Lena Medoyeff Studio

02/06/09

I want to tell you the best kept secret if your looking for the perfect wedding dress.

by circlestudio

I looked in a few different bridal stores looking for the perfect dress that I would shine in (not the dress wearing me). Amber was an incredible help and Lena, the designer, was there to talk to about the different dresses. Lena's dresses all look amazing on, they range from classically beautiful to feminine and fashion forward. I was wanting a dress that I would look amazing in and feel comfortable wearing the entire night from the ceremony into the dancing. Amber helped me pick the perfect dress for me. We decided on a gorgeous wide silk off white band that hangs down the back for the ceremony and then I will change it to a beautiful steel blue sash. I'm writing this review to tell all women looking for an amazing dress that you will be able to dance and run around in, this is the store. Not to mention everything is fair trade and it's all Locally designed by Lena herself.

06/29/08

Elegant and chic designs; personable service

by happybride09

Talk about a diamond in the rough. I have been to most of the wedding stores in town carrying all the top designers and nothing felt right for me. I am quite particular and was looking for a dress that was elegant, stylish, but not so contemporary that I would look back at my wedding photos and wonder, "what was I thinking?!?" After several months of searching, I finally caught wind of this shop and found the perfect dress for me. The first dress I tried on met every criteria I was hoping for but couldn't find.

You will not find Lena Medoyeff on theknot, or any other wedding website. This local designer, who I had the pleasure to meet, is pretty much word of mouth only. Her designs really showcase the bride and this chic boutique makes you feel like you've come across something really unique. Amber was the associate who helped me, and she was extremely knowledgeable in the fabrics and designs. It was evident she loves what she does. It was a no pressure atmosphere; very personable and friendly. I couldn't be happier with my decision and I only thought it was fair to share this fantastic place with other future brides. Happy hunting!

05/22/08

Non threatening and friendly sales experience

by darksyren

I wandered in here today as part of my expedition to check out bridal gown options as I recently got engaged. I told the salesgirl, Amber, when I came in that I was just looking and she was super friendly and relaxed. We talked about different gown shapes and coloring and I was pleased that she said several times that she loved her job, loved her boss and was really proud that they were fair trade. Amber also offered several suggestions for wedding venues and was generally very friendly and helpful. I will definitely come back and try on some dresses when it gets closer to my actual wedding date.

• Pros: Super friendly, relaxed atmosphere, not pushy

07/09/07

mother of the brides blues, ended

by bosscmom

I have been thinking about, and looking for a dress to wear to my daughters wedding for quite some time. I have been frustrated and stressed, all I could find was something for a vixen or a dowdy old woman. If I did find something I liked it would cost more than my daughters wedding gown and still not be the "one". Sunday, after 3 1/2 hours of shopping and not even finding one thing to try on, money in my pocket and ready to buy, I was ready to go home and start again another day. I decided to walk just a little bit longer and so glad I did. There before me I found it the Perfect Shop. I walked in, to a friendly smiling face ready to take this 50 + year old woman on. She never made me feel to old to be shopping there and was very honest about how the styles looked on me. To my surprise the styles were very complimentary to my figure,( which is far from perfect). I found the most wonderful dress, I am crazy in love with it!, I feel comfortable and good about how I look, I anticipate a wonderful wedding of joy and comfort in my beautiful new dress. And as an added bonus I will be wearing this many times after the wedding.

thank you for a wonderful experience

• Pros: great styles and fabulous service
• Cons: parking

01/21/07

A long raving review for the bridal store (which was a godsend)

by dreamweaver

As a shy, not rich, curvy, picky, bride to be who was getting down to the wire on finding a dress, LEna Medoyeff Bridal was really a godsend for me. My first trip to Lena Medoyeff was to the regular store, where the prices and major personal connection of the shopkeep intimidated the hell out of me. Luckily, a couple days later, and with a girlfriend in-tow, we ventured across the street to the Bridal store. I was so incredibly relieved to find that, just because it's bridal, the price wasn't completely jacked up on these items. They are a little more than similar dresses across the street, but they have additional touches to make them even more beautiful and bridal-ready than their colorful counterparts across the street. The simple, beautiful styles were certainly more than a vintage gown or a simple dress from J.Crew, but defintely less than the consistently overprices bridal wear out there (which is often also sort of ugly and/or and/or over the top and/or just plain overpriced for the quality and beauty of what you're getting) Lena Medoyeff gowns are simple, timelss, special, high quality and have some integrity.These are beautiful gowns, the fabric is very special and is fair trade (not just 'fair trade', the people that work there are happy to tell you exactly where it comes from) and all items are designed and made locally ! Megan, who was working both times I went in, was respectful, helpful and very easy to work with. I will be recommending this place to any bride-to-be that comes within 10 feet of me.

11/05/06

Fabulous, beautiful, original, and friendly

by meribride

I just purchased my wedding gown at the Lena Medoyeff Bridal boutique on 23rd (across the street from her original store). The store is full of amazing fabrics and designs and I loved trying every dress on. The dress I bought was made from a fabulous embroidered raw silk and I have never seen such amazing detail. The staff (Megan especially) was so great. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and not pushy which keeps you from stressing out about such a big decision. I think the prices on these bridal dresses are very reasonable, considering you are getting a unique, hand-made garment vs. what you will find in the big bridal shops. If you are looking for a beautiful, elegant, not overly frilly and poofy dress, then Lena Medoyeff is your place!!

• Pros: Ambiance, Style, Service
• Cons: Parking on Weekends

Luxury meets simple, elegant style in this Portland designer's digs.

by Contributor

In Short
The brightly hued, hand-stitched fabrics inside the this shop cordially invite passers-by inside for a closer look. These rare textiles come mostly from the other side of the planet, produced at a family-run mill outside of Calcutta, India. The designer learned her trade while serving with the Peace Corps in Guatemala, before opening stores here and in Los Angeles. There's only a few of everything, which makes each handmade piece that much more special.

12/29/05

Pure Elegance

by adinamatasaru

A couple of months before our wedding, my fiancee and I were strolling along 23rd. We both stopped in front of the window at Lena Mendoyeff's studio and stared at the most elegant white dress. We both knew instantly that was my wedding dress. From the moment we walked in the service was impecable. The selection, although somewhat limited, was stunning. I grew up in Europe and travel back every year. Few things here impress me, but I was higly impress with the beautiful fabrics and the elegant designs at Lena Mendoyeff. Just two days ago we walked by again and purchased my new years party dress. Again, the service was fantastic and this time I even got to meet the designer herself. She was super nice and helpful. Thank you for always keeping me elegant and stylish. Definite must see before any special occasion.

• Pros: unique fabrics, elegant designs, fabulous service
• Cons: 23rd parking, exchanges only, no sale

01/16/05

Dream come true!

by bryteyes

I recently dropped into Lena's on a shopping trip to 23rd with my best friend. Inadvertantly, I discovered what will be one of two beautiful dresses worn at my wedding. The customer service was impeccable and the dresses exquisite. The shop has the feel of a Parisian boutique without being pretentious. Simply fabulous!

• Pros: Quality, Service, Atmosphere

08/23/04

Miracle on NW 23rd

by palomalot

I was on NW 23rd and had 1 hour to find a dress for a very important event that day. I was relieved and pleased to find help at Lena Medoyeff. The salesperson was attentive and helpful, but not in an overbearing way at all. She understood my needs perfectly. The clothes are all exuisite and come in all sizes, including large and extra large! There are beautiful fabrics of all textures and cuts. All of this is truly a miracle when it comes to finding beautiful, elegant clothes for larger sizes. The whole experience was wonderful and I will buy all of my evening clothes here from now on.