a new one.

...still kind of a secret.

Here's another one.

I like to see a little laughter at a wedding. Is that tea in that cup, or something a little stronger?

Love this...

...photo Katie sent of her wedding. She wore my citron tulle dress, a definite favorite of mine. When she tried it on, it suited her so beautifully it was almost eerie. Thanks, Katie!

The weddingest town in America.

photo: Our Labor of Love

It's true--we do love our weddings here. Bike-friendly weddings, DIY weddings, chandelier-in-a-barn blowouts, photobooth fandangos, the works. So I was greatly honored to be named one of the top 10 reasons to get married in Portland, Oregon. A handmade dress! Don't you think?

Lovely trunk show May 15-16

We're in the studio working up lots of one-of-a-kind pieces for the upcoming Lovely trunk show. If you're in the NYC area and in need of a special little frock, I'll be bringing a sweet collection of short dresses, gowns made from limited edition materials, and a few surprises. Watch the Lovely web site for more details.

The lady of the hour...

is definitely Oysters & Pearls. Here are a couple in progress.

Think pink.

Time for a little color therapy! Jenny Yoo dresses (and 5th anniversary flowers) in our shop window.

Now we are FIVE.

Five years ago today, The English Dept. opened its doors. Here I am with invaluable co-founder Joy Cohen during our earliest days at our original NW 23rd location (we're about to attack that ugly carpet and terra cotta tile behind us). I don't know what's scarier, my wide-eyed, thumbs-up innocence or the fact that I still have those pants. The English Dept. has certainly gone on an evolutionary journey, and I with it. To customers, friends--really everyone who has assisted in this miraculous little venture over the past half decade--I say a thousand thanks. Because of you, The English Dept. is still here, and thriving.

Waiting in the wings.

{Mostly} Giselles and Ghosts waiting to go out to their girls.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

No, it really is--wind gusts ripping the tulips to bits, rain flying in all directions, and a cold that seems too, too impolite for April. Thankfully, Emily's dress is so delightful.

Lace illusion bodice over cream silk shantung, tulle gathered overskirt, and champagne silk sash. Every material used in this dress is a slightly different tone of vintage-y cream or ivory, and I love how not matchy-matchy it is.

Moody blues.

These watercolor blues and greens seem just right for sunny/stormy April. Flower and leaf dress embellishment and sash for Sarah.

Postcard from the secret laboratory.

True, posting has been a bit sparse of late--my sewing machine is a jealous mistress. To each and every one of you lovely ladies who has chosen to wear one of my dresses for your wedding day, I am truly honored. So honored, that for now it's less typing, more sewing! Thank goodness the weather has been absolutely rotten. Nothing keeps a girl on task quite like a Portland spring.

Oysters & Pearls (full length) for Amy.