Daylight savings ends, but the savings at Ella's aren't stopping!

When we told you last week everything must go, we meant it. And so...

What a busy week it has been! We hope you had a great Halloween. We're a little startled that it's already November. Time flies! Thank you all for helping us kick off our closing sale with a bang. Sweaters, tops, dresses, tights and skirts -- people are stocking up on their favorite Fall & Winter must-haves before our doors close at the end of this month. But the fun has only begun! Starting tomorrow, November 2nd, everything in the store and website will be 30% off. This jump-starts our "Going, Going, Gone" sales, where every week will bring a steeper discount. Pick your week, or come each week - either way, keep in mind the racks and size options are already starting to look a little bare!

Come by, say hello, and check out the comfortable, the beautiful, and the flattering, while it's all still here.

Major changes for us @ Ella's Boutique:

dear customers, readers, fans & friends,


It is with some sadness, I am announcing that Ella’s will be closing.
I have truly enjoyed having a shop on Alberta Street and being a part of this very cool shopping district.
It has been a pleasure to get to know you, our wonderful customers,
and helping you find just the right outfit for those special moments in your life.

This will be a new beginning for many of us here at Ella’s. Tess plans to continue with her creative writing and art, her sights on possibly going to graduate school in the near future. She welcomes the opportunity to spend the holidays with her family in California. Rhea will continue to pursue her passion for flowers and floral design. You can visit her at Sammy’s in the Pearl District. Pamela will be focusing more of her energies back into her career as a video editor and hopes to start work on a documentary in the coming year.

We are an immensely creative little group, and we are all excited for the coming changes!

It has been our pleasure to spend time with you here on Alberta and wish you all great happiness. While Ella’s Boutique may be gone, we at Ella’s still plan on shopping at the great stores on Alberta, from Frock to Garnish and Tumbleweed, and we look forward to seeing you on this wonderful street, so full of fun shops as it is! We’re crazy about the shoes at Pie Footwear and pedX.

We encourage you all to keep supporting these local businesses that make our community shine.

On an exciting note: We are having superb sales to clear out our inventory! Everything must go! Stop by soon, as new inventory will be continually marked down. The sale starts Monday, October 26th. Come by, say hello, and pick up a bargain (or two!)

Sincerely,

Your friends at Ella’s
Pamela, Tess & Rhea

Ethos Paris ~ "Changing the world one garment at a time."

"Each time someone buys a Fair Trade garment, they are helping to change the world for the better.
This is the belief of Ethos Paris founders who insist that when fashion is done right,
everyone profits: consumers, farmers, workers, manufacturers,
transporters as well as the creative and distribution teams."

The Pampero Dress: Whimsical elegance with a romantic silhouette: dramatic dolman bishop sleeves taper into pleats at the mid forearm, floral mbroidery in black, silver and grey decorating the bust.

The Lavanto Jacket: thickly textured organic cotton with snap-closure wrap around tie at the waist and dramatic, edgy raglan bishop sleeves that taper and cuff at the wrist. Adorable wide mock-turtle neckline and zip-up closure complete the look. Cozy!

We love organic, eco-friendly clothing. We love comfortable, easy-to-wear and sophisticated pieces we can match with nearly everything we own. But, we also adore the urban-casual edge of those garments that are eye-catching and uniquely metropolitan. Ethos Paris has all of these qualities, and more. Started in 2002, the line worked from the bottom up on creating a company that would be an international model for fair trade and sustainable practice in how they operated every level of their business. Not only are all their fabric organic and treated with an earth friendly botanical, herbal dyeing process (where after the water is re-used), but they have partnered with the Chetna Organic Cotton Project from central India, an organic and fair trade certified co-op.

Left: 'Chinook' Long Sleeved top in deep berry-magenta, a wardrobe basic with cute scalloped hems.
Right: Kona Skirt, in a lovely, neutral bark color. Wide waist band with gathers creates a flattering, comfortable drape, tapering just slightly along the skirt hem into a panel of fold-over pin-tuck pleats.
Fun with tights and your favorite sweater.

Their designs have everything we love about the stylish fashions of Paris, with the added benefit of knowing what you're wearing is both safe on your skin and was created without harm to the earth itself. Each piece of clothing is versatile, ideal for layering in various ways over leggings, sweaters, long sleeved tops, boots and other accessories. Ethos Paris was featured in Portland Fashion Week, and we are thrilled to be carrying such a fun, comfortable and eco-conscious line.

s founders who insist that when fashion is done right, everyone profits: consumers, farmers, workers, manufacturers, b

The Cyclamen Tunic Top: Beautiful, sophisticated print of stylized ferns and sand dollar motifs decorate this adorable top, in charcoal over a muted red-orange. Fitted through the bust with a relaxed fit through the body. Cute with jeans!

