WE WILL MISS (ONI) YOU 2012

I managed to get some sort of food poisoning yesterday so I will start the new year slimmer.  In an effort to distract from the nausea, I have spent way too much time on Instagram -- seeing friends spending their holidays in places where this Missoni silk jersey caftan gown makes great sense.  Think Cabo, St. Barths, Dubai or Rio.  I type from bed but I am wearing a Givenchy tee-shirt with my Uggs so trying to be chic and comfortable which is exactly what this 1970s Missoni is all about.  A cream (almost tea-stained) gown with attached cape that has a stunning floral print and multi-color fringe.  This remains one of my favorite Missoni designs of all time.  Various versions of this dress have come our way and it always sells quite quickly because it's a show-stopper which is just as home on a beach barefoot, as it would be at a grand international wedding with an updo'.  It's a great way to start 2013: comfortable, sexy, iconic.

-@CameronDecades

Missoni silk jersey cream jersey fringe trim cape gown with floral and bird motif, c. early 1970s. Modern size 4 SOLD
(it's not flawless - post dry cleaning some spots remain, but if I can live with it, can't you?) 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.

NYE 24-7

What's everyone doing for New Year's Eve?  If you have somewhere chic to go or even if you are going to stay home, why not dress up?  As a matter of fact, I realized that I dress like it's NYE every day of the week! It's fun to dress to the nines.  Jean-Louis famously dressed Marlene Dietrich in illusion gowns as well as his wife, actress Loretta Young and Marilyn Monroe.  This evening dress has an illusion bodice with an attached crystal embellished net shell with a beautiful empire length velvet skirt.  It's what I would call "terribly elegant."  Although I will be in bed on NYE, I will be wearing Sulka PJs.  Incidentally, we are OPEN on New Year's Day.  We've been so busy at the store between the holidays, Store Director Geoffrey and I decided to start 2013 open and ready for fashionistas!

-Cameron

Jean Louis black velvet gown with crystal net detail, c.1960's. Tag marked 8, 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.

A FRENZIED SONG OF AMOROUS THINGS

By now you might have bought or heard of Cameron Silver's book Decades; A Century of Fashion available at amazon.com and shopdecades.com for a signed copy. 

As every decade of the last century is covered by a specific chapter with photos and descriptions of what made a decade memorable, the It girl, and the influential designers. Here is an excerpt from 1910's as told by Cameron Silver; "Lucile, a.k.a. Lady Duff Gordon, a.k.a. Lucy Sutherland, is often credited with designing the world's first brassiere, but she was also responsible for bringing the intimacy, delicacy and intricate handwork of lingerie to street clothes, pioneering the concept of underwear as outerwear. Lucile named every dress she created after what had inspired them. Among these "gowns of emotions"  were confections called "The Sighing Sound of Lips Unsatisfied" and "A Frenzied Song of Amorous Things." With gowns that were both closely fitted and demure like this one below, women in 1910's cut an intriguing figure." 

This anonymous gown, in perfect condition after over 100 years, not only is part of the history of fashion, but it has not lost its charm or fascination to this day. 

The ethereal easy going vibe and ivory shade in a wrap around style seems and feel unstructured, even though a light weight corset is built in with a slip that prevent the leg from showing but hints at all the possibilities. 

-Eri 

Anonymous ivory satin silk and beaded gown, c.1910's. Modern size 4-6. 

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.

ALTA ROMA

Haute Couture is not the exclusive domain of the French.  The Romans had a very healthy Haute Couture industry famously fronted by Valentino, as well as, Tiziani, Capucci, Schuberth, the Fontana sisters, etc.  The tradition still exists and I will actually be attending the Alta Roma shows next month following the Parisian Couture shows.  Make sure you follow my Twitter and Instagram @CameronDecades for the latest from the runways of both Paris and Rome.  I will also be in London and Milan for the men's shows, too.  So I promise eye candy for all the sexes. 

Speaking of sexy, I wish you could feel this cranberry silk velvet Valentino Haute Couture scoop neck jumpsuit with coordinating jacket trimmed in organza.  The original owner became close with Valentino and Tiziani in the late 1960s while visiting her daughter who was attending boarding school in Rome.  This chic American woman would coordinate mommy-daughter time while getting outfitted for the season by these legendary Roman couturiers.  A jumpsuit is always in style and today the talents behind Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccoli, continue the Valentino legacy and actually did some fab jumpsuits in the current RTW collection.  I am such a fan of their work!  Have the best of both worlds:  wear modern Val accessories with this luxe vintage Couture jumpsuit.  You will be the height of chic. Now that's Alta Roma!

-Cameron

Valentino Haute Couture silk velvet jumpsuit and cropped jacket with organza trim, c. 1969.  Modern 4 to 6 SOLD
For additional information, please email eri@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

A TOUCH OF CLASS

Whatever you decide to wear for New Year's Eve, this Kelly would go with just fine. Always a classic. It only comes with its original dust cover. Has some wear considering the age,  but as with all things Hermes, getting older, getting better. Happy Holidays!

