CAN CANNES

Decades never promised you a rose garden, but we do promise you a rose printed Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche peasant-inspired full skirt. Direct from the 1970s, this polished cotton skirt is perfect for walking the Croisette in Cannes or traversing the pebble streets of Monte Carlo with a straw bag and some sensible sandals. We have paired it with a simple cream silk YSL blouse, but we love it with a Hanes-Her-Way tee, too! (Just roll up the sleeves a bit to give it some attitude and make sure you wear some bold bangles). Ah, summer.

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche polished cotton rose print full skirt with belt and red petticoat, c 1970s. Marked size 40, modern size 4 to 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

DIAMONDS AND PEARLS

We have an exciting new digital camera. It's driving us crazy as we are having trouble getting the flash to work appropriately, hence the somewhat blown out photos of the classic 1980s era Chanel pearl jewels below. We hope you can see how wonderful this pieces are against all odds! You may be aware that Chanel pearls from the past are so much more beautiful than what one might find at a Chanel boutique today. A former Chanel employee who works in jewelry sales in the 1980s explained that the pearls were made by shaking the glass beads in "pearl dust." She further explained that this is why the Chanel faux pearls looked so real. Mikimoto, watch your back!

The pieces below are all from the 1980s and shockingly all un-worn with their original hangtags on each piece. We will be posting more 1980s-era Chanel jewelry and handbags in the next weeks...and all are absolutely flawless and deadstock!
Chanel 28 inch pearl surrounded by crystal "strass" and gold tone necklace with 4 inch pendant drop 28, c 1980s. DEADSTOCK

Chanel 32 inch pearl necklace with scroll motifs collection 25, c 1980s. DEADSTOCK

Chanel 36 inch pearl necklace with CC button motif, c 1980s. DEADSTOCK

Chanel 34 inch pearl necklace with crystal "strass" and gold tone link, c 1980s. DEADSTOCK

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

TIMELESS OSSIE CLARK

Hello from un-sunny Los Angeles. Although it isn't June just yet, and we are prone to a "June Gloom" weather pattern, it seems to have arrived a little early. We call it "May Grey." The weather isn't exactly frightful, but waking up to overcast skies and rainfall isn't what one expects in Los Angeles.

What to wear?

Well, Ossie Clark always manages to solve sartorial problems when the weather isn't cooperative. Perhaps, it's the fact that the legendary London designer knew his way around the oft-foggy-London, so Ossie is always an option when the weather isn't what you anticipated.

Case in point: This Ossie Clark for Radley signature moss crepe bell sleeve dress with ruched waistband and empire waist belt is full skirted and would work with wellies in the rain or sandals in the sun. We didn't get the greatest shot of color (it's a deep jade green with a touch of forest) but it's totally year round, totally flattering, totally classic, and totally going to sell and become a staple in one of our clients wardrobes. Let the sun shine in!

Ossie Clark for Radley deep Jade signature moss crepe bell sleeve dress with ruched waist band and belt, c early 1970s. Contemporary size 4 to 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

LBD SEX'D UP

When you visit Bergdorf Goodman's evening wear salon these days, expect to see a lot of Vicky Tiel. Today's Vicky Tiel gowns are more Mother-of-the-Bride than our sexy LBDs pictures below, but back in the 1970s and early 1980s, Tiel was a go-to for clothing more likely to end up on the mistress than the bride, let alone her mama!

These two black dresses are classic ruched Vicky Tiel sexy numbers and both were sold at Giorgio, the legendary Rodeo Drive boutique of the famous yellow and white stripe awnings. We have a slew of Giorgio-era clothing to add to the blog over the next few days from a Hollywood wife who certainly was not the mistress, but wasn't afraid to be sexy, either. Well, those were the 1980s...when sex really sold.

Vicky Tiel for Giorgio (Tiel label missing) black jersey 1940s-style cocktail dress with ruching at the hip gathering to a crystal brooch, c 1980s. Modern size 4

Vicky Tiel for Giorgio lurex-infused ruched silk/viscose blend velvet bustier dress. c 1980s. Modern size 4

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

BRIGHT COLORS MAKE YOU SMART!