New Fall dresses & a top from Kelly Lane

The 'Santa Fe' Dress

In May, I wrote some tid-bits about Pittsburgh designer Kelly Lane, about the eco-chic line she has created with vibrant, bold colors and fun textures. For Fall, Kelly's dresses and tops are inspired by the whimsical palettes of carnivals and carousels, particularly the painted horses with their unique jeweled tones. The 'Trot' top below is gorgeous and down-to-earth, with a ruffle accent down the middle adorned with a double-stitch orange detail, and an over-sized turtleneck for maximum coziness this Fall.

Since they arrived in our store a couple days ago, I can't stop thinking about the Southwest. Santa Fe. Red rock, adobe architecture, Native American jewelry and turquoise every where. Enlivening Fall with these bright colors not only brightens your wardrobe and your complexion, but also your mood. It could be the grey and blustery day that's making me think of color retail therapy, but it is more likely that our store looks that much more beautiful and bright with Kelly Lane's dresses in it! Come try them on, as they're immensely flattering. A customer tried on the turquoise 'Harness' dress earlier today, and she was wearing some amazing cowboy boots... and it was pretty much perfect. Her whole look was uplifted by the brilliant turquoise-emerald color, and the graphic accents of color insets flattered her shape perfectly.

The Turquoise 'Harness' Dress

Ella's is now a supporter of the 3/50 Project!

Blue Canoe: Organic Yoga and Casual Wear!

A delightful shipment of Blue Canoe yoga wear arrived! We are excited to be carrying such a comfortable and flattering line, whose focus is on sustainable practices and organic materials, while still creating unique, fun garments that are uniquely feminine, graceful and sweet.

Left: Long sleeved swing top with gathered sleeves and a relaxed, effortlessly draped fit. $65
Right: V-neck lacquer red top with a wrap front and scallop hem. $58

Left: Yoga crops with tie in black, with a contrasting wide waistband in vivid ocean blue. $66
Right: Wide legged crops with fold over waistband in black. $68

~ Fall @ Ella's Boutique ~

We have been so busy here in the past month with incoming, beautiful items for Fall! Hats, long sleeved tops, scarves, and dresses, as well as one spectacular coat I just can't stop thinking about by Rebe.

The Mary Anne Coat, with hood, single button asymmetrical closure and optional fold over or high collar. Princess seams and a fitted waist with double pleats front and back make for an undeniably cozy, flattering fit. Sage. Handmade with recycled materials and organic cotton. $214

Eco-friendly simplicity and grace mark this gorgeous, supremely flattering hooded coat by mother and daughter designers, Debra Weiss and Hillery Sproatt. With a degree in textiles from UC Davis, Weiss and her daughter began following their dream of an ecologically conscious and unique line of clothing and accessories when Hillery was fifteen. Later, Hillery went on to study both printmaking and book making at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. The colors and textures that Weiss and Sproatt use in their clothing show us a deep understanding and love of craft, color and form. And, that they use solely recycled materials, often organic, is a huge step forward in the idea of wearing your ethos on your sleeve, literally!

Many of Rebe's pieces are ideal for layering, such as the Chloe Dress, Gingham Dress and Jesse Dress, and some, like our favorite coat - the 'Mary Anne' hoodie jacket in sage - will keep you cozy and warm all Fall and Winter long, knowing that what you're wearing was made with love and care for the earth.

~ Other Organic & Earth Conscious Items made in the USA ~



The Arden Top by She-Bible. Thermal, cowled, in a stunning deep berry color. What more could a girl want in a comfy top? Organic, Made in San Francisco. $66

The Heartwood Top in deep lavender by She-Bible. $66, organic and made in San Francisco.

Art @ Ella's & Last Thursday

You know what excites us? Beautiful, pretty things. What excites us more? Being pampered. This Last Thursday, July 30, surround yourself with lovely dresses and skirts, tops and blouses, jewelry and purses, as well as treat your senses to aromatherapy skincare and bath products by Angelface Botanicals, who will be here giving demonstrations of exquisite facial masks, toners, facial cleansers, lotions and more!

Jade Sheldon. Untitled. Print. 2009.

And if feeling like a goddess is not enough for you, look up at the walls into the faces of goddesses from around the world. We will be showing mixed media drawings by Jade Sheldon, whose work delves into exploring goddess mythology and the human form through a vibrant palette, a love of drawing and a passion for expressing the divinity of goddesses. How she views her artwork and art-making is expressed quite poignantly with a quote from Audrey Flack, "“Art is a calling. It’s something you do because you have to. Artists are shamans, the priests and priestesses, the magicians of society. Only a few make a living from their art. If you have this calling, you will continue… Enjoy life, live it to the fullest – whatever that may mean for you."

