THE BUSINESS OF LUXURY

In the past decades luxury has become more and more sought after. It is not only the ultra wealthy indulging in luxury goods, everyone these days must have a Chanel bag and dreams of their first Birkin. As it goes with the resale business chances are, with certain pieces like Hermes, you can look at the purchase as an investment. Especially with a perfect looking Birkin in croc matte finish like this one. There is something to be said about luxury, it is not what most need, it is what they want, and that pulls at the heart. 

-Eri 

Hermes Birkin HAC 32cm croc matte in caramel with palladium hardware, 2000. 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. Or purchase here

CONSTANCE.

Where were you in 1979? We know where this bag was as it was being created by hand at Hermes in Paris for a very lucky someone. Now, thirty five  years later, we are able to offer you this stunning Hermes Constance bag in gorgeous cognac ostrich skin. The exterior is outstanding and the interior has some flaws that are shows in the pictures. This bag is NOT currently available at Hermes (you can only special order an ostrich Constance and it will cost you around +$12,000!). Here is an opportunity to avoid the special order wait and enjoy a classic that keeps getting better every year at a MUCH gentler price :)



Hermes cognac ostrich Constance bag 1979; 9 x 7 x 2 (bag photographed with and without flash) SOLD
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE EMAIL BLOG@DECADESINC.COM OR PHONE 323 655 1960. PLEASE REFERENCE THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

GROWING UP

No one really wants to grow up except when it comes to their accessories!  There's something about owning a vintage crocodile Hermes Kelly that screams "I am chic as hell" and "I am grown-up."  There are tons of bags that are more juvenile and others more mature, but a croco Kelly (especially if vintage) is particularly worldly and the epitome of confident and timeless elegance.  Buy this beauty today here and earn your grown up gold star!

-Cameron

Hermes crocodile 32 cm Kelly, c. 1960s. 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. Or purchase here

COLOR ME VERT PALE!

How cool is the color of this Hermes Birkin from 2004?  It's so cool that I have never seen the color before and do not know it's official name.  Do you?  Figure out the color of this bag and you will get a free signed copy of DECADES: A CENTURY OF FASHION.  In the meanwhile, buy this beauty here

UPDATE: THE COLOR IS CALLED VERT PALE! 

-Cameron

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.  Or purchase here

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

It is so hot in LA today. My eyes are watering and I feel constantly dehydrated.   Every stylist is coming into Decades to find an Emmy gown as they are on the 25th of August.  All we are thinking about is how do you look chic and sexy on the red carpet when it's 110 degrees in the shade?  Leave it to Valentino to solve the elegant actress dilemma: a statuesque column gown of white crepe with embroidered strap and goddess hip drape.  You can sweat in it and no one will know!  #Keepthechic on the red carpet and always wear Couture, baby.

-Cameron

Valentino Haute Couture ivory silk crepe draped evening gown with embroidered silk straps, from Spring of 1995. Modern size 2-4. 

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.

GOLDEN GIRLS

Who doesn't love a rerun of Golden Girls?  Blanche Devereaux has always been a sartorial icon for me.  Although the show aired from 1985 to 1992, think about how Blanche dressed in the 1970s?  I picture Ms. Devereaux (née Hollingsworth) dressed for a night out at her favorite disco?  She would surely be wearing something as provocative as this Charles Jourdan lame blouse - perhaps commando, too!

Let your inner golden girls shine bright like a diamond and let this metallic blouse work it's magic.

"

There is a fine line between having a good time and being a wanton slut. I know. My toe has been on that line."

-Blanche

-Cameron 

Charles Jourdan gold silk sheer paisley blouse, c. 1970's. Marked size 38, 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. 

GO BRITISH FOR THE QUEEN

  Now you don't have to be in London to get into the festive mood.  Just throw on something Made in the UK and fit for queen, just not for Queen Elizabeth.  This Zandra Rhodes one shoulder azure hand-painted chiffon dress has a bright berry colored silk trapunto trim and a slip of tonal jersey so the chiffon can billow without your knickers being revealed (I dare say the Queen would appreciate that)!  I am such a fan of Zandra Rhodes both as a designer and as a personality.  She's the epitome of a cool eccentric.

Zandra Rhodes silk jersey and chiffon one shoulder gown, c. 1980s.  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. 

PINKY HATTIE

Hattie Carnegie was a Viennese-born fashion entrepreneur who introduced many great Parisian Haute Couture names to her NYC clientele in the 1920s to 1950s, including Chanel and Vionnet.  Her eponymous label offered both made-to-measure as well as high end ready-to-wear, decades before luxury brands offered secondary lines.  This early 1950s dress was sold through Marshall Field & Company.  These dresses were popular with icons like Joan Crawford and the Duchess of Windsor.  Carnegie created quite the lifestyle brand - she offered everything from costume jewelry to chocolate.  Just don't get chocolate on this pink confection please!