Okay the title of this post may not be entirely true, but the lovely manager of our sister store DECADESTWO and VIP mode,l Amanda, photographed below is bright and smart. Just put on a shiny happy color and watch your IQ skyrocket.

Forget a costly tutor or a PhD, just throw on some Bill Blass, The strapless marigold gown from the early 1980s has a joy-enhancing fuchsia bow with cascade on the front and the scallop trim is incredibly flattering on a small bustline. (This is a gown for a woman who is not top heavy but wants to give the illusion of a fuller decollete.

The second featured dress isn't shown on Amanda but our faithful mannequin (she doesn't have name, so if you have suggestions, feel free to share). The harem-skirted Valentino Boutique strapless gown is a powerful example of volume. The skirt gathers to the hem and is reminiscent of a harem pants. The purple hued silk taffeta dress is trimmed with bands of flame, apple green, fuchsia (color of the day) and turquoise. It's the type of gown we love with a pair of flats...and you will thank us for that!

Bill Blass marigold silk satin gown with hot pink bow, c 1980s. Very narrow bust line, Modern Size 2

Valentino Boutique strapless harem skirted purple silk taffeta gown, c 1980s. Marked size 6, Modern size 4

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

THE ITALIANS ARE COMING

We will be posting a few Gianni Versace and Emanuel Ungaro pieces in the next few days. Plus Thierry Mugler, Vicky Tiel, and lots of 80s Chanel jewelry and handbags. In the meanwhile, our sister store DECADESTWO is keeping us very distracted with our SEX AND THE CITY party and events with www.HAUTELOOK.com. Make sure you visit on line to see all the amazing contemporary designer clothing inspired the SATC that will be offerred.

We will have lots of vintage posted over the next few days on the DECADES site, too.

Grazie....

POUF CITY

Where were you when this Christian Lacroix Luxe dress made it's debut on the runway for Spring/Summer 1998? We wanted to thank our dear friends at Lacroix in Paris for sending this archival image of the dress we are currently featuring in our window.

Most of our clients do not live in Los Angeles. The blog functions as a vehicle to keep you informed of arrivals at the Decades boutique in Los Angeles. For those who aren't local or visiting Los Angeles any time soon, we thought you would like our latest window featuring a Christian Lacroix Luxe pouf dress from 1998. It's been over 20 years since the pouf sensation and we think it's time for it's triumphant return.... The dress has SOLD.
When in Los Angeles, please visit us in person
Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue @ Harper (between La Cienega and Crescent Heights) on the 2nd floor, just above the amazing Decadestwo store for contemporary designer consignment. Phone 323 655 0223 for more information about Decades or visit http://www.decadesinc.com/.

Christian Lacroix Luxe iconic "Pouf" dress, S/S 1988. Modern size 4 SOLD

TURN AROUND

Walking into a room is one thing, but making an exit has its virtues, too. The clothes you choose can help make your enterances and exits a tour de force. Naturally, a great dress should be attractive from the front, as well as, the back. Case in point: this red silk Carolyn Roehm gown. It features a deceptively simple short sleeve fitted design that dramatically fishtails around the hips. But, turn around for the big reveal: a suprisingly low cut back reminiscent of Hollywood glamour gowns from the early 1930s. There's a reason why you practice yoga daily...to show off your toned back in this ruby concoction.


Carolyn Roehm red heavy silk fishtail and backless gown, c 1980s. Modern size 4

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

HERMES OMBRE

No one has mastered the art of exotic skin better than Hermes. Using ombre-hued lizard skin, this 25 cm UNUSED Kelly is a marvelous addition to your wardrobe. Because it's ombre, it matches everything (the full spectrum from black to white) and a 25 cm is big enough for the day and small enough for the night. For those who are always gravitate toward bags the size of your car's trunk, may we suggest you go "small". Trust us, your chiropractor will thank us.