Jade Sheldon, Ameratasu. Soft Pastel & 3B Graphite Stick, 2009.

I first viewed her work when visiting the BFA Thesis Exhibit at Pacific Northwest College of Art in May. What caught my eye was her beautifully rendered line work, expressive color and, of course, the use of goddess mythology. Her mixed media drawing of the Japaense goddess Ameratasu was particularly striking for me: how the hair and flowers within it were drawn, the radiating sun-parasol she holds, and the blissful, peaceful expression on her face. Her use of line in her printmaking and drawing are also exquisite. I hope that when you come visit Ella's through August, you will take a moment, look up, and consider these beautiful works for your own!

Jade Sheldon. Untitled. 2009.

New JWLA @ Ella's

Flattering and new styles from JWLA have just arrived in the store. Incredible floral embroidery.

Beautifully embroidered roses and blooming vines decorate this gorgeous black dress. Belled sleeves add a fun, flirty flare. Elastic ruching accents either side for the perfect flattering and comfortable fit.

The "Gabriela" top is super soft and sweet, with darling red, violets and yellows embroidered into a floral pattern, with stylized dark grey tulip and leaf embroidery running along the neckline, hem, and across the top of the back. Truly darling!

Classic and relaxed, this dark heathered grey cardigan is made unique and elegant with the decoration of embroidered roses along each shoulder and neckline, as well as at the hip. Accented by deep pockets on either side.

Summer time, and the living's easy! Upcoming events @ Ella's & Alberta

July is upon us (already?!)! With it, comes fun sales and spectacular street-wide events.

First, Ella's Boutique is celebrating 4 years on Alberta Street! Happy Birthday, Ella's!

We're so thrilled that we will be offering 20% off all clothing July 1st through the 10th!


And the sales don't end there!
On the (hopefully!) glorious sunny weekend of Saturday July 11th through Sunday July 12th, Alberta Street is throwing its first ever Sidewalk Sale.
Participating stores and boutiques will be offering some great deals up and down the street.
Delight your senses, your wardrobe, buy some flowers, indulge yourself with great shoes, and more!

Art @ Ella's: Laine Perry

Laine Perry is a painter, photographer and writer in Portland, Oregon. A selection of her current body of work, called "BirdSong", will be displayed at Ella's Boutique through July.

"I have been making art all of my life. I am a curious observer of the fascinating world we live in. My interpretation of strong, life affirming moments is reflected in this body of work, which I call BirdSong."




*Pictured Above: "A Little Bird Told Me", acrylic on canvas.

New HOBO International handbags @ Ella's!

Just added to our website & new in store: amazing bags and clutches by HOBO International! Here a few examples!

Dress up your professional and elegant wardrobe with either of these gorgeous shoulder bags.
The 'Morgan' [Left] in has unique folded exterior detailing and tons of charm.
The 'Natalie' [right] is exquisite and black, with a double rolled shoulder strap and a unique, classy fan shape.

Why we love HOBO International's bags: they're versatile and utilitarian, chock full of interior pockets and delights, but they are also incredibly polished, sleek and refined, the perfect mix of fun and professional, of elegant and every-day.

Figs & Ginger: Beautiful, handmade & cute!

Something about birds on branches, deers resting by trees and the simple shape of a circle, all combined within immaculately hand-crafted jewelry, delights us! Figs & Ginger is composed of all of that, and more.


Imaginary and real elements of forest life and hills find their way into this unique, stunning and earth-friendly jewelry hand-crafted by Elijah and Rhona Wyman of Asheville, NC. Cute silhouettes of deer, trees, rabbits and birds are recurring themes, often contained on a branch or within a circle. Figs & Ginger strives to create jewelry that is as versatile and pretty as it is low impact and effortless, using the highest grade of recycled sterling silver. With a brushed and blackened patina, their pieces go, quite wonderfully, with a wide variety of outfits, from elegant to every-day casual.

Rhonda and Elijah got their start in retail and crafts together in 2003 in the "indie-craft scene", Rhonda graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and the two were married in 2004. In 2006, Figs & Ginger was officially named and sales began. The couple have been happily silver-smithing jewelry, creating art and music since, alongside their cat Puppy and their dog Crashdog.

