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By Sarah Donofrio
Sister bridal boutiques The English Dept. and Xtabay Vintage just got a little closer, mainly because owner Elizabeth Gross didn't want to cross a river between the two. Portland's Southeast Clinton neighborhood got the new, and West End the blue.
On January 15, The English Dept. re-opened in its new home above Xtabay (2632 SE 25th Ave.), continuing its 15-year tradition of dressing brides in quintessential Portland looks with a mix of emerging designers and vintage-inspired accessories.
The new store is reminiscent of an untouched victorian time capsule– meticulously kept, like it was waiting to be brought back to life by edgy accessories and a constant stream of joyful women. The upstairs location gives it a more intimate, exclusive feel but makes it invisible to window shoppers. At the grand re-opening party, it was nearly too packed to navigate.
Friends swarmed around Gross, who wore a mint green vintage frock, while sipping negronis and champagne made by local "traveling bartenders" Mint and Mirth. Mothers and daughters bonded over gowns, and dreamers trailed their newly-engaged friends.
After my second cocktail, I found myself cornered near the accessory stands, along with a very happy bride that had just bought her wedding dress. Even with the chaos of women (which is a departure from the usually sparse, by-appointment-only, rooms of bridal salons), there were plenty of new, interesting earrings or cake toppers to look at. If you could see over peoples heads.
Willamette Week