Lena Medoyeff Studio

While looking for the perfect 'mother of the bride' dress, I was shopping in Portland, and ran into the cute store with the friendly employees, and tried on the ' classic' dress. I tried it on in pink, and was convinced with all the complements in the store by the employees, it was the dress for me. I soon thereafter ordered the dress in purple. 4 months later, and Very excited, I traveled to portland for my final fitting. When I put the dress on, I was complexly unhappy with how I looked and felt. Why? I asked myself. When I tried the pink one it felt perfect!? You see, I was blessed with a perfect daughter, and this was a Huge deal to me.\r I was so sad, and excused my self from the fitting. I called the next day, to explain my dilemma, to which I was told that I signed an agreement, payment in full at the time of order, with no refund. I asked if they could please work with me, sell it in the store or use for display, since it was a standard medium, and sell same style, they had absolutely nothing to offer to a unhappy customer, for this most special day. Do not special order from this store! You may feel differently when it comes in! In the end, TERRIBLE customer service!! more

I tend to be the ""lurker"" type on Yelp, only reading what others write. But I recently purchased a dress from Lena's and cannot stop putting it on and prancing around- very classic with a twist. Their cashmere wraps are like little angels keeping your shoulders warm. The outfit makes me feel sensational, and one of a kind. They make wedding dresses as well, the moment I discovered this, my boyfriend, poor guy, who drives me by the store on our way home all the time---- as I obnoxiously repeat ""That is where I'm going when we get engaged."" The atmosphere is comfortable and the staff was really beautiful inside and out. Overall, if your going to spend money, you wont regret doing it here. Pros: Staff, Gorgeous Dresses, Cashmere Cons: Parking more

I walked in the day before I was leaving to go back home to NYC. I am in the retail industry and I believe the quality of the shopping experience should be just as high of the quality of the garments. This is true at Lena Medoyeff Studio in Portland (and the quality of the. I did not plan on buying my wedding dress when I walked in--I didn't even plan on trying any on. However, Amber Lee was so lovely and knowledgeable about Lena Medoyeff and her dresses that I found myself in the fitting room with many dresses. Amber Lee's attention to detail and dedication to the customer's happiness is unparalleled. My fiance and I had a wonderful time with her in the store. When I tried on the dress that she and Lena had picked out for me (I thought it was a cut I would hate), I knew I had found it. My fiance exclaimed ""I have never seen a woman look more beautiful in a dress than you do in this."" I bought it right then and there for my Sept 2010 wedding. Do yourself a wonderful favor and stop here on your hunt. Thanks Lena Medoyeff Studio! PS They have more than white dresses! Pros: Beautiful dresses, exceptional service Cons: Not in NYC :-( more

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. more

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. \r \r 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! more

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 more

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.\r thank you for a wonderful experience Pros: great styles and fabulous service Cons: parking more

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. more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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. more

After finding out that Lena Medoyeff is an Oregon Episcopal School alum, I became even PROUDER of my recently purchased dress from her 23rd Ave. store. I think a lot of people must go into the store just to look around... I'm thinking teenagers. Because when I was in there for the first 20 minutes, no one acknowledged me. But as soon as I asked them for assitance they were more than willing to give me a hand. The women there were incredibly nice and seemed pretty genuine. It was a very classy atmosphere, which I appreciated. Lena Medoyeff sells simply beautiful dresses. I was/still am impressed. more

Lena is fabulous! Her style shines through in every piece of clothing. Not only is she a local designer but I have heard the clothes are all made locally in Portland, what could be better. The fabrics are stunning and the styles are timeless. I purchased my wedding dress from here and it is unbelievable, the most gorgeous wedding dress I have ever seen. My guests were all impressed with the beauty of this gown. The best part is many of the items can be worn everyday not just to formal affairs. Pros: Portland made, excellent quality, beautiful store Cons: parking can be tricky, hard to see from st. more

I agree that Lena's has an incredible flair for the fabrics they choose and the beautiful designs created. I spent hours at the store yesterday with one of my closest friends and we heard first hand of the owner's success. The style is timeless and you'll be able to wear these items for years to come. I never have a problem paying more money for great quality and unique clothing items. Pros: Unique designs, Great customer servic Cons: A bit expensive more

These clothes are so far superior to what is available in most stores in Portland. The designer uses the finest fabrics, and the finish work is impeccable. This store should be number one in the citysearch poll. For the woman who has discriminating taste, albeit a large clothing budget, there is no better store in Portland for unique and finely made women's clothing. Pros: Beautiful Clothing, Handcrafted Items, Yummy Fabrics Cons: Many $ but worth it more

I have been hoping for a store like Lena's for years. I found them when they were still on Hawthorne. Now that they are on 23rd, they still offer the finest women's clothing in Portland. I found out that they have a location in Los Angeles, and immediately called my friends there, because the clothes are amazing. Not inexpensive, these clothes are definitely an investment. If you want beautiful clothes that will get mentions from everyone, and are not cheap or ""trendy"", go see Lena. She is amazing. Pros: Beautiful Clothes, Well Made, Great Fabrics Cons: Parking is Hell more