Bought four dresses that are comfortable, stylish, and super versatile! Have received compliments and queries about provenance! Thank you!

I wanted to visit this place because I heard that they carried local independent designers and handmade artist. Located on Sunset near tons of other great boutiques and restaurants we came in and perused a bit. I didn't buy anything because there wasn't anything that I found that I was looking for but they did indeed have tons of great clothing and jewelry. I love any shop that supports handmade and features local designers so many kudos to them for supporting the independent handmade community!! read more

Heard about this place from two (heterosexual!) guy friends of mine and decided to check it out. The dresses are all absolutely adorable, and I walked out about $140 poorer but with one of the cutest, most unique dresses ever, and it works as both a casual dress or as a more formal dress; case in point, I wore it to work the next day, and then to my cousin's wedding the following weekend (and received plenty of compliments ^__^). Upsides are that the dresses are all designed and made locally, and unless you run into someone else that's also been here, you're pretty much guaranteed to have a special dress no one else has. They also do complementary alterations right in the shop; I needed the sides tucked in a little and they did it in about 5 minutes as I waited. Downside is that the dresses ARE pricey, and unless you find something on sale be prepared to spend at least $120 to a little over $200 on one dress. Also, I noticed some of the dresses are a little "cheap." No, not cheaply made, but most are not lined and the fabric can be a little thin/see through, which necessitates the use of a slip on some of their dresses. Not a big deal, but usually when I drop this much money I'd like the dress to require as little further effort on my part as possible, especially since in this case I feel like if I'm paying so much the least they could do was add a simple lining, *shrug* But all in all, I am absolutely thrilled with my purchase, and I highly highly recommend that people check this place out (...when they have some extra money to spend). read more

I just bought the cutest dress for graduation here. The dresses here have flattering shapes and come in beautiful materials. They are a bit more expensive, but completely worth the price. The dress I wanted didn't fit perfectly, so the owner made me a new one. Their approach to customer service and design is uncommon and amazing! read more

Was looking around for a dress shop yo surprise my girlfriend with. I saw this place and when I saw they also did a wide variety of styles in solid colors as well I was very hopeful. When I called to inquire about sizing I was shocked to hear they do free alterations and will even cut a new dress to fit to size! When we finally arrived Babs was amazingly helpful and gave great advice for my girlfriend. Decided on a red veronica lake. We also learned that they can do semi custom work. We were looking for an emerald green dress but they didn't have one because all the dresses are made by them. But we were assured if some emerald green fabric comes around we'd be told. Also we can out a deposit down to have then look around for specific fabrics we request. Amazing shop and we will be coming back for more business! read more

I cannot say enough about how this was a shopping dream come true. If I could have, I should have gone earlier in the day, to avoid a crowd. Great individual attention and gorgeous dresses that would be flattering on anyone. read more

Gorgeous pieces!! So comfortable!! Definitely recommend. I'm in love with ny jumpsuit from here.

Great designs, fabrics, and they last. I bought a brown floral dress four years ago and it still looks new even though I've worn it close to a 100 times. I recently bought a 1960s era butterfly dress that is a compliment magnet. I love that the dresses are made in LA. read more

I walked in not expecting to buy anything and in a few minutes had found three items - a dress, long skirt and top. Laura, the owner, was able to do quick alterations on two of them. She has an eye for noticing small details that can enhance the look. The third item was a dress that needed more alterations. I left it. A few days later, I received a call that it was ready and my intention was to walk in, try it on for the fit (it was perfect) but then something else caught my eye and I bought it. This is a gem of a store. I am a fan. It is for all age groups. read more

Matrushka, how I love thee. Every time I step into this shop, I'm blown away at the new patterns and styles that are on rotation. I'm not a straight off the rack girl, so when I bought a dress and was offered day-of tailoring, well let's just say I was sold. Owner and designer, Laura Howe just gets it. Every dress fits like it was made for me. And the pricing is amazing! If there's a "ceiling" Matrushka is nowhere near it. Get thee to Matrushka! read more

I absolutely love Matrushka!! I have been going there ever since I move to LA. Their clothes are unique, they will alter anything for you, and they aren't bad on the wallet. Lately they have had some more high end stuff which would hurt my wallet, but I sitck with mostly little skirts and tees. I finally got to make a it to a T shirt night last month. Free beer and design your own tee! It was a lovely evening, and I hope they have more soon. read more

God her dresses are amazing. I love that tailoring is the norm here - she really understands that all bodies are different and that a size 4 or 12 doesn't always fit. If you feel good knowing that no one will show up in the same dress as you, go here. I also hogged the dressing room for way too long and she was still really friendly. And then I didn't buy anything...but hey, I'm a PA out of work due to the strike. Don't hate. read more

