Festive Frocks at Portland's Indie Boutiques

Mabel and Zora in the Pearl District

The only thing more varied than how we choose to celebrate the holiday season is what we choose to wear when we make merry.

We asked Portland's indie boutiques to offer up their fave party dresses made locally or in the U.S., and they supplied over 40 festive frocks that will fit the bill at holiday parties of all kinds.

We'd love to know which dress makes your holiday wishlist and where you intend to wear it.
 

Amai Unmei

The Cairo Dress, $298
The Cairo Dress is perfect for the avant-garde, or someone looking for a modern and architectural twist on the typical cocktail dress—in a daring scarlet red. The draped and pleated front balance perfectly with scoop neck and wide set straps (no special undergarments needed!). For added ease of movement, a back slit was replaced with a faux-wrap front. The hemline is even shortened. What better way to show off some gorgeous gams?

The Art Deco Dress, $265
The Art Deco Dress is effortless, sophisticated, and great for dancing! The gathered v-neckline shows just the right amount of decolletage, and the hem hits mid-calf on most. This dress is also cut on the bias, which adds a natural stretch and movement to the fabric. The two panels at the hip create a fuller skirt, which is beautiful and flattering on an hourglass figure.

The Audrey Pleat Dress, $345
The Audrey is the quintessential LBD. The silhouette is clean, and the style is classic with a bateau neckline and just-below-the-knee hem. The box pleat at the hem and the tie at the waist add just the right amount of extra detail, allowing it to stand out from other classic sheaths.

All dresses are designed and produced from start to finish at Amei Unmei's studio in SE Portland, Ore. Please inquire about custom orders, for fit or color. Color swatches available in a wide variety of colors. Custom orders usually take 2-4 weeks, rush orders available.

Amai Unmei, 2275 NW Johnson St., 503.234.3020

Black Wagon

Paige Dress by Joah Love, $64
This fantastic layered, striped dress from Joah Love is fun for parties with its twirls, ruffles and stripes! Available in sizes 2-10y.

Wonderland Dress by Stun, $76
This beautiful dress for girls features a jewel neckline with keyhole and button closure in back, high waist, three-quarter sleeves. Fully lined. 100% woven cotton. Available in sizes 2-12y.

Black Wagon, 3964 N Mississippi Ave., 503.916.0000

EcoVibe Apparel

Ozeros Dress by EcoSkin, $145
The Ozeros dress from EcoSkin of Los Angeles is a classic style that suits all body types. Flattering empire waist and cross front detail are accented by flowing asymmetrical drape front.

Chicago Dress by Varnish, $145
The Chicago Dress from Varnish of Portland is a 4-way reversible dress, so it can be worn in two different colors and with the cowl neckline in front or in back. (We love convertible clothing!) Available in black/purple and chocolate brown/teal, which are both beautiful combinations for the season.

Alex Dress by EcoSkin, $145
The Alex Dress from EcoSkin of Los Angeles is a great statement piece that is also comfortable and easy to wear. Soft, stretchy tencel knit with flattering side rouching in the skirt plus sleeve slits and functional zipper details.

EcoVibe Apparel, 921 NW Everett Street, 503.360.1163

Folly

GINA Dress by Sarah Bibb, $170-$185
With a cowl neck, full skirt and pockets, the GINA is a timeless & easy-to-dress-up-or-down piece you will wear over and over. Various fabrics—always soft with a great drape.

Waxed French Terry Strapless Dress by FLUXUS, $155
Form fitting, make-a-statement strapless dress with the surprise of french terry comfort inside.

Shirred Mini Dress by Bordeaux, $152
Super soft, festive raspberry mini dress with pockets.

Folly, 1005 NW 16th Ave., 503.954.1334

Frock

Pocket Dress by Northwest designer Teresa Remple of Texture Clothing, $120
Handmade of a hemp/organic cotton blend with three hidden pockets. Durable and versatile enough to last for years and years to come.

Amaranthine Fall Dress by Many Belles Down, $78

Asset Tafetta Print Dress by Many Belles Down, $76

Frock, 1439 NE Alberta St., 503.595.0379

Garnish

Black Lace Nadira, $138
Cowl neck lace dress with black satin sash. Pair with different colored slips and it becomes a completely new and exciting look!

Gold Poppies Nadira, $158
Gorgeous dramatic gold cowl neck silk dress with thin black ribbon around the waist.

Rosy Red Nadira,$142
Cowl neck floral patterned dress with a ribbon waist tie. A feminine, flirty, and comfortable floral dress for the holidays.

Garnish Apparel, 1524 NE Alberta St., 503.282.3200

Golden

Jersey Dress by Graham & Spencer, $236
Black. Made in U.S.A.

Supplex Dress by Susana Monaco, $201
Susana Monaco supplex (trademark fabric) dress with pockets in "boysenberry." Made in New Jersey.

Maxi Dress by Heather, $220
Mixed media (cotton/leather/silk) maxi dress. Made in L.A.

