first review of Matrushka was almost 6 years ago... 5 stars then and 5 stars now! I have so many dresses from here and every-time I have one on people stop and ask me where I got it.. My friends borrow all the time and even though we are different body types they just suite us all. A recent road trip one friend showed up at my place with just a little make-up bag.. when I asked if she packed any clothes her response was "Well, you packed THE Dresses, right?" I live on the westside now yet still make special trips to Silver Lake just for this store! read more

There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. Don't visit the website (the photos do not do any of these clothes justice).I urge you to physically walk into this store and try something on. I dare you to walk out of this store again without spending a cent. Whatever you try on I bet you will be amazed at how sumptuous the fabric feels against your skin or how figure-flattering the cut of garment. No, it's not the slimming mirror in the dressing room. These dresses really are amazingly constructed for a gorgeous fit. You will not regret the experience. Or maybe you will when you leave the store with a unique, handmade, perfectly fitted (they do alterations!) dress that costs $100-$200. I am coming back for more when I next get paid. P.S. There was a hole in the seam of my new skirt. I took it in.The owner (who was sitting at her sewing machine) fixed it in less than a minute! I am so impressed with this store. read more

On a day trip to Silverlake, I knew I had to stop at this dress shop after reading Yelp reviews. Finding dresses that fit is a challenge for all body types. This store is great if you want the following: classic cuts with quirky fabrics and details, handmade items made in house by the designer/owner and her helpers, instant tailoring to fit as part of the purchase. Many of the classic cuts are perfect for work or play, although work-appropriateness may be limited by your industry (e.g. whether or not an octopus print on a dress would fly at your work place). The dresses are not cheap: most are $100-$150. You aren't paying for fancy fabrics: while there were no labels, many felt synthetic or cotton-polyester blends. What you are paying for is a one-of-a-kind dress that will fit you perfectly after final tailoring and that old-fashioned customer service experience that most of us can only dream of when we think about days of yore. Finally, it seems like the owner is willing to make pretty much whatever you want. When I arrived, a woman was working with her on modifying a rack design to be her wedding dress. Overall, great store if you are a serious dress hound. read more

My husband and I were in LA for the weekend in June. We spent our Sunday afternoon at the Eagle Rock Brewery, and decided to check out Silver Lake since we were on that side of town. I did a search for women's clothing stores on Yelp, and Matrushka Construction was one of the first places to come up. I was very intrigued by the concept -- flattering styles in interesting fabrics, tailored to your body (I'm super short, and everything has to be altered anyway). So, I sent my husband to a comic book store that I saw nearby, and made my way to Matrushka right before it closed. I was very happy with what I found. The saleswoman didn't rush me, and I found a very flattering style, the "Bettie Page" dress, in a very cute, fall-like red plaid. Since I was leaving for NY a couple days later, the saleswoman said they could either tailor it and ship it to me, or let me take the pinned garment to my own tailor, and let me save on tax. I chose the latter option, and I am very happy with my dress. Wish I had a place like this in NY! read more

I love Matrushka!!! They have very beautiful dresses and the women who work there are amazing! If a dress (or anything..) doesn't fit you they will tailor it right there on the spot so that it fits you perfectly!!!! I first went there with a friend (thanks Claire!) who wanted to buy cool T-shirts for her brother. And indeed, Matrushka has an awesome selection of men's T-shirts that are really unique - it's hard to find 2 that are the same. read more

Went in needing a dress for a wedding. I wanted something cool that I could wear for more than one occasion. I tried on a few dresses, found a cut that I liked and had a dress made for me with another fabric. This was last Friday. I'm writing this review from Seattle, where they shipped my dress and I received it TODAY! It was just as beautiful as I could've hoped for. Babs was so friendly and helpful and made all of this possible! I couldn't be happier with my decision to go to Matrushka Construction! read more

