BUY BOTH

We've uploaded so many photos since 2006 on our Daily Arrival Blog, that we just had to purchase more space to add additional photos. Consequently, this will be the last post of the day until we get more room from Google which takes apparently 24 hours. Is it an Ugh! or Hallelujah! we should shout? We can handle a break from blogging, but can you handle a break from our blog? THAT is the question! Amen that we have a duo post of Chanel bags below and our advice is to buy both. Why? Why not! Seriously, we think the options of both a black and navy classic 80s Chanel bag are very warranted in your closet. The black bag has a large monogram flap pocket; where as the blue one has an asymmetric flap detail (the fold over is permanent and stitched to the bag). Both bags have large coordinating fringe tassels, but note that the gold hardware on the blue tassel has lost a touch of its gilt over the last thirty years. Both bags were just refurbished by our master leather repair man so they look remarkably fresh for bags purchased in the mid 1980s.

Chanel black quilted zip classic shoulder bag with functional outside flap pocket, tassel, and woven gold link and leather chain strap, c. mid 1980s. 9 1/2" x 7"x just shy of 2 1/2" SOLD

Chanel navy quilted zip classic shoulder bag with flap pocket, tassel (gilt gold slight patina), and woven gold link and leather chain strap, c. mid 1980s. 9" x 6 1/2" x just shy of 2 1/2"

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

CHANEL CHANEL CHANEL updated!

We will be posting several 80s and early 1990s CHANEL handbags today and tomorrow. Watch this space! We just added this photo showing two lambskin shoulder bags in blue and black, two evening bags (one in quilted black satin, the other in quilted jersey and leather), and very unusual quilted black velvet shoulder bag, and a truly scrumptious brown alligator compact tote. Detailed photos will post in the next day, but you know how quickly these will sell so feel free to ring + 1 323 655 0223 during store hours today (11 30 am to 6 pm PST) or email us blog@decadesinc.com to inquire further or purchase before ALL is revealed!

RING AROUND THE BORDER

We really wish we could call this post "Ring Around the Collar" but that would be a false and malicious fashion statement! This Gianfranco Ferre jacket may feature a slew of fetish-tastic rings but they are on the front of the jacket's border. We all know Ferre was a master with leather. Remember that typical late 80s/early 90s silhouette of his tough leather pants with a massive gazar blouse? Well this Ferre jacket is tough on top and features a generous shoulder and sculptured midsection for a feminine and futuristic looking shape. Although it's more of a bolero than a jacket (it does not close in front), the jacket isn't cropped like most boleros (readers should know we are on a bolero kick of late), but rather skims the hips. This is one of those everyday pieces that can be worn in the day with jeans or at night with a sexy dress that shows off your legs. If you have fallen for Balmain-ia (haven't we all), you will get how a strong shouldered jacket is a must-have for your wardrobe. Thankfully, this jacket will cost less than a pair of Balmain jeans!

Gianfranco Ferre black leather with gold ring border jacket, c. early 1990s. Marked size 40, modern 6 to 8

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

CHANEL WISH LIST

We can't seem to post enough vintage Chanel jewelry fast enough to satiate the requests by clients, but mostly by husbands of clients! Who knew the Decades Daily Arrival Blog was on so many holiday wish lists? Well, make a wish a reality by buying this unusual Chanel necklace that reminds us of 80s era Bulgari with it's bold chain interlocked with amber poured glass reminiscent of antique intaglios and gold encased green beads. It can be worn as a single or a double strand and is ideal for mixing with other vintage Chanel treasures from Decades. Pile them on!

Chanel unusual gold chain link with amber and green poured glass bead, c. late 1980s. 34" long
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

EVERY DAY IS CYBER MONDAY AT DECADES!

At Decades, every day is Cyber Monday regardless of what the economic pundits and web retailers tell you. Not a day goes by that we don't cyber it for our clients from all corners of planet Earth.

We dig J Lo in this Gucci Spring 2010 white cutout dress, but we dig even more our vintage Alaia curry stretch cotton dress that bares a bit of resemblance to Jennifer's recent AMA look. Featuring interlocking straps, raised seams, and a "faux" trapunto stitched corset panel at the mid-section, this dress is spicy like the curry color it resembles. Keep it modern with J Lo's smart Louboutin heels (but not in white) and you will be absolutely delicious.

Azzedine Alaia stretch cotton curry multi strap dress, c. late 1960s. Marked M, modern 4 to 6.
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

EVERY ANGLE

We need a better digital camera, we admit it. We also need a shadow box when photographing our "smalls." We love you for loving the blog even if our photography is often inadequate as in the challenging case of this Coco Chanel Haute Couture 60s gold woven lame jacket with shocking pink lining. We have taken photos with flash, sans flash, au naturel, and something in between so those not able to visit the jacket in person at our store can see how wonderful and wearable this effortless and elegant jacket is in all the shades of gold. The soft cardigan silhouette has 3/4 sleeves and can be worn casually with a tee and jeans or as an evening jacket with a cocktail dress or gown. In the past fifty years since this was jacket was made, hook and eye closures were added and it's the next owner's choice to leave them or remove them. The lame shows some signs of wear, so we've priced this to be quite attractive since this will cost less than a cashmere cardi at Loro Piana! We think it's a great alternative to the ubiquitous fitted leather jackets we are seeing everyone snatch up to wear over a multitude of options. Sometimes the freshest look is something that's half a century old.