 -Cameron

Hattie Carnegie for Marshall Field & Company pink lavender silk cocktail dress and wrap, c. 1950s.  Modern size 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. 

WHAT TO WEAR TO MEET THE POPE

Who doesn't love a little mystery in their life or closet?  The Chanel Creations label is neither Coco Chanel or Karl Lagerfeld.  It represents a period when Chanel was designed anonymously prior to Karl's triumphant debut in 1983.  The label was considered dead before Kaiser Karl worked his magic, but perfectly classic product was produced and this red coat and gift-with-purchase skirt is unworn. Originally purchased at Bullock's Wilshire, considering inflation, it retailed for nearly $8000 in the late 1970s (we have the original price tag).  Although the Chanel label may have not been reignited at time of design, it still carried a hefty price tag. 

Rumors have swirled about who designed Chanel between Coco and Karl and I don't have an answer.  However, I can confirm for the ultimate in classic, timeless Chanel, this is an ideal investment.  As I often remind my friends, one never knows when an invitation to meet the Pope may be received and a classic Chanel suit the ultimate in classic, timeless and appropriate attire.

-Cameron

Chanel Creations unworn red boucle classic day coat and skirt, c. late 1970s.  Marked size 8,  modern 4

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.

IN THE MOOD FOR RED

Bernard Perris was famous for his dramatic creations in fine luxurious fabrics and the high voltage details. Trained in Haute Couture, Perris opened his boutique in 1985. After a break in fashion business in the seventies  especially with the "hippy look" which bothered him, now out and a return to more glamour, Perris continued to create clothes focusing on strong lines, color and continued his devotion to luxury. This silk red dress with an exposed back and asymmetrical exaggerated lapel is as chic as it is sexy. The perfect red dress to make an impression.  

-Eri 

Bernard Perris silk cocktail dress in red c.1980's. Modern size 4. 

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 LESS, MORE SMART!

When all else is fails, why don't you just get it right...very right and put on some vintage Yves Saint Laurent?  The stores are filled right now with marked down spring inventory.  Frankly, I am amused by things that were deemed so essential several months ago by the big books and bloggers and editorially celebrated now relegated to 65 percent off because let's be real...some of the stuff was just hideous! 

You can scoop up a ton of bargains that may not be bargains when you bring the pieces home and realize "yup, everyone was right...this is butt ugly" OR invest in a piece of Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture.  This lace and navy crepe gown is a simple strapless silhouette in the perennially chic nautical combo of navy and white.  The belt is intact and you can edge up this gown with a pair of whimsical shoes by Charlotte Olympia.  This is the summer dress you should invest in.  Don't get too seduced by mark-downs.  I have a closet full of them and trust me, they add-up!  Be less, more smart!

-Cameron

 

Yves Sant Laurent Haute Couture dress in blue crepe with white bodice, c. 1980's.  Modern size 2-4. 

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.

DOES FASHION PUZZLE YOU?

Do you ever watch a fashion show with a look utter bewilderment on your face as if trying to solve the most complicated of puzzles?  Well do I have the dress for you!  Originally owned by a soap star who dated someone very rock 'n roll in her youth, this dress was purchased on a shopping spree to Paris.  The actress can't remember where she bought it and there's no label.  Certainly in the style of Paco Rabanne, the dress is an actual puzzle.  I would discourage from you taking this dress entirely apart unless you have a ton of time on your hand and aren't in a rush to jump onto a red carpet.  Rather, wear this when you really want to celebrate the Art of Fashion.  It's black and white and absolutely fabulous. 

-Cameron

 

Anonymous French black and white vinyl square panel dress, c.1960'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.

HOW TO MESS WITH A CLASSIC: THE POLO DRESS

Polos are back in the runways this season, transformed, twisted, knit, leather, lose or fitted, shirts or dresses,  it's all about polos. From Celine knitted polo dress to Louis Vuitton's gold lame shirt, the polo is definitely back and sexier than ever. This vintage Azzedine Alaïa gold knit dress is the perfect interpretation of sexy and classic. As we are constantly remembered by the cycles of fashion, always invest in a classic sexy Alaïa piece. It will always be on trend and make you look like a golden coin.

-Eri 

Alaïa knit polo dress in gold, c. 1990's.  Will fit modern size 2/4.  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.

SUMMER TRAVELS MUST-HAVES FROM HERMES

Summer is here and with that come travel plans. Whether a weekend getaway or a month long vacation packing smart and having the right luggage is important. This summer, keep everything simple with a Hermes toolbox handbag and a Hermes alligator wallet. The bag will be enough to fit anything you need for a trip and the wallet will easy fit your credit cards, iphone and passport. The wallet can double as a an evening clutch on a night out in the town and the bag can take you from shopping to the beach. Bon Voyage!! 

- Eri 

Hermes toolbox bag in gold swift leather,  32 cm with palladium hardware, 2014. SOLD

Hermes zip around wallet in rose alligator leather, 20cmX10cm, 2009. 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.