My Brooklyn bride, part two.

Angie just sent me these beautiful bridge-in-the-background pictures of her Brooklyn wedding, wearing this dress. This one was one of my favorites of the year. Lace collage empire bodice with silk organza layered skirt.

Three of my favorite things.

1. Love
2. A pretty girl in a great dress
3. Portland, Oregon

Congratulations, Emily! [pop print hammered silk charmeuse wedding dress]

What goes around.

This time of year I catch my breath, reflect, rest...but not for long! We are busily collecting photos of English Dept. brides for a memory book of sorts, and I happened to spot one of my little hairpieces in Emily's tresses--she borrowed it from a friend who found it at our shop. I love the idea of these handmade creations journeying through the universe--fly, little flower!

The photos of Emily's wedding, by the way, are incredible--you can see more here.

P.S. If you wore a dress from The English Dept. and would like to share your photos with us, we'd love to see them! Just email us at info@theenglishdept.com.

A little plaid for winter.

Hooded shrug made from vintage Pendleton wool and lined in black silk satin.

Married in wellies.

Loren at her wedding. I love the honest Northwest footwear!

A "Content"-ed sigh.

Polaroids from our Content fashion installation Sunday at the Ace Hotel. We had a fine old time kicking up our heels in our suite, which we staged as a 1930s-era backstage dressing room. Thanks to lovely models Carlie, Bree, Clara, Robyn and Sally, makeup magician Katy, and co-host Sarah of Lille Boutique.

...the details...

Miss Clara and me in Dayna Pinkham hats.

Fine day for a funeral.

It's been a whirlwind of events this last week! I've finally gotten around to posting a few photos of the Procession, a truly memorable fashion show orchestrated by talented milliner Dayna Pinkham. Portland designers were each asked to contribute an ensemble, to be crowned by one of Dayna's incredible hats. This is my piece, entitled Nevermore. Crumpled cotton faille gown with corset bodice and flounce train. Tattered organza bolero. Here are a few more of my favorite designs from the show:
Dresses by Kate Towers.
Dress by Emily Ryan. More gorgeous photos by Lisa Warninger here. I don't know about you, but I'll take a fashion funeral over the regular kind any day.

More Emily...

...because she's just such a dish and these pictures are so great. Thanks, Emily x 2 (the bride and the photographer!).

This Sunday: Content '09

This weekend I'll be participating in Content, a unique fashion event at the Ace Hotel. It's a great opportunity to view the work of Portland independent clothing designers close up, meet the creators, and sashay around a stylish hotel. More info here. Hope to see you there!

Old School.

Emily was just married at the Kennedy School. Custom tea length wedding dress in ivory silk/cotton and with deep pleats, a jewel neckline and pockets (today's bride simply must have pockets). Topped with an ivory ruffle bolero with custom silk flower appliqués. Photo by Emily Garrick-Steenson.

Ready for her closeup.

Custom dress for Loren in ivory silk taffeta with tulle overlay and tulle illusion bodice. Embellished with silver beaded embroidery at waist. Her wedding's happening...right now! Congratulations, Loren. You look truly adorable.

The bride wore blue.

Suzette in the Thread Liddy dress in Dutch Blue silk taffeta. Custom ribbon sash with lace embroidery detail.

Just married...

...with the smiles to prove it. This photo is my very first from Robin, a stunner who wore one of my favorite designs this season. More to come...

Nautical flair.

Jaunty little ruffle bolero in navy. Perfection with a striped tank and high waisted trousers. Oh, and a yacht. Definitely a yacht. Ideally a fifty footer.

I'm working on something...

It's not a wedding dress. It's not even close to a wedding dress. It's for this:

...which is going to be amazing. Location to be disclosed. RSVP to erin@pinkhammillinery.com to receive the top-secret coordinates.