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.

Weston Wear ~ Style, grace & comfort.

When Julie Weston was eight years old, her sister - using their mother's sewing machine - helped her design and create her first dress, a mod-style "Correges" inspired dress with a red and white houndstooth print - and a helmet hat to match. Weston had been in ballet since the age of five and would be a regular cast member in the Nutcracker until she was fourteen. Dance, combined with this first foray into clothing design, "cast the die" for what would eventually become Weston Wear.

Julie Weston danced her way through childhood, her teens and through the doors of Stanford University, where she received her MA in Dance. Around the same time, a new fabric had been designed to allow for absolute comfort and movement, perfect for dancers: Cotton/LYCRA. One could look and feel wonderful in clothes made from a fabric that moved with the body without losing its shape, and Weston, along with her friends, lived in their dance clothes like never before.

The Weston Wear line was launched in 1980, the core tenet of which still remains "stylish yet comfortable". Elements of dance and art are felt in the pieces she and her company create, with ever-changing prints and silhouettes each season. Currently based in San Francisco, her new inspiration lies in finding unique European prints for layering with nylon mesh fabric.

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Some of our favorite Weston Wear dresses:

Exquisite grace and elegance flows from the Whitely Dress. An artistic print suggests watercolor and flowers, with washes of dark blue, neutral sky blue and soft earth brown underlying or overlapping linear, free-flowing magnolias. A single pleat drapes from a flattering, gently fitted empire waist, accented by a sweetly feminine tiered V-neckline.

















The darling, flattering and effortless Darleen dress, somewhat reminiscent of an afternoon spent drinking tea while wearing your favorite white cardigan and heels. An impressionist floral print in pinks, charcoals, muted greens, magenta and ivories adorns this beautiful, sexy sleeveless dress. The top is ruched and gently gathered at the sides and at the back, creating an eye-catching yet comfortable fit, with a subtly flared and pleated skirt.

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XCVI ~ Urban elegance, every-day wear.

XCVI has returned to Ella's! The ever-popular shirred panel skirt is back, in a striking, rich black. We love this skirt because it can be dressed up or down to your fancy, and it adds edge and a little sass to any outfit. With a subtle A-line flare and drawstring waist, the fit is comfortable, the silhouette is classic, and you'll find excuses to wear such an amazing skirt as often as possible!


Victorian-inspired elegance accents this adorable high collared blouse, with faux tortoiseshell buttons, scalloped lace yoke and girlish cuffed sleeves. Pair it with XCVI's sweet skirts or pants, jeans, or slacks.

Utility and urban-chic mingle in the hybrid crops, in which we find everything we love about XCVI: the effortless, comfortable drawstring waist, paired with grommet detailing and ruched panels at the leg - slant pockets pull it all together, as would boots, your favorite blouse or sweater and handbag.

What's Your Body Shape?

Finding the right clothing for your body shape can sometimes be a challenge. Ella's Boutique decided to make it easier for you to find the perfect items that flatter you best!


DEFINITION: Medium/Large bust and excess body weight accumulates around the stomach and hips.

Apple shaped women should focus attention to great legs. With the majority of weight located at the center of the body, trouser/wide leg pants and jeans with a flare and mid-rise waist help create a balanced look.

Several types of clothing styles help apple shapes draw attention above the bust and below the waist. Consider shorter skirts that hit just above the knee paired with tunics that fall away from the belly. V-neck or scoop neck lines also help draw attention away from problem areas.

TIP: Dark and solid colors for tops help balance the top half of your body with your slimmer legs.


ELLA'S BOUTIQUE SUGGESTS THESE ITEMS FOR APPLES:












DEFINITION: Slim body, often times athletic build. Fewer defined curves with weight distributed in no one particular area.

Square shapes, like a ruler, have problems creating curves and a more feminine silhouette. Look for belted tops to help create a more defined waist. Flowing blouses or tops with a tighter waist or nipped at the waist.

