TRAVEL IN STYLE

So, if you were to pack you flirty fun-in-the-sun frocks, sunnies, wellies and Marant military jackets for not one but two weekends in Coachella, who's luggage would you want to use to tote your wardrobe? Ah-Choo! (Forgive me, I had to, but at least I've saved you the obligatory Choose Choo tag or even worse Choo Choo line and considering that this travel luggage, it was hard to forego that one.)

Luckily for all you music mavens, we've just posted an amazing Jimmy Choo black patent leather travel valise. This baby has star power written all over it. After all, I'd never let you look like a roadie. For you, it's headlining style all the way. Even though roadies and rock stars often travel together but, that's neither here nor there.

Click HERE for more information or to just snatch this baby right on up!

--Lizzy

COMPLETELY OBSESSED RIGHT NOW WITH OUR NORELL COLLECTION

We just got in the most chic collection of 1960's Norman Norell day dresses from the son of a recently departed San Francisco socialite who was well known for her sartorial talents as well as her decorating abilities. She kept her clothing in impeccable condition and her son was quite delighted that we were so entranced with her mom's wardrobe. These dresses have been flying out of the store so we didn't even get a chance to photograph every single one, but the first one we are posting in the perfect pastel mint wool belted "tee-shirt" dress with a slight mock neck and a very signature Norell obi belt with two large buttons. It's completely minimal and effortless and maybe it was the past week in Charleston that has me feeling particularly patriotic, but I do think American fashion of the 1960's and 1970's really offerred some of the best day wear. This thick cotton picque dress also has two pockets at the hips. This is pure American 60's mod chic. Channel your inner C.Z. Guest, or go preppy-punk with a pair of those amazing Valentino 50th Anniversary limited edition black patent mocassins with sexy gold pyramid studs.

-Cameron

Norman Norell mint picque dress, c. 1960's. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

PLEASE STAY COLD!

Decades is all about season-less dressing and I don't care if the calendar says it is spring, as I want someone to own this outstanding Pauline Trigere evening coat of black satin with a mink collar and very useful ermine tails inside. Actually this coat can be a spring coat as it only has a hint of mink and is perfect over a LBD or dressed down with jeans and a tee. I guess if it were all mink and tails, I would be pushing it to suggest this as a spring option, but if it is 50 degrees outside, this coat will keep you covered, warm, and terribly chic. I doubt many blog readers have an ermine tail lined coat in their closet, so this is hardly an extravagance but rather a necessity! Global Warming be damned. Bring on the vintage fur.

-Cameron

Pauline Trigere coat with fur collar lined with ermine tails, 4 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.

THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKING

You're going to get a real kick out of our latest collab: a sexy selection of shoes, designed alongside Modern Vintage®. There are 4 style, each inspired by a different decade (get it?) from the 50s to the 80s. So, the question is: what decade dame are you? Are you feeling the curved slender heels of the 50s? Perhaps the patch-worked platforms a la the 1906s? Maybe you're chic in cork like a 70s disco diva? Or you're wanting to walk tall in wedges from the 1980s, like a Basquiat-era babe? Any and every way, we've got you covered.

Want to view the entire collection? We thought you just might so click HERE ladies. I've said before and I'll say it again: the perfect pair of pumps is kind of like stumbling across the holy grail. And it's kind of our thing, to help you obtain style immortality. Believe me, this collection definitely succeeds.

--Lizzy

IN THE WILD FASHION JUNGLE

There are a few iconic YSL photographs that have stood the test of time: the two girls in le smoking's amongst the moonlit streets of Paris, Mr. SL himself wearing his, um, birthday suit and of course, Veruschka decked more for a nightclub than the wilds of the jungle in French Vogue in 1968.

Of course, this editorial practically caused a riot amongst fashionistas at the time, who clamoured to get their grub; their grub being khaki pieces from YSL's latest collection. And who could blame them? The Safari has everything a girl could want: slim-cut styles, a natural color flattering to all skin tones, a tone which evokes exotic travel . . . I mean what's not to love.

