HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE A DRESS LIKE THIS?

Where do we begin? The silk jacquard? Or the handpainted stripes and swirls? Shall we write of the oversized single dolman sleeve? Or celebrate the unexpected "strass" back? There is also the sophisticated ombre color story of grey, lilac, and merlot tones. And the unusual construction that defies explanation. Wait, did we just successfully describe this dress? We should add that is is designed by Stavropoulos, the great Greek designer who most often worked in chiffon and was inspired by the anciet statues of his homeland. Stavropoulos designed gowns for Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand Maria Callas (we could see her wearing this for entertaining at home and serving tape worms to her guests), and Lady Bird Johnson (clearly this is not a gown she would have worn to a State dinner!).

This is the type of dress that requires a sense of imagination and adventure. The dress may have a lot of ideas and is the antithesis of the Halston posted earlier today, yet it avoids looking like the kitchen sink of dressing. We simply can't describe this dress in one sentence other than to write that the wearer should expect people to be speechless when they see you wearing it! A dress that defies explanation and leaves the onlooker speechless!

Stavropoulos for Giorgio silk jacquard handpainted and beaded dolman sleeve one shoulder evening dress with crystal strap back, c. early 1970s. Modern size 4 (Very minor and repairable bead-loss, plus 2 small areas of ombre exaggeration) SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

NO BRAINER DRESSING

Give us a great Halston and we are high on it for a week. This jersey gown encrusted with black pailette sequins is an effortless shirtmaker style with a strong collar, bell sleeves (check out the wide cuffs), buttons down the entire front, and a coordinating belt to cinch it all together. There really isn't much more to say. That's why it's"no-brainer". Everything is here in one package, described in one sentence. You can make this dress ultra sexy by unbuttoning it down to "there." You can also wear it with flats and be the ultimate in sophisticated 70s minimalism. This dress, along with around half-a-dozen others, come from the legendary Giorgio Boutique of Beverly Hills. They are from the collection of a former employee who was gifted the gowns/dresses from the co-owner, Gale Hayman.

Halston for Giorgio black sequin/pailette shirtmaker dress with bell sleeves, c. early 1970s. Modern size 6. (Dress has a 2 inch hem that one may release to lengthen the dress. The Halston label was removed). SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

Lace Laden

The stunning vision in black lace below comes to you from Oscar de la Renta. The exterior is black Chantilly lace with an optional black satin waist sash. The lace is ruched between the belt and the bust creating an almost empire shape. Around the top of the dress is a stand up lace collar that perfectly softens the neckline. This is a fantastic LBD option for any black tie event.

Oscar de la Renta Chantilly lace LBD with satin sash, c.80's. Contemporary size 4-6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

Blue Ice Belle Epoque

If you are one of those women who simply refuse to wear winter white, or any white shade after Labor Day, behold! This Oscar de la Renta ice blue gown is the perfect alternative to winter white. The sweetheart neckline and hem are lined with ruffles, along with the optional matching sleeves. The bustier top has boning sewn into the lining and is gathered in the center. The Belle Epoque shape is obvious from the back, accentuated by the rosette and gathering that hits just at the knee. This is a glamour gown that would be perfect for any winter formal.

Oscar de la Renta Belle Epoque ice blue gown with optional sleeves, c.1980's. Contemporary size 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

Oh my darling, Oh my Darling, Oh my Darling . . .

Clementine! This is a rare but fabulous Oscar de la Renta silk chiffon gown in clementine. We love this color, and have an inkling that it might just be one of those "IT" colors this Fall. If someone showed up to our Thanksgiving dinner in this lovely number there would be no question, she would have the honor of breaking our wishbone. And we do not give it up that easily, just ask Anna. But we digress, on to the description.

This dress is full length with a front slit lined with ruffles that hits just at the knee. Ruffles also line the hemline and the neckline. The bustier top has intricate boning all around to keep everything where it should be. A color more fitting for Fall you could not find, this is "IT" for 09'.

Oscar de la Renta clementine silk chiffon dress with ruffles, c.1980's. Contemporary 4-6.

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

October in Gotham

If you happen to be in New York City at the beginning of October, be sure to visit our sister store D2 that sells the most amazing contemporary designer clothing and accessories from the last few years. D2 us opening a pop-up shop at Kiki De Montparnasse from October 2-4. We would recommend going early, since the last time D2 set up shop-in-shop within Kiki, streets practically had to be shut down! OK, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but there WILL be a line, probably a long one.

The Working Woman's Birkin

For all you rugged working women out there, going into the mines of Northern California looking for gold, we have the perfect Hermes Birkin to match those Levi's. This blue jean Birkin is the perfect way to get that sack lunch down to the dig site. The leather is Clemence with palladium hardware and it is in near perfect condition, with a box. Come and get it before Rosie the Riviter beats you to it!

Hermes 35cm Clemence Blue Jean Birkin with palladium hardware 2007 SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

THE LADIES (and a gent) OF THE LIDO

Read Cameron Silver's diary of Tuesday's recreation of the Chanel Resort show (originally staged on the Lido Beach in Venice) at the home of Susan Casden in Beverly Hills here

THE GREAT UNKNOWN

"What are you wearing?" You answer mysteriously "Anonyme." Ano-who? Yes, the hottest name is fashion is the most unknown name in fashion: the dress with no name. This dress comes from a client who's ample closet is filled with Emilio Pucci, Donald Brooks, and Arnold Scaasi dresses. However, we know this aint one of those fine chaps. We do know this is a hot tamale dress of red mousseline chiffon embroidered in an Indian style paisley motif with a sexy high halter silhouette which reveals a low back. An attached scarf at the neck swags for added drama. If someone asks you"who's dress are you wearing?" simply reply "My Own" and leave it at that.

Anonymous red Indian paisley embroidered high-neck halter chiffon dress on mousseline, c. early 1970s. Modern 4 to 6 (some traces of lost sequins that can be easily restored at client's request) SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

Black and Gold = Perfection

The color combination Black+Gold has got to be the finest ever conceived. This fabulous Carolyne Roehm strapless dress is constructed from a black velvet with gold metallic threads woven into the material. The corset top has boning to keep the shape, and a lovely sweetheart neckline. The skirt is gathered just below the top and drapes perfectly down to the knee high slip in front. There is a belt that goes with the dress that we forgot to photograph (oops) and shall be posted as soon as we get in tomorrow.

Carolyne Roehm black and gold strapless dress, c.80's. Marked size 8, Contemporary size 4-small 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.

Blouson Noir

Not only is "Blouson Noir" a 60's French rock band, but it is a staple that every woman needs in her closet. This Yves Saint Laurent black silk georgette blouse is an easy way to dress up a simple skirt, slacks or jeans. The deep V neck is lined with black satin and has four buttons running down the front. There is a black scarf attached at the back of the neck giving you creative license when it comes to tying/draping the front. The cuffs are the same black silk satin that lines the neck, with a two button tux style closure.

Yves Saint Laurent "Blouson Noir" top, c.70's. Marked size 34, Contemporary size 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or phone our Los Angeles flagship on + 1 323 655 0223 (store hours are 11 30 am to 6 pm PST). For email requests, kindly reference the above description in addition to including your full name, phone number, City/State/Country from which you email, so we may offer you a high-level of personal service.