Flapper Dress Alert!

 Four fabulous flapper dresses- can you guess which one is not an original? Find out tomorrow when we list them all in our Etsy store.

Thanks for looking!

Pretty in Prom ….

Yesterday at work Rachael (you know her as one of Xtabay's most charming salesgirls)  and I decided to play dress up. Rachael is blessed with a Marilyn Monroe type figure and and looks adorable in all the little 50's prom dresses that are just too small to fit the dress forms.
Which one would you wear?  

According to our Facebook page, our fans favor the 1950's purple tulle with scattered sequins….waist 25"- Er…. we may have overdone it on the purple accessories:)

You can buy it in our HERE in our Etsy shop! 

Both Rachael and I love this dusty blush 1950's confection with rose gold sequins- waist 24", available to purchase HERE in our Etsy store.

I love how whimsical fashion was in the 1950's- this hat is the perfect example….

Butter London's "Full Monty" is the perfect gold polish to go with the dress.

Rachael also fit's perfectly into these Henry Water's Shoe's of Consequence Springolaters…they just happen to go with everything!

Pretty in Pink dresses…I love pink- it's the color of happiness in my opinion. 

This 1950's cherry blossom pink prom dress is so soft and pretty- available to purchase  HERE in our Etsy store. 

This late 50's cotton candy party dress has a 26"waist and is available to purchase HERE.

Fabulous late 50's shocking pink party dress is available to purchase HERE.

Not to be a tease but these incredible pieces from the 1930's came in this week too….also available in our ETSY store.

Upstairs in the Bridal Salon we've had some really beautiful new arrivals this week-including this 50's spun sugar tea-length wedding dress with a 28" waist. 

Also, a dreamy collection of 1930's bias cut wedding gowns have just come in….


We hope to see you soon and happy spring break! 

Upstairs, Downstairs...

I'm so excited about this custom made 1930's reproduction silk crepe bias cut wedding gown. Made specially for us out of an old 1930's dress pattern by a local seamstress here in Portland.  Available in the bridal salon. 

This exquisite 1930's bias cut satin wedding gown is now available- must try it on!  Size extra small.  

 These 1950's style embroidered organza wedding/reception dresses are made exclusively for Xtabay and come in rose gold and ivory.  

Meanwhile down in the main store we've had some very elegant new arrivals this week...

One of my favorite dresses in the shop right now is this early 1960's silk crepe LBD from Nicholas Ungar. The construction and subtle draping make this understated black dress a sophisticated and sexy work of art. Beware: with all the little snaps and side zipper in the back you will definitely need help getting this one on and off. Ah, the trouble with couture dresses! Approx. a size 5-6.

I'm really tempted to keep this one…an emerald sequin trimmed 1940's rayon crepe cocktail dress with a 30" waist and figure flattering peplum. It's just my style.  The luck of the Irish will be on your side when you step out in this one- and in it's in such perfect condition! Amazing. Get it before I decide to keep it:)

Another extremely elegant addition to the Xtabay collection is this silk dress by Mort Schrader. It dates from the early 60's and features the most beautiful watercolor floral print. She ties nicely on the side and also features a flattering peplum. Waist 30".

Speaking of peplums….Here is another sophisticated little black dress, this one is from the 1950's and is made by Miss Elliette. 100% shantung silk. Everything about this dress is flattering and timeless. Waist is around 28". This really is the perfect little black dress. 

Now I offer a little office wear inspiration. This vaguely reptilian print 1950's dress and jacket set would be perfect to wear to work- 100% cotton, beautifully tailored and timeless enough to not look like you dressed up as your favorite Mad Men character. Some pearls and an over sized lizard handbag and you are good to go! 

I am crazy about this dress! Made in Italy in the late 50's this Raffia medallion dress is the perfect shade of muted gold and just screams for a tan, a coral lip  and a pair of strappy sandals. So Sophia Loren...

Lastly, this is the perfect summer party dress. Made in Hawaiian in the mid 60's, this sarong style dress should come with a warning…dangerous curves ahead! It puts everything in it's place and makes you look like Jayne Mansfield without doing much of anything. I highly recommend it for class reunions or ex-boyfriends weddings. 

Spring Has Sprung!

Late 1930's floral print rayon jersey skirt and top set (298.) 1940's lucite and felt box bag (125.) and 30's navy heels (68.)

Beautiful 1950's eyelash lace tiered wedding dress, over sized pearls (48.) and a beaded handbag (68.)

Amazing Margorie Montgomery hand painted with 3D felt fish (sold) and matching 1950's seashell trimmed heels (78.)

Rare 1950's Columbus themed circle skirt and blouse combo, 398. 

Beautiful sherbet colored 50's gingham dress (sold) late 1940's baby doll heels (78.) and a 50's Coro necklace (sold).

Amazing 1930s rayon crepe evening gown (398.) gorgeous 1930's buckle front suede heels (125.) and 50's beaded bag. (68.)

Fabulous 1960s ribbon weave dress (248.) the 40's felt and lucite bag (125.) and adorable 60's turquoise and green leather kitten heels (68.)

Adorable 1950s cotton abstract gingham print day dress (148.) Baby doll heels (78.) and red belt. 

Exquisite 1960s Sari silk cocktail dress and jacket- mint condition (448.) Perfect for a mother of the bride! 

Vintage Karl Lagerfeld silk lace fan dress, (498.) Size 6.


 This week we have been extra busy filling the store with all of our brand new spring merch. All winter long I have been stashing away summer dresses, hats and accessories just waiting for the right time to put them all out. The good stuff is going really fast though--as you can see a few of the things have sold before I had a chance to show them off! We also just got in new Voluspa candles, Butter London nail polishes and Tocca perfume. Now is the time to stop in!

So you're going to a "Gatsby" party….

1920's silk chiffon beaded flapper dress, art deco comb and 1930s perforated heels.  

1980's does 1920's flapper dress, 30's hat and 1960s shoes. Dress and hat have already sold…to someone going to a "Gatsby" party. 

1920's wedding dress with lace sleeves. For the Gatsby bride... available in the bridal salon. 

1930s heels and Whiting and Davis silver mesh bag. 

 Let me guess…you've been invited to a Gatsby themed party. Whether a school auction, a company party or high school dance everything this year is Gatsby. Don't worry, here at Xtabay we've got you covered. Our stylish staff can throw together the cutest Gatsby ensemble in seconds flat. Below is Xtabay style expert Rachael trying on a 1920's velvet dress at Xtabay a few months ago….

 The key is to have an open mind and realize that you are not locked in to wearing head to toe authentic 1920's or 30's to get the "Gatsby" look. Let's face it, authentic 1920's and 30's dresses a la Daisy Buchanan are few and far between these days. Fortunately the styles (dropped waist, beading, bias cuts, fringe) have been repeated again and again in more recent decades. The 1960's mod movement was based on the liberated shapes defined in the flapper era of the 1920's.  Twiggy was a modern day flapper girl with her androgynous looks and shapeless mini dresses. A 60's shift dress with a long strand of pearls and some block heels can totally pass for a 20's flapper look and costs a lot less.  Below is a good example of 60's outfit that could pass for a 20's look. Just add a couple long strands of beads and you are good to go! Remember- the more you sparkle the more "Gatsby" you become...

  I hope we've inspired you to come in and try on some of our fabulous "Gatsby" outfits. We guarantee you'll feel as pretty as Miss Buchanan herself!