This is the ghost dress.

English net, silk cotton, embroidered lace, vintage mother of pearl buttons. Many girls have been circling 'round this dress over the past few days, and I have a feeling she will have a new home by the weekend. I wanted to be sure to snap her photo while she's still mine--should old acquaintance be forgot.
Just as pretty from the back--a true lady. Happy new year, little ghost.

ENGLISH DEPT. BRIDAL FASHION SHOW

We're busy little bees here getting ready for our upcoming fashion show...more info soon, but here are the basics!
When: Sunday, February 1st at 2 pm
Where: The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel, 1022 SW Stark Street
What: Lots of lovely dresses by The English Dept., lingerie by Lille Boutique, flowers by Ink & Peat, accessories by Twigs & Honey, gift registry by Canoe.

rsvp to The English Dept.
503.224.0724
info@theenglishdept.com

It's our 4th annual show, and we're excited to show you what we've been working on! Hope to see you there.

Happy Boxing Day!

Since our English Dept. holiday party was snowed out this week, I'll deliver this gift to my trusty assistant Clara, today. Christmas is yesterday's news...it's Boxing Day!
Hooded plaid shrug, made from vintage Pendleton wool, lined in sky blue silk satin.

Boxing Day dates back to past centuries when it was the custom for the wealthy to give gifts to employees or to people in a lower social class, most especially to household servants and other service personnel. [wikipedia]

Now let's all have a laugh about "wealthy," "lower social class," and "household servants." Ah, there'll always be an England.

Yellow Gold Diamond Journey Cross Pendant

A total of 28 round and tapered baguette diamonds (1/3 cttw, I-J color, I3 clarity) decorate this beautiful 10 karat yellow gold cross. The baguette diamonds are channel set inside the petal-shaped arms of the cross while the round prong-set diamonds trace a journey-style curve down the center. Soft, graceful contours and the bright sparkle of diamonds set this exquisite cross pendant apart. It presents on a delicate 18-inch rope chain, finished with a spring ring clasp. Detail

White Gold 2-Stone Split-Bale Diamond Ring

Two small round diamonds are centered on a split band of 10 karat white gold in this dainty and elegant ring. Perfect as a promise ring, or simply as a delicate accent, it has a simple, pleasing shape and a beautiful shine. The diamonds are arranged vertically along the finger and channel set between two polished gold bars. The split band tapers gracefully to a single band as it wraps the finger. Detail

Chrysoprase Nugget Bracelet

Chrysoprase nugget bracelet by Sajen. Detail

Diamond (.15 ctw) Heart Star of David Pendant

A heart-felt adaptation of a classic design. This 14k white gold Star of David pendant is intertwined with a .15 carat diamond heart. This one of a kind is a lovely combination of heritage and style. Includes 16 inch 14k gold rope chain. Available with 16 inch or 18 inch 14k gold chain. Detail

Merry Christmas

Vintage Charm Santa, wreath and bunting Country Home Magazine, shoes in pot Sarah Kaye presents

Panettone Sarah Kaye Presents, Votives Country Home Magazine, Sleigh Annika Vannerus, Ballet Shoes Sarah Kaye Presents

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, to my readers, commenters and blog friends.

Signing off now as all my family and friends arrive here in Spain for the festivities and off to attempt some mince pies D!

I think I love you.

We're buried under the Solstice Snowstorm here, but before cabin fever drove me into the streets, I made this -- my new favorite thing in the world. Antique ivory cashmere embellished with vintage lace and glass beads. Lined in shantung. And yes, it is lying in a snowbank -- the one right outside my front door.

Orange Inspirations for Christmas

Image from The City Sage

As I keep looking out my kitchen window at my orange tree that amazingly this year has oranges on it, the only option seemed to be to make marmalade, now having seen this photo I can think of a better option for all my oranges!

All that Glitters

Christmas cooking has gone on the back burner as I stumble upon some more wonderful blogs and so many talented people, I absolutely love these images, so girly and festive from the City Sage so in case you have not had enough christmas glitz yet I thought I would share these with you!

Christmas Cupcakes

Not being particuarly good at cake baking, the festive spirit has taken hold of me and my new Nigella Christmas cookbook is about to be tried and tested, but as usual for inspiration

I have googled Christmas Cupcakes and come across these fabulous photos on brandoesqblogspot.com. I fear my attempts at baking over the next few days will not produce anything like these but I can do a mean turkey!

Can rick-rack be high fashion?