So, if you're safari takes you to the Sahara or merely just surfin', you probably want to check out this amazing khaki chic piece from our YSL selection online. Who knows what a gal might encounter in this concrete jungle? Why not come all dolled up and ready . . .
--Lizzy

WHITE BIRKIN

As Cameron always says it is hard to carry a white bag because they are high maintenance since they get dirty so fast. But they are cute for summer and especially chic in winter. If you have any other white bag would be a shame to carry it around dirty and messed up. But if your bag is a Birkin like this one, that's a different story. You can be cool like Lady Gaga or the Olsen twins. Get this good bargain Birkin, beat it up some more during summer and come September you can bring it back at Decades and Cameron will personally take it at Hermes in Paris to be refurbished. Now that's customer service:)

-Eri

Hermes Birkin 40cm in white clemence leather with palladium hardware, 2002. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

YSL BANG!

I know Marc Jacobs' cologne is called BANG!, but there's something about this Yves Saint Laurent lucite BANGle that makes me think Bang. A bold accessory can give a bit of bang to any outfit. Loving this with a Saint James striped shirt and a pair of white jeans to make you feel like you are in the South of France even if you are in South Sacramento. Don't over analyze this purchase. Just put on your wrist and feel the breeze of the Côte d'Azur wherever you may reside. Who will be the lucky wrist to sport this big bang for the buck?

-Cameron (just back from Paris via Charleston!)
YSL lucite bracelet with gilt incased chain, c. 1970s 

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

SHOPPER ADDICTION

It's not as if my love for these bags is unhealthy or anything. I just love them more than say, drinking, eating, and/or breathing. I realize that the bag to buy as far as the big double C is concerned is a classic flap or 2.55. But frankly, I prefer the Shopper. They're distinctive, still sport a bit of the ole iconic quilting and have a much harder/metro-edge than the traditional totes.

There's something super Alexis Carrington meets Pit Bull meets Sid Vicious about this bag that I just adore. If you can't follow that particular analogy, and if not I don't blame you, I'll just say that the next time I go shopping, I'm taking my Shopper. Should you want one of your own, I understand. In fact, I'll hook you up, girlfriend. In black and white! (Click links to check out both colors).

Word around the online offices is that they also posted a plethora of sacs and satchels, totes, clutches and carryalls. So, if the shopper's not your bag, I'm sure there's a bag that'll get you all kinds of carried away. Not to mention, everygal's BFF: super sexy heels!

Click HERE to check 'em out!

H IS FOR HALSTON - THE CAFTAN KING

Halston designs share a number of key elements. All perfectly reflected in this dress. Each design is constructed with a minimum of cut pieces and this two-seamed assemblage allows for the streamlines silhouette for which Halston is so famous. He eliminated inner structures and lining to further enhance the clean lines. Halston understood better than anyone else luxury, glamour, simplicity and fit. He represented all that was modern and pure and American. This is Halston interpretation of the classic caftan, very luxurios and comfortable at the same time. The two tone raspberry and purple its also very Halston, his colors were like out of a Crayola crayon box, these colors are not shaded or pastels or iridiscent - these colors are very true and very American. This is the perfect dress for a number of occasions, from a beach wedding with gold flat sandals and a head scarf, to red carpet in high heels, hair in a soft chignon and a statement necklace. You will be undeniably chic and a true Halstonette!

-Eri

Halston two-tone chiffon evening caftan gown, c.1970's. Modern size 4 to 6. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

LAST CALL TO SHOP THE LYN REVSON COLLECTION

Last December, we launched one of our most extensive, not to mention exclusive, curated collections ever: the spectacular style treasures of Lyn Revson, a NYC 1970s fashion fixture who was also the muse of legendary American designer, Norman Norell.

