Best Dresses of 2009

1960's Teal Traina Silk dress...

Loris Azzaro crochet chain top...

1950's Blue Heaven...

1930's satin bias cut stunner.

Joelle models her gorgeous early 60's wedding gown.

1950's tissue silk dress in Ice, by Harry Keiser.

1950's "New Look" dress in silk. Hand made from a Vogue pattern, designed by Dessus.

1970's silk Japanese print gown by Chloe.

1930's wedding gown in french lace and silk. Breathtaking!

Devastatingly beautiful 1950's velvet gown with huge silk bow....label states 5th Ave. Tailor Shop, New York.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

We have been very good girls. For real. We've helped women find dresses that make them feel like femme fatales, matched soon-to-be-brides with their dream gowns, and found homes for wayward stilettos. We've even nursed two darling pneumonia-ridden dogs to health and have the credit card bills to prove it. Time for payback, Santa.

At the top of Liz's list is more Miriam Haskell jewelry. She was thrilled to have the beaded, flowered, rhinestone-spangled necklace and earring sets that she's been able to offer to Xtabay patrons, and she wants more. On the other hand, don't worry about this one, Santa. If Liz wants it for the store, she'll find it.

For her own closet, Liz politely requests a closet chock full of Adele Simpson party dresses like the green one in the Xtabay window with the full skirt and cleverly looped swags--only in her size. She wouldn't mind a version of the sleeveless black gown in the window, the gorgeous one with the outsized bow at the bustle, but for a gal with a little more pulchritude. She trusts you to select a few choice Traina and Chapman gowns for her, as well, and maybe a silk velvet dressing gown in summer green for cold winter mornings. Finally, please bring her the perfect purse. This request is from me, Santa, because I know Liz has cast far and wide for the bag of her dreams but not quite found it.

Allison's list, dear Santa, is much more simple. Basically, she wants Grace Kelly's entire wardrobe from Rear Window in her size. She also wouldn't mind some cute snow boots from the 1960s lined in mouton and some glamorous slips from the 1940s and 1950s, which she customizes into darling tops. Please bring every color of nail polish from the Butter line, too, please. 

Joanne isn't here to make her request, but on her behalf (I'm telling you, Santa, she's been very, very good) I'd like to request some velvet 1930s evening gowns, cut on the bias. I think one in silver, one in daffodil, and one in a stormy blue would be perfect. She might appreciate a Victorian dressing gown in black, too, and some 1970s chain metal scarves. If you really want to please her, toss in some 1930s and 1940s platform sandals in watered silk and a giant bottle of Jicky eau de toilette.

Amy wasn't able to appeal to you directly, either, Santa, but I'd love it if you brought her an armload of the empire-waist 1960s dresses she looks so stunning in. I think five for summer and five for winter would be perfect. She is so beautiful in sculpturally cut clothing. A few giant rings shaped like multi-petaled flowers would suit her well, too. 

For me? Why, Santa, thanks for asking. I'll take a dozen Pringle cashmere sweaters, some vintage Daniel Green satin mules, a chunky crystal Eisenberg bracelet, some elbow length evening gloves, a silky 1940s dressing gown, a dozen 1950s silk scarves in autumn colors, and a pristine 1940s Lilli Ann suit. If you still have room in your sleigh, let me know...

Hugs to Rudolph and the missus,

Your (very good) Xtabay Shop Girls

It's Officially Party Dress Season

Thanksgiving is over, and it's official: Party dress season has begun.

The invitations have probably already begun trickling in. You may even be planning your own party. You'll be going out for cocktails with friends, spending evenings at lavish dinner parties, seeing old friends at gatherings that last until breakfast, and gearing up for a work occasion or two. This is your chance to glam it up. What will you wear?

One choice is the classic little black dress. For my money, I like 1940s rayon crepe. It's made for women with curves, and it clings in all the right places. The Xtabay just landed some exquisite 1940s black dresses, some with peplums, and some with sequin decoration. The LBD is seasonless and goes to just about any type of function fuss free. It looks terrific with pumps, nude legs, and red lips, of course. But an LBD sings with red or pale green tights (choose a color of tights that picks up the color in your tattoos) and open-toed shoes. Keep your makeup modern and your hair slightly messy. My only LBD caution would be to stay away from dowdy all-black velvet outfits. Way too spinster aunt.

Mad Men has opened many people's eyes to the beauty of the colored party dress. This look is especially smashing if you can get a coat to match. Imagine a pale blue dress with a floaty chiffon skirt and a large crystal brooch pinned to the shoulder topped with a pale blue mohair coat. Slick back your hair and brush on a smoky eye. Or, try a gold or silver dress with no jewelry except for a massive cocktail ring. Those boring women in designer jeans and pointy shoes will be so jealous.

Another angle is to opt for 1980s glamour. No, not the cheap Kmart Dynasty look, but the real thing: Thierry Mugler, Guy Laroche, et al. The Xtabay has a killer black Guy Laroche suit in right right now that will give you the figure of Jessica Rabbit. I'd do 1940s jewelry with it to take it out of Falcon Crest and make it timeless. Or, add a large, modern, handcrafted choker. Purple suede over-the-knee boots would put the outfit in the stratosphere.

Once you have your dress chosen, it's time to focus on accessories. To me, the holidays are all about rhinestones and in every color. The Xtabay has a brilliant Eisenberg crystal brooch and earring set right now that should come with a "must wear sunglasses when viewing" warning. The store also has a row of vintage fur stoles that would look especially great with jeans and sweaters, and a fabulous assortment of 1940s sandals. (If you're a 7 1/2 shoe size, get down to the store, pronto.)

Here's the best news of all: This Saturday, December 5th, the Xtabay is having a party, and all day just about everything is 25% off! Come let us pull together a couple of good party looks for you. We can lead you to the dresses that work with your figure and suggest a few pairings you might not have thought of yourself. The Xtabay's secret mission is to glamorize Portland. (Crocs and fleece, beware!)

This is the season that you make an entrance. This year people talk about how gorgeous you are and see you as inspiration. You only live once. Do it right! Do it with style.