Yes, these are the things I ruminate about. I love rick-rack's Frenchy, jaunty zigzags, but it does have a little bit of that homespun, cutie-pie thing. As a designer who is probably guilty of putting one ruffle or bow too many on her dresses, I have to ration my adorable details. But this Chanel dress from spring '08 has me rethinking the whole thing (via Style.com). I'm always wowed by Tsumori Chisato. Is it a dress? A poncho? A magic flying tunic? Who cares! It's perfect.

How about a clutch of rick-rack roses? Thanks to Vintage Vogue for demystifying this lovely embellishment. Watch this space for my experiment in rick-rack revival...

Marbella Bling

More from my fabulous find of OnceWed, some Marbella Bling made of yes you have guessed it rock candy, what a change from the real diamonds and such a great idea, a glue gun and some sugar rock, more details on Once Wed.

Arctic Blast!

Folks who come from places with *real* winter scoff at our funny Portland freakouts whenever it snows. It's really coming down, though! I love that, here at least, weather has the power to make a mockery of the modern hustle. Stay home, people! I'm at the shop today, but not for long. Home to my snug studio, some hand sewing, and holiday movies. I do love Miracle on 34th Street. There, I said it out loud.

Sexy Sheer Ruffled Skirt Dresses by Faviana

Sexy Fitted Ruffled Skirt Dresses by Faviana

Sexy Ruched Animal Print Dresses by eDressMe

Winter table inspirations

I have completely fallen in love with this fabulous blog, Oncewed, it is full of delightful details for weddings and table settings. Such a creative blog and now one of my favorites. This winter table setting with all the lovely details such as the ribbons and tags, the jam jars filled with poppies and white flowers, the fabulous owl and of course the marshmallows, my sister's favourites! I think the Marshmallow snowman will have to be on display in my house by the time my sister arrives, although I only managed to get a bag today with pink and white ones?!

Sterling Silver Shell Flower Necklace

Sterling silver shell flower necklace. Detail

14k Yellow Gold Filigree Dangle Earrings

14k yellow gold filigree dangle earrings. Detail

Hot off the press!

I just went and picked me up one of these! So excited to see the 4 page spread they did on an Amorology wedding! It was so fun to see it in print in Modern Bride...we love Modern Bride! Lots of exclamations going on here I realize....but not nearly enough!!!! Much love and many hugs to everyone who was a part of it and helped make things happen.

You've got to pick one of these up, if for no other reason than to see how cute Alison and Eric are and how gorgeous Sara's photos are...and let's not forget the details! Thanks for sharing in my excitement. Many more great things are to come!

xoxo, heather

Double Happiness.

Some wonderful pictures of Chris's wedding from the fall. Dress is satin-faced shantung, empire waist, pleated to accommodate baby belly. I just got word that Chris had her baby boy on Monday!
Loads of lovely ladies in white. It reminds me of a nineteenth century family portrait. Only smile-ier.
I really like this one, for some reason. The ruffle bolero was a last minute inspiration, but I think it made the ensemble, don't you? Congratulations, Chris--all the best to you and your new family. Thanks to Heather Hawksford for generously sharing these images.

Winter Wedding Themes

I love this centrepiece idea for a winter wedding and can imagine this with the beautiful winter wedding I just posted.

Winter Wonderland Wedding

Can you imagine my excitement when I found these beautiful images of a winter wedding on Style me Pretty. Photos are from James Christianson. Truly beautiful and absolutely love the bride's shawl.

White Gold, Round, Diamond Hoop Earrings

These elegant small hoop earrings shine in polished 14 karat white gold. A row of small round channel-set diamonds, with a total weight of 1/8 carat, adorns the front of the hoops, adding an extra touch of elegance and sparkle. Hoop earrings are a jewelry wardrobe essential. Their simple, classic styling gives them incredible versatility. These not-too-big hoops hang down just about half an inch and look perfect with both daytime and evening attire. They fasten securely with a simple latchback closure. Detail

Yellow Gold Channel-Set Diamond Band

Write your own unique love story with this high-polish 14k gold ring featuring channel-set round diamonds. Total diamond weight is 1/2 carat. Detail

Oval Sapphire Earring Studs

Sapphire Earrings crafted in 14 kt Yellow Gold Stone Information: 2.00 Carats Oval Sapphires 7x5mm. Gemstone Quality: Medium to Dark Color, Eye Clean Clarity Made in USA. Detail

White Gold Wedding Bands 3mm Comfort-fit

3mm Half round comfort-fit 14K white gold wedding band polished to a high shine. Detail

Here comes January 17th: Kristin & Chris

I just picked up this wedding with Kristin and Chris. We have one month to plan it...but we are going to do it! I am so excited about all the fun things we are going to incorporate...stay tuned for more details. For more darling photos of the cute couple, check out Matt Clayton's blog here.