-Eri

Hermes Kelly 32 cm in black crocodile with gold hardware, c. 1960's.  SOLD

For additional information, please email eri@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

A GRAND NIGHT

With New Year's Eve just five days away, what will you do and more important what will you wear?  I will probably be in J. Crew sweats and asleep at 9 30 pm PST.  However, I am counting on some fabulous Decades clients to really represent and party like it's 1999 or 2013 or the end of the world or whatever apocolapytic curse may be raising havoc on us.  If you want to do it and look timeless at the same time, I am smitten with this sensational Traina-Norell ball gown/evening dress which is the epitome of glamour.  When you look back at pictures of yourself from NYE won't you prefer to look like an icon and not a fashion victim?  This 1950s ball gown (unless you truly elite petite the length will hit your ankles or above) has copper sunflowers with metallic gold centers throughout the organza fabric.  The sweetheart neckline with ruched bosom and V-straps also has a figure flattering belt and full skirt over crinoline.  They just don't make dresses like this anymore because it is prohibitive unless you are in the market for Haute Couture.  A gorgeous pump and diamond studs and you are set.  It is so easy to be timeless as we enter a new year becuase this dress will stop time.

-Cameron

Traina-Norell floral silk ball gown with metallic copper, c.1950's. Modern 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.

SANTA'S LIL HELPER IS A HOTTIE

Last night I attended the most lovely Christmas dinner at the home of one of my favorite Decades Ambassadors, Sutton Stracke.  If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you have probably seen pics of me and Sutton running around Paris, New York, Augusta, and our homebase in LA.  The guests were dressed great and I noticed many of the women wore plaid dresses.  'Tis the season, no?  I wore plaid Louboutin slippers and felt particularly festive.  Plaid is having a moment.  Now it's always in style if you are a Scot, but this Hollywood neckline silk Vicky Tiel Couture dress with flattering ruched waist, full short skirt, and lace with embroidered bust is Home of the Holidays and Highland fancy.  Your legs may not measure up to Cyd Charisse in Brigadoon, but fear not:  a pair of tights and ankle boots will work just as well as a bare leg and statement Max Kibardin heels.  Spread some holiday cheer.

-Cameron 

  

Vicky Tiel Couture plaid silk dress model "Melissa."  Marked size 38 and fits mannequin size 4, early 1990's. 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

WHAT TO WEAR ON DOOMSDAY

According to the Mayan calendar, today is the end of the world as we know it. Even though we are skeptical of such predictions, we did think about what would one wear for one last day on Earth. 

i believe an androgynous look by Yves Saint Laurent, like this le smoking revisited jumpsuit in black wool crepe and silk lapel, would be more appropriate than a party dress. Because it is classic and elegant it could be the best outfit in case we get to meet God or Aliens. God would appreciate how appropriate this look is and you might trick the Aliens into believing that you were a starship commander or a respectful leader. This jumpsuit can look great with a Chanel utility backpack and there are also pockets for your survival essentials. If you've got to go, better look chic. 

-Eri

Yves Saint Laurent le smoking jumpsuit with belt in black wool, c.1980's. Will fit 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.

WINTER WHITE

I cannot over-stress the importance of a party coat in your life.  It is a vital necessity.  It solves a myriad of problems: the least of which is that is chic.  The paramount problem is how to stay warm and festive.  One makes an entrance in a party coat.  Decades is all about making entrances and exits and we can't state enough the value of living your life like you walk on a red carpet.  So this holiday season, wrap yourself up in something perfectly seasonally that means business: Oscar de la Renta.  Possibly the best the best thing about this coat is that is is made of cashgora.  This may sound like the name of a love child blend of Cash Warren and Eva Longoria, but it is actually a cashmere goat blended with angora goat which makes for a great coat with the gilt embroidery and orylag fur trim.

-Cameron

Oscar de la Renta cream embroidered sequin coat with orylag fur trim, c. 1990's. Tag marked L. 
SOLDFor 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.

BUY THE BOOK!

We have around eight FIRST EDITIONS left at DECADES of DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION.  If you want to receive or gift a SIGNED copy that is WRAPPED by Christmas, please order here ASAP.  After this lot, we will be receiving SECOND EDITIONS which are currently being printed in Italy.  The book is a hit and I am very blessed by the beautiful reviews below:
xx
Cameron


"An editorialized take on twentieth-century fashion in a way that befits the legacy he's created at Decades." - Style.com


"A chic book, its own supermodel of sorts: tall and slim and faintly exotic. Inside, each of the 10 chapters revisits styles of a different era, all in Silver's knowledgeable, slightly sardonic voice." - C Magazine

"Cameron Silver knows more than a thing or two about shopping vintage-he knows almost everything. And he's putting all of that expertise into his new book Decades: A Century of Fashion , which explores the history of the genre decade by decade, and the lessons vintage can teach about fashion today." - InStyle

"[Silver] pays tribute to the iconic styles of the past hundred years in lavish, loving detail, zooming in on fabrics, trims and silhouettes."-Entertainment Weekly

"Visually stunning...It's an education about the people who create fashion but also the people who bring the looks to life, which, in this decade dominated by the Hollywood red carpet, is more important than ever."-LA Times