I can't even begin to say how happy this shop made me! With a 12+ hour work schedule and an unforgiving metabolism, lately shopping experiences have been so depressing that I've resorted to wearing jeans and a t-shirt pretty much every day. But, today I had to find something in the form of a dress. So I prepped myself for a long and grueling day of finding the many ways in which a dress could make me look like a hippo. After having tried on every dress in the glendale mall, I started to look for boutiques that might be able to make me feel beautiful again. Matrushka Construction did not disappoint! Not only were the dresses some of the most beautiful dresses I've ever seen, but the very nice woman who helped me was flawless at picking out styles that suited my taste and shape. And not just my shape, but she was doing the same for another woman who had a completely different body type (she looked like she belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine). The impeccable service didn't even stop there. I was also told that she would adjust the hem or make alterations to the dress I ended up choosing so that it fit me correctly (although I didn't end up needing them because the dress I chose fit perfectly). I love my dress so much that I rushed home, put it on, and twirled around in front of my boyfriend like a giddy little girl, with the biggest smile on my face that I've had in months. So, if you want to feel beautiful and special, this is the place to go! read more

My friend bought me two of these cool dresses for my birthday and I can't recommend this shop highly enough! The dresses fit amazingly well, they are flattering, comfortable, self-confidence-inspiring, reasonably priced, machine washable and when traveling, you can roll them into a ball in your carry-on and still looks great when you put them on! My friend tried to get me to this store forever and now I see why! You'll be SO glad you got one (or more!) of these fabulous dresses! read more

Wow, I heard great things about this place but was even more impressed upon going in. I tried on a bunch of dresses and they all fit well and are very flattering. Laura and the assistant (so sorry I forgot your name) were very helpful and aware of my style likes. I can't wait for my dress to be ready. The price is right for custom made and I will definitely be going back for more! Thx! read more

I happened upon this place while wandering around Silverlake/Sunset Junction, searching for vintage shops (not exactly a daunting task in this neighborhood). My curiosity was instantly piqued by the "handmade" sign and I ventured inside to look around. It's a tidy, cute little store with a workstation in the back corner where the owner/designer oversees the store and makes the garments. Quality fabrics, classic and simple styles, and the good karma of buying from a local shop...the only drawback I was able to find was the price point, which was naturally high, but not ridiculous. Fortunately for me (and others who can't afford her adorable creations), she sells shirts - American Apparel, no less - with designs she's created stamped on them for $20 a pop. As soon as I have some extra cash, I'll definitely be back for more than just a unique t-shirt. read more

What a find! After reading the reviews I finally made my way to this lovely little shop on Sunset. My entire experience was really terrific - no high-pressure sales tactics, incredibly accomodating staff, and so many great clothes to choose from. The first dress I tried on was a black and white v-neck with 3/4 sleeves. The top was fitted while the bottom (from just under the bust) flowed away in a very flattering a-line. When I expressed concern that the V might be a little deep for work the woman who was helping me (I didn't get her name) assured me that she could alter the dress for me. I tried on 3 more dresses and a black pencil skirt. The fabrics were high quality as was the workmanship. I also appreciate the fact that the dresses are sized proportionately thus the fine fit for women of all sizes. I decided on 3 of the dresses (there was a sale) and the skirt. When the amount was more than I thought it would be - one of the dresses wasn't on sale - I said "Oh wow" and the very helpful woman, immediately picking up on my dismay, said "Do you want to think about it?." She had absolutely no attitude at all and didn't make me feel embarrassed as I pulled one of the dresses out of the pile. She reassured me that they always have new items in the store and that there's always something on sale. As for the prices - considering the clothes are completely original, made in the store (not in a sweatshop) and the fact that there's no charge for alterations - I think they're incredibly reasonable. read more

I love Matrushka Construction! Since I discovered this place, I have acquired a wardrobe of dresses that have been customized for my measurements. I am able to choose the styles I like and have them made in fabric I select. In general, as a size plus with an eclectic taste, it's always a challenge to find clothing that I feel reflects my style. It's been such a blessing to find a place I can count on any time I like to add something new to my wordrobe! read more

A dangerous store for me. I am a curvy (I mean curvy, not a euphemism for overweight) girl and I can't get enough of the dresses here. Wonderful fabrics, amazing fit. Can wear them casually or dressed up. Poor Anthropologie store won't know what hit them since I have been shunning them this spring for Matrushka. read more

4 instead of 5 because their prices keep going up, up. up, and I don't think the owner sees the ceiling. Having said that, I love this store. The fabrics are comfortable, stylish, and hip while remaining classic. It would be frequented by me more, if the prices were nice, so it remains my one every 6 months shop. And when you get one of their dresses, tops, or skirts, you can rely on it lasting for a long long time. well made clothes. read more

