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!

New Arrivals

Black 60s feathered cocktail dress, sold. 

1950s couture gown by Frank Usher, waist 24".

1980s does 20s Poison Peacock gown is perfect for a Gatsby party! Size 8-10

1950's Snowflake prom dress, SOLD.

1950's silk Op-Art print dress with full circle skirt, waist 28.

1970s silk evening gown by thee Bob Mackie! Waist 26".

1950s Herbert Sondheim silver satin party dress, waist 26".

1960s Garden Tapestry print chiffon dress by Jr. Theme, waist 26".

1950's Stardust tulle evening gown, waist 24".

1940's striped taffeta formal gown, waist 25".

1950's black lace over emerald green party dress by Fred Perlberg. Waist 25".

Pristine 1940's Black Vamp rayon crepe evening gown with silver sequins, waist 28".

So I wasn't able to get it together this year to put on a fashion show. I had every intention and even stashed away some fantastic fashion show worthy (see pics above) dresses, but just couldn't do it. So much has been going on my brain feels like it's been permanently scrambled. 

As some of you may know I have adopted two things into the Xtabay family- one being a 1'5" red head male named Guy (ghee) and two being a thriving local bridal boutique in downtown Portland called The English Department.  The process has been an exciting yet nerve wracking endeavor. 

   I wasn't out looking to buy a new business. Elizabeth Dye, The English Departments' founder and fashion designer approached me towards the end of the summer and asked if I might be interested in adopting her store. You can read how it all went down here.  Besides being incredibly flattered that she would pick me it was an opportunity that was just too exciting to resist. You mean go to New York for bridal fashion week? Stay in a nice hotel and look at beautiful dresses? Um... yes please! 

So don't fear, my heart forever belongs to Xtabay. It's fun to spread my wings a little and try new things. I am so incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful and capable staff at both locations. Thank you Erin, Margot, Emily, Rachael, Stephanie, Dianne, Chelsea, Ragen, and Britta. 

 And that reminds me! Shop at small businesses this holiday season, the money you spend  goes right back into the community.  Trust me, just ask the folks at New Seasons, Dot's Cafe, Powell Blvd Vet Clinic, People's Food Co-op, etc....:)  

Private Shopping Parties!

It's time to shop for the holiday season!

We are happy to announce that the Xtabay is now accepting reservations for evening shopping parties!

Gather up a few of your friends and come down to the store after hours to shop for a special occasion, or just to have a glass of wine and have fun while you put together a few outfits for fall. Shopping parties are great for moms who are too busy during the day to shop, or for wedding parties, or really any time you want to catch up with friends and have a good time while doing it.

Best of all, the shopping parties are free. Plus, we'll give parties of six or more people 20% off their purchases!

Call the Xtabay at 503-230-2899 for more info or to make a reservation.