New Arrivals: Holiday Dressing

Stunning 1940's candy striped taffeta evening gown, waist 25". I would love to wear this to a holiday formal!

A highly coveted 1950's Cherry red Lilli Ann mohair coat, click here for more info. Perfect for the holidays! 

My very favorite vintage rhinestone brooch, it will add a little holiday bling to whatever you're wearing! 125. 

Devastatingly sexy 1950's silk jersey cocktail dress, for more info click here. It doesn't get much more figure flattering than this. 

Utterly elegant 1960's couture velvet evening gown, owned previously by a D.C. socialite! For more info click here.

Again with the brooch! It looks so good with everything!

Adorable early 1950s leopard print and velvet ankle strap pumps by Herbert Levine. Size 5.5, 78. 

Fabulous 1960's Mr. Frank tangerine brocade cocktail dress with matching jacket, for more info click here.

Exquisite 1930's black net evening jacket dripping with inky black sequins, for more info click here. Perfect to wear over a slinky bias cut gown or with skinny jeans and boots. 

Timeless chic!  1950's Gigi Young polished cotton cocktail dress, perfect for all seasons and occasions. For more info click here.

I simply cannot resist this classic neckline! 

Gorgeous pale blue silk evening gown from the 1930's. Would make a beautiful alternative wedding gown or bridesmaid dress. For more info click here.

1960s Platinum Emba mink wrap, exquisite. Would be the perfect thing to wear to a winter wedding, whether you're the bride or a guest. For more info click here.

I just adore these little early 1950s blue and gold print leather heels by Seymour Troy, size 7.5.

A rare treat! 1990's Chanel dress in navy wool,  fully lined in silk. The quality and craftsmanship on this dress is sublime. Complete with Chanel logo buttons. For more info click here. 

Label love, we really don't see these very often!

The holiday candles have arrived! I'm in love with their latest scent Incognito which combines amber, black patchouli, and oud. The new tins are super cute and festive for the holiday season!

A Little Knit Music...

Vintage 1970's knit dress by The Knit Group. Fur felt hat by Deborah.

1970's starburst knit top by Jane. 

1970's striped St. John cardigan, 70's knit by Jane, and Chocolate St. John knit from the 70's.

Sexy 1980's metallic gold and black dress by Richard Assaulty. 

1970's Chocolate knit dress by The Knit Group. 

1970's abstract knit dress by Goldworm. 

1970's St. John Knit in ivory. 

Adorable under this 60's camel and cream wool coat!

Sensational 1970's spakling celadon knit gown by The Knit Group featuring crystal buttons.

Lime Green  1970's St. John knit gown with rhinestone buttons. 

It's been a knit explosion this week at Xtabay! So many fabulous vintage St. John Knit dresses, tops and cardigans. We will be listing them all in our Etsy shop this week. 

In addition to all the fantastic knit pieces that have flooded the shop we also have some really cute holiday geared coats and dresses! 

1950's red velveteen coat by Lawrence of London.

HALLOWEEN SALE!

Xtabay is having a spook-tacular sale this Saturday,

 October 31st! 

 Everything in the store will be 25% off 

Those who come in costume will receive an additional 5% off their purchase! So bring us a slightly more spooky, glamorous, fabulous version of yourself  and save big! 

We will be celebrating the spookiest day of the year with witches brew (aka mimosas) and some pretty scary cookies. 

Sale includes Voluspa Candles, Tocca Perfumes, Butter London nail varnishes and Olivine products! 

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday! 

Xtabay Bride Kelly

Congratulations to Xtabay bride Kelly who married her sweetheart Greg in Corvallis, Oregon on October 4, 2015. Kelly wore a 1950's lace wedding gown with tiers of chantilly lace, a sweetheart neckline and small cap sleeves. Our expert seamstress Erin modified the neckline, lowered the back and shortened the sleeves.

We are all so happy for this beautiful couple!

Photos by Nakalan McKay.

To visit the bridal salon, call 503 234-7568 and make an appointment. We would love to help you find your dream dress.

Dress Of The Day: 1950's Claire McCardell

Today I am featuring a lovely 1950's cotton plaid day dress designed by one of the most influential American designers of the mid-century. Claire McCardell, a lesser known female designer is credited with creating what is known as the "American Look". Her dresses are collected by The Metropolitian Museum of Art  and played a significant part in the way modern sportswear is made today.  

It is not often that one of her dresses makes it's way into the doors of the Xtabay. You can purchase this wearable work of art in the boutique and or here in our Etsy store. 

Read more about Claire on the fabulous Colette Blog. 

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.