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.

Your new unbreakable habit: Habitual Jeans @ Ella's Boutique!

We adore comfortable and sexy jeans. Naturally, we're excited with our new shipment and inventory of Habitual Jeans. Not only are they soft and stretchy, but they are sleek, flattering and combine utilitarian simplicity with metropolitan grace. Pockets are hand-sewn onto the backs to ensure the perfect placement and silhouette, and every inch of their jeans are hand-made in the U.S.A. The jeans are triple-washed and hand-sanded, meticulously crafted for an impeccable, perfect fit.

In store, we carry the Audrey Stretch Crop in steel grey, and the sexy cinch jean in black. Both are accented by grommet detailing at the pockets, with back pockets adorned with the "H" logo. Give us a call if you have any questions at all about fit and size.

Trashy Diva: Graceful and timeless with an irreverently modern flare.

What Candice Gwinn had in mind when opening the first Trashy Diva Boutique in New Orleans in 1996 was, originally, to sell genuine, flattering vintage wear for women. For her, the "Trashy" in Trashy Diva represented the idea that found objects and material could be made into something original, beautiful and ultimately unique. The full name itself was inspired by an issue of W that explored classic starlets' fashion, such as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield.

For three years, Gwinn's boutiques sold vintage and second-hand dresses, slips and other fabulously timeless styles. In 1999, Trashy Diva was indeed "blossoming", producing a two piece clothing line (a "charm gown" and a charmeuse flapper coat) and expanding its store and reach within New Orleans, nationally and internationally through their website. They created original, eye-catching dresses that echoed dresses of the mid 20th century, although each dress was updated and fitted for a modern, unique style. Trashy and Diva combined to create a clothing line that was inspired by 1920's to 1950's fashion, symbolizing "irreverent beauty" for "girls who don't always follow the rules."

Trashy Diva has timeless, classic dresses that above all else are flattering for nearly all body types, comfortable, and with finely crafted vintage-inspired details throughout every inch of every garment. A particular classic or vintage print Gwinn finds inspires her to create a whole line of dresses, or she starts with one particular cut and style in mind, borrowing elements from a dozen or so vintage patterns. You can also find a modern flare in all of her dresses, as well a subtle touch of traditional Japanese fashion, seen in the overlapping V-necks and dramatic panel-empire waists that accent the bodices of her dresses, usually in solid colors to compliment the stunning prints. Full circle skirts, A-lines and top-stitched and fitted empire waists are Trashy Diva staples that'll make you want to dance! Mingling Asian influences with her current love for the 1950's and cottons, her line continues to thrive.

We love how well Trashy Diva's dresses fit and flatter, and we recently received a shipment of beautifully exquisite examples of the flawless perfection that is Trashy Diva.

Please call or e-mail us with questions about the fit and size of these lovely dresses, as they do run a bit small.