Art @ Ella's: Nature and light ~ Photography by Rebecca Lefferts

Through June, Ella's Boutique will be exhibiting stunning, sometimes otherworldly photography by Portland artist, Rebecca Lefferts. She has always loved photography and received her first camera at age eight. Nature and the fall of natural light on her subjects, whether they are Tuscan looking landscapes or dramatic black and white forests, are her inspiration.

We will be open from 11 am to 10 pm on Last Thursday, May 28, to showcase Rebecca's work. Come take a look!

Lustrous Pier
Rebecca Lefferts
Taken in Les Landes, France.

Kelly Lane: Ethical and eco-friendly clothing with color.

Kelly Lane's Iris dress: beautiful periwinkle contrasted with a printed ivory panel down the center and a band of soft mustard yellow at the waist. Sleek and slimming with a comfortable, soft feel and fit, perfect for summer parties!

An artistic childhood and a grandfather who loves telling stories have both influenced the exquisitely hand-crafted designs by Kelly Lane. Up until 2005, she worked as a graphic designer, having received both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in graphic design ten years earlier. When, in 2005, her husband gave her a sewing machine, she says she "traded in a Mac for a Singer" and the youthful, creative energy of her childhood was unleashed onto an entirely new canvas: clothing! She started her own clothing line a year later, Kelly Lane: Clothing with Color. She says,"I, like my grandfather and his colorful stories, seek to enhance your true colors."

The Dahlia dress is versatile and sassy, perfect for a cocktail party or summer wedding.
Wear as a skirt, as well, the ties wrapped gently around the waist.
Beautiful rose color contrasts with a fun and care-free printed accent down the center.

Kelly Lane's dresses and skirts are sophisticated and artistic, combining different textures, prints and solids that are eye-catching and unique. She blends sinfully soft jersey knits with sturdier woven fabrics, resulting in feminine silhouettes that are sweet, timeless and durable. She and the artisans she works with use eco-friendly materials and ethical practices, creating handmade, high quality "clothing with a conscience."

At Ella's, we are increasingly tring to bring eco-friendly, and, when possible, handmade clothing and accessories into our store, and Kelly Lane is a designer we're excited to have, and we think you will be, too!

Hats'n'pretty things at Ella's Boutique!

The Honeycomb Blouse by Loco Lindo - effortless grace with a fun honeycomb print in rich orange and off-white polka dots.
A store favorite, for its versatility, fun, and its light-weight Summer flow.

Spring & Summer
have arrived
at Ella's Boutique!

It feels amazing to waltz out the front door wearing short sleeves and a skirt, or a dress, or your favorite Summer blouse and crops. We have a number of stunning new items from Loco Lindo, XCVI, Two Star Dog and Glam Vintage Soul. Stock up on beautiful summer dresses and tops!

We've been quite busy here at Ella's Boutique, as we are regularly, almost daily, receiving stunning and beautiful new things for late Spring and Summer. A large shipment of leather belts also arrived recently: skinny belts in blue, yellow, black and white, some fabulous wide belts, and some floral accented brown and black belts as well! Today, we received a fabulous shipment of Summer hats by DeLux, some of which are organic! Stop by and have some fun finding your favorites.

Beautiful new palettes and styles at Ella's!

Sweet and flattering top by Green Dragon with ruffled sides,
a gentle fit and flattering yoke scoop neckline.

Sinfully soft and effortlessly graceful dresses.
~Pleated Day Dress in a lovely muted periwinkle and violet, composed of exquisite Supima cotton.
Flattering and modest all at once.

~Flirtatious and charming little dress by Green Dragon with a print of black flowers over honeysuckle-yellow, a flirty sweetheart neckline and sleeveless with ruched gathers at the shoulder. Wear it with your favorite little strappy heels for a sexy segue into Spring and Summer, or with boots and your favorite cardigan.

~Stunning light-sage green dress with a spiderweb mesh overlay and gathered empire waist - flattering and the epitome of Spring sweetness and grace.

Art @ Ella's: Simple gestures, layers of color and form ~ Erika Warhus ~

Erika Warhus, "Pomegranate", mixed media on paper. 6"x12"

Oh, if only Spring were here! Every now and then a day will be warm and bright, and we'll daydream of all the beautiful colors blooming outside, flowers and cherry blossom-filled streets... well, we can dream, for now, or feel these elements within the artwork that will be displayed for the month of March by local Portland painter Erika Warhus.

Her work is primarily process oriented. In layer-upon-layer of organic line and shape we find subtle whispers of meaning. Simple gestures become complex; daily actions and nature shape Warhus's work, and we see both in her non-representational oil and gouache paintings.

Come view Erika Warhus's fabulous paintings in person at Ella's from February 25, 2009 through the month of March, and visit her work and our store on Last Thursday, February 26, until 7:30 pm.