We're back and more fabulous than ever!

After three long months of painting, primping and purging we are finally open. We are so excited to show you what we have done! My intention was to create a space that celebrates beauty, that delights the senses, that uplifts and inspires. I decided to pair down, simplify, let go of things that had been in the shop for the past 16 years collecting dust.  Don't worry, the poodles and the tiki bar are still here-only now the tiki bar is gold:) 

In the process of simplifying, I made an executive decision to only be open four days a week. That way I have more time to find treasures, photograph things for our Etsy shop and maintain some degree of sanity. Thank you for being so patient and supportive during the stressful remodel phase, I hope you find the result to have been worth the wait. 

Come visit us Thursday and Friday, between the hours of 11am and 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 10am and 6pm. We can't wait to see you! 

Xtabay Glamour Makeover Continued....

Xtabay is STILL undergoing a glamour makeover, and it looks like we won't be ready to reopen for a few more weeks. Who knew remodeling would take so much longer than expected (wink, wink)?! In the meantime, I've been trying to fill our Etsy shop with as many vintage dresses as I can. Here are some of my favorite new arrivals this week...

Gorgeous 1960's Illusion lace wedding gown available now in our Etsy shop. Original purchased at Stanley Korshack department store, but never worn. 

Beautiful assortment of vintage handbags and clutches. Perfect as bridesmaid gifts! 

Palest powder blue 1950's lace cocktail dress by Emma Domb, perfect for a mother of the bride or bridesmaid. Click here for more details. 

I LOVE this gorgeous late 1950s silk chiffon wiggle dress by Marjorie Micheal. View it here in our Etsy shop. 

Rare late 1960s Emilio Pucci velvet zip front maxi dress, available here in our Etsy shop. 

Ultra luxe bohemian silk kaftan from the 1970's. Perfect for padding around on hardwood floors in....available here in our Etsy shop.

Meanwhile upstairs our sister shop The English Dept. is in full swing hosting a Claire la Faye trunk show. Visit our website above to schedule an appointment to come in and try these gorgeous, locally made wedding dresses on! 

Thanks for being so patient with us during this transition period and be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date. 

Holiday Dressing...

1950's Heavenly Ombre lace couture cocktail party dress by Martini. Waist 26".

1950's Blushing Bow party dress in iridescent taffeta that flashes brilliant orange in certain light. Waist 25". 

Vintage Ralph Lauren silk tartan taffeta holiday party dress, size 4. Waist 26".

Adorable 1960's New-Old raspberry wool and Persian lamb coat by Modelia. Size small, from the Bette Collection! 

Fabulous late 1960's sparkling knit gown with matching scarf, waist 30". 

Wicked 1950's wool princess coat from Nicholas Ungar with red trim violin back detail. Medium.

Teal temptation! 1950's shimmering organza party dress with shawl collar and full pleated skirt. Waist 25". 

Aquamarine 1950's Lilli Ann coat, small. 

Kendra wearing her vintage red Lilli Ann coat from Xtabay on the streets of Portland. Share your pictures wearing your favorite Xtabay item with us on
Instagram. Hashtag #xtabayinthewild.
  Photographs by Solanah.
Follow us on Instagram at xtabayvintage

The shop has recently been transformed for the holidays, we implore you to come by and see all the fabulous new arrivals. We would love to help you find the perfect holiday party dress! Cheers! 

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. 

Fall Shop Update: Inspired By Venice

1950's olive green polished cotton skirt and top set paired with 1940's grape cluster necklace.

View from my hotel room window at The Pensione Accademia in Venice, Italy. 

1960's Autumn sun sequined cocktail dress from Nicolas Ungar. Available in our Etsy shop.

1950's plaid skirt paired with 50's wool boucle cardigan a vintage Miriam Haskell cameo necklace and Xtabay blouse. All items available in our Etsy shop.

View from inside the Doges Palace. 

Fall accessories currently available in the boutique.

Enjoying coffee and cicchetti at Osteria Al Squero. 

Vintage 1970s metallic gauze dress (available in our Etsy shop) and vintage Giorgio Sant Angelo wool knit coat (sold).

Inside The Florian cafe, opened in 1720 in Palazzo San Marco. 

1950's sequined cotton border print skirt. Waist 25".

Early 1960's Illusion lace cocktail dress. Waist 26".

1950's cotton dress by Miami Guild with lace up back. Waist 25".

1930's wool gabardine tilt hat. 

1950's floral party dress, sold.

1940's femme fatale rayon dress with fringe, waist 32".

The Bridge Of Sighs. 

1940's blouse by Dorothy O'Hara. 

Feeding the pigeons in San Marco square.


I recently visited Venice and fell in love. The light, the colors, the food, the art…there is no other place in the world like it. I'm already trying to figure out how to go back:)