Coco Chanel Haute Couture gold lame evening cardigan jacket lined in pink. c. 1960s. Modern 4 to 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

59501

What's the 411 on 59501? Well, 59501 is the model number of this very elegant Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture evening gown of Chantilly lace with delicate black paillette embroidery, violet silk charmeuse lining, and signature black velvet bow. If you had been officially invited to Tuesday's State Dinner with the President and First Lady, this would have been the perfect dress to wear. It's refined, timeless, elegant, and certainly eye-catching, as the back delivers the drama with a low key, the bow over the "butt" and the train of lace. Of course when half the guests are in ODLR from Neiman's, you are always safe to be in vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture. Eat your heart out Michaele Salahi. Impostors need not apply.

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture lace and violet lined evening gown, c. early 1980s. Model number 59501. Modern size small 4 (lace has some repairable flaws, but this is priced VERY reasonably).

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

BLACK FRIDAY=WHITE WEDDING

All over retail stores in the US today, post-Thanksgiving consumers are packing on the presents after packing on the pounds, following last night's traditional feast. At Decades, we say "bah humbug" to Black Friday, as our stylish, sophisticated, and savvy clients know the best deal in town is to buy something vintage that is likely to gain in value, won't be seen coming and going, is environmentally friendly, and has a history (in a good way!). We promise to post accessories galore in the next month for those in a gifting kind of mood. But as our faithful blog readers can see, we are busy and things are selling fast (especially accessories) since husband's are visiting the blog and our store in large numbers already to find the perfect vintage gift at the store. We will let you know we have a lot of 80s Chanel handbags that we will post in the next week, plus lots of Chanel jewelry, but Chanel is selling before we post to customers shopping the store, so we are doing our best to satiate those in the World Wide Web and those that visit us in the flesh.

Enough of our consumer rant, and now let's celebrate this celebratory Zandra Rhodes hand-printed chiffon "Field of Lilies" cream dress with original pink satin sash. Ideal for the boho bride, yet Stephanie Seymour-sexy for, well, Stephanie Seymour, this dress features one of Zandra Rhodes iconic prints and adds signature faux Mother of Pearl iridescent appliques along the top of the dress. A democratically flattering silhouette, the dress looks great on a plethora of sizes and shapes. The billowy long sleeves, elastic waist, and full/swash-friendly skirt make this a dress ideal for a beach wedding on a bride who likes sand between her toes. If you are to choose one dress to get married in while barefoot, we have your (un)-gown. Although we might suggest this dress to a bride-to-be, anyone feeling easy breezy and boho can certainly wear this classic example of Zandra Rhodes.

Zandra Rhodes cream "Field of Lilies" hand-printed chiffon dress with sash, c. 1970s. Modern 4 to 6

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

Stocking Stuffers!

Guess what's a perfect fit down a Christmas stocking? Chanel earrings! Below are four great examples of what your could put down someone's stocking this season.
We have two gold coin earrings with a wheat design framed by gold links. Next is a substantial pearl with a dimpled gold frame. Next to those, we have a slightly concave oval CC crown logo coin. Last, a pair of gold loops in a quilted pattern. These are sure to make any special lady giggle with glee.

Chanel gold coin earrings with wheat pattern, c. 80's. Diameter 1 1/4" SOLD

Chanel gold coin earrings with wheat pattern 2nd pair, c. 80's. Diameter 1 1/4" SOLD

Chanel pearl earrings with gold dimple frame, c. 80's. Diameter 1 1/2" SOLD

Chanel gold coin crown logo earrings, c. 80's. Length 1 1/2"

Chanel gold loop earrings with quilt pattern, c. 80's. Diameter 1 1/2" SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

December Decadence

If you are in Dallas, or the surrounding areas please come join Cameron Silver. He will be at FORTY FIVE TEN in Dallas for the annual December Decadence TRUNK SHOW featuring, an extraordinary collection of vintage couture!


OPENING NIGHT PARTY at 4510

4510 McKinney in Dallas, TX
December 10th
7 PM – 9 PM

Benefits The Family Place

Tickets to annual opening night party: $50 Donation
to The Family Place
through http://www.familyplace.org/

TRUNK SHOW continues at 4510

on December 11th and 12th from Noon to 4 pm
4510 McKinney
Dallas, TX
for more information call 214 559 4510

YES IT WILL HOLD A BLACKBERRY

The only question one should ever ask of their evening minaudiere is: will you fit my BlackBerry? The answer is a resounding "YES" when questioning this 1970s Givenchy Disco-Does-Deco sculptural gold metal evening bag with Swarovski crystals and optional gold chain/rope strap. The pictures do fine justice to this design so we probably shouldn't elaborate too much on this other than to once again draw your attention to it's BlackBerry-friendliness, it's versatility (clutch or shoulder bag) and it's Givenchy!

Givenchy sculptured gold metal minaudiere with Swarovski crystals and options chain/strap, c. 1970s. 8" x 6" x 2" (approximately).

Classic McCardell

If are a fan of Claire McCardell you will love the details in this dress. Everything about is a signature of the line. The fabric choice, a lace top and light weight textured cotton skirt are classically Claire. Her signature brass hook and eye closures dot the front of the dress. If you need a casual yet elegant LBD this little ditty would be the perfect choice.

Claire McCardell LBD with cotton skirt, lace top and signature closures, c. 1953s. Contemporary size 2-4 (dress likely shortened)

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY

Jean Muir was one of the great designers of day wear. She always managed to provide fashionable women with sophisticated options that worked well in the daytime and easily transitioned into evening, plus had a "of-the-moment" sensibility with a little street-smart-chic. Muir is a reminder that so many female designers of the 20th Century particularly excelled in day wear: Coco Chanel, Claire McCardell, Bonnie Cashin, and Donna Karan. Whereas many male designers have often triumphed at fantasy concoctions, the female designers above have an oeuvre that is heavy on day wear.

We are going through a large collection of early 70s Jean Muir and our first piece to post is a red suede key hole A-line dress with signature raised seams and a full sleeve that narrows femininely at the wrist. The key hole closes with one of Muir distinctively shaped Bakelite-esque buttons. A dress as easy as this to wear in such a great color is a perfect addition to a closet and fits many a shape on many an occasion.

Jean Muir red suede A-line key hole dress, c. early 1970s. Modern 4 to 6 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

PREMATURE

Call us premature, but this Chanel Cruise 2005 necklace may not yet be vintage, but is surely poised to be a collectible. A mix of classic pearls, coral beads, and silver shells and sea motifs, this necklace personifies what we think of when we think of Cruising. It's destined to be worn sailing in the South of France over a gauzy white tee and shorts. What we particularly love about the necklace is everything about it that is so un-Chanel as it's really quite hippie couture rather than Mademoiselle chic.

If you are the type of clairvoyant shopper who knows to grab something before it's zeitgeist, then buy this uncharacteristically Chanel necklace. Your neck will thank you.

Chanel pearl, coral bead, and silver sea motif sautoir, Cruise 2005. 44" flexible strand, 2 1/4 shell, and 9" dangle at longest point SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

You Want It, We got It.

Alaia Belts. Possibly the most sought after of all the 80's accessories, Alaia belts are sure to make the most discerning of fashionistas go weak at the knees. The first is a gorgeous gunmetal with silvery stitching and black steel rivets. The second and third are classic Alaia cut-out belts: one in cream, the other in camel. We're going to end the post here. We figure if you're reading this blog you are well-versed in the historical significance of an 80's Alaia belt. If not, read THIS.

Alaia gun metal belt with black steel rivets and buckle, 80's. Marked 65cm.

Alaia cream cut out belt, c.80's. Marked 65cm.

Alaia camel cut out belt, c.80's. Marked 65cm.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

TROIS GRIPOIX

This is a three strand Chanel white and light pink pearl necklace with a beautiful Gripoix poured glass pendant. It's not a choker; nor is it a sautoir. The necklace can be worn with the pendant dead center, on the side, or hidden at the nape. That's what we love about this three strand necklace: it has three methods of wearing it making it a very useful and dependable addition to your collection of bijoux fantasie!

Chanel three strand pink and white pearl necklace with stunning lilac/grey Gripoix pendant, c. early 1980s. The top pearl strand is 16" long not including the clasp. SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

BRING BACK THE BOLERO

It's not exactly a bolero but this vintage Gianni Versace purple suede be-dazzled (in a good way) jacket certainly fits the definition of a bolero: a formal short cropped jacket. It's short and it's cropped, but it's more rock 'n roll than formal. Perfect with a pair of tight jeans or as an alternative to a leather motorcycle jacket over an edgy mini, the intricate bead and sequin work with the splashy purple suede, makes this early Versace design a great treasure for your closet when you don't know what to wear but what to wear something that everyone will want to know what you are wearing!

Gianni Versace purple suede bolero with sequin and bead work, c. early 1980s. Modern 4 to 6
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.

ULTIMATE EVENING BAG FOR THE NON PACK RAT

Really, how large a handbag do you need to carry for a night out on the town? We say less is more. Remember, it's just bail money and Altoids to get you through the most festive of holiday parties. And what is the most festive of handbags? Well this Chanel steel silver paillette bag, naturally. A trompe l'oeil design that gives the illusion of a classic 2.55, this bag is for the lady who carries the best, but not too much of it at once...now that's chic.

Chanel silver paillette trompe l'oeil with double CC Swarovski evening purse, c. early 1990s. 9" x 7", each handle is 5 1/2" high. SOLD
For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-0223. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 1/2 Melrose Avenue (2nd Floor) at Harper Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing. For email requests, kindly include your full name and phone number plus City, State, and Country from which you are contacting, so may offer you a high level of personal service.