Hand-selected by Cameron Silver, the collection includes luxurious vintage clothing, accessories and home decor courtesy of such noted houses as Chanel, Christian Dior, Nina Ricci and Yves Saint Laurent, not to mention must-haves from Galanos, Norman Norell, and Kazuko plus an amazing selection of seminal Hermès handbags.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end and as such, Lyn Revson's special treasure trove of gorgeous goods will be leaving us in just a few days. To get final access to one of the world's most exquisite closets, click HERE. Oh, and we're offering a 20% discount on the Revson pieces during this last call. To use the discount, enter the code LR20 at checkout. Parting was never such sweet sorrow.

--Lizzy

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND FRIENDS

Jean Paul Gaultier was in San Francisco last week celebrating his fashion in the north city by the bay. The beautiful Vanessa Getty attended the dinner in designer's honor, wearing what else but a dress by the designer himself from Decades. The dress was selected by Christos Garkinos from Decades carefully curated collection of all things Gaultier which is on sale on our website: decadestwo.com. It is not hard for Vanessa to look amazing, but in this dress, in true Gaultier form, she had all eyes on her.

NEW OLD MASTERS

From Female magazine:

Cameron Silver, founder of legendary LA retro store Decades and one of Time magazine's 25 most influential faces in fashion, tells Patricia Lee what defines vintage, who to collect and how to wear it. Click on the images to read the article.

YSL AND JPG THROUGH THE DECADES

Thank you style.com for the shout out on our special Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier offerings that we have available currently on our website decadestwo1. Browse Decades collection of these two legendary French designers and I am sure you will find something extraordinary to add to your closet.

-Eri

Statement

Ok, we know that a significant staple for Spring is the statement necklace. And the design king who practically created the statement necklace: Yves Saint Laurent. Ok, so while he not have created the statement necklace, he crafted bangles and baubles which are sure to transform any ensmeble.

Think about it. Want to personalize that old jean and Tee shirt routine? A statement necklace says, "Hey, this is no soccer mom uniform. This the look of a lady who just might off yacht from the South of France, and while it may look like this is soccer mom uniform, due to this statement necklace, what you should really be reading is, this is a rocker Mom uniform." You know, the kind of mom who had a cameo in Downtown 81 alongside Basquiat and Debbie Harry.

And if membership status in the coolest crew ever doesn't say something, such as, I've lived in Tribeca before the baby boutiques and yarn shops. But, if you really want to establish that you were OG Save the Robots, pairing one of YSL's bijoux fantasie pieces with a grecian column dress says, "Hey, I own every Gray album. Because Vincent Gallo gave them to me. along with this necklace." And, if he's looking for any adoptive daughters, my name is Lizzy. With a Y. For yves, Yves Saint Laurent who created bijoux fantasie. Where fantasie where fantasy is a reality.

Shop our entire YSL collection HERE!

SAY YES TO YVES

Searching for the perfect party dress can give a gal pause. Personally, I'm so over the LBD. I mean, I get it. Wearing a cute little black frock works in variety of haunts and environs, making it easy to go from casual cocktails to some dangerous and decadent after-hours.

But, fashion isn't about playing it safe. Fashion is about taking risks, not fading into the back ground but shining like the star you are, whoever you are. So, my pick for the all-time best party dress ever is this Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture number. Crafted with an eye-catching sky blue silk taffeta and black lace skirt, this dress is so fabulous that it's bound to make all the other dresses in the room très jealouse. Who can blame them.

I want to wear this dress everywhere I go: to drinks, to dinner, and to the bank, which is where it will probably wind up taking you. In my opinion, you can never be overdressed, if the dress is a YES.

As I'm sure you know, Yves Saint Laurent's retrospective opens this weekend at the Denver Art Museum this weekend. In honor of museum show, we've just posted a plethora of Yves Saint Laurent, from Haute Couture to Rive Gauche on our website moments ago.

In the mood to peruse seminal pieces, not to mention this amazing dress from the definitive French designer? Click HERE!

THE THREE G'S: GRUNGE, GLAM & GAULTIER

I first fell in love with Jean Paul Gaultier as a teen, when he designed costumes for Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour. Listen, if you're 16 and trying as hard as you possibly can to "fight the revolution" i.e. piss off your parents, telling your patient father that what you really want is a cone bra top with slit front blazer is the way to go.