Hermes 25 cm Kelly in ombre lizard with palladium hardware, K stamp for 2007. Unused, brand new in box.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

VERT ANIS HAS ARRIVED

Fresh from a quickie facial at Hermes, this Togo Leather 30 cm Vert Anis Birkin from 2006 looks as if it was never used. It comes in its precious orange box, but the plastic is no longer on the hardware. Yes, it is pre-owned, but ever so gently used that it meets the Decades high standard of quality. The color Vert Anis was recently offered in crocodile at Decades, but sold very quickly as did yesterday's Biscuit colored Birkin, so act fast.

Hermes Birkin 30 cm Togo Leather in Vert Anis with Palladium Hardware, 2006 J Stamp. Reconditioned by Hermes in Beverly Hills and in sublime condition...

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

SWIFT IN THE BOX

It's the latest color from Hermes, called Biscuit, and this is BRAND NEW 35 CM Birkin in SWIFT Leather with Palladium Hardware. K Stamp. Act fast, as leather Birkins fly out of here super fast, as you all know. Biscuit is like cafe au lait. This color will match everything and SWIFT leather is light and very accomodating as it's texture is very lightly peebled so it helps against scratches.

Hermes Birkin in SWIFT Leather, color Biscuit with Palladium Hardware, K Stamp 2007. BRAND NEW, UNUSED IN THE BOX.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting. SOLD

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

Don't hate us. We know we are one of your favorite resources from pre-owned Hermes bags, especially Birkin bags, but we haven't posted a leather one in a few weeks. Although we have one divine orange Porosus crocodile 30cm Birkin available at present, we've been a little dry when it comes to traditional and non-exotic leather. This serves as a tease. The picture below is a 30 cm pre-owned Togo leather Birkin that is getting a "facial" at Hermes Beverly Hills as we type. Once she's back from the spa, we will post all the glorious details of this guacamole colored Birkin. However, this Birkin will likely pre-sell to one of our active readers, so feel free to email or phone for more information. It's probably a few more weeks to wait for this Birkin to be up-to-Decades-standard (we wanted to spruce up the corners), but if you want a head-start, we can pre-sell it to you now :)

Hermes Anes 30 cm Togo Leather Birkin, J stamp 2006

To purchase this bag in advance of it's spa trip, email blog@decadesinc.com or phone 323 655 0223. Remember to include your full name, phone number, as well as, City, State, and Country from which you email.

YSL BLING

It's a big moment for contemporary designer costume jewelry. Not since the 1980s, have designers been piling on the faux-bling. Have you looked at the prices of designer costume jewelry lately? Four and five figures are not unusual to pay for high-fashion jewelry, even if the materials are not conventionally precious. We have been fans of great 20th Century designer costume jewelry since Decades opened in 1997. As much as we adore great 20th Century Couture and Ready-To-Wear, we have also always proposed adorning your body with great gems, too.

Yves Saint Laurent always showed amazing costume jewelry in both his Couture and Ready-to-Wear shows, so it's no surprise that a lot of our costume jewelry inventory is stamped "YSL". The trio of YSL offerings below will end up on some Decades blog readers vanity in no time...we just can't get enough of YSL jewelry!
Yves Saint Laurent sculptured and textured gold wide cuff, c 1980s.SOLD Yves Saint Laurent scuptured and hammered earrings (to match bracelet), c 1980s.SOLD
Yves Saint Laurent baby blue and clear diamond crystal earrings with gold metal scroll frame, c 1980s. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

DECADES IS BRINGING SEXY BACK

Decades and Kristin Davis have a nice fashion history. Kristin has worn vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture from Decades to the Vanity Fair Oscar party and vintage Galanos to the Golden Globes in the past.

Tonight was a special night for Kristin and her chic Sex and the City cast members. It was the world premiere of the long-awaited film, but it wasn't in New York City. Rather, it was in London. Go figure? On this very special night, Kristin chose a vintage Guy Laroche Haute Couture raspberry chiffon cocktail dress from Decades and we are proud to see Kristin looking so beautiful.

