Dress of the day: 1950's Dorothy O'Hara

1950's Dorothy O'Hara Ad.

“Dorothy O’Hara endorses the slim silhouette, exclusively, Her distinctive signature, the “all-in-one-piece” drapery, places this designer in a class of her own. She literally wraps the body in fabric and her ingenuity makes the most of a woman’s figure.
Working with the grain of the fabric and molding it to give depth to the bust and minimize the waistline, the “poured-into” style is nevertheless a step-in dress in every case. The woman can slip easily into her clothes after hairdo and makeup.”

— Los Angeles Times, July 9, 1954 

I have been a huge fan of mid-century designer Dorothy O'Hara ever since I tried on one of her dresses a few years back. The way the dress effortlessly gave me a slim waist, perfectly proportioned hips and a well….TANTALIZING bust got me hooked. No other piece of clothing had that kind of magic power over my not so hourglass form.  I admit to hoarding them whenever we get one in. 

Case in point, the dress above has been hanging in my "private collection" for quite some time. In a strange fit of generosity ( honestly it has always been too big in the bust for me) I decided to offer this one up. It is the perfect little black dress and will never ever ever go out of style. It will do things for your figure you never thought were possible! 

This beauty is available to purchase in the lovely boutique or online in our Etsy store. 

That's me in my favorite 1940's Dorothy O'Hara dress. 

Vintage Bridal Salon Update

1950's chantilly lace tea length wedding dress. Available in the bridal salon and in our Etsy store.

1930's slipper satin wedding gown. Available in the bridal salon.

1920s wedding dress with sweetheart neckline. Available in our Etsy store.

1930's pearl necklace. 148. 

I love the light in the bridal salon in the afternoon….

1950's Something Blue wedding dress with blue sash. Available in the bridal salon.

Beautiful 1950's tiered tulle wedding dress, available in the bridal salon and in our Etsy shop.

1950's embroidered cotton organdy wedding gown with low back. Available in the vintage bridal salon.

A whole bunch of Butter London polishes and glosses just came in!

1950's Ivory cashmere cardigan by Dalton. Available in our Etsy shop.

A trio of 1950's cotton dresses, perfect for bridesmaids….

1960's Alice in Wonderland blue cotton party dress, waist 26". Available in our Etsy shop. 

1960's Poppy Red chiffon dress by Jack Bryan, waist 30". Available in our Etsy shop.

Darling 1950's cotton lace print dress, sold!

Stunning 1950's floral print cotton wiggle dress, waist 30". Available in our Etsy shop.

The perfect outfit for attending a late summer wedding~ The dress is from the 1950's and is made of the lightest cotton, the handbag is from the 60's and is the perfect size for an afternoon out and the matching hanky is a must to catch your tears during the ceremony! Dress available in our Etsy shop.

 Rachael (pictured above with her adorable dog Toby) snagged the adorable 1960s "hot dog on stick" sun suit for her upcoming honeymoon. Rachael is marrying her sweetheart Ben in August and is wearing a beautiful 1950's tulle wedding gown from our bridal salon. We are so excited for her! Stop by and visit the shop this week and she'll help you find the perfect thing for the summer wedding season. Toby will be around too!

Best Place In Portland To Buy A Party Dress...

Stunning 1950's black lace and tulle party dress with illusion bustline, sold.

Late 40's cotton piece bustier top and full circle skirt, one of my all time favorites! Waist 28", bust 34", 298.

Heidi models one of her favorite gowns in the store, late 30's crepe evening gown with flounced hem, size 2-4, 298.

Margot models of of her personal favorites, a late 60's floral lurex gown by Adele Simpson, 198.

Another of Margot's favorites, a silk 1920's fringed robe with embroidery. 248.

Darling 1940's jersey dress with built in vest, size 5-6, 198. 

Heidi is amazing at putting outfits together and has her won fabulous sense of style.

Dianne is our newest family member and rocks the cutest 60's dresses ever! 

Erin majored in costume design in college and is our seamstress extraordinaire, she is the woman behind the scenes that pretty much does everything:)

Joanne is our bridal specialist has a special way of putting brides at ease, she is prone to wearing the most  fantastic outfits and is an endless inspiration.

 Portland Monthly magazine recently published their best of Portland issue and guess who won best place to buy a party dress?!  We DID! Hoooray! Thank you Portland!! Thank YOU! (blowing kisses)

 This week I wanted feature my lovely staff.  The beautiful ladies of Xtabay, all of which are equipped with the special ability to turn any woman into a femme fatale in no time. I am so grateful to have them on board.

See anything you can't live without? Email us at xtabayerin@gmail.com, or call us at 503-230-2899,
to schedule an appointment in the bridal salon call 503-234-7568.

Thanks for looking!