Could you be our girl?

The English Dept. is a bustling little shop with a special mission. We focus on non-traditional bridal, bridesmaid and special occasion dresses in an intimate boutique setting. We pride ourselves on providing excellent service in a relaxed environment. Our ideal employee has experience, energy and enthusiasm, a cheerful and patient disposition, a ready grasp of details, the ability to learn quickly and independently, and the ability to assist a diverse community of customers with their shopping experience. It's a special opportunity for the right person...could it be you? If you are in the Portland area and think you might like to work with us, please deliver a resume in person to The English Dept. Please include a cover letter telling us why you'd like to be part of our team.

Ivy & Aster trunk show this weekend!

This weekend only, we have some beautiful visitors . . . dresses from Ivy & Aster's new collection! Come see (they're only here until Tuesday) . . . more photos to come!

Check us out!

Love the new shop. Love the extra space, love the whitewashed pine Swedish cabin fantasy floor, love having places for ladies to sit, love the light. Love, love, love!

Are you going to Finishing School?

 Join us at The English Dept. for Finishing School 2011
Sunday, May 15th
12-4 pm

Create one-of-a-kind accents to complete your wedding ensemble: headbands, flower combs, fascinators, sashes, silk flower corsages and gown embellishments. We will supply materials, assistance and inspiration for this hands-on workshop. The event is $25 to attend. Your admission fee is good for credit toward materials for whatever you create! Call The English Dept. with questions or to rsvp.
For a glimpse of last year's event, click here.

We have moved (about 10 feet).

If you've been on our block lately, you may have noticed the mysterious workings in the space to our west--it's our new home! The English Dept. has officially relocated one door down to 1128 Alder. Our old space will be home to Lille Trousseau, a branch of our most favorite-favorite lingerie shop. In addition to their always-lovely selection of underpinnings, you'll find wedding-appropriate accessories (shoes!) curated especially to coordinate with our gowns. We couldn't be more excited. Lille Trousseau is set to open early May--watch this space! Now, on with the show...

Clara and Lauren will not let window vinyl get the best of them!

The English Dept. gets its picture taken.

Photographer Leah Verwey takes bewitching photos of creative work spaces around Portland for her beautiful site, Spacepdx. I have had a crush on Spacepdx for quite a while, and the universe must have heard my secret plea, because Leah and her camera came to visit us recently. For a glimpse into our daily workings, go here.

Princess and the (Sweet) Pea.

 

New at The English Dept.: the Sweet Pea gown from Ivy & Aster. Softly pleated flocked dot silk chiffon, draped bodice, just enough train to give the dress a regal bearing. Truly stunning.

Our love is big as a barn.

I love these photos Ben Blood shot of Jenny and Kevin's wedding on a historic farm in Southwest Washington. Jenny wore a silk chiffon gown from Jenny Yoo and a Modern Romance headpiece, all from The English Dept.

Yes, his boutonniere is a kite. A kite! I love it. And the tie.

Like I said, barn-size. You can see more photos of their celebration here.

The English Dept. voted one of Lucky Magazine's "Best Bridal Shops"

 

We're thrilled to have made this list!  That fetching pink frock is our "Love and Tenderness" dress from Ivy & Aster, in Cherry Blossom. Here's what Lucky has to say about us:

The before picture.

If you've walked past The English Dept.'s windows and wondered what's up, we're devoting our weekend to a bit of a shop remodel. Please pardon our appearance while we update our wee space for the coming season. We reopen Tuesday!