Kristin Davis in vintage Guy Laroche Haute Couture at the World Premiere of Sex and the City on May 12th, 2008

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT BUTTER!

There's a new hue in town and it's like "buttah." That's right, butter is the color de jeur. Why butter? Well, why not? Besides we love the title of this post!

Leave it to Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture to whip up a better butter-hued silk taffeta concoction that's a little bit Monte Carlo casino arm-candy mixed with Belle Epoque glam-a-rama, with a touch of old Hollywood. The ruched bustier gown has an incredible neckline beckoning for a yellow diamond collar. The slim skirt is accented with a dramatic sash, so you look poised and opulent from 360 degrees.


Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture butter silk taffeta evening dress, c early 1980s. Label removed. Modern size 4

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

Fabulous Costume Jewelry Megapost!

Dearest Decades Readers... We know how deeply you love your costume jewelry. In an effort to keep it fun and fresh, we've accumulated some classic pieces and some wild, eccentric ones as well! The anonymous gold frog necklace and earrings below, for instance, are about as crazy and fun as we've ever seen. They're listed separately, but buy them as a pair--they should stay together, don't you think?
Anonymous Gold Frog Necklace and Earrings, c. 1980s. Available as a set or as separates.

Next, we're on to some great pieces by Chanel and Kenneth Jay Lane. The KJL earrings below are reminisecent of Thierry Mugler star-shaped fragrance bottles and ornamentation, but they're a perfect way to top off a celestially-inspired outfit. Next are four offerings from Chanel, ranging from gold quilted drops to crystal CC clips. With Mother's Day just around the corner, we can't think of a more chic--or original--gift.

Kenneth Jay Lane Silver & Crystal Star Earrings, c. 1980s.

Chanel Daisy Arc Earrings in Gold with Pearl Center, c. 1980s.

Chanel Gold Diamond and Quilted CC Logo Drop Earrings, c. 1980s.

Chanel Gold & Black CC Logo Clip Earrings, c. 1980s.

Chanel Gold and Crystal CC Logo Clip Earrings, c. 1980s.

Finally, we're finishing off with three great Kenneth Jay Lane bracelets. The first is great for the equestrienne with a taste for decadence--it's a horsey bracelet in white enamel and crystal! Next are two enamel bangles, one in coral and one in white.

Kenneth Jay Lane White Enamel and Crystal Horse Bracelet, c. 1980s.


Kenneth Jay Lane White & Black Enamel and Crystal Bangle, c. 1980s. SOLD
Kenneth Jay Lane White & Coral Enamel and Crystal Bangle, c. 1980s. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

OLE

Are you feeling Flamenco? There's something about the approaching summer that makes Decades feel "bullish" about a bit of Spanish influence on fashion. This Louis Feraud red and black strapless polka dot dress has a tinge of Marbella that might make you want to stomp your feet and grab a pair of castanets. The gathered chiffon bustier has a side zipper for easy access and the skirt has a wonderful apron-effect flounce with a high slit and ruffle trim that reveals another layer of chiffon to complete the skirt.

So grab a bowl of gazpacho, throw on a mantilla, put an Almodovar film in your DVD, and invite your favorite Matador over for a pitcher of Sangria.


Louis Feraud red and black chiffon polka dot strapless "Spanish-style" dress, c 1980s. Marked size 6, modern size 4

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.

THE HARDER SIDE OF DECADES

So we've given you the soft, so how about a little edgy and hard? This Gianni Versace LBD is the antithesis of anonymous. An intriguing mix of snake skin, lace, nude chiffon, and silk faille, this black dress packs a lot of personality and texture into a simple V-neck silhouette. The strips of snake skin are definitely edgy, but the lace is a wonderful and soft counterpart to the aggressive angular lean swatches.

The indispensable LBD is made fresh and ferocious by Gianni Versace. We promise the snake skin won't bite, but an admirer just might, when you wear this dress!


Gianni Versace Couture snake skin, lace, and silk V-neck sleeveless cocktail dress. c mid 1990s. Modern size 4 - 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call (323) 655-0223. Please reference the description above. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting.