Friday, October 27, 2006

BUNDLE UP SALE


These cool crisp mornings make us crave sharp, tailored coats, woolly hats to pull down 'round our ears, and soft, non-scratchy sweaters. To celebrate the change in season, The English Dept. is having a BUNDLE UP SALE. All coats and sweaters are at least 20% off now through November 15th. This includes amazing peacoatish styles from Veena and Borne, classics in plaid and jacquard from Annelore, and cashmere galore from New Scotland. We figure you deserve a treat for yourself before the holiday mayhem begins, and we wouldn't want you to get chillblains. Extra credit for knowing what chillblains are...anyone? anyone?

IVANA Helsinki in Elle!


As the only store on the west coast (and one of very few in the U.S.) to carry this very special collection from Finland, we were so proud to spot IVANA Helsinki in the November issue of Elle Magazine. Her pieces are going fast, so don't miss your chance to dress up this winter in fab Finnish style...

Praise from Portland Monthly

The English Dept. was selected by Portland Monthly magazine as one of the finest boutiques on Northwest 23rd Avenue: "Less than two years old, The English Department gets high marks for having already created an advanced style curriculum. Best in class: feminine apparel by local and international designers such as Baum und Pferdgarten, plus a clutch of glazed vintage housewares."

[thx PM, we're blushing]

Elizabeth Dye in Venus!


If you haven't seen Elizabeth's "Little Nell" dress in the Fall 2006 issue of Venus magazine--well, it's quite the centerfold. As for the dress--it's exclusive to The English Dept. And yes, it has pockets.

Mixed Media

The English Dept. has gotten a bit of a rush from the press lately. First, we'd like to thank the lovely people at Oregon Bride magazine for profiling us as a source for non-frou frou wedding and bridesmaid dresses in their Fall issue.They also featured our vintage and handmade accessories in their stunning black and white bridal editorial.

Merci, Oregon Bride.
"Get schooled by the classy gals at The English Department, an adorable new boutique in Portland's Nob Hill. Co-owners Elizabeth Dye and Joy Cohen extended the store for bridal fashion, complete with their own lines. Always visualized sporting your mom's dress without sky-high puffy sleeves? Elizabeth can conjure up similar garb from scratch or renew an old dress with adornments. Joy's jewelry line features vintage pendants dangling from light gold chains (perfect for your "something old"). And they're not bride-centric; for the girls, the department is Portland's only carrier of fabulous 'maids lines from New York City, like Thread and Jenny Yoo. They're open 7 days a week and cater to the anti-bride--that is, the girl that wants an understated bridal salon experience. The English Department bride is all about minimalism and modernity; you won't find massive mounds of tulle here, but you may find the dress of your dreams--made in Portland, to boot."

Thursday, October 05, 2006

October Report Card


October! Now we *know* fall is the real deal. Time for new notebooks, warming soups, coats and sweaters and sturdy boots...

So much shockingly adorable merchandise has flown into The English Dept. in the last fortnight or so--Baum und Pferdgarten from Denmark, IVANA Helsinki from Finland, Annelore, Mona & Holly, Webster and Paala from NYC ... a new parcel almost every day. Here are a few snaps of our freshest offerings (modeled by the incomparable Gretchen).
Come have a look.

L to R:
Webster silk print school blouse, Elizabeth Dye linen "Little Nell" dress
Woodcutter's Daughter dress, IVANA Helsinki
Snow Maiden dress, IVANA Helsinki
Mona & Holly high-necked pullover, Webster houndstooth skirt
Paala silk ruffle blouse, Mon Petit Oiseau rumpled plaid trousers

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Perhaps the prettiest wedding ever.


Once in a while, a bride comes along who art directs her wedding with a cool creative brilliance that leaves us in awe. Introducing Katie Birkholz (née Crookston). She recently sent us photos of her happy--and lovely--event. Our favorite touch: truffle silk chiffon Thread bridesmaid dresses from The English Dept. Congratulations, and brava.