I ordered two dresses based on images I saw online. Generally, I don't love buying things I can't try on in person, but since they have real people with regular bodies modeling them, I could gauge how they'd fit. The staff person I spoke with was so helpful, and the dresses fit like they were custom-made for me (belted blouse, I think it's called). Later I ordered a third, and again, it fits perfectly. The printed fabrics are unique, fun, but not too crazy for work. Will watch the site for new prints, as I am not near LA. read more

The brilliant thing about these clothes is that they look good on you no matter what your body is going through. I bought an awesome dress here on week 39 of my pregnancy. It looked great, it was super comfortable and I can still wear it now. I don't know how Laura designs her dresses to be so flattering but it's working. read more

I was obsessed with Flirt in Park Slope, Brooklyn, also a boutique featuring beautifully-cut, handmade dresses that flattered every shape and size. I am overjoyed to find its equivalent in Matrushka in Silver Lake, about a block down from Intelligentsia. Laura and her sister-in-law design and create everything in the store. The dresses are made of wrinkle-free material, are cut in a variety of flattering shapes, and best of all, the owners will tailor the dresses without added cost to perfectly complement your body. As a plus - if they are out of a size or fabric in a style you want, they will have it made for you in about 2 weeks for no additional cost. A definite visit (I purchased 3 dresses today, and will definitely go back - also check out the sales rack, where dresses go for about $80 instead of the usual $120-$150). read more

I LOVE this place. Great for a petite woman( meaning short yet in my case curvy), or really any girl of various shapes as they can custom fit your clothes!! Nice staff. They now have an online store , so I can have their gorgeous clothing anywhere. read more

The women's clothing here is absolutely lovely! I've heard a lot of people say Matruschka is overpriced (on Yelp and in real life) and maybe it is a little pricey, but where else can you get cute almost one-of-a-kind dresses AND have them quickly altered in the store free of charge if they don't fit perfectly? I love the fact that this is a small shop that makes its own clothes. I love that if you walk in and say "oh do you have this in an XS?" and they don't, they'll make it for you. Don't be scared off by the prices - this place is a great find! read more

What a wonderful place! The clothing is amazing and the prices are just as good! A lot of time is spent looking for the perfect fabric to make truly special dresses, jackets etc. If you get a chance check it out. You will walk away with something that you will be truly excited about. read more

This is THE BEST place for dresses. Everything in here is wearable and comfortable, colorful and unique. This place is for all women. Short, tall, skinny, chubby, flat, big boobed. There is something here for you. It is really hard for me to buy dresses. I'm not that tall and I hate to get things hemmed, which really limits my options. But at Matrushka you can have your dress taken up for free when you buy it. And if you bought a dress a while ago and decide to shorten it, that's free too! Matrushka also tries to be eco-friendly by making most (if not all) of their dresses machine washable. Also, their bags are neither paper nor plastic, but made of leftover fabric. read more

Looking for the perfect wedding dress? You've come to the right place! I have been buying my dresses at Matrushka for ages now, and it is my absolute favorite place to shop. So it's no surprise that "will you marry me" had barely left my Husband's lips last year before I was heading down the street to Matrushka with my dreams and and one very small image I'd printed out. Laura Howe got it right away. We worked together; Laura listened to my feeble design attempts and created the wedding dress of my dreams with the assistance of Eunice Cardoza, who was absolutely fantastic as well. After only a few alterations and modifications....there it was: my dream dress! It is absolutely beautiful, and I felt beautiful in it. Laura also designed my bridesmaids dresses--all six of them. They turned out stunning, and they are (for real) wearable and versatile! My fourteen year old niece was a bridesmaid and she will be wearing her dress to her eight grade graduation next weekend. As if that wasn't amazing enough, Laura and her employees also made 100 gift bags for all of our guests out of her "scrap" fabric. Each one was different and cool. Our guests are still raving about them! Really, I can not praise Matrushka and Laura Howe enough! Working with her on my wedding dress(es) was a complete pleasure. My Husband and I will celebrate our one year anniversary this September and I will be wearing a Matrushka dress. :) PS-If you want to check out my dress and the bridesmaid's dresses we're on the website! read more

Me and my girlfriend ended up dropping by here and since she doesn't have a yelp account she asked me to let you all know that the service was awesome and the selection was great! Hope this helps read more

Great woman-owned business making products for women and employing women right here in Los Angeles. Yay! Nice staff in store sewing fabric bags they give you with your purchases instead of paper or plastic. Everyone looks great in a wrap dress. Get one! Really whimsical prints too. read more

