Thanks to everyone who came out for our 2012 bridal fashion show — we had a smashing time! For those of you who missed it, we’ve placed a photo gallery on our website. For questions about any of the dresses featured, just give us a call at the shop. Enjoy!

Please join us Sunday, February 12th for the most impressive end of season sale Portland has even seen. Alongside fabulous shops such as Lille, Stand Up Comedy, Una, Adam Arnold and Machus we will unloading goods from seasons past and pricing everything to sell! Keep in mind there will be no dressing rooms so come ready for some improvisation. Cash preferred, please call 503-224-0724 with any questions.

{To clarify, The English Dept. will only be selling bridesmaid and social dresses. This is not a bridal sample sale.}

Clockwise from top left: a fabulous pink puff and cheerful shorts ensemble (both from Pinterest), a bouquet of bright balloons from this love sesh on RockNRollBride, pretty pink nails from Chanel, a knockout statement ring from Kenneth Jay Lane, a sexy social dress from Ivy & Aster, a preppy clutch from Dolce & Gabbana, and a bold lipliner from TopShop.

Join favorite floral designers Ink & Peat on February 25th for Gathered: A Wedding Event. It’s a unique opportunity to meet with some of the region’s best wedding professionals in a relaxed, intimate setting. Find inspiration as you sip champagne and mingle with Culinary Artistry (catering), Miss Zumstein (cakes and desserts), Aisha Harley (photography), Ella Events (event planning), Lark Press (letterpress). Last but not least, peruse pretty dresses from The English Dept. Hope you can join us!

RSVPs are appreciated, as space is limited. Call (503) 282-6688 or email info@inkandpeat.com.

Demurely sweet yet somehow still mysteriously sexy, the illusion neckline is a flattering favorite for spring. Frame your pretty collarbone with a boatneck version (Elizabeth Dye “For Emily” gown, left), or show off sleek shoulders with a fitted cap sleeve (Love, Yu “Gardenia” gown, right). Both dresses available now at The English Dept.

With her sleek column silhouette, flattering crossover bodice, and romantically draped pleats, Jenny Yoo’s Mackenzie is a classic knockout of a dress. She’s recently returned to the shop for the 2012 season, and more than a few brides have already fallen in love! She’s just one of the sweet styles we’ll be showcasing at our fashion show on Sunday. Got your tickets yet?

Pantone named “Tangerine Tango” the official color of 2012, so we’ve gathered a list of our favorite ways to add a pop of citrus into any wedding.

1) Satsuma orange candle center pieces. DIY here via HonestlyWTF. 2) Essie Tangerine polish. A simple way to introduce tangerine into your day-to-day. 3) Ivy & Aster “May Flowers” in Tomato. Any of I&A’s social dresses is available in this color – check their website for details. 4) Cloche T-Strap Sandals, available at the lovely Lille Boutique here. 5) Pantone’s Tangerine Tango. Click here for a full list of ‘it’ colors for 2012. 6) Flowers. One of our favorites, dahlias, via here. Mix and match different shades of orange into your bouquet or center pieces. 7) Orange and grapefruit macaroons (yum). Click here for a full recipe!

Are you planning a wedding for 2012? If so, you’re probably just getting started putting those mood boards and Pinterest pages together. We’ve been hard at work planning our celebration, too–our 2012 fashion show! This season, we’re feeling a woodsy, romantic, barefoot-and-ringlets kind of vibe. Smoky quartz, misty hilltops, moss and twigs, tulle and lace. Part fairy princess, part wild child, our 2012 bride is a mysterious creature, fresh as the dawn but all grown up. We’re so excited for you to meet her. Brides, who’s your muse for 2012? What inspiration is guiding you toward your own wedding vision? Comment on this post, tell us what will be your inspiration for your 2012 wedding, and enter to win 2 free tickets to this Sunday’s fashion show! Winner will be revealed this coming Friday so, hurry!!

Pictured above: Love, Yu‘s “Gardenia”

Clockwise from the top left: Sweet cakes from Jenna Rae cakes, stunning rosy ombré centerpiece from Martha Stewart weddings, DIY dyed escort cards from OnceWed, and these DIY ombré napkins from Apartment Therapy.

How lovely is Katrina? She chose Ivy & Aster’s “Sweet Pea” gown in dotted silk chiffon for her August wedding on Whidbey Island. This wedding is everything we love — relaxed, intimate, sea-swept and sun-kissed. Best wishes, Katrina and Adam. Congratulations on a perfect day.

All photos: Ben Blood