Top Ten Dresses of 2011

Coming in at number 10...this pink and red early 60's Mad Men silk chiffon show-stopper was meant to break hearts, which it did when it sold the same day it came in. If I had a thousand of these frocks I could retire early---though I wouldn't want to!

 9:By far one of the most exciting things that happened in 2011 was seeing one of my dresses on the White House Steps. See the elegant lady on the far right? That's White House Chief of Protocol Capricia Marshall wearing a gown she purchased at Xtabay. Goal for 2012 finding a dress for Michelle...

The gown that made it to the White House....1960's ice blue beaded gown made in Hong Kong and formerly owned by Lee Iacocca's personal secretary--How random is that?

Coming in at number 8: The ethereal 1950's illusion lace neckline wedding gown. Worn her by Krystal South and photographed out at Sauvies Island by Holly Andres.

Coming in at number 7 is this breathtaking Edwardian lace wedding gown form 1910. We sold this to a beautiful bride this past year and I can't wait to see pictures from her wedding!

 Number 6: This fantastic 1960's fire engine red silk chiffon party dress earned over 100 likes on our facebook page, making it the most "liked" dress of the year. I like it too...

5: When Portlandia star Carrie Brownstein came by the shop looking for a dress to wear to the Portlandia premier in New York I had no idea what impact it would have. Luckily we were able to put together the perfect outfit and landed a mention in People magazine! Whoo hoo!

Dress number 4 is one of the most beautiful constructed silk chiffon gowns we have ever featured. This ivory grecian goddess gown looks so much like a Madame Gres gown I searched every seam for a label--but couldn't find anything. Oh well, beauty doesn't need a label...

Number 3: Speaking of Goddess gowns  is another label-less beauty. This exquisite egyptian revival gown looks to be from the 70's and I can't help but wonder if this gown was made to coincide with the legendary King Tut exhibition that toured the states at that time.  

Detail of beaded bodice...

Tied at number 2: Readers, I think you should decide-- should it be the painted silk couture garden party dress from the late 50's by Arnold Scassi OR the over the top tangerine tango ( Pantone's color of the year) 50's lace party dress. Both are so fabulous I can't decide!

Drumroll please.......We have had soooo many fabulous dresses this past year, it is really hard to pick just one. The most popular, requested and inquired about (still to this day!) dress of 2011 is...... 

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The fantastic late 40's raspberry lurex bombshell halter dress by Emma Domb!

HAPPY NEW YEARS! 

Thanks to all our wonderful friends who made this our best year ever! We look forward to finding you beautiful dresses in 2012.

Did you know we just opened a Vintage Bridal Salon right above Xtabay? 

Call or email us to set up an appointment. 

New Arrivals...

Stunning 1960's coral silk chiffon evening gown with beaded waistline. Size 4-6. 295.

Fabulous late 50's rose print cotton sun dress, waist 24".  148.

1950's silk dress by Mollie Parnis. Waist 26", 198.

Dreamy lemon chiffon party dress, Waist 27". 198.

Worn with white crinoline, 68.

Fabulous early 50's novelty dress with tulip pocket, size 10-12. 148.

1950's floral taffeta party dress in water color blues and greens. Size 4, 148.

Stunning 50's cotton dress by Mr. Mort. Waist 26". 198.

Sweet little 50's eye-let dress, size 2-4. 98. Cute!

Please feel free to call us at 503 230 2899 between the hours of 11-6pm pst, and we will happily answer any questions you might have. We ship to anywhere in the world! Thanks for looking!

Arnold Scaasi

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 I am thrilled to present to you a 1950's silk cocktail dress by legendary designer Arnold Scaasi. I went to the Vintage Fashion Guild website for a little info on him.

Arnold Scaasi (b.1931) was born Arnold Isaacs in Montreal, Canada. He left school at fourteen in order to travel to Australia to visit an aunt, and upon his return to Montreal he attended the Cotnoir-Capponi Design School. For his last year of school he went to Paris and studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. In 1953 he left Paris for New York. Upon arrival in the city he called Charles James, who ended up offering him a job.

He worked with James for a while, absorbing James’ approach of designing in the round. Isaacs also freelanced and made clothing for private clients. He also did made to order work for companies to use in advertising, and it was for one of these ads, Body by Fisher, that he reversed his last name and became Scaasi for the first time.

In 1956 Scaasi did his first ready-to-wear collection, which was an success. In the next few years he did menswear and costume jewelry, but in 1964 he scaled back on these operations to concentrate on his new made-to-order salon. He made extravagant clothing for many of the country’s most famous women, including First Ladies, actresses and socialites.

“I am not a minimalist designer! Clothes with some adornment are more interesting to look at and more fun to wear.” Scaasi

Written by Lizzie Bramlett, fuzzylizzie.com, coutureallurevintage.com

Please call Xtabay at 503 230 2899 for price and size details....

Thanks so much for looking!

from a late 1950s dressCourtesy of memphisvintage