Dear Readers, I was looking for a simple but elegant dress for a family wedding back east and was getting antsy as I was not finding what I wanted. I happened to walk in Matrushka as it is in my neighborhood and I was so delighted to find a style that fitted my age and body type. (I am on the dark side of 60) Yes, even 60 year olds live in Silverlake! The dress I tried on was lovely but I needed a different size and was not in love with the A line of the skirt. Suzy who helped me through the process was not only knowledgeable but hilarious and she assured me the owner could re-design the dress to fit my needs. She took all my measurements and I got a call from Suzy within a day or so to say the owner could not find the material but was searching all over for it. I was impressed. Then they called back to say they had found it but wanted me to come in and approve it as the shade was not exactly the same. It was even more beautiful than the one I tried on. They made the dress and I came in for an hour fitting where she literally fit it to my body, sewing and fitting as we went along. The end result was an absolutely gorgeous raw silk off the shoulder dress that I walked out the door with the day of the fitting. I felt so special and the dress was a huge hit at the wedding AND in Manhattan! How refreshing that this very special shop exists here in our little hamlet of Silverlake. read more

Like the other reviewer I have no idea why this says tobacco shop next to it? This place actually seems anti-tabacoo! This place is absolutely adorable. Stores like this are what keeps the east side still cool. Located on the corner of Talmadge and Hyperion/Fountain, you are almost not sure what this store is expect there is a mannequin with a adress out front. When you walk into this quaint store you can tell that the clothes are made on site. They are unique and you will definitely not find someone wearing the same thing that you buy. What I think is best about this store is that if you find something that you love but it doesnt fit, they will make one that fits you! They do not discriminate on the people who are bigger than a size 2. They have cool creative clothes that are not terrbily overpriced. They also carry some unique handbags, cards, and decorative items. Support your local retailers and check this place out instead of driving to the Grove. read more

I would like to thank Laura and her staff at Matrushka for always getting it right. I went to this wonderful boutique while on vacation from D.C. Spring 2012 and I have since been hooked on her designs. She has made me some beautiful one of a kind items. Laura and her staff have even been so kind to send me handmade items across the globe for Christmas gifts. Many thanks Laura to you and your staff for always taking care of me. Simply the best. read more

My fave clothing store in L.A.! The clothes are totally unique and flattering, and the owners will alter anything for you, right on the spot. When you make a purchase, you get a little hand-sewn bag instead of plastic...I reuse my Matrushka bags as little purses and always get compliments on them. The only downside is that the prices are too high for me to make Matrushka a regular habit, although they are quite reasonable considering that you're getting handmade, custom-tailored clothes. Cute guy stuff too - silkscreened button-down shirts and jackets. read more

This is simply every girl's dream dress shop...gorgeous fabrics, flattering cuts, free custom tailoring....The owner is a sweetheart who folds your dress up and puts it in a real cloth bag. Thank you, Matrushka for all that you are! read more

The best!!.....designs that really look good on a curvy and non-curvy female body...and they will recreate any piece of clothing in the shop to fit you individually.... read more

This is the first review I didn't want to write bc I want to keep this place to myself. I love love love this store. I just walked in last weekend to browse and a few lovely pieces caught my attention. I tried them on, and of course, the fitting was a bit off...lately my proportions are "curvier" than usual...to put it bluntly, my ass is large. I saw a sewing machine in the store, so I casually inquired about tailoring. The sales person told me that they can make the dress for me according to my measurments...for the same price! And there were a few other things I liked that could have been altered, and they are doing the same for those items...in fact, I was even able to pick specific colors with specific patterns. I have always DREAMED about having enough money to have a personal tailor. But even then, how would I find a tailor with great style and hip technique? Dude, this place is a God send. The prices are totally reasonable for the service and the clothes, and the they are super nice and friendly. If I had more money, I would recreate my entire wardrobe from Matrushka. I'm so psyched about my new dresses! read more

This is a fantastic example of why buying local is so important. First of all, finally, a store where the clothes fit REAL women! Most are made in flowy fabrics that skim and fit real curves in a flattering manner. Best of all, they're designed and made by the talented Laura who is often there at the store. She offers tailoring on the spot, which is such a lovely value added service. The first time I went in, I bought 3 dresses! I stop buy every so often to see what Laura's made. Recently, I saw a dress that I fell in love with but it was one size too small. So they made it for me within a week, and when I went to pick it up, they shortened it to my request. It's such a gorgeous dress and it was LESS than $100!!!! And best of all, every time I wear it, I've been stopped by strangers asking where I bought it! Seriously, Laura is the best and I'm so blessed to have walked into her store! :D read more

I bought a dress that was the perfect dress but not the perfect fit. Laura, the owner at the shop reworked the dress and not it fits great and I'm thrilled. The service is great, the dresses are great. I highly recommend Matrushka! read more

Very Hip, All Ages, Classic to Camp to On the Edge: Whenever I'm in LA Matrushka is where I go. There's always something that I didn't know I must have. The amazing Laura stitches the perfect fit on the spot and is willing to exchange clothing I've never worn from my last trip--She's The Best! I love this place. read more