"This hefty and gorgeous coffee table book has Silver's flashy personality all over it and contains inspiring photographs of iconic women of decades past, interviews with celebrities and Silver's own words of sartorial wisdom. Want to become an expert on vintage fashion? Read this."-Fashionista

"An alluring visual record of how a legend wears her clothes." - New York Times

"Sure to delight any style lover." - People Style Watch

GRAPHIC AND POTENTIALLY EXPLICIT ON THE WRONG BODY

I wish I had been at Marc Jacobs' eclectifying Spring/Summer show for Vuitton.  I loved all the 60s pop graphic references that reminded me of Rudi Gernreich.  Suddenly, this Katherine Hamnett ensemble came in and LV reminded me of one of my 80s fashion heros: Ms. Hamnett.  Although best regarded for her graphic slogan tees in the mid 80s, Hamnett knew her way around body-conscious dressing in the same manner that Alaia did in Paris, Dolce & Gabanna in Milan, and Norma Kamali in NYC. 

This ensemble is made for the Pilates toned bods that know Lululemon isn't to be worn anywhere but the gym.  Pack this for your St. Barts getaway.  The top is perfect with a pair of boy shorts.  The leggings will look great with heels and an oversized knit at night.  Got ya covered.

Graphically yours,

Cameron

Katherine Hamnett two piece stretch viscose/spandex in black and white pinstripe, c. 1980's. 
Marked size S will fit size 0 to 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.

MY FAVORITE DRESS OF THE SEASON

I am always fond of navy for evening wear, but navy sequins and Chantilly lace have me particularly enamoured with this naughty and nice Chanel Boutique dress that from the waist up is prim and proper but at the hem is all legs.  What's not to love?  Add in a big black silk faille bow and wear this with a pair of Alexander Wang silver metallic tassel pumps and I think you will be kissing someone under the mistletoe.

-Cameron

 

Chanel Boutique navy sequin cocktail dress, Autumn/Winter 1994. Marked size 38, will fit 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.

BUY THE BOOK!

I will be signing books on Thursday, December 20th from 6 to 9 pm at HARVEY'S

8155 Beverly Blvd.

Please RSVP to come meet and greet! events@vandm.com

See you soon!

Love,

Cameron

PS FIRST EDITIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE.  The book's first pressing has sold out so come get a signed first edition!

A SEQUIN SWEATSHIRT

The Scottish cashmere makers have fallen on hard times as more men opt for the casualness of a cotton sweatshirt versus the luxury of a soft cashmere pullover. Plus the Chinese cashmere is cheap and chic, but Chanel has always used Scottish mills. This is one of the reasons Karl Lagerfeld brought his Chanel pre-collection to the Highlands in an effort to bring awareness to the traditions of cashmere and wool weaving.   If you want to go full the opposite of casual, then opt for a sequin sweatshirt as it is so tremendously nonchalant and rather decadent at the same time.  Sweatshirt dressing is all over runways today from Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga to Alexander Wang for, well, Alexander Wang.  If Ghesquiere's "dorky cartoons" were inspired by corporate culture (which may explain his decision to part ways with the House of Balenciaga) and Wang's sweatshirts are street-referenced, then what will you say of a black and silver sequin sweatshirt?  I say it is inspired by the nightlife and glamour.  It may seem particularly perfect for this festive season, but I want it worn with a pair of casual shorts this spring in addition to glamorously with a pair of tuxedo pants.  This is daywear for night owls.  It's the way I love a woman to dress and of course it is by Yves Saint Laurent!

YSL Black and silver sequin blouse, c.1970's. marked size L (but really will work on a modern 2 to 10). 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.

HERMES BONANZA

And right on time for your holiday shopping!! All these Hermes beauties are brand new and come with all their accoutrements (dust and rain covers, lock, key and boxes). Email us or call for more photos or any questions. 

Hermes Birkin 35cm in togo leather with palladium hardware in orange, 2010 SOLD

Hermes Birkin 35cm in togo leather with palladium hardware in brown, 2010 SOLD

Hermes Shoulder Kelly 40cm in etoupe in togo leather with palladium hardware, 2012 SOLD

Hermes Paris Bombay bag in togo leather with palladium hardware in dark brown, 40cmx20cm. SOLD

Heremes Colorado bag in toile and gold togo leather with palladium hardware, 30cmx18cmx6.5cm SOLD

For additional information, please email eri@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.

MIXED OR MATCHING?

The big dilemma: how to wear prints this fall and next Spring? Of course we say matching! All over print has seen a huge revival. Those days of the color and mixed prints are back with a vengeance. The question is, should one mix the prints or match them....as you can see Cameron Silver is a fan of matching because it makes for a spectacular impression (you can see him in custom made Nicole Miller print ticket suit at the Met Gala 2012 and in a matching print suit Spring 2012 by Mary Katrantzou below). So it would be a no-brainer for us at Decades on how to wear the 60's Emilio Pucci skirt and jacket here. But if you  are not convinced yet, try wearing the skirt with a white blouse and the jacket with leather pants or jeans. 

-Eri 

Pucci velvet multi print two piece, 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 8214 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Please reference the description above, if calling or emailing.