Since then, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Gaultier. (I can't speak for my Dad.) Today, I'm not as likely to rock underwear-as-outerwear as sadly, gravity has taken its toll in the, um, few years since I've seen 16. But, that rabble-rousing youngster still lurks within and the perfect solution to sate her whims, is with a little grunge. While Marc Jacobs often gets the Grunge guru title, if you ask me, the avant-garde mad-plaid offerings of JPG are absolute Nirvana.

This weekend, JPG's traveling retrospective opens at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. So, to celebrate this iconic French designer, we've just launch a special hand-curated collection of JPG, personally picked by our co-owners, Christos Garkinos and Cameron Silver. I for one, plan on lauding Mr. Gaultier by rocking one of his terrific tartan ensembles and blaring the Melvins as loud as I possibly can.

Want to go Gaultier too? Click HERE to get the Gaultier goods!

FRENCH FASHION AT IT'S MOST FABULOUS

This weekend, two of the most important forces in fashion, Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier, have museum exhibits which will debut: YSL at the Denver Art Museum and JPG at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. To celebrate these designers, whose works are moving pieces of art in themselves, our co-owners Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos hand-curated two amazing collections from the past to the present of seminal pieces from each designer.

Curating both was a joy for Christos and Cameron, who have been avid collectors of both YSL and JPG for years. In fact, excavating past and present Jean Paul Gaultier was a particular pleasure for Christos as Gaultier is one of his "absolute favorite designers. We were treated to a sneak peek of the exhibit at the de Young. And it is out of this world. Our collection, which showcases seminal Gaultier staples from the designer's madcap trompe l'oeuil prints to his whimsical take on the mariniere to Gaultier's mad-for-plaid luxe grunge gowns, includes something for everyone."

As for Cameron, showcasing so many pieces from Yves Saint Laurent's, is exciting, not just to behold each piece's spectacular beauty, but to witness the progression of a "profound body of work that continues to influence fashion today. From basics like prefect gem colored silk blouses to dramatic strapless velvet gowns, YSL created the modern woman's wardrobe from day to evening." Amongst Cameron's favorite pieces: "I am mad for the strong shouldered jackets influenced by menswear and so perfect in the 21st century with a pair of jeans and the bijoux fantasie offers extraordinary examples of the power of costume jewelry to transform an ensemble."

Be sure to shop the collections and add a piece of fashion history, not to mention things of beauty, to your wardrobe now.

Click HERE to shop the ultimate in chic, YVES SAINT LAURENT!

Click HERE to shop fashion's OG enfant terrible, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER!

IT'S IN THE BAG

Last night, my husband was out with the boys. Rather than mope about about the house, I made a scrumptious dinner for one (steak, bearnaise, spicy carrots, persian rice--this month's Bon Appetit, based on a dinner held at APC founder Jean Touitou's castle just outside of Paris, so chic!), poured myself a glass of Sancerre and chit-chatted on the phone with my girlfriends. While discovering out the latest news amongst my nearest and dearest, e.g. congratulating the one who's having munchkin #2 and consoling the one who's breaking up with husband #2, I grabbed a pad and was mindlessly scribbling as I dished with my ladies. When I got off the phone, I stared at my doodles. Was my subconscious trying to tell me something, some style wish gone unfulfilled that needed rectifying and fast?
Ah, the Chanel® bag. Calling on one these satchels an "It Bag" is a bit insulting. It's kind of like giving "It Girl" status to Catherine Deneuve or Charlotte Rampling or Julie Christie. These are icons, not ingenues. And yet, I've forgone the flap, thought that 2.55 just wasn't my number. But now, I'm reconsidering my refusal. I have to admit, the bag is so recognizable, that it turned me off a bit. But, there are many options other than your basic black Chanel® bag that have their own je ne sais quoi while maintaining their singular shape and style.