Okay, first off, I don't know what it is about this "Made for Trader Joe's" Chardonnay, but it really gets my juices flowing. Maybe I've lost some friends over it, but hey, the truth hurts kiddies! If you read my last review about the pseudo-store Pull My Daisy, you now know that I thought IT SUCKED! AND the owner SUCKED HARDCORE! Anyway, I walked out of there, with my baby sleeping peacefully in the stroller, mind you. . . . . feeling a little bit more glum about life than, perhaps I had felt before. But then, the heavens sang down, the sky opened up, and I walked into Matrushka Construction. Talk about amazing! Not only was THIS store owner AND DESIGNER just sweet as can be, the dresses are unbelievably beautiful! Although today, I only bought a couple of cards, which BTW, she put into a lovely handmade cloth bag (love!), I took her business card to give to my husband as a *HUGE HINT* that I want one of those incredible dresses for my birthday! Oh yes, I am high maintenance, and I know what I want! Plus, she carries great locally made (I didn't say schmocally this time) glass necklaces and at a decent $45 or so dollars, that I say yessiree to! Can life always be this beautiful??? read more

The clothes are beautiful, accessible quality pieces that are unique. Laura will even tailor things to fit you perfectly right on the spot. I found this awesome bird dress and she fit it to my body in just a few minutes and was so kind and patient with all my requests. The customer service is just as special as the clothes.... read more

Matrushka Construction - My new bird dress! Thanks Laura!!! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've bought a few of Howe's skirts over the years. I love that you have the option to bring in your own fabrics if need be and having something altered to her styles and existing patterns. Everything is unique, handmade, and unconventional but beautiful, and important: comfortable and flattering. Quality fabrics, reasonable prices, and what style. I'm tempted to sell my non-Matrushka wardrobe just to reinvest in buying more clothes from here. read more

I found Matrushka here on Yelp. I drove my ass down from the desert and over the hill hoping for the best. I was not disappointed! The dresses and store were beautiful, and the owner, Laura made me feel welcome. The shapes of the dresses were amazing, and the fabrics were quirky and super cool. Not only that, but they FIT me - a slightly pear-shaped girl! Wooo! Of all of the dresses I tried, it was the one that Laura picked out that ended up buying. It made me feel like a pretty doll. As for the price, spending $130 for a unique, handmade gorgeous dress is an insanely good price! You spend too much time in the juniors department or at Forever 21 if you think that is expensive. Women's dresses at any department store start at $100, and if your dress doesn't fit perfectly, you have to pay for an alteration. Laura will alter your dress before you leave for no charge. I will definitely be planning more trips through the mountains and over the hill so that I can go shopping at Matrushka. read more

I am a curvy girl and while their adorable dresses pretty much fit me, it was the kind of situation where at any other store I just might suck it up OR SUCK IT IN and pay a lot for a dress that is cute but ultimately not that comfortable. Not as Matrushka! They instantly told me it would take a week or less to custom fit the dress to my bootylicious body. A week later and I now know what it looks like to feel comfortable in what I'm wearing BECAUSE IT FEELS SO GOOD (literally, this is the softest material ever) and is SOOOOO flattering. I want to treat myself to one of these dresses once a month. They should seriously start a dress of the month club! xo read more

My favorite clothing store in Los Angeles. Not only are the designs totally cool--many with one-of-a-kind silkscreens (usually with an urbane yet forest-y twist)--but they are super comfortable to wear. Also, the stretchy fabrics require absolutely no upkeep. I've cruelly shoved them into luggage at the last minute and they were uncreased when I pulled them out. The owner/designer Laura is incredibly nice and, as others have mentioned, often offers to alter the clothes. And I get so many compliments when I wear Matrushka's great dresses, tank tops, and tunics. I love this store!! Two drawbacks: the prices have gone up recently and most of the clothes are too funky for work. read more

Matrushka is my absolute FAVORITE clothing store. The fabrics are fantastic and the styles actually fit. The prices are a bit high but sooooo well worth it. I always find something (actually a few things) every time I stop by. read more

Amazing. Seriously. Babs was extremely helpful and super accommodating. The prices are very reasonable. My friend had a dress made to order that was perfect and I will totally be back to get one made for myself soon. The attention to detail in their blazers is SO hot. Again, I will be back. read more

Whenever I come here I always find something. I like the fact that all the clothes here are all very unique and that they will do custom alterations on the spot. The last time I went there (it was my first time going to the new location) Laura found this great wraptype tunic/dress and I love it! The T-shirt making nights are a lot of fun too. So if you have a chance to go one, you definately should. read more

The best! I love the way her dresses fit. Secret tip, if you buy your own fabric she can custom make a dress for you. Love this place!!!!!

