Best of Portland: Holiday Party Wear

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December 15, 2009 by Katelin | Comments (3)

‘Tis the season for festive fêtes, and I can’t help but get excited for my annual holiday celebrations. However, each year I undoubtedly find myself standing panic-stricken inside my closet with just one hour to unearth something fabulous for the evening ahead, and not one suitable ensemble in sight. This year I am eliminating my usual wardrobe woes and am pledging to find Portland’s best shops for holiday attire, appropriate for all occasions from work parties to cozy cocktails with the gals!

Mink Located at 3418 SE Hawthorne, Mink is well known for its extensive collection of party dresses year-round, catering to the needs of those shopping for both upscale outings and casual affairs. This season’s stock includes a large supply of Weston Wear, BCBG holiday dresses, pieces from Corey Lynn Calter, as well as many items for those looking to make better use of their attire investments. “Women this year want something they can wear more than once, so we’ve got a great selection of cross-over dresses for wintertime” says Austin, a manager at Mink. Perfect for glamming up with heels, or pairing with tights and boots, Mink’s dresses range from jersey to lux fabrics, and pair perfectly with their great selection of cropped cover-ups and jackets. Prices run between $110-198 for dresses, and the amazingly helpful staff can’t be beat!

Mabel and Zora Nestled in the Pearl on NW 11th Ave., his beautiful boutique may be decked out in yellow, but it is anything but mellow….as a self proclaimed sanctuary of sequence and sparkles, Mabel and Zora prides itself on providing glitz and glam to the modern woman, while making nods to the retro glamour of Doris Day films. Beaded tops and sparkly dresses abound here, complemented by a great selection of separates, jeans, and jewelry. Mabel and Zora stocks, Trina Turk, Ella Moss, Kersh, Max & Cleo, Betsy & Iya jewelry, and many more. Prices range from $58-$300, and for a lady in search of shine and shimmer, Mabel and Zora is this winter’s wonderland.

The English Dept In my recurring dream of being invited to an exclusive party, picked up in a limo by a handsome date, and swept off to an evening of elegance and luxury…I imagine I bough my dress at The English Dept. The owner, Elizabeth Dye, stocks her intimate boutique with many of her own designs and those of her favorite designers from around the world. Elizabeth’s focus is bridal dresses, but she keeps the English Dept. well supplied with special occasion dresses so intricate, distinctive, and fashion-forward that it is impossible not to gape at her divine mind. Each item comes with a story of vintage fabrics and inspiration drawn from literature and centuries passed, and Elizabeth even invites shoppers to consult on pieces for their own special occasions. Be it a high-collared silk shrug or handmade dress, a piece purchased from The English Dept. will surely be a splurge but is also an investment in one’s self-distinction. The English Dept. is located at 1124 SW Alder Street.

Happy shopping!

3 Responses to “Best of Portland: Holiday Party Wear”

• kate "the proprietress" Says:
  
  December 15th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

  love all these stores – some of the yummiest concoctions in town can be found here!

• Mabel and Zora Says:
  
  December 15th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

  We love everything about the other two wonderful shops listed! Beautiful items and wonderful service!

• Prost to the Host Says:
  
  December 16th, 2009 at 11:28 am

  Every time I go into the English Department, my heart becomes so twitterpated with all the delicious dresses.

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