Color Inspiration

Color scheme inspiration starting point, lovely 1930's pin....

assorted candy colored accessories-powder blue gloves, pistachio slingbacks, pink heels and a minty green fascinator...

vintage lace, organza and eyelet...

Margarita green silk organza 50's party dress

French blue and lilac 50's lace party dress, waist 24".

1960's lipstick pink with white lace overlay sheath dress, waist 26".

Pagoda print fit and flare drop waist cotton dress from the 50's by mode o'day...waist 24"

Pistachio linen 1930's eyelet dress....waist 26"...

Wonderful 1950's navy on pale pink Lucille Ball party dress, waist 31"

Pink, Navy and periwinkle sheer cotton floral....

1940's sheer cotton floral print...

1950's Coro iridescent fan necklace. 68.

I have to admit, I am not a fan of matching bridesmaid dresses. Why must we always stick everyone in a band of identical dresses? Whether they are all wearing tiffany blue, chocolate brown, tangerine tango or royal plum--does it really look better to have all your favorite ladies looking like members of the high school flag team?

I think dressing a bridal party in mismatched yet harmonious colors looks so much better-so much more organic and natural....like an impressionist painting! Less sports team more Monet.

There are things all around to base a palette on. For instance, today I picked up this lovely little vintage brooch. I'm guessing the pin is from the 30's, maybe 40's. I loved the soft luminous color scheme. A pistachio green, regency blue and soft pink. From there I kept finding things in those colors--gloves, shoes, dresses....all pieces that would all look so great mixed and matched together.

At Xtabay we have hundreds of wonderful dresses to outfit a bridal party, and so many beautiful treasures to get inspired by. Come in and we can help you pick out a color scheme!

Xtabay is open 7 days a week from 11am- 6pm, call us at 503 230 2899 if you have any questions or would like to purchase over the phone.

To schedule an appointment in our exclusive vintage bridal salon email me at xtabayliz@gmail.com

New Arrivals for January 12,2012

Just had to show it off...This 50's emerald silk taffeta number sold the minute it came in....sorry for the teaser!

Let the romance begin in this darling 1950's Emma Domb strapless prom/wedding dress with baby pink roses....
waist 28". 298.

What could be more perfect for Valentines that this sassy 60's tiered cocktail dress with HOT pink bow. Waist 28", 198.

Did you know we carry old school bras and Rago shapewear? I love the pink and black 50's style garter/girdle! 

Also in today is this amazing 50's pink and black crinoline, med. 68.

Meanwhile in the Bridal Salon we just put out tons of new (vintage) wedding gowns....to schedule an appointment email us at xtabayliz@gmail.com and we will be sure to get you in!

Bridal Salon Update

Gorgeous Ivory Silk Empire Waist Wedding Gown by Bianchi. Size 4-6 available now in the Bridal Salon.

Stunning 1950's pearl and rhinestone choker.

1960's Bianchi Silk Wedding Gown With Calla Lilly Neckline.

Original tags still attached!

1920's Cotton Swiss Dot Garden Wedding Dress, size 5-6. 

Ethereal 1950's Cahill Organza Wedding Gown, size 2.

Loads of gorgeous wedding gowns for you to peruse...

For the non-traditional bride, this duchess satin evening gown from I.Magnin would be stunning!
Size 9-10

Gorgeous 60's Silk Strapless Beaded Evening/Wedding Gown, size 6-8.

To schedule an appointment in our luxurious vintage bridal salon please call us at 503 234 7568 or 503 230 2899. We are open 7 days a week and provide an exquisite setting for you and your loved ones to peruse our extensive selection of vintage wedding gowns and accessories. We look forward to helping you find your dream dress!

Thanks for looking!

Email us with any questions at xtabayerin@gmail.com

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...... 

.

.

.

.

!

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.