For skirts, go with a pencil shirt with flowing tops or a full skirt with a tighter top. Square shapes can wear straight legs or flares.

TIP: Try to layer your outfits or pairing a bulky sweater with tighter, slim bottoms. Both with help break up the straight line!




ELLA'S BOUTIQUE SUGGESTS THESE ITEMS FOR SQUARES/RECTANGLES:













DEFINITION: Smaller shoulders and/or bust with heavier waist, hips and thighs

Pear shapes should go for printed tops and cuts that draw the eye upward. Bishop and rouched sleeves will help widen the shoulders. Pear shape women can wear slightly open necklines or heavy collars/turtlenecks.

For bottoms, stick with solid, dark colored skirts and pants. Look for pants with small flares or trouser styles and mid-rise waistlines.

TIP: Have fun with style and prints for tops – so few can!







ELLA'S BOUTIQUE SUGGESTS THESE ITEMS FOR PEARS:













DEFINITION: Larger shoulders and/or bust with a smaller waist and hips.

Triangle shape women often have trouble playing the balancing act with a heavy top. Like the apple shape, triangles can feature their legs with shorter skirts since they have smaller thighs and hips. A-line shirts or skirts with a little extra flare can help balance the shoulders and/or bust.

Avoid high necklines by selecting tops with a lower cut. Showing a little leg, along with an open neckline will always be flattering.

TIP: Try heavier fabrics like tweed on the bottom or pants and skirts with prints. Pair with solid colored tops or tops with a subtle print.



ELLA'S BOUTIQUE SUGGESTS THESE ITEMS FOR TRIANGLES:













DEFINITION: Defined waist area and an overall curvy figure. Weight goes to both the bust and hip area.

Hourglass shapes do not lack the curves and many styles can work to your benefit. Scoop and V-neck tops open up the top of the body. Wrap dress and tops and halters can also be very flattering.

Wear flared pants or straight leg trousers. Stay away from tapered or too tight of pants.

TIP: Find items that tie or button below the bust to help accentuate your waist.







ELLA'S BOUTIQUE SUGGESTS THESE ITEMS FOR HOURGLASSES:

Angie Olami and ruins of old becoming treasures of now.

During the Roman Empire, dating to 100 B.C.E. through 300 C.E., there was a revolution: the art of glass blowing. This allowed for unique pieces that were light-weight and eye-catching: vessels, bowls, perfume tinctures and other houseware and trinkets decorated the halls, chambers and streets of the Roman Empire in the Middle East. Shards of these vessels have been found en masse during archaeological digs of pillars and once great cities. What is unique about these remnants of a mighty civilization is the variation in color within them, almost an opalescence that resembles abalone shell and is ever-changing with time. This coloration is a chemical reaction to the elements and minerals in the soil, specific to the dramatic and harsh climate of the Middle East. Layers of patina wrapped around the found remnants of vessels and refract the light, creating the iridescent colors.



Angie Olami and the craftsmen she works with in Israel, as well in her studio in New Jersey, set these pieces of glass into finely crafted sterling silver after a labor intensive cleaning and brushing process, where they remove excess patina so it will not, in her words, "flake off and look like 2,000 year old technicolored dandruff." The final pieces of glass are solid and stable: thinner, longer pieces are then cut into bewitching earrings, and thicker, deeply colored pieces are reserved for more substantial necklaces, brooches and one of a kind pieces of jewelry.


Angie Olami, Inc. was started twenty years ago after Angie received her B.A. in English literature from Yale, after studying Russian literature at the University of St. Petersburg, working on an archeological dig in Israel, traveling throughout Nepal, and living in Southern Spain. All of these experiences and travels were fused into the stunning creations that would unfold in the decades to come. This impressive globe-trotting artisan speaks five languages, and her designs use mythologcal and linguistic symbolism from Israel, Mesopotamia, Greece and the world of Dante in Florence. Her work is timeless, unique and will last for generations to come, the perfect gift and heirloom piece.