No matter how many clothes you own, there are always certain outfits you reach for again & again, clothes that look & fit great, are easy to take care of & make you feel like a million bucks when you wear them. Matrushka is the place to find such outfits. Owner Laura Howe designs beautiful clothing with an edge, whether it be unusual fabric, quirky construction techniques or unexpected silkscreened images. And yes, they'll do alterations on the spot, so whatever you buy will be comfortable & flattering. Yes, it's a bit on the pricey side, but not really: you get beautiful, custom-fit outfits that you'll wear to death & look fabulous in, & you won't see the same outfit all over town. Every time I wear something from Matrushka, people compliment me & ask where I found it. What could be better than that? read more

After a search that took me from the mall (hell) to Melrose (worse) I ended up with a way too expensive dress I already regretted and would never wear again after my brother's wedding in New York. On the way home, I decided to see what the neighborhood had to offer. At Matrushka, I found the perfect replacement dress: a simple, elegant, emerald green shift that Laura tailored to fit perfectly. Supporting a local shop (for less money than my 1st dress) made the fit even better. read more

I now live in San Francisco and travel a lot for work, and I now own about eight dresses from Matrushka because they are no-wrinkle and great for packing. I honestly think twice about buying a daytime dress from anyone else. Follow them on Instagram for new designs and colors and their website is now updated in a timely fashion (my only previous complaint about them). read more

I have passed by this place a bunch on my way to Flore but never stopped in. It looked cute from the outside, but I'm not usually a "shopper." That being said, yesterday was just one of those days where I "needed" something frilly and girlie. All the other stores I was planning on going to first were already closed at 6pm and I was worried that I would have to go another day in my old clothes. My heart sunk even lower when I saw the closed door at Matrushka's. I tried opening it anyway, and to my great surprise and glee, it opened! I was a little overwhelmed with the selection. There were so many styles and materials. Thankfully, the really nice woman working there (I never got her name) gave me a quick orientation to the store. She told me that styles are made in various fabrics and the variety of fabrics were made in a variety of styles. I went into a frenzy. I grab things off the racks with little reservations. I knew that I was going to come out of that store looking good. I picked out a couple shirts, a skirt and a plethora of dresses. I pulled the hospital style curtain around me (although it doesn't look like it, the changing area is very private) and stripped down and starting putting on the beautiful garments. I noticed something right away when I put on the first dress. This dress was made for an actual woman's body. The stitching complemented my curves and hid the things I'm not too fond of. The dress was really pretty, but I had seven more items to try on. I quickly put the next dress on. I knew I should have stopped then. It was just so gorgeous. The fabric was stretchy but not clingy, the pattern of the fabric bold with big bright red and white flowers over black and white blocks, and the cut was super flatering with an extra wide band under my boobs (most dresses are made for woman with B cups which means the band comes right over my boobs). The other pieces in my dressing room were cute as well, but nothing could beat that second dress. Sure it was over $130 with tax, but it was totally worth it. You can't get this dress at the mall. The sales woman was friendly the entire time. We mostly talked about Yelp and all the great restaurants we've discovered from it. On the professional level, she picked out the dress I was in love with in other materials. It was good to see the variety and it put my mind at ease that the dress I was getting was the one for me. While I was paying she asked if I wanted a bag for my clothes (I was wearing the dress out of the store, which I hardly ever do). I told her no because I didn't want to waste a bag. She then showed me their shopping bags. They are all made out of remnants that can't be used for dress making. How cool is that? I have a new, ultra cool grocery bag now! I also noticed the great jewelery, but had to look away. I could see my entire paycheck easily going into the store. read more