Golden, 1623 NE 15th Ave., 503.546.0446

Gypsy Chic

From left: Africa Frock,  Missoni Lady Dress. Photos: Gypsy Chic

Africa Frock, $38
This loosely gathered v-neck dress is flattering on every body type! The mini dress design looks great with opaque leggings, and the banded waist is the most flattering feature a dress could have. Long fitted sleeves contrast nicely with the billowed bust and skirt. The soft warm colors in the African-inspired print make this dress something to smile about. 94% Polyester 6% Spandex. Made in U.S.A.

Missoni Lady Dress, $48
How lovely you'll look in this little Missoni inspired printed dress! The sleek and fitted design will show off all of your best assets! Stretch belt included to show off an hourglass figure. Wide and shallow scoop neck structure and princess sleeves top this off to be the best dress! 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex. Made in U.S.A.

Gypsy Chic, 3966 N Mississippi Ave., 503.234.9779

House of Lolo

Clarissa Dress by BB Dakota, $102

Rica Dress by Ani Lee, $264

Lace Vintage Dress by Aryn K, $98

House of Lolo, 1037 NW Couch St., 503.224.5240

Mabel and Zora

The Matsuko Dress from Eva Franco, $282
"Fire Labyrinth Metallic Print" is the color of this adorable dress from Eva Franco. It has beautiful draping throughout and a bow to finish it off. The orange, teal and burgundy make a beautiful, bold color palette, while the bow adds a bit of femininity.

Signature Wrap Dress From Butter by Nadia, $266
Mabel and Zora's best selling dress in gold sparkle metallic for the holidays. One size fits 2-14. This dress can be worn endless ways... one shoulder, strapless, halter, the list goes on and on. It's perfect for a New Year's celebration and comes in a floor length silver version as well!

Golddigger Dress by Trina Turk, $298
You’ll evoke anything but social climber in Trina’s playfully-named Golddigger dress. Crafted from exquisite solid ponte fabric, this sizzling vixen dress features a deep, surplice bodice with sunburst darts and tulip skirt. The elastic belt with jeweled buckle adds festive sparkle.

Mabel and Zora, 748 NW 11th Ave., 503.241.5696

Parallel

Hana Dress by AIKO, $138
Simply chic fitted silhouette ribbed dress in a deep blue is an easy-to-wear look that reflects your laid-back style. Hana dress features scoop neckline, seam detailing, short sleeves with unfinished edges, and hits just below the knee.

Sheath Dress by Clu, $285
Simply elegant! This wool blend sheath dress has two parallel pleats that run vertically from top to bottom and has a curved hem. The fabric is incredibly soft, almost flannel like. This dress would also be adorable as a jumper layered with a white collared shirt.

Parallel, 1022-A NW Johnson St., 503.274.8882

Radish Underground

The Sadie Dress by Juleselin, $112
Olive Green Organic Cotton. Made in Oakland, CA. A tree is planted for every garment sold.

The St. Louis Dress by Varnish, $188
Chocolate brown machine washable Perla material (made in Canada). Handmade in Portland.

Radish Underground, 414 SW 10th Ave., 503.928.6435

Shop Adorn

Ascot Dress, Pencil Dress, Shirt Dress. Photos: Shop Adorn

Ascot Dress by Clair Vintage Inspired, $144
Made in Portland.

Pencil Dress by Ms. Wood, $220
Made in Portland.

Shirt Dress by Pendleton—The Portland Collection, $198
Made in Portland.

Shop Adorn, 4120 NE Fremont St., 503.505.7424

Silkwood

Cleopatra Dress, $179
From the subtle elegant shine to the flattering fit, this one-of-a-kind dress will make you look and feel beautiful!

Allure Top, $129 and Sofia Skirt, $129
Silk/lace top in peach paired with a linen/Rayon blend skirt in dusty pink.

Silkwood, 1019 NW 11th Ave.

Union Rose

Gold Carol Dress by Clair Vintage Inspired, $160
A showstopper! Fully lined cowl front dress. Weddings, graduations, night out—fits the bill on all fronts. Made in Portland.

Sweetheart Dress by Clair Vintage Inspired, $128
Perfect for showing off your curves, or helping with the illusion of them. Pullover stretch knit dress has a tweed like print, accented with black bodice to create the sweetheart bustline. Made in Portland.

Lucille Dress by Amelia, $120
Really lovely. Pale blue wool dress is fully lined, and adorned with glittery nude flowers. Back zip. Made in Portland.

Union Rose, 7909 SE Stark St., 503.287.4242
 

Zahara

Maggie Pocket Cowl Tunic by Chalet, $95
This luscious dress from Chalet is to die for. The soft 46% Cotton, 46% Modal, 8% Spandex fabric lays gracefully, the ruched side pockets adds sass and style, and the cowled neckline that stretches into a comfortable chic hood makes this little frock absolutely unique. Pair with leggings and boots for a fierce and fashionable outfit! Made in the U.S.A.

Zahara, 3962 N Mississippi Ave.