And I have to say, that I do enjoy the feminist origins of this bag. While the number 2.55 may not immediately add up to burning my bra (and why would I: it's Kiki de Montparnasse and pretty), Coco designed this bag because purses back in the day were only a means of adornment, not something functional to carry your essentials from A to B.

After all, in café society, ladies were meant to be seen at the table in the restaurant or the chaise on the lanai. They certainly weren't meant to be seen at oh, a desk working or anything like that. So, a satchel large enough to contain a wallet, a notebook, pens, etc. with shoulder straps for comfort and that would enable a lady to grab her gear and GO, was deemed unsightly.
But, Coco realized that the times, they were a changing. And as a working woman herself, she wanted something to lug her necessities, and that something had to be chic with a capitol C. So, as legend has it, she had her worker-bees sew golden chain straps to a bag that had a bigger body so she could stylishly tote her wares. And hence, the tote was born.

Personally, I'm taken with the charcoal option above with sienna crochet trim, but the printed camellia bag does have a certain whimsy and femininity I find appealing. This is the kind of bag I'd wear with leather pants a la Isabel Marant, a ripped-to-shreads old Striper tee, and strappy heels.
Of course, if you're looking for the gold standard, why try to fix what ain't broke. You could pick up this oversize black number, prefect for storing your iPad plus the trinkets and bangles and baubles a girl needs while navigating the concrete jungle, climbing the corporate ladder or simply bellying up to the bar.

Lucky for me, whenever I'm amidst a fashion conundrum, the gang over here at Decades excavates a treasure trove of options for my consideration. And lucky for you, they took my bag confusion and ran with it, posting a plethora of must-have bags, from classic carryalls to wild style satchels.

Whatever your handbag hopes, I'm sure their selection will satisfy. Of course, now looking at all of their amazing picks, I'm more frustrated than ever. That fringed Jimmy Choo is calling my name. Sigh. What's a girl to do? Although, I must say that when my troubles add up to picking out the perfect handbag (or two), I've got it pretty darn good.

Want to check out our amazing selection of must-have bags? Click here and get carried away!

--Lizzy

GLITTERY BIBA

'Wherever the girls went there was silence. Elly was completely blue: blue make-up, blue clothes, blue cap and blue curls. Eva was all green, Del all violet. Some girls were all in black... in their full regalia looking as if they had just left a Fellini set.' Barbara Hulanicki, describing the impact of the Biba look in 'From A to Biba'.

As hippy chic once again ventures into fashion front line and if you observe new stores opening up everyday with the mix of antique fixtures and vintage clothing, it's is clear that the legacy of Biba lives on.

We paired this super chic and super sparkly bolero jacket with a Biba black strapless column dress. In true Biba form it fits perfect on a size 0 or 2.

-Eri

Biba pink and purple diamond effect sequined bolero style evening jacket, c. 1970's. Modern size 2. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.

BIG BIBA

Helmed by Barbara Hulanicki, the Biba store was a magnet for all chic young London girls in the 60's. A young Anna Wintour allegedly worked and shopped Biba. Biba's first shop opened in 1964. Packed with girls trying on brown pin-stripe dresses in concentrated silence, the Biba overall aesthetic relied on dark burgundies, browns, plums and earth tones. The Biba take on the 60's was a sort of skinny almost deprived 20' Follies girl. Even though different from The Mod Squad esthetic, Biba sales were off the roof.

With this spectacular 3 piece ensemble in rich brown and black jacquard with beautifully designed details; the super sexy off centre side split of the skirt with the revealing halter top and the playful coat with matching fabric buttons, you can go from conservative to sexy just by removing the coat.

We have recently acquired quite an amazing collection from this ground-breaking 60's and early 70's London Underground fashion. We will be posting them all so stay tuned!

-Eri

Biba 3 piece ensemble in brown and black jacquard, c. 1970's. Modern size 4. SOLD

For additional information, please email blog@decadesinc.com or call + 1 323 655-1960. You may also visit us in person at Decades 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.