Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Moonlight Serenade


Lighting up the Xtabay window tonight is this beautiful ivory lace dress from the 50's.. I think it would make a beautiful wedding dress.  It has a 28" waist and fits a medium build. Call if you have any questions! It's bound to go fast....

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Bow Wow Wow....


Before I could even get to know it, the black lace beauty sold (see last post).  I always get a little worried after I sell a REALLY fantastic dress, like what if I NEVER find another?  Like what if that's it...?

Luckily, this time I knew I had some winners waiting for me at the dry cleaners.  When I unwrapped and put the 1950's black taffeta party dress with the tartan plaid trim and sash on the dress form I knew I had another, dare I say....showstopper. Just look how FANTASTIC that bow is! Look at the petticoat! Oh geesh.  It's kind of the best holiday party dress ever.

But then look at the one below it.  The black taffeta ball gown with the pleated bodice is pretty fabulous as well.  The back is amazing, the skirt has knife pleated panels.
The charcoal wool dress with the rhinestones and velvet trimmed neckline is wonderful and is related to the black lace beauty from my previous post, it belonged to the same lovely woman. I think it would make an ideal "day into night dress". I love the contrast of conservative wool tweed with black velvet and rhinestones.

I know these are bound to go fast, so if you see one you love don't hesitate to call or come by. Thanks!

Monday, September 20, 2010

This Week's Showstopper


Once in a while I get a dress that just seems to shine a little brighter than the others.  This is one of those dresses.  Heavy ivory faille over-layed with rich black rhinestone studded lace, a velvet bolero to match the velvet trimmed bust line and last but not least--it's original belt! 

I had the pleasure of purchasing this dress from its original owner who at age 76 wanted it to go somewhere it would be appreciated again.  She wore it when she was a freshman in college to a dance. No doubt she was the belle of the ball.  She told me that her mother always shopped at expensive boutiques and favored such designers as Adele Simpson and Ann Fogerty.  Lucky for me she still had  a few of her mother's dresses from the late 40's that I was able to purchase as well.  New look dresses with huge full skirts, sloping shoulders and nipped in waists.  Loads of beautiful tailored wool pencil skirts and silk blouses too!  I can't wait to pick them up from the cleaner's this wednesday.

Fall is definitely here, and that means the holidays are approaching... Do you have your holiday showstopper yet?

Friday, September 17, 2010

Lawrence of London

Early 1960's ad for Lawrence of London.
1960's Lawrence of London silk tiger print rain coat at Xtabay.


How was it that I ended up with six fabulous "weather resistant" silk coats by Lawrence of London? Living in rainy Portland Oregon no doubt helps.  I couldn't find much about this company, but I did find an old advertisement.  Just look at how fabulous this tiger print is!  If you have any more information on this company be sure to let us know. 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

New Arrivals

Just a small sampling of some of the beautiful things you'll find inside the shop this week. I have been frantic putting things out and get ready for fall. The vintage Gods have been smiling on us lately and the finds just keep getting better and better. Stay tuned for more!
xo
Liz

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Scenes From The Xtabay Birthday Party....


Thanks to all our wonderful friends the birthday sale was a huge success. First thing to sell was the fabulous 50's polka dot dress. Shoppers sipped mimosas and ate cupcakes, tried things on and shopped to their hearts delight. Things really picked up when Gabe the pomeranian showed up.
If your wondering if we have anything left to sell...never fear, the fall collection is here!
Thanks,
Liz